Dragonflies outlasted the dinosaurs and even endured asteroid strikes. But now they face a survival threat unlike any before. Rising heat and wildfires are reshaping the very traits they depend on to attract mates.



A study from the <a href="https://www.ucdenver.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Denver</a> shows how this shift could push some species toward local extinction. Traits that once drew partners are now putting dragonflies at risk.



“Dragonflies have survived asteroids, but now climate change and wildfires are threatening them in ways evolution can’t keep up with,” said lead author Sarah Nalley, a PhD student in CU Denver’s Integrative Biology program. 



“Our findings suggest that adaptation alone may not be fast enough to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonfly-larvae-expose-climates-hidden-influence-on-biology/">species</a> in a rapidly changing climate.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-ornaments-backfire">When ornaments backfire</h2>



Many dragonflies have dark spots on their wings. These patterns attract <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonflies-hunt-perfectly-even-in-extreme-temperatures/">mates</a>. They also absorb heat. In hotter regions and burned habitats, that heat builds too quickly. Males tire, rest, and lose chances to compete for females.



Thermal imaging confirmed the problem. Dark spots made wings hotter, faster. Unlike the peppered moth, where wing color affected survival through camouflage, dragonflies face a different pressure. Here, color weakens reproductive success. Survival is not enough if mating fails.



This twist highlights a blind spot in conservation. Scientists usually check if species survive hotter, drier habitats. But if mating collapses, the population vanishes regardless of survival, leaving ecosystems weaker and biodiversity loss far greater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dragonfly-survival-amid-wildfires">Dragonfly survival amid wildfires</h2>



“This changes how we think about vulnerability,” said Professor Michael Moore. “It’s not just about whether animals can survive after wildfire - it’s about whether they can reproduce in those modified environments. That’s the key to long-term survival.”



If reproduction falters, decline accelerates. And dragonflies matter. They eat mosquitoes, keeping insect numbers in check. They also feed birds, fish, and amphibians. Lose them, and entire food webs shift, unraveling in unpredictable ways.



Dragonflies have always seemed resilient. But this study suggests they may not keep pace with today’s rapid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonflies-developed-dark-wing-spots-for-survival/">changes</a>, showing how climate and fire pressures can overwhelm even long-lasting species once thought secure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-data-reveal-worrying-trends">Wildfire data reveal worrying trends</h2>



The project began as a class assignment in Professor Moore’s course. Students worked with open datasets: wildfire maps from the U.S. Geological Survey, climate records, and citizen science observations spanning 40 years. No external funding backed the research.



Despite the simple beginnings, the analysis uncovered a serious trend. Dragonflies with ornamental wings are disappearing from fire-damaged and hotter regions. The data gave a broad view of how climate and wildfires interact with reproductive traits.



Nalley brought personal motivation. She lost her home in Superior, Colorado, during the 2021 Marshall Fire. That experience shaped her focus.



“I knew I wanted to study animals - and after the fire, I knew I wanted to study wildfires too,” said Nalley. “That experience pushed me to ask how animals are affected not just by surviving a fire, but by whether they can still reproduce and carry on the species afterward.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-conservation">Lessons for conservation</h2>



The findings stretch beyond dragonflies. If ancient predators that once ruled the skies falter, what about other species? The research shows conservationists must look past survival rates. Reproduction matters just as much.



“Working with Sarah pushed me to think about my own research in a new way,” said Moore. “She came in with great questions about wildfires and reproduction that made me reconsider how I approach these big ecological issues.”



The study’s message is clear: ecosystems don’t just need species to live, they need them to breed. Dragonflies warn us of what happens when natural signals of attraction turn into liabilities, threatening stability, biodiversity, and long-term ecological resilience everywhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dragonfly-decline-from-wildfires">Dragonfly decline from wildfires</h2>



Dragonflies have been here for hundreds of millions of years. Their decline would mark a profound loss. More than that, it would unsettle the balance of ecosystems that depend on them.



The CU Denver research shows how quickly environmental pressures reach into the smallest details of life - courtship displays, wing patterns, mating chances. Those details decide whether a species thrives or disappears, shaping both present ecosystems and future biodiversity.



Dragonflies are not just survivors from deep time. They are indicators of how even the most resilient animals can stumble in a warming, fire-prone world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-025-02417-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Dragonflies lived with dinosaurs, now they face their toughest fight for survival

Dragonflies outlasted the dinosaurs and even endured asteroid strikes. But now they face a survival threat unlike any before. Rising heat and wildfires are reshaping the very traits they depend on to attract mates. A study from the University of Colorado Denver shows how this shift could push some species toward local extinction. Traits that once drew partners are now putting dragonflies at risk. “Dragonflies have survived asteroids, but now climate change and wildfires are threatening them in ways evolution can’t keep up with,” said lead author...

Hippos are among the most fascinating creatures on the planet. Their massive size, powerful presence, and semi-aquatic lifestyle make them one of the most unique mammals in the wild. 



Despite their somewhat comical appearance, hippos are formidable animals, capable of running at surprising speeds and fiercely defending their territories. World Hippo Day offers a chance to celebrate these incredible creatures while also raising awareness about their conservation.



Whether through folklore, art, or real-life encounters, hippos have long captured human imagination. However, they now face significant threats due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.



World Hippo Day serves as a reminder of their importance in the ecosystem and the need for their protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-and-history">Culture and history</h2>



For centuries, hippos have played a vital role in African mythology and folklore. Zulu warriors admired their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hippos-can-actually-become-airborne-when-they-run-at-full-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strength</a> and courage, often portraying them as symbols of bravery.



In Ancient Egypt, hippos had a dual image. While they were hunted for their meat, skin, and ivory-like teeth, hippos were also linked to Taweret, the goddess of fertility and childbirth.



Statues and carvings of this hippo-headed deity adorned many temples and households, highlighting the reverence for these animals.



Beyond Africa, hippos have made their way into art, literature, and entertainment. From ancient cave paintings to modern-day children’s books, these creatures have always sparked curiosity. 



Today, they appear in movies, cartoons, and even popular music, further solidifying their status as beloved yet misunderstood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/missing-data-on-hippos-could-push-them-closer-to-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-a-vulnerable-species">Threats to a vulnerable species</h2>



Despite their tough exterior, hippos are vulnerable to numerous threats. In 2006, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (<a href="https://iucn.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>) classified hippos as a vulnerable species after observing a 20% population decline over two decades. 



Habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and climate change have all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megafauna-extinction-dwarf-elephants-and-hippos-cyprus-directly-linked-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contributed</a> to this decline, making conservation efforts more critical than ever.



Several organizations work tirelessly to protect hippos and their habitats. The <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Wildlife Fund</a>, <a href="http://pygmyhippofoundation.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pygmy Hippo Foundation</a>, and <a href="https://www.awf.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">African Wildlife Foundation</a> all play key roles in conservation, research, and advocacy. 



Donating to these organizations or spreading awareness about their work can make a meaningful impact on hippo populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curious-history-of-hippos">Curious history of hippos </h2>



While hippos are native to Africa, there have been attempts to introduce them elsewhere. One of the most unusual proposals came in 1910 with the American Hippo Bill. 



This legislation aimed to introduce hippos to Louisiana to control invasive plants and provide an alternative meat source during a food crisis. However, the bill never passed, leaving hippos confined to their natural habitats.



In the 1980s, a more notorious case of hippo relocation occurred when Colombian drug cartel leader Pablo Escobar illegally imported four hippos to his private estate. 



After his downfall, the hippos were left to roam freely, and their population has since exploded to nearly 100 individuals. With no natural predators, these hippos continue to thrive in Colombia, causing concern for local ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-facts-about-hippos">Surprising facts about hippos</h2>



The word “hippopotamus” originates from the Ancient Greek term meaning “river horse.” This name perfectly describes the animal’s affinity for water, as hippos spend most of their lives submerged to stay cool and protect their skin.



Although they are excellent at holding their breath, hippos cannot swim in the traditional sense. Instead, they push off the riverbed and glide through the water using their buoyant bodies. This method allows them to navigate rivers and lakes effortlessly.



One of their most remarkable adaptations is their ability to secrete a red-colored fluid that acts as a natural sunscreen. This substance protects their skin from harmful UV rays and also serves as an antibacterial agent, helping to prevent infections.



Hippos may appear sluggish, but they are surprisingly fast. On land, they can reach speeds of nearly 20 mph, making them one of the fastest large mammals in short bursts. This speed, combined with their powerful jaws and aggressive nature, makes them one of the most dangerous animals in the wild.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-world-hippo-day-matters">Why World Hippo Day matters</h2>



World Hippo Day is more than just a celebration of these fascinating animals. It serves as a reminder of their importance in the ecosystem and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nation-will-slaughter-700-elephants-hippos-zebras-and-other-animals-due-to-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenges they face</a>. 



By learning about their history or supporting conservation efforts, everyone can contribute to ensuring that hippos continue to thrive for generations to come.



By raising awareness and taking action, we can help protect these magnificent creatures and preserve their place in the wild. Whether through fun activities or serious conservation efforts, there are many ways to make a difference on this special day.



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World Hippo Day: A tribute to nature’s river giants

Hippos are among the most fascinating creatures on the planet....

Nature has perfected the art of deception. From stick insects blending into twigs to owls camouflaging against tree bark, the natural world is filled with examples of animals using disguise to survive. Among these remarkable mimics, the fruit-sucking moth (Eudocima aurantia) stands out for its wing illusion.



Despite having completely flat forewings, this moth creates the illusion of a crumpled leaf, fooling both predators and researchers alike.



A team of scientists from <a href="https://www.murdoch.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Murdoch University</a> and The University of Western Australia (<a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UWA</a>) has uncovered how this extraordinary camouflage works. 



Dr. Annie Jessop, Professor Gerd Schröder-Turk, and lead researcher Dr. Jennifer Kelley worked alongside colleagues from the <a href="https://www.plus.ac.at/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Salzburg</a> to study this visual trick.



The findings reveal how the moth uses microscopic structures on its wings to manipulate light and appear three-dimensional.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optical-illusion-on-a-moth-s-wings">Optical illusion on a moth’s wings</h2>



Unlike other insects that rely on simple color patterns to blend in, the fruit-sucking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-defense-against-the-invasive-spongy-moth-is-fading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moth</a> takes its camouflage a step further. Its forewings are not just colored like leaves - they look physically shaped like them.



However, upon closer inspection, researchers found the wings to be completely flat.



“These nanostructures create a shiny wing surface that mimics the highlights found on a smooth, curved leaf surface,” explained Dr. Jessop.



By combining structural and pigmentary coloration, the moth creates a natural-looking brown tone. More importantly, it exploits thin-film reflectors to generate directional reflections, which make the flat wing look like a curled-up leaf. This deception allows the moth to remain hidden in plain sight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moth-wings-uncover-the-illusion">Moth wings uncover the illusion</h2>



The fruit-sucking moth is native to north Queensland and parts of southeastern Asia. While studying specimens at the London <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum</a>, the researchers made a striking discovery. 



The museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of these moths, provided the perfect opportunity to examine their camouflage in detail.



“It is intriguing that the nanostructures which produce shininess only occur on the parts of the wing that would be curved if the wing was a leaf,” said Dr. Kelley.



This suggests that moths are not simply mimicking leaves in a general sense. Instead, they have evolved an advanced trick that exploits how predators perceive three-dimensional shapes. 



By directing light in specific ways, the moth’s wings create a more convincing illusion, making it harder for predators to recognize them as prey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-perception-in-survival">Power of perception in survival</h2>



The ability to deceive predators is critical for survival in the wild. Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-change-their-daily-schedules-when-tourists-are-watching/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> use mimicry to avoid being eaten, with some even imitating dangerous or inedible creatures. However, the fruit-sucking moth’s technique stands apart.



“What is remarkable about this moth, however, is that it is creating the appearance of a three-dimensional object despite being almost completely flat. This is the novel find to our study,” noted Dr. Kelley.



This adaptation likely helps the moth blend into its environment more effectively, reducing the chances of being noticed. A predator scanning for movement or distinct shapes might overlook the moth entirely, mistaking it for an ordinary leaf.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examples-of-disguise-in-nature">Examples of disguise in nature</h2>



Camouflage is a common survival strategy in the animal kingdom. Certain fish species resemble floating leaves, while butterfly pupae take on the appearance of bird droppings. 



Each of these adaptations serves the same purpose - making an organism look uninteresting or inedible to potential threats.



The fruit-sucking moth’s deception is especially impressive because it involves a complex interaction between light and microscopic wing structures. Unlike animals that rely on their body shape to create a three-dimensional look, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-moths-develop-smaller-wings-survive-light-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moth</a> achieves the same effect using only surface manipulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moth-with-shifting-wing-patterns">Moth with shifting wing patterns</h2>



This discovery builds on previous research by the same group of scientists. In an earlier study, they examined another species of moth from the same family that displayed shape-shifting wing patterns. 



The research hinted at the sophistication of moth camouflage, but the latest findings take the understanding even further.



By uncovering how nanostructures can create the illusion of depth, the researchers have opened the door to more questions. Could other insects use similar techniques? How did this camouflage evolve? 



These are questions that future research may help answer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-example-of-nature-s-ingenuity">Fascinating example of nature’s ingenuity</h2>



The study of the fruit-sucking moth’s camouflage adds another layer to our understanding of natural mimicry. While many animals use color and texture to blend in, this moth manipulates perception itself, tricking the eye into seeing something that isn’t there.



By mimicking the curved surface of a leaf while remaining completely flat, Eudocima aurantia demonstrates how evolution fine-tunes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/apex-predators-can-help-restore-ecosystems-but-not-immediately/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptations for survival</a>. 



As researchers continue to uncover the secrets of animal camouflage, discoveries like this highlight the incredible complexity of the natural world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(25)00059-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



Image Credit: Bridgette Gower Aussie Macro Photos



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Moth makes its flat wings appear 3D to trick predators

Nature has perfected the art of deception. From stick insects...

When you think of the species that call Antarctica home, you probably picture penguins waddling on the ice or seals lounging by the shore. Yet, amid this icy expanse, there's a lesser-known creature that is the only insect native to this region: the Antarctic midge.



Unlike larger Antarctic inhabitants, this tiny wingless fly doesn’t rely on fur, feathers, or blubber to survive. Instead, the midge has evolved a suite of biological mechanisms to withstand the extreme conditions of Antarctica.



In fact, understanding its survival strategy could provide valuable insights for human applications, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biobanking-historic-initiative-aims-to-genetically-rescue-endangered-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cryopreservation</a>.



For years, many aspects of the Antarctic midge's life remained a mystery. But now, thanks to meticulous research, scientists have unveiled the secrets of its unique two-year life cycle. The findings shed light on how this tiny insect thrives in one of Earth’s harshest environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-life-cycle-of-antarctica-s-insect">Mysterious life cycle of Antarctica's insect</h2>



The study, led by Professor Satoshi Goto from <a href="https://www.omu.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osaka Metropolitan University</a>, provides the first comprehensive look at the Antarctic midge’s two-year life cycle. It is shaped by two distinct dormancy phases: quiescence and obligate diapause.



Through observations over six years of rearing midge larvae, the researchers have revealed how this insect times its development to maximize survival in the unforgiving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-low-antarctic-sea-ice-and-rapid-melting-pace-stuns-climate-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic climate</a>.



To understand how the midge endures frigid winters in Antarctica, the experts examined its two critical dormancy strategies: quiescence and obligate diapause.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-states-of-dormancy">Two states of dormancy </h2>



Quiescence is a temporary state of dormancy triggered by unfavorable conditions. When faced with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-shattered-extreme-cold-records-during-global-heat-wave/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme cold</a>, the midge larvae pause their development but resume growth as soon as the environment becomes more hospitable.



In contrast, obligate diapause is a more complex, pre-programmed dormancy that occurs at a fixed point in the insect’s life cycle, regardless of the immediate environmental conditions.



This strategy, which is relatively rare, is typically observed in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-insect-is-transforming-antarctic-soils-paving-the-way-for-new-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> from temperate climates and allows the midge to precisely time its development.



The researchers found that by the first winter, the larvae mature to their second instar stage and enter quiescence, waiting for warmer conditions before resuming development.



By the second winter, however, the insects reach their final larval stage but do not pupate. Instead, they enter obligate diapause, delaying their transition to adulthood until the following summer.



This built-in delay ensures that when summer finally arrives, all individuals emerge as adults simultaneously, optimizing their chances of finding mates during their short-lived adult phase.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-race-against-time">Race against time</h2>



As the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-summer-thaw-lasts-longer-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic summer</a> approaches, the long-awaited transformation begins. With rising temperatures, obligate diapause ends, allowing the larvae to synchronize their pupation and emerge as adults.



But adulthood for the Antarctic midge is fleeting - these insects live for just a few days, during which they must quickly find a mate and reproduce before the harsh environment takes its toll. This perfectly timed reproductive strategy is crucial for the species’ survival in such an extreme habitat.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“We determined that for the Antarctic midge obligate diapause ends with the onset of low temperatures in winter so that the larvae all pupate at the same time and emerge as adults at the same time," said Professor Goto.&nbsp;



"Although seasonal adaptation strategies involving overwintering multiple times using both quiescence and obligate diapause have not been reported in other organisms, we believe that insects inhabiting harsh environments such as the Arctic and high altitudes might be employing similar strategies.”
</blockquote>



Interestingly, the researchers speculate that similar survival strategies may exist in insects from other extreme environments, such as the Arctic or high-altitude regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-in-extreme-conditions">Life in extreme conditions</h2>



The Antarctic midge’s extraordinary ability to survive multiple winters through both quiescence and obligate diapause is a testament to nature’s ingenuity. 



"This adaptability is a testament to the resilience of this species in the face of extreme challenges," wrote the study authors.



"Although its stress tolerance has been extensively studied, the physiological mechanisms by which this species enters winter dormancy and synchronizes its life cycle with Antarctic seasons have received less attention."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-antarctica-s-insects">Lessons from Antarctica’s insects</h2>



The research exceeds just a simple understanding of Antarctica's ecosystem. The midge's resilience can teach scientists in the fields of cryopreservation, climate adaptation or even space exploration.



If nature has already found a solution to endure the unrelenting cycles of thawing and freezing, it could be possible for similar biological mechanisms to be applied to humans. 



These findings may inspire future advancements in fields like biological preservation and climate adaptation research. 



While penguins may steal the spotlight, the humble Antarctic midge proves that even the smallest creatures can have remarkable survival stories worth telling.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-86617-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



Image Credit: Yuta Shimizu / Osaka Metropolitan University



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How Antarctica's only native insect defies the cold

When you think of the species that call Antarctica home,...

The human brain is a marvel of evolution, enabling language, reasoning, and imagination. To uncover the roots of this complexity, scientists have studied brain structures across different species.



The pallium, a brain region forming the neocortex in mammals, has been central to this type of research. It plays a crucial role in sensory processing and higher cognition, making it a defining feature of mammalian intelligence.



Traditionally, experts believed the pallium was a shared structure among mammals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-brain-study-will-shed-new-light-on-avian-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>, and reptiles, varying only in complexity.



They assumed that this brain region contained similar neuronal types with equivalent circuits for sensory and cognitive processing. Previous studies supported this view, identifying shared excitatory and inhibitory neurons and general connectivity patterns across these vertebrate groups.



However, recent findings have upended this long-standing idea, revealing that while the pallium serves similar functions across species, its development follows different genetic blueprints.



The evolution of the brain has followed multiple paths, revealing surprising differences in how birds and mammals developed their neural circuits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-developmental-processes">Distinct developmental processes</h2>



The pallium has long been considered the seat of higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-birds-brains-evolved-to-enable-them-to-fly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognition</a> in vertebrates. In mammals, it forms the neocortex, the part of the brain responsible for abstract thought and decision-making. 



In birds, the pallium plays a comparable role in complex behaviors such as tool use, problem-solving, and vocal learning. Despite these similarities, scientists have discovered that the developmental origins of the pallium differ significantly across species.



New research suggests that while birds and mammals have evolved functionally similar brain circuits, these circuits arise through distinct developmental processes. 



The neurons that perform cognitive tasks in birds and mammals originate in different locations and at different times during embryonic development. This indicates that they are not directly inherited from a common ancestor but have instead evolved independently.



Dr. Fernando García-Moreno and Eneritz Rueda-Alaña of the <a href="https://www.achucarro.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience</a>, in collaboration with multiple research centers, set out to investigate the developmental differences in bird and mammal brains.



"Our studies show that evolution has found multiple solutions for building complex brains," noted Dr. García-Moreno. 



"Birds have developed sophisticated neural circuits through their own mechanisms, without following the same path as mammals. This changes how we understand brain evolution."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-evolutionary-paths">New perspective on evolutionary paths</h2>



Using spatial transcriptomics and mathematical modeling, the researchers found that neurons responsible for sensory processing in birds and mammals are formed using different genetic tools.



"Their neurons are born in different locations and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/subtle-dna-changes-shaped-human-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">developmental times</a> in each species," said Dr. García-Moreno. "This indicates that they are not comparable neurons derived from a common ancestor."



Instead, each species has developed new and unique cell types using distinct genetic programs. This finding suggests that the neural structures supporting cognitive functions in birds and mammals are not homologous but are instead the product of convergent evolution.



Convergent evolution occurs when different species independently develop similar biological traits due to comparable environmental pressures. In this case, both birds and mammals evolved sophisticated neural circuits but through entirely separate genetic pathways. 



This discovery challenges the assumption that complex cognition in vertebrates emerged from a single evolutionary trajectory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-neurons-of-the-avian-brain">Mapping the neurons of the avian brain</h2>



A second study, conducted at Heidelberg University, was co-directed by&nbsp;Bastienne Zaremba, Henrik Kaessmann, and Dr. García-Moreno. 



The researchers created a detailed cell-type atlas of the avian brain and compared it with mammalian and reptilian brains. Their findings further revealed the fundamental divergence in brain evolution among these groups.



"We were able to describe the hundreds of genes that each type of neuron uses in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-genes-to-genius-what-makes-the-human-brain-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brains</a>, cell by cell, and compare them with bioinformatics tools," said Dr. García-Moreno.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neurons-shared-across-species">Neurons shared across species</h2>



The analysis showed that birds have retained most inhibitory neurons present in vertebrates for hundreds of millions of years. However, their excitatory neurons, which transmit information and drive higher cognitive functions, have evolved uniquely.



Interestingly, only a few types of excitatory neurons in birds shared genetic similarities with those in mammals. These included neurons linked to the claustrum and the hippocampus, suggesting that some neuronal types are ancient and widely shared across species. 



"However, most excitatory neurons have evolved in new and different ways in each species," said Dr. García-Moreno.



This study illustrates how evolution can shape the brain in different ways, even when species face similar cognitive challenges. Birds and mammals both require advanced neural circuits to interact with their environments, yet they have taken distinct genetic routes to build these capabilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-circuits-and-evolution-s-flexibility">Brain circuits and evolution’s flexibility</h2>



Both studies used cutting-edge techniques to trace the evolution of brain circuits in vertebrates. The researchers combined spatial transcriptomics, developmental neurobiology, single-cell analysis, and mathematical modeling to compare how neurons develop and function across species.



The results provide strong evidence that advanced cognitive functions do not require a single evolutionary blueprint. Instead, evolution has repeatedly found different ways to construct complex brains.



These findings demonstrate that the brain is remarkably flexible in its development. Birds and mammals have independently acquired the ability to process information, solve problems, and engage in social behaviors. 



The diversity of their neural pathways challenges traditional views of brain evolution, showing that intelligence can emerge from a wide range of genetic and cellular processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-studying-brain-evolution">Significance of studying brain evolution</h2>



"Our brain makes us human, but it also binds us to other animal species through a shared evolutionary history," said Dr. García-Moreno.



This shared history means that studying the brains of other animals can provide crucial insights into human cognition. Understanding the genetic programs that shape different neuronal types could open new research directions in neurodevelopment and brain disorders.



"Only by understanding how the brain forms, both in its embryonic development and in its evolutionary history, can we truly grasp how it <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">functions</a>," said Dr. García-Moreno.



These discoveries pave the way for future investigations into how the brain evolves and adapts, shedding light on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying intelligence.



As scientists continue to explore brain evolution, they may uncover even more unexpected pathways leading to cognitive complexity. The story of the brain is far from complete, and each new discovery adds another layer to our understanding of how intelligence has emerged in the natural world.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp3411" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Rethinking brain evolution: Birds and mammals took different paths

The human brain is a marvel of evolution, enabling language,...

Tropical forests are among the most vibrant ecosystems on Earth. These dense and humid landscapes hold more than 60% of all known species, making them irreplaceable biodiversity storehouses. 



Despite covering less than one-tenth of the planet’s surface, they sustain an extraordinary number of plants, animals, and microorganisms.



However, this natural wealth faces unprecedented threats. Expanding agriculture, infrastructure, and industrial activities are rapidly transforming vast sections of tropical land. The loss of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-must-reconnect-with-nature-now-to-save-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> is not just about trees; it is about the countless species that depend on them for survival. 



Among these are some of the world’s most endangered creatures, now pushed closer to extinction due to human encroachment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limits-of-protected-areas">Limits of protected areas</h2>



Conservation efforts have sought to curb this destruction through the establishment of protected areas. Governments and international organizations continue to create new reserves, hoping to slow the decline of species at risk. 



However, recent research published in PLOS Biology suggests that setting aside protected land may not be enough.



Professor Lydia Beaudrot of <a href="https://msu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State University</a> contributed significantly to this study. As an ecologist in the Department of Integrative Biology, she leads research focused on the conservation of tropical mammals.



Beaudrot and her colleagues brought together an international team of scientists to assess the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-calls-for-global-change-to-stop-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects of human activity</a> on mammal populations.



“We found that tropical forests near more people have fewer mammal species. It suggests that some species do not survive even when forests are protected, such as in national parks,” Beaudrot explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-presence-and-tropical-forests">Human presence and tropical forests</h2>



It is widely understood that deforestation and land conversion pose serious risks to wildlife. However, this study highlights another, more subtle danger - human presence itself.



Even when forests remain intact, the simple fact that people live nearby can disturb the delicate balance of life within these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-in-earths-biodiversity-can-be-tracked-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>.



The researchers described this effect as “anthropogenic extinction filtering.” This process shows that human activity outside protected areas reshapes the ecological communities within them. Hunting, noise pollution, and habitat disturbance all contribute to changes that make it difficult for certain species to survive.



To measure this phenomenon, the research team deployed over 2,000 camera traps across South America, Africa, and Asia. These devices captured an unparalleled dataset, offering insights into the biodiversity of tropical forests on a global scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-network-for-conservation-science">Global network for conservation science</h2>



The images collected came from a collaborative effort involving 17 research sites established under the Tropical Ecology Assessment and Monitoring Network. This organization brings together conservationists and scientists to study biodiversity in the most remote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-action-and-biodiversity-striking-the-right-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical regions</a>.



Ilaria Greco, a doctoral candidate at the University of Florence and the study’s lead author, took this collaboration a step further. 



She worked with an even broader network of international researchers, securing data not available through existing wildlife monitoring programs. This expansion resulted in the most comprehensive study of its kind, covering 37 tropical forest locations.



By analyzing long-term data on 239 mammal species, the researchers could compare how biodiversity changed in response to varying levels of human presence. The study examined forests ranging from vast, uninterrupted landscapes to fragmented patches surrounded by human settlements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-conservation-measures">Additional conservation measures</h2>



While protected areas remain essential, Beaudrot stressed that they cannot function as isolated islands. Additional conservation efforts, such as forest restoration, are necessary to provide a buffer between human activities and vulnerable wildlife populations.



To better understand the connection between human density and mammal survival, the researchers developed a model integrating remote-sensing data with information from trail cameras. This approach allowed them to visualize the extent of human influence on wildlife populations.



“Through a massive collaboration among many researchers, we used the largest dataset to date to test how habitat loss and human density affect tropical forest wildlife,” Beaudrot said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-mammals-in-tropical-forests">Impact on mammals in tropical forests</h2>



The model predicted a direct correlation between human population density and biodiversity loss. It estimated that for every 16 humans living within a square kilometer of a protected area, mammal species could decrease by as much as one percent.



This finding highlights a major challenge: even where forests remain formally protected, external human activities influence the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-tracking-is-crucial-for-preserving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival of species</a> within them. 



The lack of adequate buffer zones makes many of these conservation areas vulnerable to long-term biodiversity decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-danger-of-fragmented-tropical-forests">Danger of fragmented tropical forests</h2>



One of the most striking aspects of this research is its revelation about the edges of tropical forests. Nearly 70% of tropical forest habitats lie within one kilometer of a forest’s edge. This means that very few of these ecosystems remain untouched by human influence.



Mammal populations were also negatively affected by habitat loss occurring as far as 50 kilometers (31 miles) away from their core forested regions. Such extensive impact suggests that conservationists need to think beyond the immediate borders of protected areas.



“It is not just the protected area that matters for biodiversity conservation but also what is outside the protected area,” Beaudrot emphasized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-depth-of-understanding">A new depth of understanding</h2>



“Until recently, we have not had high-quality data at a global scale to measure how people affect the number of mammal species and how widely they occur within tropical forests,” noted Beaudrot.



The study provides the most detailed picture yet of how human activity shapes biodiversity in tropical forests. The findings show that simply setting land aside for conservation is not enough. 



Without addressing external pressures, these areas may fail to protect the species they were designed to safeguard.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-conservation-strategies">Rethinking conservation strategies</h2>



Efforts like the United Nations’ Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aim to halt biodiversity loss. However, the study warns that these initiatives may not fully account for the complex ways human activities threaten tropical wildlife.



To create more effective conservation strategies, the researchers argue that efforts must extend beyond protected area borders. Reducing human impact outside conservation zones is crucial to maintaining biodiversity.



Restoring degraded land surrounding protected forests can help expand buffer zones, offering species a greater chance to survive. Rather than relying on isolated patches of land, conservationists may need to focus on connecting and expanding protected areas to create larger, continuous habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-strengthen-protection">A call to strengthen protection</h2>



Greco, who led the project, now works as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Florence under Francesco Rovero.



According to Greco, the study’s results suggest that “anthropogenic extinction filtering” is actively shaping mammal communities in tropical forests. 



She explained that human overpopulation has already driven the most sensitive species to local extinction. The species that remain in these landscapes now depend largely on habitat cover.



“The study warns that conservation of many mammals in tropical forests depends on mitigating the complex detrimental effects of anthropogenic pressures well beyond protected area borders," said Rovero.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-forward-with-conservation">Moving forward with conservation</h2>



This research sheds light on the urgent need for a more comprehensive approach to biodiversity conservation. While protected areas remain a critical tool, they must be supported by broader land <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-walls-cool-cities-and-create-urban-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">management strategies</a>. 



Strengthening connections between conservation zones, restoring degraded land, and reducing human impact on surrounding landscapes will be key to protecting the world’s remaining tropical forests.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002976" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



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Protected but not safe: Hidden threats to wildlife in tropical forests

Tropical forests are among the most vibrant ecosystems on Earth....

February 14 is a day associated with love, affection, and companionship. While many celebrate Valentine’s Day with gifts and romantic gestures, another important occasion takes place on this date. World Bonobo Day highlights the lives and struggles of bonobos, one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.



These intelligent primates have captivated researchers and conservationists with their peaceful societies, remarkable problem-solving skills, and deep emotional bonds.



Despite their incredible similarities to humans, bonobos remain one of the least understood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-are-more-endangered-than-previously-known/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great apes</a>. Unlike their more aggressive chimpanzee cousins, bonobos thrive in cooperative, matriarchal groups. 



Their ability to resolve conflicts through social interaction, including grooming and physical intimacy, sets them apart as a species known for unity rather than dominance. Their affectionate nature has earned them the nickname "hippie chimps," a fitting label for animals that embrace harmony over violence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-species-with-a-peaceful-nature">Unique species with a peaceful nature</h2>



Bonobos share 98.7% of their DNA with humans, making them one of our closest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orphaned-bonobos-can-regain-social-skills-and-empathy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic relatives</a>. However, their behavior is vastly different from that of chimpanzees, the other great ape with whom we share a similar genetic code. 



While chimpanzees often resort to aggression and dominance, bonobos rely on social bonds to navigate their world.



Living in the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), bonobos exhibit complex emotional behaviors that closely resemble human interactions. They express joy, grief, empathy, and even laughter. 



Researchers have observed them consoling distressed group members, offering reassurance through touch and gestures. Their strong family ties and ability to communicate emotions have led scientists to question long-held assumptions about animal cognition and social structures.



Their use of physical intimacy for conflict resolution is another trait that separates them from other primates. Rather than engaging in violent disputes, bonobos diffuse tension through gentle interactions. This behavior suggests a deeper emotional intelligence that challenges traditional views on animal behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-wild-bonobos">Threats to wild bonobos </h2>



Despite their fascinating nature, bonobos face an uncertain future. They exist only in a small area of the DRC, where their habitat continues to shrink due to deforestation and human encroachment. 



Their slow reproductive rate makes it difficult for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-are-thriving-in-salonga-national-park/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a> to recover from losses, leaving them highly vulnerable to environmental changes and human interference.



Estimates suggest that only 10,000 to 20,000 bonobos remain in the wild, and their numbers continue to decline. Deforestation is one of the leading threats to their survival. 



The destruction of their habitat not only displaces them but also disrupts their access to food and safe breeding grounds. With only 28% of their historical range still suitable for habitation, the pressure on their populations is immense.



Illegal hunting also poses a significant challenge. Many locals rely on bushmeat as a food source, and bonobos, due to their size, become easy targets. The demand for exotic meat further fuels poaching, pushing bonobos closer to extinction. 



Additionally, the political instability in the region has exacerbated conservation difficulties, as conflict leads to increased logging and agricultural expansion into bonobo habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-danger-of-palm-oil-expansion">Growing danger of palm oil expansion</h2>



Another major threat to bonobo survival is the expansion of palm oil plantations. Studies show that 99.2% of bonobo territory is suitable for palm oil cultivation. 



As demand for this crop grows, the risk of habitat destruction intensifies. Many species, including orangutans and tigers, have already suffered due to unsustainable palm oil farming, and bonobos may soon face the same fate.



Without intervention, the spread of palm oil plantations could lead to large-scale habitat loss, leaving bonobos with fewer places to live and reproduce. 



Conservationists warn that unless sustainable practices are implemented, the consequences for bonobos and other wildlife could be devastating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-bonobo-day-and-conservation">World Bonobo Day and conservation</h2>



Despite these mounting challenges, organizations like the African Wildlife Foundation (<a href="https://www.awf.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AWF</a>) are working to protect bonobos and their habitat. 



Through hands-on conservation efforts, AWF has helped establish two major reserves in the DRC, providing bonobos with protected areas where they can thrive. These reserves also serve as important sites for scientific research and ecotourism, bringing awareness to the plight of bonobos.



AWF collaborates with local communities to promote sustainable land use while ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both people and wildlife. 



Training programs equip rangers with the skills needed to protect bonobos from poachers and illegal loggers. In 2022, eco-guards received an International Ranger Award from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (<a href="https://iucn.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>) in recognition of their dedication.



Technological advancements have also played a crucial role in bonobo conservation. Researchers use satellite imagery and tracking devices to monitor bonobo <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peaceful-bonobos-are-actually-more-aggressive-than-chimps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">movements</a> and identify critical habitat areas. This data helps conservationists develop effective strategies to expand protected zones and prevent habitat fragmentation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-bonobo-discovery">History of bonobo discovery</h2>



Bonobos were among the last great apes to be identified as a distinct species. 



Initially thought to be a subspecies of chimpanzees, they were officially classified as a separate species in 1933. This discovery marked an important milestone in primate research, shedding light on the differences between bonobos and other great apes.



Over the years, conservation efforts have gained momentum. In 1994, Lola ya Bonobo, a sanctuary for orphaned bonobos, was founded. This facility rescues bonobos from illegal wildlife trade and prepares them for reintroduction into the wild. In 2015, the Bonobo Project was launched to raise awareness and support conservation initiatives.



Today, multiple organizations, including the <a href="https://www.bonobo.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bonobo Conservation Initiative</a> and <a href="https://www.bonobos.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Friends of Bonobo</a>, work tirelessly to protect these remarkable primates. Their efforts emphasize the importance of community involvement, as local support is crucial for long-term conservation success.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrate-world-bonobo-day">Celebrate World Bonobo Day</h2>



Raising awareness is one of the best ways to celebrate World Bonobo Day. 



Since many people are unfamiliar with bonobos, sharing information about them can inspire others to take action. Social media campaigns, educational events, and documentaries help spread knowledge about these extraordinary primates and the threats they face.



Donating to conservation organizations also makes a significant impact. These groups rely on funding to maintain sanctuaries, protect wild populations, and support local communities. Even small contributions help sustain crucial efforts that ensure bonobos have a future.



Educating oneself about bonobos is another way to participate. Watching wildlife documentaries, reading about bonobo behavior, and engaging in discussions about conservation can deepen appreciation for these incredible animals. Understanding their role in the ecosystem highlights the urgent need to protect them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safeguarding-the-planet-s-diversity">Safeguarding the planet's diversity </h2>



Bonobos play an essential role in maintaining forest ecosystems. 



As seed dispersers, they help sustain plant diversity, contributing to the health of their environment. Their loss would not only affect biodiversity but also disrupt the delicate balance of the rainforest.



Their peaceful nature also offers valuable insights into human behavior. Studying their social structures provides a deeper understanding of how empathy and conflict resolution evolved in primates.



Saving bonobos is not just about protecting a single species. It is about preserving an entire ecosystem and recognizing our responsibility as humans to safeguard the planet’s biodiversity. World Bonobo Day reminds us that our actions matter.



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World Bonobo Day: A celebration of love, peace, and conservation

February 14 is a day associated with love, affection, and...

Many people choose dogs for companionship. Others like the peace of mind that comes from a canine protector.



<a href="https://psych.ubc.ca/profile/stanley-coren/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanley Coren</a> from the <a href="https://www.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of British Columbia</a> wrote in <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Intelligence_of_Dogs.html?id=sbL3OjnOemAC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Intelligence of Dogs</a> about how working traits vary by breed. 



This research helps explain why some dogs are more alert and ready to keep an eye on potential dangers. Here’s a list of the top ten most protective dog breeds, as derived from his research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-german-shepherd">1) German shepherd</h2>



German shepherds have a longstanding history of assisting police and military units. Their strong loyalty and focused attention can help keep households safe.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/german-shepherd.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1959669"/></figure>



They handle family environments well when socialized early. Many owners appreciate their mix of protective instincts and reliable companionship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-tibetan-mastiff">2) Tibetan mastiff</h2>



Tibetan mastiffs originated in cold, mountainous regions where they guarded temples. Their thick coats and large presence can deter strangers with ease.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/tibetan-mastiff.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1959670"/></figure>



They often relax among people they trust. Observers note that these dogs can shift from calm to assertive when their suspicions are aroused.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-chihuahua">3) Chihuahua</h2>



Chihuahuas may look tiny, but they often stand guard without hesitation. They bark loudly when alarmed or uncertain.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/chihuahua.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1959672"/></figure>



Some owners treat them as miniature security systems. Their outspoken nature can keep visitors on their toes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-australian-shepherd">4) Australian shepherd</h2>



Australian shepherds have a background in herding sheep and cattle. That same vigilance helps them protect the people and spaces they consider their own.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/australian-shepherd.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1959673"/></figure>



Their energetic approach allows them to stay watchful throughout the day. Many families find them to be devoted housemates with a protective side.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-boston-terrier">5) Boston terrier</h2>



Boston terriers have muscular builds that once served them in rougher times. They often keep a keen eye on their surroundings.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/boston-terrier.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1959674"/></figure>



They are sociable with familiar faces, yet can be quick to bark at unusual sights. People appreciate their balance of charm and vigilance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-beauceron">6) Beauceron</h2>



Beaucerons were developed in central France for herding. Their ability to notice faint movements or noises remains a part of their nature.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/beauceron.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1959677"/></figure>



They stay calm but ready to respond if a disturbance arises. Owners prize their sharp senses and loyal demeanor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-staffordshire-bull-terrier">7) Staffordshire bull terrier</h2>



Staffordshire bull terriers have a strong bond with their households. Their steadfast loyalty can turn into assertiveness if they perceive any threat.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/staffordshire-bull-terrier.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1959678"/></figure>



They typically remain cheerful and loving at home. That warmth coexists with firm protection when strangers appear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-dobermann">8) Dobermann</h2>



Dobermanns are known for confident, purposeful behavior. Dogs of this breed are “incomparably fearless and vigilant,” stated the American Kennel Club.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/dobermann.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1959680"/></figure>



They can adapt well to family life once trained. Their watchful gaze and swift reactions make them reassuring companions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-bullmastiff">9) Bullmastiff</h2>



Bullmastiffs originally guarded large estates. Their imposing stature helps discourage anyone with bad intentions.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bullmastiff.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1959681"/></figure>



They often enjoy low-key time at home. Many owners see their calm side, but they trust this breed’s protective instincts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-rottweiler">10) Rottweiler</h2>



Rottweilers sometimes get labeled as aggressive. In truth, they usually stay relaxed unless alarmed.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/rottweiler.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1959683"/></figure>



They guard families and property with composure. Owners appreciate how they balance playful attitudes with serious awareness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concluding-thoughts">Concluding thoughts</h2>



Bringing a guard <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-evolving-to-fit-the-modern-lives-of-humans/">dog</a> into your home is about more than just security - it’s about trust and companionship. The right dog will not only watch over your home but also form a strong bond with you and your family, providing both protection and loyalty.



A devoted guard dog can give many people extra reassurance. Finding the right fit depends on the breed’s temperament and the training it receives.



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The 10 best breeds of guard dog

Many people choose dogs for companionship. Others like the peace...

The deep sea is one of the most mysterious places on Earth. It is a world of extreme pressure, freezing temperatures, and near-total darkness. Yet, life thrives in this environment, adapting in ways that push the boundaries of scientific understanding. 



Among the most fascinating creatures in these depths are shrimp from the Oplophoroidea family.



These shrimp have developed remarkable visual systems that allow them to survive in a world where the only light comes from bioluminescence or faint traces from the surface.



A new study from Florida International University (<a href="https://www.fiu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FIU</a>) has uncovered how light has influenced the evolution of these shrimp. 



Led by biologist Danielle DeLeo, the research reveals that these deep-sea shrimp rely on specialized proteins to detect and interpret light energy.



Their ability to see in such an extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-marine-protected-areas-boost-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a> may be crucial for movement, survival, and possibly even communication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-world-of-darkness-and-bioluminescence">A world of darkness and bioluminescence</h2>



The deep ocean is unlike any other habitat on Earth. Sunlight barely reaches beyond a few hundred meters, leaving the vast majority of the deep sea in total darkness. 



However, this does not mean the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-like-marine-life-found-on-underwater-mountains-includes-100-new-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> is completely devoid of light. Many deep-sea creatures produce their own light through bioluminescence, which they use for hunting, camouflage, and attracting mates.



Shrimp from the Oplophoroidea family have adapted to this light-limited world. Some species in this group can migrate vertically, traveling large distances up and down the water column in a daily rhythm.



Scientists believe they rely on bioluminescent signals to navigate and possibly even differentiate between various sources of light. This ability is critical for their survival in an ecosystem where light is both a rare and valuable resource.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-and-deep-sea-shrimp-evolution">Light and deep-sea shrimp evolution</h2>



Light has played a major role in shaping the evolution of vision in marine species. 



The study found that some shrimp possess special glowing organs, which they use for different purposes, including camouflage and self-defense. 



These shrimp have also developed a diverse range of light-detecting proteins that help them make sense of their bioluminescent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heavy-metal-pollution-threatens-marine-life-and-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surroundings</a>.



"As primitive eyes evolved in the oceans during the Cambrian explosion, some 540 million years ago - a time when we now know bioluminescence already existed - understanding how different light sources impact vision in present-day species can illuminate their past influence on early animals," said DeLeo.



She conducted this research while at FIU and is now a postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://naturalhistory.si.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History</a>.



By studying these shrimp, scientists can gain new insights into how early marine life may have interacted with light and how vision first evolved in the ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opsins-key-to-seeing-in-the-dark">Opsins: Key to seeing in the dark</h2>



One of the most important findings of the study was the discovery of a variety of opsins in deep-sea shrimp. 



Opsins are proteins found in the eyes of many animals, including humans. They help detect light and play a crucial role in how organisms perceive their environment.



In deep-sea shrimp, these proteins allow them to detect a range of colors, particularly blue light, which dominates the deep-sea environment. 



Some shrimp might even be able to differentiate between their own bioluminescent glow and the light produced by other organisms. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/deep-sea-shrimp_bioluminescence_Oplophoroidea-family_credit-Fenolio_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/deep-sea-shrimp_bioluminescence_Oplophoroidea-family_credit-Fenolio_1s.webp" alt="Diversity of Oplophoroidea representing all genera in the study. A Hymenodora gracilis, B Ephyrina benedicti, C Notostomus gibbosus, D Meningodora vesca, E Acanthephyra stylorostratis, F Acanthephyra sp., G Janicella spinicauda, H Oplophorus gracilirostris, I Systellaspis cristata, and J Systellaspis debilis. Modified from Collins and Bracken-Grissom71.Credit: D. Fenolio / Communications Biology (2025)." class="wp-image-1959805"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Diversity of Oplophoroidea representing all genera in the study. A Hymenodora gracilis, B Ephyrina benedicti, C Notostomus gibbosus, D Meningodora vesca, E Acanthephyra stylorostratis, F Acanthephyra sp., G Janicella spinicauda, H Oplophorus gracilirostris, I Systellaspis cristata, and J Systellaspis debilis. Modified from Collins and Bracken-Grissom71.Credit: D. Fenolio / Communications Biology (2025).</figcaption></figure>



This ability could be useful in identifying threats, locating potential mates, or navigating their complex underwater world.



The study also found that shrimp that migrate into shallower waters have a greater variety of these light-detecting proteins. This suggests that their vision has evolved to accommodate a more complex lighting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oceans-are-rapidly-changing-colors-matching-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>. 



In shallower depths, they may need to distinguish between natural sunlight, scattered surface light, and bioluminescent signals from other deep-sea creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-of-deep-sea-shrimp-vision">Complexity of deep-sea shrimp vision</h2>



The discovery of these unique visual adaptations raises new questions about how deep-sea creatures communicate and interact with their environment. 



Heather Bracken-Grissom, FIU biologist and assistant director of the <a href="https://calendar.fiu.edu/department/coastlines_and_oceans_division" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coastlines and Oceans Division</a> in the Institute of Environment, believes this research is just the beginning of understanding deep-sea vision.



"We are just beginning to understand how visual systems have evolved in light-limited environments and how animals may be using bioluminescent signals to communicate with one another," Bracken-Grissom said. 



"There is still a lot to learn, but this study can pave the way for future research in other deep-sea groups."



This research opens doors to further exploration of how vision has evolved in creatures that live in extreme environments. 



Understanding how shrimp and other deep-sea organisms use light may provide clues about the broader evolutionary history of vision across different species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-in-the-deep">Survival in the deep</h2>



The ability to see in near-total darkness is an extraordinary adaptation that has allowed deep-sea shrimp to thrive. 



Opsins and other visual proteins may not only help them navigate but also determine which animals are potential threats and which are allies. 



In a world where survival depends on split-second decisions, these adaptations could be the difference between life and death.



This research also highlights the importance of studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mapping-marine-heatwaves-to-understand-their-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea environments</a>. These regions are still largely unexplored, yet they hold valuable information about the evolution of life on Earth. 



As scientists continue to investigate, they may uncover even more surprising adaptations that challenge our understanding of how life functions in the ocean’s darkest depths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



Studying deep-sea creatures can lead to new discoveries beyond marine biology. Understanding how animals use light in extreme environments could inspire innovations in technology, from improving underwater imaging systems to developing new ways to explore the ocean.



The findings from this research suggest that deep-sea shrimp have evolved highly specialized vision to survive in their bioluminescent world. 



Their ability to detect and interpret different light sources is not just a fascinating adaptation - it is a proof of the resilience and complexity of life in the deep ocean.



As researchers continue to explore these environments, they will likely uncover even more ways that marine life has adapted to its surroundings. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-07450-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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Deep-sea shrimp evolved an extraordinary skill that lets them see in the dark

The deep sea is one of the most mysterious places...

Sixty-six million years ago, an asteroid impact near the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico ended the era of non-avian dinosaurs. But amid the global upheaval, certain birds - and the group that gave rise to today’s ducks and geese - found sanctuary in the temperate habitats of Antarctica.&nbsp;



Now, an article published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08390-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> describes a nearly complete, 69-million-year-old fossil skull of Vegavis iaai, an early relative of modern waterfowl.



Study lead author Christopher Torres spent three years at <a href="https://www.ohio.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio University</a> as an NSF postdoctoral fellow. He investigated how various factors - ranging from ecological roles to brain anatomy - played into bird diversification and resilience to extinction.&nbsp;



“Few birds are as likely to start as many arguments among paleontologists as Vegavis,” said Torres. “This new fossil is going to help resolve a lot of those arguments. Chief among them: where is Vegavis perched in the bird tree of life?”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controversy-surrounding-the-bird-fossil">Controversy surrounding the bird fossil </h2>



Originally identified two decades ago by study co-author Julia Clarke of <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas at Austin</a> and colleagues, Vegavis was suggested to be a primitive modern (crown) bird related to waterfowl.&nbsp;



Yet, given the scarcity of modern-type birds before the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, some researchers questioned Vegavis’s classification.&nbsp;



The newly studied fossil addresses these doubts because it incorporates anatomical regions absent from earlier fossils - particularly a nearly intact skull.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-notable-features-of-the-bird-skull">Notable features of the bird skull</h2>



Skepticism surrounding the bird’s identity has largely been dispelled by notable skull features, including the structure of the beak and brain region, which align with traits found in present-day waterfowl.&nbsp;



The specimen further preserves strong jaw muscles, likely advantageous for diving and seizing fish - a departure from the feeding habits of most modern waterfowl but more reminiscent of species like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-loon-habitats-dramatically-altered-climate-change-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">loons</a> and grebes.



These skull features, combined with other evidence in the skeleton, support the idea that Vegavis propelled itself through water with its feet in pursuit of aquatic prey - an approach that diverges from what is typical of modern ducks and geese.



“This fossil underscores that Antarctica has much to tell us about the earliest stages of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-bird-feathers-contain-traces-of-dinosaur-feathers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modern bird</a> evolution,” said co-author Patrick O’Connor, a paleontologist at Ohio University, and director of Earth and Space Sciences at <a href="https://www.dmns.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denver Museum of Nature &amp; Science</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-late-cretaceous-bird-fossils">Late Cretaceous bird fossils</h2>



Bird fossils from this Late Cretaceous interval in other regions of the world tend to look distinctly un-modern. 



Moreover, localities that preserve delicate avian remains are quite rare, often providing fragments insufficient for determining much about the species’ evolutionary connections - mirroring the situation with Vegavis until now.



“And those few places with any substantial fossil record of Late <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraordinary-dinosaur-fossils-discovered-from-the-end-of-cretaceous-era/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous</a> birds, like Madagascar and Argentina, reveal an aviary of bizarre, now-extinct species with teeth and long bony tails, only distantly related to modern birds,” said O’Connor.



“Something very different seems to have been happening in the far reaches of the Southern Hemisphere, specifically in Antarctica.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-and-early-bird-evolution">Antarctica and early bird evolution </h2>



Exactly how the Antarctic continent shaped the development of current ecosystems across deep time remains a focus of worldwide scientific inquiry.&nbsp;



According to study co-author Matthew Lamanna of Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Antarctica is in many ways the final frontier for humanity’s understanding of life during the Age of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-did-dinosaurs-come-from-missing-fossils-hold-the-secret/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dinosaurs</a>.



“This discovery exemplifies the power of scientific research and the crucial role our institution plays in advancing knowledge about Earth's deep history,” said Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez.&nbsp;



“This research not only enhances our understanding of early bird evolution but also highlights the invaluable contributions of Ohio graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who are at the forefront of these expeditions. It is through these global, expeditionary efforts - whether in the field or in the lab - that we can truly grasp the dynamic changes our planet has undergone over millions of years.” 



Gonzalez noted that the study is a prime example of real-world experiential learning that connects STEM education with hands-on, transformative research, preparing the next generation of scientists to tackle the challenges of the future.



“Large-scale projects like this one, involving students and postdoctoral researchers, prepare the scientists of tomorrow to collaborate, advance science, and tackle the biggest questions facing our planet,” O’Connor concluded.



Image Credit: Mark Witton, 2025.



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Earliest modern bird lived in Antarctica 69 million years ago

Sixty-six million years ago, an asteroid impact near the Yucatán...

Could that fish dinner be messing with your body more than you realize? A study from the West Coast suggests it might be, showing that nearly all tested seafood contained cancer-linked <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> particles.&nbsp;



These tiny particles are smaller than a quarter of an inch. They weave their way into food, water, and even into the air, with questions lingering about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-widespread-in-the-seafood-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential harm</a> to human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-almost-all-seafood-contains-plastic">Almost all seafood contains plastic</h2>



The newly released study was led by Dr. Susanne Brander at Oregon State University. The experts found that 99 percent of tested seafood samples had particles embedded in their edible tissues.



Scientists suspect these bits can slip past an organism’s digestive tract and lodge elsewhere.



“It’s very concerning that microfibers appear to move from the gut into other tissues, which has wide implications for other organisms, potentially including humans too,” said Dr. Brander. 



This finding raises important questions about whether certain species are more vulnerable to these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-how-microplastics-accumulate-in-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic invasions</a> than others.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smaller-seafood-holds-more-plastic">Smaller seafood holds more plastic</h2>



Smaller fish and shellfish showed a noticeable tendency to harbor more particles than larger species. One prime example was pink shrimp, a popular choice in many seafood markets.



“We found that the smaller organisms that we sampled seem to be ingesting more anthropogenic, non-nutritious particles,” said Dr. Elise Granek from <a href="https://www.pdx.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland State University</a>.  



The word "anthropogenic" refers to environmental changes caused by human activities. The term highlights how everyday habits - like wearing synthetic clothes or tossing plastic packaging - are fueling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hotspots-of-microplastic-pollution-found-in-the-north-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contamination</a> in marine habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-health-risks-of-plastic-exposure">Navigating health risks of plastic exposure </h2>



Researchers <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2020.612624/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caution</a> that there is no established safe level for plastic particles in food.



Some reports link such pollutants to potential organ inflammation and cellular stress, although more data is needed to clarify what truly happens inside human bodies over time.



In some cases, plastic bits can <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S014181302200410X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bind</a> with toxins, adding another layer of potential risk. This possibility is especially concerning for people who consume seafood regularly and may accumulate more of these plastic materials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-should-we-ditch-seafood">Should we ditch seafood?</h2>



Despite the unsettling picture, experts say there is no need to avoid eating fish altogether. They point out that plastic pollution has become so widespread, most foods and bottled beverages contain some degree of unwanted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">debris</a>.



“What we put out into the environment ends up back on our plates,” said Dr. Granek. In other words, cutting fish from your diet will not solve the broader problem because plastic finds its way into plenty of other products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-steps-to-reduce-exposure">Practical steps to reduce exposure</h2>



One effective way to reduce plastic contamination in seafood is by thoroughly rinsing it before cooking or consumption. 



Washing seafood under running water can help remove any surface particles that may have settled during processing or packaging. Additionally, seafood storage methods play a crucial role in limiting plastic exposure.



Instead of using plastic containers, which can shed tiny particles over time, opting for glass or paper-based storage materials can minimize contamination. 



Glass containers provide a non-reactive and reusable option, while paper-based materials are biodegradable and free from synthetic components.



Another strategy involves tackling fibers that can escape during laundry. Installing or advocating for specialized filters in washing machines could <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0043135420308253?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">catch</a> countless microscopic threads before they enter waterways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cutting-pollution-off-at-the-source">Cutting pollution off at the source</h2>



Environmental advocates are urging policymakers to create better monitoring programs that check plastic levels in water and air. 



They emphasize the need for regular assessments to track pollution sources and understand how microplastics spread.



Others want stricter <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00467-022-05615-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">guidelines</a> on manufacturing, pushing for reduced plastic production and safer alternatives to minimize waste before it reaches the environment.



Experts note that preventing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic contamination</a> at its source is the most effective solution. By cutting down on unnecessary plastic use and improving waste management, we can reduce pollution before it enters waterways.



Improved recycling programs, bans on certain plastics, and innovations in biodegradable materials could help curb pollution over time. Immediate action is crucial to prevent long-term damage to ecosystems and human health.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/toxicology/articles/10.3389/ftox.2024.1469995/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Toxicology</a>.



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Plastic particles found in 99% of tested seafood samples

Could that fish dinner be messing with your body more...

iron ore deposit - 1

Many people find themselves disoriented when the clocks shift for the seasonal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daylight-saving-time-has-little-influence-on-heart-health/">time change</a>. Our internal alarms can take days to settle, which may leave us feeling off-balance.



Some <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0317028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experts</a> have been investigating how sled dogs in Ontario, Canada, respond to that same disruption. 



They found that these working animals were so tied to their daily routine that it took them by surprise when handlers arrived an hour later than usual.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals-clocks-and-routines">Animals, clocks, and routines</h2>



We rely on Daylight Saving Time <a href="https://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/daylight_time" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(DST)</a> to optimize daylight hours, yet not all creatures can adapt quickly. Sled teams in this recent study had been on strict schedules that revolved around the time of sunrise.



"I wasn't expecting any differences between the two groups [of dogs]," said <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lavania-Nagendran" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lavania Nagendran</a>, a lead <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0317028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">researcher</a> at the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a>. She later explained that the working animals were tightly synchronized to their early start time.



Researchers placed <a href="https://global.epson.com/products_and_drivers/sensing_system/what_are_accelerometers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accelerometers</a> on the dogs' collars to record their activity before and after the clocks went back. The team observed that, on the first morning of the shift, these animals were moving around about an hour earlier than usual.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pet-dogs-and-everyday-life">Pet dogs and everyday life</h2>



In contrast, household companions of similar breeds showed no similar upheaval. Their extra hour of rest seemed to slip by without a fuss.



"Not all animals can just switch up their schedule based on human influences, [like changing the clocks]," said Ming Fei Li, the <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0317028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">co-lead researcher</a>.



"When we've spoken to pet owners, everyone comments that, with that hour change, their dog or cat is up in the morning, going crazy, waiting to be fed," said Li, who observed no clear shift for household animals. She explained that their data contradicted the usual anecdotal complaints from owners.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-animals-adjust-their-clocks">Helping animals adjust their clocks</h2>



Experts have long <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23477947/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noted</a> that people might experience fragmented sleep for up to a week after time adjustments. 



Disrupted rest has even been linked to a spike in serious <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11152980/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">road crashes</a> right after clocks change.



This project is among the first to measure how domesticated canines respond to abrupt clock changes. 



Within just a day, the group of working dogs returned to their usual schedule, while the pets barely seemed to notice any difference.



Handlers with strict timetables might consider shifting routine times in small increments before the official clock change. This gentle approach could <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/probiotics-help-overweight-dogs-shed-pounds/">help dogs</a> feel less rattled when sunrise no longer coincides with mealtime.



Pets with flexible routines may not need any special changes. Their behavior often shows surprising resilience when humans tamper with the daily clock.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



<a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1004016" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> wonder how these findings might apply to wolves, given that dogs diverged from wolf ancestors thousands of years ago. 



It remains unclear whether wild canines would show the same one-day scramble to adjust, or be more resistant to the adjustment.



This question has sparked conversations about how domestication shapes an animal's internal clock. Most of our modern dog breeds share a genetic link with wolves but have adapted to human routines.



Early domestication likely favored animals that were comfortable living alongside humans. Over time, that compatibility included an ability to sleep and wake in sync with caregivers.



Future studies might explore whether wild relatives can handle abrupt time shifts or if they struggle to reset their daily rhythms. Answers to that could reveal new insights into canine adaptability.



Comparisons across species also show how biology and environment blend to shape behavior.<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-evolving-to-fit-the-modern-lives-of-humans/"> Dogs live </a>in a human-made world, so their responses to clock changes might differ from those of truly wild cousins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-an-open-mind">Keeping an open mind</h2>



Every dog is unique, and some may adapt more easily to seasonal schedule changes than others. External factors, like mealtime and exercise, can influence an animal's natural cycle.



Working animals rely on consistent daily patterns, from feeding times to training sessions. That routine could amplify their surprise when the clock switches overnight.



Pet dogs, in contrast, might lounge for an extra hour if no one is nudging them awake. Their laid-back lifestyle often shields them from abrupt schedule disruptions.



Experts note that minor tweaks to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-walking-improves-mobility-and-prevents-falls-in-older-adults/">mealtimes and walks</a> can smooth out this transition. Spreading those adjustments over a few days offers dogs a gentler shift in routine.



Such small steps may prevent confusion, especially for dogs that thrive on a predictable morning schedule. Even a half-hour move can be enough to avoid an early wake-up call.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-clocks-animals-and-humans">Body clocks, animals, and humans</h2>



These observations add another layer to our understanding of how work-oriented and companion animals experience abrupt changes in their day-to-day flow and highlight the subtle effects of shifting external cues. 



While many dogs seem to roll with life's shifts, an hour can still feel monumental when every meal, walk, and training session is truly anchored to a tightly orchestrated timetable.



For the curious, the official study was published in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0317028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS One</a>.



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Pets and animals face internal chaos when you mess with their body clocks

Many people find themselves disoriented when the clocks shift for...

Marine ecosystems rely on food webs that hinge on microscopic life. One creature in particular has drawn the attention of scientists because of its pivotal role in feeding relationships and ocean health.



Researchers have focused on <a href="https://oceana.org/marine-life/antarctic-krill/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic krill</a> as a critical link in food chains These small, shrimp-like <a href="https://www.britannica.com/animal/crustacean" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crustaceans</a> underpin the survival of large marine animals like whales, penguins, and seals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-ocean-color">Observing ocean color</h2>



"Antarctic krill are the superheroes of the Southern Ocean. They are tiny, unsung heroes that sustain incredible marine life, but climate change and unsustainable fishing are putting them at risk," said <a href="https://www.arcticwwf.org/about/meet-the-team/downie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rod Downie</a>, chief polar adviser at the wildlife charity <a href="https://www.wwf.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF-UK</a>.



A new project aims to track these creatures by looking at subtle shifts in how seawater absorbs light. Scientists from the <a href="https://www.strath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Strathclyde</a>, the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF</a>, and the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a> are working on this approach to gather precise population data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-absorption-studies">Light absorption studies</h2>



"We start with seawater, then we add in a krill and take a measurement [of how much light the water absorbs], then we add another krill and take another measurement." said <a href="https://pureportal.strath.ac.uk/en/persons/cait-mccarry-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr Cait McCarry</a>, who recently returned from Antarctica.



Her team believes those patterns of light absorption can reveal approximate numbers of krill from satellite images. 



This method offers a way to observe vast stretches of the Southern Ocean without visiting them, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-lionfish-global-domination-mediterranean-sea-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disturbing marine life</a> in any way.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-considerations">Climate considerations</h2>



Many conservation specialists worry that global warming will impact sea temperatures and threaten the survival of krill populations. Some <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experts</a> also question whether fishing pressures might weaken this vital link in the Antarctic ecosystem.



<a href="https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v362/p1-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> on rising ocean temperatures shows potential shifts in krill distribution, which may affect predator populations. 



Experts highlight the need for protective measures that balance commercial interests with protecting the ocean’s overall health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calls-for-protection">Calls for protection</h2>



"We urgently need to better manage the fishery and protect krill habitats within a network of marine protected areas. [This project could] give us a new tool to help monitor and safeguard this vital species," said Downie.



Krill also consume <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/Phytoplankton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microscopic algae</a> that absorb carbon during photosynthesis. This exchange between animals and plants helps keep greenhouse gases in check, although the shifting climate adds extra stress on both sides of the chain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-connections">Whale connections</h2>



Some of the largest marine mammals depend on krill for nutrition. In turn, their waste releases nutrients that support the growth of more microscopic algae, which creates a <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263782441_Whales_as_marine_ecosystem_engineers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productive cycle</a> that benefits the entire region.



Scientists see krill as a linchpin in that nutrient exchange. If krill populatioins decrease, whales, seabirds, and even commercial fisheries could feel the repercussions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-from-afar">Monitoring from afar</h2>



Satellites help scientists capture changes across enormous swaths of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lobsters-are-ditching-their-old-habitats-for-open-water/">open water</a>. These images pick up small differences in color that are linked to krill abundance, enabling large-scale observations that were once impossible.



This process avoids intrusive sampling and offers consistent coverage over time. Researchers hope it will streamline the way in which they record shifts in krill hotspots.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-merging-new-and-old-methods">Merging new and old methods</h2>



<a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/krill-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vessel-based surveys</a> have traditionally counted krill, but these can be costly and weather-dependent. Combining ship data with satellite insights may provide a fuller picture for conservation strategies.



Teams are testing how effectively remote readings match direct measurements. Accurate mapping could shape decisions about sustainable fishing quotas in Antarctic waters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-relevance">Global relevance</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-krill-are-natures-unexpected-carbon-warriors/">Krill</a> might be small, but they are essential for the health of distant ecosystems that are connected by ocean currents. 



Scientists emphasize that changes in krill populations can have ripple effects that influence biodiversity in regions far beyond Antarctic waters.



Some nations rely on krill as a fishery product for animal feed and human supplements. Striking a balance between utilization and preservation is critical for long-term ecological stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead">Looking ahead</h2>



Satellite monitoring may become a core part of Antarctic management strategies in the years to come. Many experts anticipate that this technology will strengthen our grasp on the ocean’s hidden patterns and guide policy decisions.



Researchers remain optimistic that a better understanding of krill numbers will be obtained by tracking their populations from space. They hope that this will boost conservation outcomes for every creature in these chilly waters. This new research was detailed in press releases by the <a href="https://www.wwf.org.uk/press-release/krill-space-project-takes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF</a> and the <a href="https://www.strath.ac.uk/whystrathclyde/news/2025/krillmonitoring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Strathclyde</a>.



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How satellites track Antarctic krill: Are these tiny ocean shrimp in danger?

Marine ecosystems rely on food webs that hinge on microscopic...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.



"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-astrobiology">Implications for astrobiology</h2>



The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.



The research, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.



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Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.



This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.



Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.



The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators. Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas. These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.



Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.



Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cairo-forest-discovery">The Cairo forest discovery</h2>



385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.



The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.



Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."



This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.



Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet Archaeopteris: the first modern tree</h2>



The star of this ancient forest is Archaeopteris – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.



William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.



Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified Eospermatopteris, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.



All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance">Scientific significance</h2>



Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.



Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."



The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.



Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.



Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.



These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.



The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?



The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What was acid rain?</h2>



Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The science behind it</h2>



Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.



While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The crisis at its peak</h2>



During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental devastation</h2>



The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.



By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.



Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Economic impact</h2>



Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The solution: government action and technology</h2>



Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Clean Air Act of 1990</h2>



The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cap-and-trade success</h2>



Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.



The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technology advances</h2>



Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.



The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today">Why we don't hear about it today</h2>



Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Success doesn't make news</h2>



There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mission accomplished</h2>



The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone">Is it really gone?</h2>



The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.



EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What this teaches us</h2>



The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.



Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.



Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.



This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.



Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Sources: This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



1. Is acid rain completely gone? No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.



2. How long did solving take? Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.



3. What made the solution successful? Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.



4. Do other countries have acid rain problems? Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.



5. Could acid rain return? Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.



6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"? The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

Fresh,Radish,Harvest,On,Soil,In,Garden.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
</div></figure>







Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving fall garden, and this guide lays out the best vegetables and herbs to plant now for a fruitful autumn harvest. 



Fast-growing leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, and arugula perform especially well in the waning summer heat, with harvests beginning as soon as 30 days. 



These cool-season crops relish the transition into fall, offering repeated yields with cut-and-come-again methods.



Root vegetables like radishes, carrots, and beets also excel during this period. Radishes deliver satisfaction in under a month, while carrots and beets mature in about two months. Employing succession planting ensures a continuous stream of produce deep into the cooler months. 



For a boost of fresh flavor, herbs like cilantro, basil, dill, and chervil are excellent picks. These heat-loving varieties flourish in July’s warmth and are harvest-ready in about 30 days, especially when sown continuously.



Gardeners in zones 6 through 9 can benefit from planting bush beans and snap peas, which don’t require trellising and are ideal for compact plots. 



Maturing in 50–60 days, they’re a smart choice for quick, protein-rich harvests. For those in hotter regions, heat-tolerant crops such as okra and southern peas provide reliable yields and thrive in scorching conditions.



This guide emphasizes more than crop selection—it highlights the importance of timing, soil preparation, and ongoing sowing techniques. 



With thoughtful planning and attention to regional climate needs, even late-summer gardeners can enjoy fresh salads, hearty stews, and the satisfaction of a robust, homegrown harvest well into fall.



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving...

Green,Ecoduct,Over,An,Empty,Highway,During,Sunset.

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A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. 



Frogs and salamanders often cross roads to reach breeding ponds each spring, but many are killed by vehicles. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. 



Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. 



The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.



Funded at $342,397 - far cheaper than wildlife crossings for large mammals - the project showcased the power of community-led conservation.



Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.



This marks the first peer-reviewed, long-term data set in the northeastern U.S. confirming amphibian-specific underpasses work. 



The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1617138125000780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal for Nature Conservation</a>.



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



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Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer 



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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