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...

Bats, often overshadowed by birds in discussions of long-distance migration, are now starting to be recognized for their remarkable travel feats.&nbsp;



A new study by scientists at the <a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</a> (MPI-AB) has provided unprecedented insights into the migration strategies of common noctule <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-can-ramp-up-their-heart-rate-to-900-beats-per-minute/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a>. 



Using advanced tracking technology, the researchers discovered that these small mammals exploit storm fronts to maximize their energy efficiency during migration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-tech-window-into-bat-behavior">High-tech window into bat behavior</h2>



“The sensor data are amazing!” said Edward Hurme, a postdoctoral researcher at MPI-AB and the Cluster of Excellence Collective Behavior at the <a href="https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Konstanz</a>.&nbsp;



“We don’t just see the path that bats took, we also see what they experienced in the environment as they migrated. It’s this context that gives us insight into the crucial decisions that bats made during their costly and dangerous journeys.”



The team employed lightweight, intelligent tracking devices developed by MPI-AB engineers. These tags, which weighed just five percent of the bats’ body mass, recorded extensive data, including activity levels and air temperature, throughout the migration.&nbsp;



The data were transmitted via a long-range network that provided coverage across Europe.&nbsp;



“The tags communicate with us from wherever the bats are because they have coverage across Europe much like a cell phone network,” explained Timm Wild, who led the development of the ICARUS-TinyFoxBatt tag at MPI-AB.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-and-variable-bat-migration-path">Unique and variable bat migration path</h2>



The study focused on 71 common noctule bats during their spring migration, covering up to four weeks. Unlike the predictable corridors often seen in bird migrations, the noctule bats took varied routes, though all moved in a general northeast direction.&nbsp;



“There is no migration corridor,” said Dina Dechmann, a senior author from MPI-AB. “We had assumed that bats were following a unified path, but we now see they are moving all over the landscape in a general northeast direction.”



The research also revealed that noctules can travel nearly 400 kilometers in a single night, a record for the species. However, their migration differs significantly from that of birds.&nbsp;



“Unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-migratory-birds-navigate-with-such-accuracy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>, bats don’t gain weight in preparation for migration,” Dechmann noted. “They need to refuel every night, so their migration has a hopping pattern rather than a straight shot.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-migration-with-weather">Timing migration with weather</h2>



On some nights, the researchers observed a dramatic increase in departures, which Hurme likened to “bat fireworks.” This led the team to investigate the environmental triggers for these events.&nbsp;



They discovered that bats tended to leave when air pressure dropped and temperatures rose - conditions associated with approaching storms.&nbsp;



“They were riding storm fronts, using the support of warm tailwinds,” Hurme explained. The tags also showed that bats expended less energy on these nights, confirming that they harness wind support to power their flights.&nbsp;



“It was known that birds use wind support during migration, and now we see that bats do too,” he added.



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



These findings have significant implications for bat conservation, particularly in mitigating the risks posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wind-turbines-are-displacing-bats-from-their-forest-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wind turbines</a>, a leading cause of bat mortality. “Before this study, we didn’t know what triggered bats to start migrating,” said Hurme.&nbsp;



He expressed optimism that further research could lead to systems capable of forecasting bat migration. Such systems could help wind farms adjust operations to reduce collisions. 



“We can be stewards of bats, helping wind farms to turn off their turbines on nights when bats are streaming through. This is just a small glimpse of what we will find if we all keep working to open that black box.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



Despite these breakthroughs, much remains unknown about the full migration cycle of noctule <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-bats-use-earths-magnetic-field-as-a-compass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a>, which spans approximately 1,600 kilometers annually. The study’s novel tracking technology marks an important step in uncovering the complexities of their behavior. 



“We are still far from observing the complete yearly cycle of long-distance bat migration,” Hurme acknowledged. “The behavior is still a black box, but at least we have a tool that has shed some light.”



By continuing to explore these mysteries, researchers hope to deepen their understanding of bat migration, paving the way for effective conservation strategies and contributing to a broader understanding of animal migration.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade7441" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Bats 'surf' the winds of storms during migration 

Bats, often overshadowed by birds in discussions of long-distance migration,...

Tiny microplastic particles that shed from everyday products like clothing, packaging, and other plastics are ending up in the fish people eat, according to new research conducted by Portland State University (PSU). 



The study highlights the need for strategies and technologies to curb microfiber pollution entering the environment and, ultimately, the human food chain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seafood-contaminated-with-microplastics-nbsp">Seafood contaminated with microplastics&nbsp;</h2>



Previously, <a href="https://www.pdx.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland State University</a>’s Applied Coastal Ecology Lab - led by Elise Granek, professor of environmental science and management - investigated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-steadily-increasing-in-freshwater-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> in bivalves like Pacific oysters and razor clams.&nbsp;



Building on these findings, the researchers turned their attention to commonly consumed finfish and crustaceans.



Summer Traylor, who finished her master’s in environmental management in 2022, led the project with support from undergraduate environmental science major Marilyn Duncan, a 2024 graduate.&nbsp;



They aimed to explore microplastic contamination in Oregon finfish and shellfish, examine differences across trophic levels, and understand how contamination might vary between fish acquired directly from research fishing vessels versus those from supermarkets and seafood vendors.&nbsp;



Traylor’s work later helped her secure a position with the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA), while Duncan plans to pursue microplastics research in graduate school.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-microplastics-in-seafood-species">Identifying microplastics in seafood species</h2>



The research team focused on six species of economic or cultural importance in Oregon: black rockfish, lingcod, Chinook salmon, Pacific herring, Pacific lamprey, and pink <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrimp-crisis-alarming-virus-threatens-global-seafood-supplies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shrimp</a>. They evaluated the amount of anthropogenic particles - materials produced or modified by humans - found in the edible tissues of these species.



In collaboration with Susanne Brander, an ecotoxicologist and associate professor in Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences, the researchers confirmed a subset of suspected microplastics.&nbsp;



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/ftox.2024.1469995" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Toxicology</a>, reported 1,806 suspected particles across 180 of 182 individual samples. Fibers dominated the findings, followed by fragments and films.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smaller-species-have-higher-contamination-levels">Smaller species have higher contamination levels</h2>



Among the species tested, pink shrimp, which filter-feed close to the water’s surface, displayed the highest concentrations of particles in their edible tissues. Chinook salmon registered the lowest, with black rockfish and lingcod falling somewhere in the middle.



“We found that the smaller organisms that we sampled seem to be ingesting more anthropogenic, non-nutritious particles,” Granek said.&nbsp;



“Shrimp and small fish, like herring, are eating smaller food items like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zooplankton-poop-can-be-used-to-store-carbon-in-the-deep-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zooplankton</a>. Other studies have found high concentrations of plastics in the area in which zooplankton accumulate and these anthropogenic particles may resemble zooplankton and thus be taken up for animals that feed on zooplankton.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastic-contamination-in-processed-fish">Microplastic contamination in processed fish</h2>



Although the researchers initially believed that handling and packaging fish might introduce additional microplastics, their findings varied among the species.&nbsp;



The experts rinsed off fillets and shrimp to simulate typical home preparation, suggesting that in certain cases, external contaminants on the surface may be washed away before cooking.&nbsp;



Even so, the study provides clear evidence of widespread microplastic contamination within the tissues of Oregon’s marine and freshwater species.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-are-widespread-in-the-environment-nbsp">Microplastics are widespread in the environment&nbsp;</h2>



The results signal the need for further research on how these particles move into muscle tissue, which humans consume, and on policy actions to regulate anthropogenic particles.&nbsp;



“This project established critical baseline data for West Coast fisheries stakeholders and highlighted how much we still do not know about these pervasive microplastic pollutants,” Traylor noted. Now a NOAA Corps Officer, she is continuing to gather baseline microplastic data in the Gulf of Mexico.



Granek cautions against avoiding seafood altogether, reminding people that microplastics permeate many parts of our environment.&nbsp;



“If we are disposing of and utilizing products that release microplastics, those microplastics make their way into the environment, and are taken up by things we eat,” she said. “What we put out into the environment ends up back on our plates.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-solutions-for-safer-seafood">Finding solutions for safer seafood</h2>



In response to these findings, Granek’s lab is increasingly working toward finding viable solutions.&nbsp;



“We’re continuing to do work to understand the effects of anthropogenic particles on animals, but we’re also moving into experimental work to test what are effective solutions to reduce microplastics entering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>,” she explained.



Granek leads a $1.9 million NOAA-funded project exploring cost-effective filtration solutions for washing machines, dishwashers, and clothes dryers.&nbsp;



Another project, supported by Oregon Sea Grant, will install six catch basin filters in stormwater drains in two coastal towns. These filters aim to reduce road runoff before it flows into waterways. Brander’s lab collaborates on both projects, further illustrating the collective effort to confront microplastic pollution.



As evidenced by this study, microplastics in marine species have broader environmental and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-marine-protected-areas-boost-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human health</a> implications.&nbsp;



By continuing to research contamination levels, understanding the biological pathways of microplastics, and developing practical solutions, scientists hope to protect marine ecosystems and ensure that the seafood reaching dinner tables is safer for everyone.



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If you eat fish or any kind of seafood, you are likely eating microplastics

Tiny microplastic particles that shed from everyday products like clothing,...

When a new species enters an ecosystem, it might establish itself successfully or fail to gain a foothold. Researchers at MIT have recently devised a formula to predict these outcomes. The research is based on extensive modeling and laboratory experiments with soil bacteria. 



The findings, which could apply to ecosystems ranging from forests to the human gut microbiome, offer valuable insights into the dynamics of species interactions and potential applications in medicine and environmental science.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanics-of-species-invasions">Mechanics of species invasions</h2>



<a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> physicists, led by Jeff Gore, a professor of physics, analyzed hundreds of experimental scenarios to determine the factors that influence whether an introduced species succeeds.&nbsp;



The team’s formula, grounded in their research on bacterial communities, could have implications for understanding natural ecosystems, improving probiotics, or enhancing treatments like fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).



“People eat a lot of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/probiotics-help-overweight-dogs-shed-pounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">probiotics</a>, but many of them can never invade our gut microbiome at all, because if you introduce it, it does not necessarily mean that it can grow and colonize and benefit your health,” noted study lead author Jiliang Hu, a PhD student at MIT.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experimenting-with-bacterial-communities">Experimenting with bacterial communities</h2>



The researchers studied over 400 soil bacterial communities, each comprising 12 to 20 species native to soil around MIT. They introduced a new bacterial species into each community and monitored the outcomes over 12 days.&nbsp;



By sequencing bacterial genomes, the team assessed whether the invader had successfully established itself.



To further understand the role of environmental factors, the team varied the nutrient levels in the bacteria’s culture medium. High nutrient levels often led to intense species interactions, such as competition for food or inhibition through mechanisms like pH-mediated cross-toxin effects.



The researchers observed two types of community behavior: stable populations, where species numbers remained constant, and fluctuating populations, where species abundance varied over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-factors-in-successful-species-invasions-nbsp">Key factors in successful species invasions&nbsp;</h2>



The study revealed that fluctuations in population size were a critical determinant of invasion success. Communities with higher levels of fluctuation were more diverse and more prone to successful invasions.&nbsp;



“The fluctuation is not driven by changes in the environment, but it is internal fluctuation driven by the species interaction,” Hu explained. “And what we found is that the fluctuating communities are more readily invaded and also more diverse than the stable ones.”



In stable communities with less diversity and stronger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-evolution-was-shaped-by-competition-not-just-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interspecies competition</a>, invaders were less likely to succeed. In fluctuating ecosystems, however, the invader sometimes coexisted with the original species, albeit in smaller numbers. In other cases, the invader outcompeted and replaced certain resident species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-interactions-and-the-survival-fraction-nbsp">Species interactions and the “survival fraction”&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers identified a factor they call the “survival fraction” - the proportion of the original species that remain after an invasion - as a reliable predictor of invasion success.&nbsp;



In natural ecosystems, this survival fraction could be approximated by comparing local diversity (species in a specific area) to regional diversity (species in a broader region).



Another important finding was the influence of the order in which species arrive in an ecosystem.&nbsp;



When species interactions were strong, the likelihood of an invader succeeding decreased if it was introduced later. However, when interactions were weaker, the arrival order had little impact, and communities reached similar equilibrium states regardless.



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



The researchers plan to apply their formula to larger ecosystems and explore its relevance to the human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-have-very-clever-ways-of-supporting-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiome</a>. For example, the formula could help predict the success of probiotics or FMT treatments for infections like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-hospital-infections-have-a-mysterious-trigger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">C. difficile</a>.&nbsp;



“Invasions can be harmful or can be good depending on the context,” Hu noted. “In some cases, like probiotics, or FMT to treat C. difficile infection, we want the healthy species to invade successfully.”



In agriculture, the formula could guide efforts to introduce beneficial microbes into soil to enhance plant growth or protect crops from pathogens.&nbsp;



Similarly, it could inform conservation strategies by predicting how ecosystems might respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-threat-of-invasive-species-requires-immediate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a> or restoration efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



Future studies will test whether the local-to-regional diversity ratio can predict invasion success in ecosystems where diversity data is available.&nbsp;



The team also aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms that drive the observed population fluctuations and how these dynamics apply across various ecological contexts.



This study, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02618-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology and Evolution</a>, sheds light on the complex interplay of species interactions, diversity, and environmental factors in shaping the outcomes of biological invasions, with potential applications spanning environmental conservation, agriculture, and human health.



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Ecosystem attack: Predicting the success of species invasions

When a new species enters an ecosystem, it might establish...

Canada lynx are elusive predators, uniquely adapted to the harsh conditions of the Rockies. They can traverse deep snow with ease and spot prey in the darkness from up to 250 feet away. Their keen senses make them formidable hunters, but tracking these cats offers a rare glimpse into their lives, habitats, and the challenges they face.



Researchers have used GPS data and advanced habitat modeling to map and study lynx habitats, focusing on the southern Rocky Mountains in western Colorado, southern Wyoming, and northern New Mexico.



This region marks the southernmost edge of their range. The findings reveal critical insights into the lynx’s habitat needs and conservation priorities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-lynx-habitat-a-conservation-tool">Mapping lynx habitat: A conservation tool</h2>



Updated habitat maps reveal that more than half of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canada-lynxs-historic-range-points-to-a-promising-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canada lynx</a>'s range in the southern Rockies lies within protected areas, such as wilderness zones and national parks. 



While this is a positive finding, the maps also highlight challenges: lynx habitat in this region is highly fragmented and exists in small, disconnected patches. This fragmentation is due to Colorado's complex mountainous terrain, which restricts suitable lynx habitat to narrow, scattered bands.



These maps serve a critical role in conservation efforts. They identify key wildlife corridors - pathways that lynx use to move between habitat patches. Maintaining these corridors is essential for ensuring habitat connectivity, which helps lynx populations thrive by allowing them to find food, mates, and shelter.



Additionally, the maps help conservation managers pinpoint areas where human activities, wildfires, or forest insect outbreaks may disrupt lynx habitats, allowing for targeted efforts to address these threats and promote habitat preservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-habitat-characteristics">Key habitat characteristics</h2>



Lynx thrive in high-elevation spruce-fir forests with dense horizontal cover provided by low-hanging tree branches. This environment supports snowshoe hares, which form up to 90% of their winter diet. 



Reintroduced to the southern Rockies over 20 years ago, lynx <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-conservation-day-2024-saving-species-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a> have since rebounded, with several generations successfully establishing themselves.



To refine their understanding of lynx habitats, the researchers analyzed GPS tracking data alongside over 40 environmental factors, including precipitation, vegetation, road density, and slope.



The models identified areas with high probabilities of lynx occupancy, breeding, and raising young - offering vital guidance for conservation efforts.



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



The study also explored how disturbances - such as wildfires, insect outbreaks, and human activity - overlap with lynx habitats. While insect outbreaks affected 31% of likely habitat, their impact is relatively minor.



“We know that lynx continue to occupy areas after insects kill the overstory trees during spruce-beetle outbreaks,” explained Dr. John Squires, principal investigator. Young conifer growth and surviving trees often sustain hares, mitigating the impact of these outbreaks.



Wildfires, however, present a more significant threat. Lynx tend to avoid fire-impacted areas until the understory regrows, which can take over 50 years. 



Though wildfires overlapped only 5% of lynx habitat from 1990–2022, high-severity fires are a growing risk due to climate change and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-2024-a-call-for-land-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increased forest vulnerability</a>.



“Frequent, high-severity fire is the main risk to lynx in high-elevation forests moving forward,” Squires noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impacts-temporary-vs-permanent-changes">Human impacts: Temporary vs. permanent changes</h2>



Human activities, such as timber harvesting and prescribed burns, impact a smaller portion of lynx habitat compared to other disturbances. These activities typically result in temporary changes to the forest, as the vegetation eventually regrows and the habitat can recover over time.



In contrast, urban development and the expansion of ski resorts lead to permanent habitat loss. These activities replace natural landscapes with buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, making it impossible for the affected areas to return to their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canada-lynx-survival-linked-to-life-cycle-of-snowshoe-hares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">original state</a>. 



As a result, urbanization and ski resort expansion pose a more significant, long-term threat to lynx conservation than temporary changes caused by forest management practices.



“We were surprised at how little lynx habitat overlapped areas of managed forest and human development,” said Dr. Lucretia Olson, a co-author of the study. “We hope our work will reach managers who make complex decisions about land uses.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-conservation-efforts">Collaborative conservation efforts</h2>



The success of this research highlights the importance of partnerships between agencies and organizations. 



“Close collaboration across state and federal agencies in terms of data sharing, logistical support, and added expertise made this research possible,” said Squires.



By combining cutting-edge tools with collaborative efforts, this research provides a robust foundation for conserving Canada lynx in the southern Rockies. Protecting these majestic cats requires continued vigilance, strategic land management, and a commitment to maintaining their delicate mountain habitats.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10531-024-02978-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biodiversity and Conservation</a>.



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Protecting lynx habitat in a shifting landscape

Canada lynx are elusive predators, uniquely adapted to the harsh...

The sixth extinction, also known as the Anthropocene extinction, refers to the ongoing, unprecedented loss of species. Unlike previous mass extinction events in Earth's history, which were driven by natural phenomena such as massive volcanic eruptions, the current extinction crisis is largely attributed to human activities.



In a recent study, a team of Irish researchers set out to examine how the public reacts to hearing the news of a species extinction. 



The analysis revealed that while social media users show an initial surge of sympathy, the sentiment fades quickly. This fleeting engagement raises questions about how deeply people connect with conservation issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-reaction-to-species-extinction">Public reaction to species extinction</h2>



The study was led by researchers from the University of Galway, <a href="https://www.ucd.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College Dublin</a>, and <a href="https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maynooth University</a>. The goal was to examine how people react to the extinction of different species.



The researchers focused on eight species, including the famous Lonesome George - the last known Pinta Island tortoise who became a symbol of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-conservation-day-2024-saving-species-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>.



They also studied lesser-known species, such as Captain Cook's bean snail and the Rabbs fringe-limbed treefrog, which have similarly disappeared from the planet.



To gather insights, the team used a method called "culturomics." This approach involves analyzing digital data to track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-how-and-when-humans-and-mammals-will-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultural trends</a> and public interest. 



By studying online activity, the researchers analyzed over two million <a href="https://www.wikipedia.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wikipedia</a> page visits and more than 100,000 tweets and retweets from 2007 to 2023. 



This data helped them understand how people react online to extinction news, revealing patterns of interest, mourning, and engagement across different platforms.



“In our study, we tracked changes in tweets and Wikipedia page visits before and after the extinction of eight species ranging from Lonesome George to more obscure species such as the bean snail,” explained Dr. Kevin Healy of the <a href="https://www.universityofgalway.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Galway</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-spike-in-interest-then-silence">A spike in interest, then silence</h2>



The findings revealed that public interest in extinction news spikes dramatically on social media immediately after a species is declared extinct. 



“Overall, it does look like people care and are saddened by the news of extinction. We see words like 'RIP' and 'lost' commonly appear, and that the location of tweets expands from close to the species range to across the globe after extinction,” noted Dr. Susan Canavan, the study’s lead author.



The researchers found that while social media platforms see a short-lived surge in activity following news of a species' extinction, Wikipedia exhibits a different pattern. Wikipedia page visits remained steady over time, showing sustained interest in learning about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-was-the-cause-of-earths-largest-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinct species</a>.



This suggests that people turn to Wikipedia for deeper, long-term exploration of the topic, whereas social media reactions are often immediate and brief. 



The contrast highlights how different platforms serve distinct purposes: social media captures initial emotional responses and fleeting discussions, while Wikipedia supports extended engagement and information-seeking behavior. 



This difference signifies the varied ways people process and interact with extinction news depending on the platform they use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-awareness">Impact of awareness</h2>



The study highlights the potential power of public engagement in conservation. 



“People’s engagement with conservation issues, such as extinction, does matter, as it can drive funding, or add support for conservation policy and even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-cheetah-day-2024-racing-against-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influence conversations</a> on controversial topics such as attempting to bring species back from extinction using biotechnology,” Dr. Healy emphasized.



The passing of Lonesome George in 2012 captured worldwide attention. His death symbolized the vulnerability of species and highlighted the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect endangered animals.



Similarly, the extinction of other species, such as the Bramble Cay mosaic-tailed rat - the first mammal believed to have gone extinct due to climate change - and the West African black rhinoceros, sparked global discussions.



These events not only raised awareness about the threats facing wildlife but also ignited conversations on the broader impact of human activities on biodiversity. 



Each extinction served as a poignant reminder of the importance of conservation and the irreversible loss caused by species disappearing forever.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mourning-species-extinction-in-the-digital-age">Mourning species extinction in the digital age</h2>



The research reveals a bittersweet reality: while people momentarily mourn extinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-one-third-of-the-worlds-trees-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>, the depth of engagement often doesn't last. 



The rise in global conversations about extinction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) shows that people care, but the fleeting nature of this concern highlights the challenges conservation efforts face in maintaining momentum.



Ultimately, this study offers valuable insights into how the public connects with conservation issues. It also raises a crucial question: how can we transform brief moments of mourning into lasting action to prevent further losses?



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Public concern over species extinctions fades quickly

The sixth extinction, also known as the Anthropocene extinction, refers...

The idea of life continuing on Earth without humans has a way of catching our attention. Our species has spread across land and sea, altering the planet in countless ways.



Still, Earth’s history shows that no species lasts forever. It can be sobering to consider a future without us, but it also sparks plenty of curiosity about what might follow in our absence.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-discovery-anadoluvius-turkae-suggests-humans-originated-in-europe-not-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human beings</a> have been at the center of ecological change on Earth for thousands of years. Our inventions and communities have reshaped forests, oceans, and even the atmosphere. 



Yet many researchers say nature will adapt once we are gone. This leads to questions about who - or what - would occupy our spot.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-after-humans">Earth after humans</h2>



<a href="https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/tim-coulson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Tim Coulson</a> from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> has spent years studying biology and evolution. He believes our disappearance could open the door to surprising new species that take over Earth’s ecological roles.



In his book, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/459065/the-universal-history-of-us-by-coulson-tim/9780241662304" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Universal History of Us</a>, he traces life’s entire history and zeroes in on a single, striking prediction about what might come next.



One of his main themes involves evolution, which he describes as the “gradual change in living organisms over time as they better adapt to their environments.”



He emphasizes that “most mutations are harmful, but a few provide a survival or reproductive advantage.” Because genes are heritable, these beneficial mutations become more common over generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-selection-and-change">Natural selection and change</h2>



Mutations, in Coulson’s view, drive life forward despite the risks. Yet he reminds readers that no species is permanent.



“Extinction is the fate of all species, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-how-and-when-humans-and-mammals-will-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">including humans</a>, although let’s hope our demise is far in the future.” 



That message can feel unsettling. But it also serves as a reminder that every life form, no matter how successful, eventually faces an endpoint.



Coulson’s outlook stems from years of research into how species emerge, survive, and sometimes vanish. “I started to wonder what species might take our place if humans, and our close great ape relatives, were to die out,” he says.



Once humans are removed from the picture, Earth's ecosystems could find balance again, which might allow new creatures to fill the empty slots.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-forms-of-intelligence-emerge">New forms of intelligence emerge</h2>



Nobody knows if the next ruling life form would mirror humanity. Coulson proposes that “new forms of intelligence and complexity could emerge in unexpected ways.”



This opens the possibility that a future species might come up with solutions and technologies unlike any we can picture right now.



Some believe that primates are the likeliest successors, but Coulson raises doubts.



“Primates depend heavily on strong social networks,” he explains, along with the idea that “they engage in activities like hunting, grooming, and defense, which are essential for their survival. These constraints might help them struggle to adjust to a world undergoing dramatic ecological shifts.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-successor-to-humans-on-earth">Potential successor to humans on Earth</h2>



In place of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-group-cohesion-common-enemy-effect-do-not-kill-inside-their-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primate relatives</a>, Coulson offers a contender that many might find startling: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-octopus-day-the-intelligent-creatures-of-the-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the octopus</a>. He points to their cleverness and adaptability.



“Their ability to solve complex problems, communicate with one another in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-ringed-octopus-a-master-of-deception-inspires-new-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flashes of color</a>, and manipulate objects suggests that, given the right <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turquets-octopus-dna-tells-scientists-that-west-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse-is-close/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental conditions</a>, they could evolve into a civilization-building species.”



He adds, “their advanced neural structure, decentralized nervous system, and remarkable problem-solving skills make several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-dumbo-octopus-captured-on-film-and-video-in-hawaii/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species of octopus</a> well suited for an unpredictable world.”



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-seas-impair-octopus-vision-to-a-critical-extent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Octopuses</a> already have a reputation for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-octopus-has-mastered-the-art-of-multispecies-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">being creative</a> and a bit mischievous. 



“Some individuals even escape from their tanks at night in some research centers, visiting those of their neighbors, believe it or not,” Coulson says. They are known to use tools, open jars, and display signs of curiosity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-underwater">Life underwater</h2>



If humans were gone, oceans might become even more central to Earth’s future. Though land-based creatures have typically held top positions on the food chain, Coulson notes a critical challenge for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-octopuses-dream-a-recent-study-shows-octopuses-sleep-is-very-similar-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopuses</a>.



“Octopuses are unlikely to adapt to life on land due to their lack of a skeleton, which makes swift and agile movement out of water challenging,” he explained.



"With evolutionary advances, it is possible, if not probable, that they might develop ways to breathe outside of water and eventually hunt terrestrial animals like deer, sheep, and other mammals - assuming they have survived the catastrophic event that drove humans extinct."



That sounds extreme. Yet Coulson is simply highlighting how evolution can lead life down paths that seem impossible at first.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-would-octopus-earth-look-like">What would octopus-Earth look like?</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopuses-adapt-to-seasonal-temperatures-by-rewiring-their-brains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Octopuses</a> might build underwater habitats, find new ways to interact with their surroundings, and even reach beyond the waves one day.



“Would octopuses build vast underwater cities and come onto land wearing breathing apparatus to shoot a deer? We’ve no way of knowing,” he says.



No one predicted that ancient primates would slowly turn into bipedal humans with advanced technology.



Coulson believes that “random mutations, unforeseen extinction events, and population bottlenecks can all significantly influence the trajectory of evolution.” This means the future is wide open, shaped by countless variables that scientists can’t fully predict.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impossible-to-know-fun-to-think-about">Impossible to know, fun to think about</h2>



“The future of life on Earth is shaped by countless variables,” he points out. The path of evolution might take strange turns. Some scenarios might never pan out. Others could surprise us by unfolding in real time.



“But could <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopus-and-squid-senses-linked-to-human-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopuses replace humans</a> - and potentially also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primates-face-an-uncertain-future-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primates</a> - if they were to die out? Absolutely. They could become the brains of the sea.”



For now, it remains an intriguing thought experiment to imagine aquatic invertebrates overseeing a planet once dominated by upright mammals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imagining-earth-without-humans">Imagining Earth without humans</h2>



Coulson does not claim that this outcome is inevitable. Instead, he suggests it as a lesson in how nature might rearrange itself without us. 



Earth’s past is packed with examples of life enduring massive upheavals. It’s possible that intelligence, in some form, might spring up long after humans are gone.



His book underscores evolution’s capacity to produce forms and behaviors that seem strange from our perspective.



This speculation encourages us to think about the delicate nature of our own hold on the planet. Our species is part of a story that began ages ago, and life will keep moving forward, one step at a time.



The full interview was published in <a href="https://the-european.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The European</a>.



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Which animal will replace humans as Earth's dominant species? This scientist has an idea

The idea of life continuing on Earth without humans has...

Picture this: an eel so unique that it stands apart from its peers and charts its own course in the aquatic world. This captivating creature is none other than the Hades' snake moray eel.



Unlike other moray eels, this particular species thrives in dim and muddy river mouths, adding an intriguing twist to the common moray narrative.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-habitat-and-traits-of-the-hades-eel">Unique habitat and traits of the Hades’ eel</h2>



The Hades’ snake moray, scientifically known as Uropterygius hades, is a slim, dark brown, serpent-like eel that is widely recognized for its distinctive lifestyle.



This one-of-a-kind creature is distributed across the Central Indo-Pacific region in southern Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, southern Java, and Fiji.



The dark, formidable hue of this eel and its unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-lack-critical-fish-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a>, combined with its unusual burrowing behavior and extreme light sensitivity, have earned it the name of the underworld god, Hades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-species-in-an-unlikely-environment">New species in an unlikely environment</h2>



This new species was brought to light by a team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.nsysu.edu.tw/?Lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Sun Yat-sen University</a> in Taiwan, Western Philippines University, and the Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History and Human History in Japan.



The researchers were inspired by Ralph Fiennes' portrayal of Hades in the movie Clash of the Titans, which is how the Hades' snake moray eel got its name. 



There are currently about 230 recognized species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-eels-have-a-secret-weapon-to-generate-electricity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moray eels</a>, with the majority inhabiting marine environments.



Only one has been confirmed to exist predominantly in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-steadily-increasing-in-freshwater-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a> and some, like the slender giant moray, occasionally venture into low-salinity habitats such as river mouths.



Moray eels that are specifically adapted to live in estuarine habitats are exceedingly rare.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unexpected-encounter">An unexpected encounter</h2>



Interestingly, the discovery of the Hades’ snake moray was made by accident.



Researchers from National Sun Yat-sen University were conducting a survey of the bean-eyed snake moray, a creature known for its highly reduced eye size, within the caves of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.



The goal was to use this eel as a case study to understand the evolutionary processes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-eels-have-a-secret-weapon-to-generate-electricity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eel adaptation</a> to cave environments.



But, the team had a surprise in store. Instead of the bean-eyed eel, the researchers stumbled upon a slender, uniformly deep, dark-colored eel that turned out to be the Hades' snake moray.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-of-the-hades-snake-moray-eel">Lifestyle of the Hades' snake moray eel</h2>



So, what makes this eel so special? Its lifestyle and habits are intriguing, to say the least. 



In an aquatic tank, this eel exhibits tail-first <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-new-species-of-burrowing-scorpions-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">burrowing</a> behavior, which is a rare trait among morays. It is unusually sensitive to light, and constantly seeks refuge from brightness.



Its small eyes, likely adapted to low-light environments, along with reduced sensory pores in the head - presumably to prevent clogging by substrate - indicate that this species may excel at burrowing.



The discovery of the Hades' snake moray eel pushes the boundaries of our knowledge of aquatic life. It serves as a reminder of the fascinating biodiversity that lies around every corner of our planet, waiting for curious minds to uncover.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-and-conservation">Ecological role and conservation </h2>



Despite its elusive nature, the Hades' snake moray eel plays an important role in its estuarine ecosystem. 



By inhabiting river mouths and burrowing into the substrate, this eel likely contributes to sediment turnover and helps to maintain the delicate balance of these muddy environments.



Its preference for low-light, turbid waters also indicates its adaptability to conditions that many aquatic species would find inhospitable.



However, the specialized habitat of this eel makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes. 



River mouths across the Central Indo-Pacific are increasingly under threat from pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change, which could disrupt the unique conditions that the Hades' snake moray eel requires to thrive.



Protecting the estuarine habitats of this species is crucial for preserving not only the eel itself but also the broader biodiversity of these ecosystems. 



Continued research and monitoring of Uropterygius hades will be essential to understand its ecological role and to inform conservation strategies for this and other unique river-dwelling species.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/129685/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ZooKeys</a>.



Image Credit: Dr. Wen-Chien Huang



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Serpent-like eel named after Hades, god of the underworld

Picture this: an eel so unique that it stands apart...

A recent study has revealed the presence of a rare parasite called Sarcocystis miescheriana in a domestic pig in central Poland. 



The finding has captured attention because it involved cysts large enough to be spotted during routine meat inspection at a slaughterhouse. Such occurrences are seldom recorded, which makes this detection especially noteworthy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rarely-seen-but-concerning">Rarely seen, but concerning</h2>



Experts point out that large, visible cystic lesions associated with <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/sarcocystis-miescheriana#:~:text=Protozoan%20Parasites&amp;text=Sarcocystis%20forms%20cysts%2C%20also%20known,streaks%20arranged%20lengthwise%20in%20muscles." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sarcocystis miescheriana</a> do not show up in pigs very often. 



The research describing this event appears in the Journal of Veterinary Research and has underscored how crucial it is to catch uncommon cases during meat inspections. 



In general, most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pigs-slow-growth-diet-increases-longevity-productivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pigs</a> do not exhibit any obvious weight loss or breathing problems when infected. This subtle presentation can make early identification challenging in typical farming setups.



A dedicated research team led by <a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8266-581X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Weronika Korpysa-Dzirba</a> from the Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases at the National Veterinary Research Institute (<a href="https://www.nvri.gov.ng/parasitology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NVRI</a>) utilized molecular methods, such as analyzing <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/4512#:~:text=the%20presence%20of%20one%20or,in%20blood%20platelets%20during%20aging." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">specific genes</a>, to confirm that these rice-grain-sized nodules were indeed S. miescheriana. 



They extracted ten lesions - each about 0.39 inches long by 0.12 inches wide (1 cm x 0.3 cm) and verified them through gene sequencing. 



Testing confirmed the parasite’s presence, marking the first time scientists have used molecular tools in Poland to verify the presence of S. miescheriana in a pig.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-farmers-and-slaughterhouses">Impact on farmers and slaughterhouses</h2>



Carcass condemnation is possible when these lesions appear, since they raise safety flags during post-mortem inspection. Economic hits can follow if part or all of a carcass gets rejected.&nbsp;



Beyond financial losses, the presence of parasites calls for more frequent monitoring and better farm management. 



Ongoing tests could help producers avoid surprises at the slaughterhouse, which in turn safeguards public confidence in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-pig-day-honoring-the-role-of-an-underappreciated-animal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pork products</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-this-pig-parasite">What is this pig parasite?</h2>



“Sarcocystis infections are quite prevalent in farm animals (higher than 70% in some herbivore populations); however, there have been few outbreaks of clinical disease. Most animals are asymptomatic, and the tissue cysts (chronic stage) are [typically] discovered only at slaughter,” stated the <a href="https://www.merckvetmanual.com/musculoskeletal-system/sarcocystosis/sarcocystosis-in-animals#Etiology,-Transmission,-and-Pathogenesis_v3286641" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Merck Veterinary Manual</a>. This reference also notes that severe infections can lead to condemned meat if cysts are visible. Even though subclinical infections may not affect an animal’s day-to-day appearance, the discovery of noticeable cysts can trigger concern among inspectors and consumers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-human-awareness-matters">Why human awareness matters</h2>



“In the intestinal type, people get infected by eating undercooked meat containing the parasite. In the muscular type, eating food or water contaminated with the parasite is a risk factor," warns the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/sarcocystosis/about/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDC</a>.



"An animal will defecate a form of the parasite out, which can then contaminate food or water that people may drink."



Although S. miescheriana itself is not considered transmissible to humans, other varieties, such as S. hominis and S. suihominis, do pose a risk. 



Vigilance in the meat supply chain can help cut down on the chance that people get infected, and proper cooking and handling of the meat is essential to keep the parasites at bay.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-the-bigger-picture">Investigating the bigger picture</h2>



Researchers have suggested that future studies should determine how often S. miescheriana appears in both domestic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-boar-found-with-alarming-levels-of-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild pigs</a>. At the moment, data on the frequency and distribution of infections remains patchy. 



Molecular testing could become a standard part of swine meat inspection if scientists confirm significant risks. This would help pinpoint infected herds more swiftly, reduce the spread of infection, and catch other parasitic species that are more dangerous to people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-reduce-pig-parasite-risk">How to reduce pig parasite risk</h2>



Pork producers can lower the odds of Sarcocystis contamination by improving on-farm hygiene. Measures like stopping dogs or wild canids from roaming near pig pens may help because the parasite can cycle among animals through fecal contamination.&nbsp;



Adequate disinfection methods in barns and strict feed control can also cut down infection rates. Another level of defense is making sure pork is cooked thoroughly, which inactivates <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-parks-may-be-fueling-parasite-outbreaks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parasites</a> that might lurk in undercooked meat.



Experts plan to broaden their use of modern lab techniques at slaughterhouses. They hope this will catch parasitic infections before they enter the market. 



Regulatory bodies could use these methods, along with conventional inspections, to give consumers safer products and maintain trust in the pork sector. 



Some producers might see higher costs if advanced testing becomes routine, yet these steps could help avoid the larger price tag of losing entire carcasses due to suspicious lesions.



The full research report will be published in the <a href="https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/jvetres-2024-0067" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Veterinary Research</a>.



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Scientists report first case of rare parasite in pigs, posing human health risks

A recent study has revealed the presence of a rare...

Many of the foods we enjoy, such as apples, almonds, and pumpkin spices, rely on pollinators like bees and butterflies. These organisms play a critical role in producing one-third of our food supply and significantly impact the quality, flavor, and market value of crops.



A recent study&nbsp;by researchers from the University of Göttingen sheds light on this underexplored yet critical aspect of agriculture.



Pollinators influence crop quality through their movement across plantations and the variety of plants they visit. However, current strategies tend to focus heavily on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollen-wars-plants-compete-for-space-on-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supporting pollinators</a> while neglecting the importance of plant quality.



The researchers argue that understanding species-specific pollinator behavior and strategic crop variety distribution can significantly enhance fruit quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollination-s-impact-on-global-agriculture">Pollination’s impact on global agriculture</h2>



Animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollination</a> plays a vital role in global agriculture, contributing to two-thirds of the world's most important crops. 



These crops - such as fruits, nuts, and pulses - rely on pollinators like bees and are valued at hundreds of billions of US dollars annually. Beyond supporting food production, animal pollination ensures the supply of essential nutrients.



For instance, pollinator-dependent crops provide over 90% of the dietary vitamin C we consume, along with substantial levels of carotenoids and antioxidants, which are crucial for human health.



Pollinators, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-bee-day-2024-bee-engaged-with-youth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a>, directly enhance the nutritional and commercial value of crops. In the case of rapeseed, bees increase its polyunsaturated fatty acid and total oil content, making the crop healthier and more valuable. 



Similarly, they improve avocado production by boosting the oil content and increasing the fruit's weight, leading to better quality and higher market value. This highlights the indispensable role of animal pollination not just in crop yields but also in enhancing food quality and nutritional benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollinators-and-fruit-quality">Pollinators and fruit quality</h2>



The research highlights that not all pollinators or crops are the same when it comes to improving fruit quality. The type of pollinator species, the variety of the crop, and the quality of the pollen they transfer all play crucial roles in determining the final quality of the fruit.



If there are changes in how pollinators behave or in the arrangement of plants within a field, cross-pollination between different plant varieties might not happen effectively. This can lead to reduced fruit quality or failed pollination altogether.



Therefore, it is not just about having enough pollinators present, but also ensuring the right types of pollinators <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-plants-generate-heat-to-attract-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interact with crops</a> in the right ways and at the right times. 



The spatial movement of pollinators and how they engage with different plant varieties in the field are key factors in producing high-quality crops.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-need-for-quality-oriented-research">The need for quality-oriented research</h2>



The study was conducted by Professor Teja Tscharntke, Dr. Carolina Ocampo-Ariza, and Dr. Wiebke Kämper from the Functional Agrobiodiversity and Agroecology Group at the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Göttingen</a>.



“The results of our review show that future research should not only focus on the quantity but also more on the quality of the crops. After all, a better nutrient composition benefits the health of consumers,” noted the researchers.



They advocate for the following: promoting cross-pollination by considering crop variety and pollen quality; comparing the quality of self-pollinated and cross-pollinated varieties; and designing cultivated areas and landscapes to maximize pollinator mobility.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-crop-improvement-with-pollinators">Sustainable crop improvement with pollinators</h2>



By applying these recommendations, agriculture can achieve more than just higher yields - crops can be produced with superior nutritional value. This calls for a detailed understanding of how pollinator behavior, crop variety, and pollen quality interact to influence fruit quality.



An effective strategy ensures that pollinators are not only present but also appropriately paired with the right crop varieties. This targeted approach boosts nutrient content, enhances sensory appeal, and raises the commercial value of crops.



Such practices directly benefit farmers through better harvests and profits, while consumers gain access to healthier, more nutritious food.



Additionally, this approach supports <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-twist-in-the-evolution-of-plant-pollinator-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable agriculture</a> by promoting biodiversity and optimizing pollinator movement. It promotes a balanced system where the needs of the environment, farmers, and consumers are met, contributing to long-term agricultural success.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/fulltext/S1360-1385(24)00272-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Plant Science</a>.



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How pollinators boost the nutritional value of crops

Many of the foods we enjoy, such as apples, almonds,...

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza A virus (HPAI H5N1) remains a low risk to the general public. U.S. public health experts believe available treatments and vaccines, along with those in development, can prevent severe disease. 



Despite this reassurance, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) continues to monitor the virus closely, evaluating potential changes.



In a commentary published in the&nbsp;New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Jeanne M. Marrazzo and Dr. Michael G. Ison from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) emphasize the importance of balancing vigilance with normalcy regarding HPAI H5N1. 



"People should find a balance between enhanced vigilance and ‘business as usual’ with respect to HPAI H5N1," the experts stated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-spread-of-bird-flu-virus">Global spread of bird flu virus</h2>



Since 1996, HPAI H5N1 has circulated across at least 23 countries. By late 2021, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-mutations-found-in-first-severe-u-s-human-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virus</a> spread from Europe to North America, infecting wild birds and poultry farms. 



In 2022, it devastated birds and marine mammals in South America. Alarmingly, in March 2024, U.S. Department of Agriculture (<a href="https://www.usda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA</a>) scientists detected HPAI H5N1 in dairy cows, spreading to herds across 16 states. Over the past 30 days, the virus has been identified in dairy herds in three U.S. states.



Human infections remain rare but concerning. In 2024, 66 confirmed and 7 probable cases were reported in the U.S., along with one case in Canada. 



These cases were linked to two types of the virus - one circulating in birds (D1.1) and another in dairy cows (B3.13).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keys-to-controlling-bird-flu-virus-outbreak">Keys to controlling bird flu virus outbreak</h2>



Drs. <a href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/about/director" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marrazzo</a> and <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tcA1nDcAAAAJ&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ison</a> outline four essential strategies to manage the current HPAI H5N1 outbreak:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promote-collaboration-across-disciplines">Promote collaboration across disciplines</h3>



Effective control requires timely collaboration among experts in human and veterinary medicine, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/efforts-to-control-bird-flu-are-not-working-are-humans-next/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public health</a>, health care, and occupational safety. 



Building trust with communities and ensuring individuals seek care for symptoms, such as conjunctivitis, are equally critical. Fortunately, most U.S. cases have been mild, resolving without treatment.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhance-disease-surveillance">Enhance disease surveillance</h3>



The Canadian HPAI H5N1 patient who developed respiratory failure highlights the urgency of vigilant disease surveillance. Genetic mutations in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-outbreak-in-domestic-cats-raises-new-concerns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virus</a> found in this patient highlight the need for complete genomic sequencing of viral samples. 



Dr. Marrazzo and Dr. Ison emphasize that this data should be shared quickly to identify and track viral changes, which might signal an increased risk of human-to-human transmission.



"Without information pertaining to where and when isolates were collected, the data cannot be linked phylogenetically to other reported sequences," the authors noted. This early detection helps pinpoint mutations that may enhance the virus’s ability to infect human respiratory systems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advance-medical-countermeasures">Advance medical countermeasures</h3>



Developing and testing vaccines and therapies remain vital. Fortunately, current vaccine candidates effectively neutralize circulating virus strains, and antivirals have shown promise in mitigating transmission and illness severity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimizing-bird-flu-virus-exposure">Minimizing bird flu virus exposure</h3>



Reducing contact with the bird flu virus is essential to limit its spread and protect individuals, especially those at higher risk of exposure. 



Workers who handle poultry or cows, such as farmers or animal handlers, are particularly vulnerable because the virus can spread through infected animals or their environments.



To stay safe, these workers should follow guidelines from the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDC</a> (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and USDA. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and protective clothing, to create a barrier against the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-seal-colony-lost-95-of-its-pups-to-bird-flu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virus</a>.



Additionally, understanding occupational risks is vital. Workers should learn how the virus spreads, recognize potential symptoms of infection, and follow safe handling practices. 



These precautions not only protect individual workers but also help prevent the virus from spreading further, potentially affecting others or reaching broader populations. By taking these steps, the risk of infection can be significantly reduced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-challenges-of-bird-flu">Ongoing challenges of bird flu</h2>



The four strategies outlined by Dr. Marrazzo and Dr. Ison aim to enhance our understanding of the H5N1 virus's spread, evolution, and impact.



By integrating robust collaborations, effective surveillance, medical advancements, and preventive practices, public health experts hope to control the virus and answer key questions about its behavior.



While HPAI H5N1 presents ongoing challenges, the collective effort of scientists, health officials, and communities ensures we remain prepared for any future developments.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMe2416323" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New England Journal of Medicine</a>.



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Bird flu virus: Preparing for tomorrow despite minimal risk today

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza A virus (HPAI H5N1) remains...

Shrimp aquaculture plays a big role in global food production. People who work in this sector face a constant battle with viruses and diseases that can wipe out entire ponds of shrimp and other crustaceans in a short time. 



One infection that has authorities and farmers on high alert is <a href="https://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/white-spot-disease.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white spot disease</a>, also known as WSD. It appears most often in Pacific white shrimp and, once it hits, the losses can be massive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virus-behind-the-shrimp-turmoil">Virus behind the shrimp turmoil</h2>



Communities across continents rely on shrimp for both nutrition and economic stability, which is why identifying the cause of WSD and finding a cure is so important.



Scientists have identified <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2855118/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white spot syndrome virus</a> (WSSV) as the major culprit behind WSD. Its spread is not limited to a single region, and cases are documented on farms around the world. 



WSSV can travel through water, and infected broodstock pass it down to their young. That means containment is never easy when infection strikes.



“The development of robust detection methods and studies on the ecology of WSSV in wild populations should be a priority,” contends <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%22S%C3%A1nchez-Paz%20A%22%5BAuthor%5D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arturo Sánchez-Paz</a> from the Biological Research Center of the Northwest SC (Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (<a href="https://www.cibnor.gob.mx/unidades-foraneas/guaymas/laboratorios-gys/laboratorio-experimental-acuicola-gys" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CIBNOR</a>)).



White spot disease stands out for how quickly it causes losses. Statistics from the <a href="https://www.woah.org/en/disease/white-spot-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Organization for Animal Health</a> show that it is “extremely contagious and has a high mortality rate.”



This puts shrimp farmers on edge, since a sudden outbreak can ruin an entire season. Many rely on practices like regular monitoring and improved pond management to spot any signs of infection before it gets out of hand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-worries-for-producers">Economic worries for producers</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-solve-lobster-farming-secrets-after-120-years/">Farm-raised</a> shrimp is a significant export item in many countries. A fast-moving virus undercuts producer confidence and can shake global markets if outbreaks spread too far.&nbsp;



“White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is the most serious viral pathogen of cultured shrimp. It is a highly virulent virus that can spread quickly and can cause up to 100 % mortality in 3–10 days,” according to a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3550756/#:~:text=White%20spot%20syndrome%20virus%20(WSSV,mortality%20in%203%E2%80%9310%20days." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> published by the Department of Fishery Microbiology at College of Fisheries (<a href="https://www.cofm.edu.in/departments.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COFM</a>), in collaboration with Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (<a href="https://www.kvafsu.edu.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KVAFSU</a>), in Mangalore, India.



As a result, governments sometimes intervene to tighten import and export rules. That can lead to shipping delays or additional checks that drive up costs for farmers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurdles-in-prevention-and-control">Hurdles in prevention and control</h2>



Experience in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrimp-homing-smell-chemicals-their-navigate-underwater/">shrimp</a> farms highlights some routine practices that limit the spread of white spot disease. 



Operators reduce contamination by quarantining new stock and sterilizing equipment. If infection appears, culling can be an effective way to stamp out the virus before it spreads further. 



Though these actions are not pleasant, they often keep other ponds safe. Even so, the virus has ways of getting around these barriers. 



Vigilance is vital because water can easily carry infections from one pool to another, even over long distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-shrimp-viruses">Fighting shrimp viruses</h2>



Modern labs have built early detection kits to test whether shrimp carry WSSV. A major focus involves identifying infected shrimp before they show outward signs of sickness. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aquaculture-impacts-wild-fish-much-more-than-we-thought/">aquaculture sector</a> also benefits from gene-based projects that aim to develop virus-resistant shrimp. Careful attention helps producers pinpoint which shrimp are at risk. Over time, that alerts farms so they can stop the pathogen from spreading.



Plenty of experts work together to bring new ideas that might lessen the blow of white spot disease. Governments look into better policies that support clean water and safer import rules. 



Breeders try to create stronger shrimp lines that can hold up against WSSV. Producers also adopt biosecurity protocols that include disinfecting ponds before each new stocking cycle.



If everyone follows best practices, farmers have a stronger shield against these infections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-perception-and-safety">Public perception and safety</h2>



Folks who enjoy shrimp might wonder how these outbreaks affect what lands on their dinner plates. Fortunately, WSSV does not cause harm to humans, and experts confirm that farmed shrimp remain safe to eat when handled properly.&nbsp;



Still, no one wants to see massive losses at the farm level. Sustaining healthy shrimp stocks means finding new ways to manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-at-risk-climate-change-is-diminishing-global-water-quality/">water quality</a> and reduce viral load, which protects both farmers and consumers.



Groups that care about shrimp production continue to share their knowledge through conferences and scientific journals. That leads to better guidelines for early detection and stronger biosecurity tools. 



Industry specialists believe that coordinating with local governments will improve reporting processes and encourage transparent data collection. 



In the long run, breakthroughs in genetics, virology, and management strategies may cut losses and allow the shrimp sector to thrive without constant fears over white spot disease.



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Shrimp crisis: Alarming virus threatens global seafood supplies

Shrimp aquaculture plays a big role in global food production....

A new study led by Pennsylvania State University has found that when deciding when they will get their next meal, different bee species may be attracted to different flower traits.&nbsp;



This finding, based on research with two species of solitary bees, highlights the intriguing ways bees select the flowers they visit.&nbsp;



The study illuminates the importance of floral traits such as number of blooms and nutritional content, expanding our understanding of plant–pollinator interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bee-species-with-distinct-priorities">Bee species with distinct priorities</h2>



The research focused on two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-threatens-solitary-bees-and-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solitary bee species</a>: the horned-face bee - known for pollinating apples and blueberries - and the alfalfa leafcutting bee, which pollinates alfalfa.&nbsp;



The scientists discovered that while the horned-face bee gravitated toward plants displaying a large quantity of flowers, the alfalfa leafcutting bee instead preferred blooms with a higher protein-to-lipid ratio in the pollen.



“Information on the foraging strategies of different bee species give insights for understanding how plant-pollinator interactions evolved,” said lead author Jaya Sravanthi Mokkapati, a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a>.&nbsp;



“Our study also highlights the need for more research on seasonal foraging habits among various bee species, which can deepen our understanding of their vital role in pollination and plant reproduction.”



This pronounced difference in focus - quantity for one species and nutritional quality for the other - demonstrates that even closely related insects can exhibit divergent foraging behaviors.&nbsp;



These variations matter for both ecological balance and practical considerations, such as when and how to restore pollinator habitats or ensure crop pollination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co-evolution-of-plants-and-pollinators">Co-evolution of plants and pollinators</h2>



Pollinators like bees and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-of-life-created-for-flowering-plants-using-400-million-specimens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowering plants</a> have co-evolved over thousands of years, forming a symbiotic relationship. As bees gather nectar and pollen for sustenance, they assist in plant reproduction, transferring pollen between flowers.&nbsp;



Crops ranging from fruits to vegetables and nuts depend on this process, which is essential for producing much of the human food supply. However, many pollinator populations are declining, partly due to the loss of the flowering plants they rely on.



“Bees can be attracted to plants based on a number of traits, such as the color, scent, size, number and nutritional content of its flowers,” said&nbsp; co-author Christina Grozinger, a professor of Entomology at Penn State.&nbsp;



“However, because these traits are co-evolved in flowers, it can also be very challenging to pinpoint which traits are the ones attracting which bees.”



By analyzing these evolved plant traits, researchers can better grasp how bees make their foraging decisions and, in turn, how best to support pollinator populations in decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choosing-flowers-for-quality">Choosing flowers for quality</h2>



The research team examined two solitary bee species precisely because of their distinct ecological niches.&nbsp;



The horned-face bee is active during the spring, a season marked by fewer resources and shorter bloom windows. The alfalfa leafcutting bee, on the other hand, emerges in summer, a time abundant in floral options.



“In contrast, the alfalfa leafcutting bee is a summer species that typically has access to more abundant resources,” Mokkapati said. “We hypothesized that these bees can afford to be more selective, choosing flowers based on nutritional quality instead of quantity.”



By observing how these bees visited plants, the scientists were able to pinpoint the different variables each species valued in its foraging. This approach included analyzing pollen content as well as recording the sheer number of flowers on each plant.



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



According to the researchers, the results of this study have important implications for restoring and managing habitats for pollinators.&nbsp;



Landscapes might need to include plant varieties that offer either numerous flowers for bees that seek quantity or high-quality pollen for species focusing on nutritional benefits.&nbsp;



Ensuring these resources are available throughout the growing season could reinforce bee populations, enhance biodiversity, and bolster pollination services for agriculture.



“By raising awareness of how these gardens can provide essential resources for bees, we can inspire community involvement and commitment to preserving local biodiversity,” Mokkapati said.&nbsp;



“This collective effort not only benefits the bees but also enhances the beauty and ecological health of our surroundings.”



The researchers note that many pollinator populations require immediate interventions and that these strategies could help sustain not only <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honey bees</a> (often the focus of public concern) but also lesser-known solitary bees like the horned-face and alfalfa leafcutting bees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



While the study reveals how these two bee species differ in their foraging strategies, the authors suggest deeper investigation is needed to uncover the reasons behind such variations.&nbsp;



Scientists aim to explore whether differences in sensory perception, genetic factors, or life history strategies inform why one bee species chooses to prioritize floral abundance while another looks for a certain balance of proteins and lipids in pollen.



By diving more deeply into these aspects, future research may shed light on how bees adapt to various environmental conditions. It could also identify potential vulnerabilities if, for example, climate change alters the availability or quality of their preferred flowers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ensuring-bee-health-and-biodiversity">Ensuring bee health and biodiversity</h2>



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> remain fundamental to global food security and ecosystem functioning, understanding these nuanced foraging preferences is critical.&nbsp;



The study emphasizes that it is not solely honey bees that matter - solitary bees and other pollinators have their own crucial roles.&nbsp;



Encouraging and facilitating plant diversity, offering both abundant blooms and nutrient-rich pollen sources, may prove key to preserving these vital insects for the benefit of ecosystems and agricultural communities alike.



In the broader context, this work illustrates how the interplay between plant traits and bee behaviors can shape pollinator communities.&nbsp;



By harnessing this understanding for conservation practices, we can cultivate healthier environments for bees and, in turn, sustain the pollination services that underpin so much of our food supply and natural heritage.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae443" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>.



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Some bees value quality over quantity in flower selection

A new study led by Pennsylvania State University has found...

<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...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
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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...

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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.

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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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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
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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.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter 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/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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"

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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"

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