Young aspen trees in Yellowstone are doing something they have not done in almost 100 years. Rather than sprouting and being eaten back to nubs by elk and bison, they're actually growing into tall, adult forest trees rising up towards the canopy.



This matters more than it might seem, because it shows what happens when a missing piece of an ecosystem returns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yellowstone-aspens-and-elk">Yellowstone, aspens, and elk</h2>



In the 1920s, people <a href="https://www.yellowstone.org/wolf-project/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eliminated wolves in Yellowstone</a>. At the time, with limited scientific knowledge, managers believed it was the right thing to do.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-wolves-to-dogs-did-domestication-begin-without-human-help/">Without wolves</a>, elk herds grew very large. Elk love to eat aspen shoots - the tender young growth is highly palatable to them.



For roughly 70 years, elk browsed aspen sprouts down to stub height, and the trees couldn't grow. 



If you had walked through Yellowstone in the 1980s, you would have seen many tiny aspen shoots covering the ground, but almost no young trees gaining height. 



The forest's regeneration was stalled. Old trees died, and no new ones replaced them.



In 1995 and 1996, park managers reintroduced wolves into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt/">Yellowstone Park ecosystem</a>. Scientists hoped and wondered whether this would change anything for the trees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-aspen-matter-to-yellowstone">Why aspen matter to Yellowstone</h2>



Aspen groves provide habitat for many species. Birds nest in them. Beavers eat the bark and use the wood for dams. Butterflies and moths lay eggs on the leaves. 



Their canopy admits enough light for wildflowers and shrubs to grow beneath. When it rains, aspen groves hold water in the soil better than some other forest types.



In short, when aspen return, dozens of other species benefit. More trees support more insects, which in turn support more birds, enriching the ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-checking-the-trees-three-decades-later">Checking the trees three decades later</h2>



<a href="https://fwcs.oregonstate.edu/users/luke-painter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke Painter</a>, an ecologist at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a>, sought clear answers. His team returned to 87 aspen stands across Yellowstone that scientists had previously surveyed. 



They measured thousands of young trees, looked for bite marks, and counted how many stems were tall enough that elk could no longer reach the tips.



About a third of these stands now have many tall young aspens pushing toward the canopy. 



"About 26 of the 87 aspen stands we examined had large numbers of tall saplings throughout, a remarkable change from the 1990s when surveys found none at all," Painter said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-wolves-matter-to-yellowstone-aspens">Why wolves matter to Yellowstone aspens</h2>



Breaking it all down, the conclusions of this study are pretty simple. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolves-move-pups-across-mountains-to-adapt-to-climate-pressure/">Wolves hunt elk</a>. When wolves came back, two things happened. First, elk numbers declined from unusually high levels. Second, elk changed their behavior. They spent less time in the same areas feeding.



With fewer elk and shorter feeding bouts, more aspen shoots survived long enough to exceed the browsing zone - about six to seven feet high. 



Once a sapling reaches that height, elk cannot easily reach the growing tip. The tree continues to grow.



"The reintroduction of large carnivores has initiated a recovery process that had been shut down for decades," Painter explained.



Scientists call this a <a href="https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/trophic-cascades-across-diverse-plant-ecosystems-80060347/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trophic cascade</a> - when adding or removing one species causes changes that ripple through the whole system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-places-recover-others-don-t">Some places recover, others don't</h2>



Unfortunately, not every aspen stand has recovered yet. Some valleys still have many short, heavily browsed shoots, because it's not only elk eating them anymore. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstones-iconic-bison-have-merged-into-a-single-herd/">Bison herds have grown</a>, and bison browse on aspen as well. They are strong enough to break young trees. 



"Increasing numbers of bison may be emerging as a new constraint to aspen in some areas," Painter confirmed.



Additionally, winter snow depth varies; droughts stress trees; bears and mountain lions also hunt elk; and hunting outside the park influences elk distribution. 



All of these factors interact, which is why some sites show strong recovery, others show moderate recovery, and a few have changed very little.



The key pattern is that places with many tall saplings experience little browsing, and aspen groves that remain popular eating grounds today stay short. 



This fact is the strongest indication that tree recovery is linked directly to wolf presence, not solely to weather or soil conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proof-in-the-measurements">Proof in the measurements</h2>



Painter's team did not rely on casual observation. They used the same methods as earlier researchers, measuring the same plots. 



They counted recruitment - when young trees surpass browsing height and begin progressing toward maturity. This measure is crucial. Sprouts are insufficient if they never grow; without recruitment, the forest cannot replace itself.



The results are robust. After being stalled for most of a century, Yellowstone's aspens are increasing in height. In recovering stands today, you will see saplings - six, eight, or ten feet tall - that were not present in the 1990s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-yellowstone-s-aspens">The future of Yellowstone's aspens</h2>



"This is a remarkable case of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-may-be-near-the-root-of-all-life-on-earth/">ecological restoration</a>," Painter concluded. "Wolf reintroduction is yielding long-term ecological changes contributing to increased biodiversity and habitat diversity."



Trees grow slowly, so even with wolves restored, it will take decades for these young aspens to form a full-grown forest. 



Some areas might never fully recover if bison numbers continue to rise or if the climate becomes too hot and dry.



Thanks to the work of Painter and his team, scientists are now certain that restoring the Yellowstone predator has restarted aspen forest regeneration. Not everywhere and not perfectly, but enough to be measured, creating hope for the future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112725004499?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Ecology and Management</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Yellowstone's aspen trees are growing again thanks to the reintroduction of wolves

Young aspen trees in Yellowstone are doing something they have not done in almost 100 years. Rather than sprouting and being eaten back to nubs by elk and bison, they're actually growing into tall, adult forest trees rising up towards the canopy. This matters more than it might seem, because it shows what happens when a missing piece of an ecosystem returns. Yellowstone, aspens, and elk In the 1920s, people eliminated wolves in Yellowstone. At the time, with limited scientific knowledge, managers believed it was the right...

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

For years, the Signal Crayfish has carried a notorious reputation. It’s invasive, aggressive, and has spread far beyond its native habitat.



Found across Europe, Asia, and parts of the United States, this crustacean is often blamed for pushing native species toward decline. But in the rush to control it, something remarkable was overlooked right in its original home.



A team from the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a> took a fresh look at the Signal Crayfish in its native range. What they found was surprising - two entirely new species that had been hiding in plain sight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-just-one-species-after-all">Not just one species after all</h2>



The two new species, now officially named the Okanagan Crayfish and Misfortunate Crayfish, had been long mistaken for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-fish-can-cause-ecosystem-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Signal Crayfish</a>. The discovery adds to the growing catalog of species around the world.



Study co-author Eric Larson is an associate professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences.



“I think we underestimate how rich the biological world around us can be,” said Larson. "People are surprised to learn that there are over 600 described species of crayfish globally, and now, there are two more.”



This wasn’t an overnight find. The process spanned years of fieldwork and careful analysis. 



Scientists first noticed unusual-looking species in the Pacific Northwest. Over time, with improved genetic tools, they began to piece together the truth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-confirms-the-new-species">DNA confirms the new species</h2>



To distinguish the new species, Larson and his colleagues used a method called genome skimming. It allowed them to sequence both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. 



By comparing these sequences with known crayfish lineages, the team confirmed that the odd specimens weren’t just variations - they were entirely separate species.



“Most research on the Signal Crayfish focuses on its role as an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-species-could-cause-dramatic-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a>,” Larson said. “I think people would be surprised that within its native environment, we missed that this animal we thought was the Signal Crayfish was actually harboring multiple, undescribed species.”



Through DNA analysis, field sampling, and physical comparisons, the team finally gave these animals their own identities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unintended-effects-of-moving-crayfish">Unintended effects of moving crayfish </h2>



While the discovery is exciting, it comes with a serious warning. The newly identified crayfish species may already be in danger. 



Larson expressed concern that invasive species - especially the Rusty Crayfish and Virile Crayfish - are threatening the survival of these native animals. These invaders often displace native populations and damage aquatic habitats.



One of the biggest problems is human behavior. Moving crayfish from one waterway to another - whether for bait, farming, or even through classroom and aquarium releases - can have unexpected and long-lasting effects.



“There are unexpected consequences when we move crayfish from one place to another,” Larson said. “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-crayfish-cannot-be-controlled-through-trapping/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Invasive crayfish</a> can't easily be removed, and as they spread, they seem to be replacing these newly described crayfish species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-the-new-species">Protecting the new species</h2>



By giving these species official names, the researchers hope to spark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. Naming a species is often the first step toward protecting it. Recognition helps raise awareness and gives conservationists a reason to act.



“By the time we discovered the Misfortunate Crayfish, it had already lost much of its native range to the invasive Rusty Crayfish,” Larson said. “That’s what gave us the idea for its name. This animal went unrecognized by science until a fairly unlucky event had happened, and that seemed like a little bit of a misfortune.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-fish-to-crayfish">From fish to crayfish</h2>



Larson’s journey into crayfish research wasn’t planned. He started out in fisheries science but became more interested in crayfish during his doctoral work at the University of Washington.



“It’s funny, I didn’t intend to develop this interest,” Larson said. “But as it developed, studying crayfish gained momentum and took on a life of its own.”



What began as a side interest eventually became a central focus of his research career. Thanks to that unexpected turn, two long-overlooked native species now have names - and a real shot at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/old-and-wise-animals-are-essential-for-the-survival-of-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a>.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5632.3.4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zootaxa</a>.



Image Credit: Eric Larson, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Two new crayfish species discovered, but were they found too late?

For years, the Signal Crayfish has carried a notorious reputation....

Scientists know that rivers once carved channels across Mars, but exactly how the planet’s water cycled between the surface and subsurface has remained a mystery.



A new study led by graduate researchers at <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/">The University of Texas at Austin</a> has recently filled a crucial gap in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/manganese-discovery-ancient-mars-earth-like-water-lake-habitable/">early Mars</a> history. It reveals a link between rain-fed lakes and a deep groundwater reservoir thought to lie roughly a mile below the ancient surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-the-movement-of-groundwater">Timing the movement of groundwater</h2>



Using a custom computer model, Mohammad Afzal Shadab and Eric Hiatt calculated infiltration rates for early Martian soils. They discovered that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wave-ripples-discovered-mars-surface-indicate-liquid-water-present-4-billion-years-ago/">water</a> percolated from the surface to the deep aquifer in anywhere from 50 to 200 years.



By terrestrial standards, that is glacially slow - the same journey on Earth usually takes only a few days because the water table sits far nearer the surface.



The results represent the first quantitative estimate of groundwater travel time for the red planet’s wetter period, roughly three to four billion years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-surface-water-on-mars">Missing surface water on Mars</h2>



The researchers then integrated infiltration rates over likely catchment areas. The model suggests that lost water could have covered Mars in at least 90 meters (300 feet) of global water depth.



Because Mars is believed to have started with an ocean perhaps a few hundred meters deep, the loss to groundwater would represent a large slice of its total early inventory.



“The way I think about early Mars is that any surface water you had - any oceans or large standing lakes - were very ephemeral,” Hiatt said. “Once water got into the ground on Mars, it was as good as gone. That water was never coming back out.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-loop-no-return">No loop, no return</h2>



On Earth, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-can-vaporize-water-cause-evaporation-without-heat/">evaporation</a> sends surface water skyward; condensation drops it back as rain, replenishing rivers and lakes in a self-sustaining feedback.



Shadab and Hiatt’s findings reinforce an emerging alternative for Mars: a largely one-way route. Surface water drained, percolated and became locked in crustal pores or mineral lattices, while the thin atmosphere bled much of the remaining vapor to space.



“We want to implement this into [an integrated model] of how the water and land evolved together over millions of years to the present state,” Shadab said. “That will bring us very close to answering what happened to the water on Mars.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evaluating-water-stability">Evaluating water stability</h2>



Knowing how long liquid persisted on the surface is central to evaluating past habitability. Many prebiotic reactions and microbial metabolisms need stable water for thousands of years - much longer than the model’s century-scale window.



Although Mars ultimately lost its atmosphere and surface seas, the groundwater modeled by Shadab and Hiatt would not have vented to space. Instead, it froze in place or reacted with subsurface rocks to form hydrated minerals. 



For future human explorers, that deep reserve could be both a scientific archive and a practical asset.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-the-path-of-water-on-mars">Modeling the path of water on Mars</h2>



The researchers treated early Martian soils as a porous medium overlaying basaltic bedrock. They incorporated temperature profiles, gravitational acceleration, and likely permeability values derived from Martian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meteorite-that-struck-mars-reveals-when-the-planet-had-liquid-water/">meteorites</a> and rover data.



By running probability algorithms across varying parameters, they identified travel times and cumulative volumes. The wide window - 50 to 200 years - reflects uncertainties in porosity, precipitation intensity, and surface temperature.



Mars’ lower gravity slows infiltration because pore-water pressure increases more gradually with depth. At the same time, cold surface temperatures reduce evaporation, allowing more runoff to soak in.



Together, these factors stretch journey times by two orders of magnitude compared with similar processes on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-mars-missing-water">Finding Mars' missing water</h2>



The work dovetails with orbital spectrometer findings that much of Mars’ crust is rich in hydrated minerals, and with radar detections of buried ice in mid-latitude deposits.



It also complements atmospheric escape measurements showing that more than half of Mars’ original water likely left the planet entirely.



By quantifying the movement of water from lakes to ground, the study helps close the mass balance. “Wet early Mars” models can now apportion initial inventories among oceans, glaciers, atmosphere, crustal water, and space loss with greater precision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-water-slipped-underground">Mars' water slipped underground </h2>



Shadab, now a postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/">Princeton University</a>, plans to couple the infiltration model with global climate simulations that include rainfall, runoff, and volcanic outgassing. 



This integrated framework could test scenarios from a long-lived northern ocean to short-term floods caused by impacts or volcanic activity.



Future missions may drill to one kilometer to sample the ancient aquifer and investigate Mars’ missing water. Isotopic signatures there could reveal how much water has remained sequestered versus how much reacted chemically with the crust.



For now, the new analysis paints Mars as a world where surface water was short-lived. The Red Planet’s hydrologic engine lacked the robust recycling pump that powers Earth’s blue marble. Once the water slipped underground, as Hiatt put it, “it was as good as gone.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL111939" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



Image Credit: Ittiz/Wikimedia Commons



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Where did Mars’ water go? Scientists uncover a missing link

Scientists know that rivers once carved channels across Mars, but...

Mountain glaciers are already vanishing worldwide - and if global warming hits 3°C, even briefly, their recovery will be beyond reach for generations.



That's the stark message from a modeling study led by the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> and the <a href="https://www.uibk.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Innsbruck</a>. The modeling simulations through 2500 show that overshooting 1.5°C melts more ice and locks in higher seas than staying below it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-if-we-go-too-far">What if we go too far</h2>



Earth’s thermometer is edging dangerously close to the Paris ceiling. In 2023, average surface <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> topped 1.5°C for the first full calendar year, and current policies are steering us toward roughly 3°C of warming by late-century.



Engineers and economists often suggest that massive deployment of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-capture-technology-faces-uncertainty-despite-heavy-investment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon-capture technology</a> could, eventually, pull the planet back down to safer temperatures. But what happens to frozen water stored in glaciers during that hot detour?



“Current climate policies are putting the Earth on a path close to 3°C," said corresponding author Fabien Maussion, a scientist at the University of Bristol. "It’s clear that such a world is far worse for glaciers than one where the 1.5°C limit is held.” 



“We aimed to discover whether glaciers can recover if the planet cools again. It’s a question many people ask - will <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-putting-many-unique-ecosystems-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> regrow in our lifetime, or that of our children? Our findings indicate sadly not.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-futures-centuries-apart">Two futures, centuries apart</h2>



The researchers compared two temperature pathways. The first stabilizes at 1.5°C by mid-century and stays there. 



The second allows warming to climb to about 3°C around 2150, then decline - through aggressive negative-emissions programs - to 1.5 °C by 2300, where it holds steady.



In the overshoot world, mountain glaciers lose an additional 16 percent of their present ice by 2200 and 11 percent more by 2500. That’s on top of the roughly 35 percent already expected to melt even if the 1.5°C threshold is never crossed.



Every kilogram of this lost ice becomes meltwater that eventually reaches the ocean, lifting global sea levels further.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-500-year-forecast">A 500-year forecast</h2>



The Bristol team and partners used an open-source glacier model that simulates every mountain glacier outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland</a> and Antarctica - more than 200,000 of them - based on local topography, historic mass-balance data, and climatic inputs.



For future conditions they tapped a set of overshoot projections supplied by the University of Bern. Modeling through 2500 shows most ice sheets don’t recover, even after global temperatures drop.



“Our models show it would take many centuries, if not millennia, for the large polar glaciers to recover from a 3°C overshoot," said lead author Lilian Schuster from the University of Innsbruck. 



"For smaller glaciers such as those in the Alps, the Himalayas and the Tropical Andes, recovery won’t be seen by the next generations but is possible by 2500.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-mountain-glaciers-stop-giving">When mountain glaciers stop giving</h2>



When glaciers shrink, they first enter a peak-water phase, dumping extra runoff that downstream farms and cities often depend upon during summer dry spells. But once the ice reservoir drains past a tipping point, annual flow diminishes.



If cooling eventually allows regrowth, glaciers begin storing water again, exacerbating the low-flow period - a phenomenon the authors dub “trough water.”



“If glaciers regrow, they start storing water again as ice - and that means less water flows downstream. We call this effect ‘trough water,’ in contrast to peak water. We found that roughly half of the basins we studied will experience some form of trough water beyond 2100,” Schuster said.



The study covers basins from the Andes to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snowfall-drops-in-hindu-kush-himalayas-water-crisis-may-follow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas,</a> many of which already face seasonal water stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extra-inches-permanent-consequences">Extra inches - permanent consequences</h2>



The extra 11-16 percent slice of lost ice above a no-overshoot future locks in several additional centimeters of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-heat-of-2024-triggered-a-surge-in-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-level rise</a>.



That margin may sound small, but it compounds with thermal expansion and ice-sheet losses, raising storm-surge risk for hundreds of millions of coastal residents.



Overshoot also harms mountain ecosystems: glacier forefields shift upslope, cold-water habitats shrink, and culturally significant landscapes disappear. Tourism economies tied to iconic glaciers could struggle, even if late-century cooling stabilizes temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irreversible-glacier-loss">Irreversible glacier loss</h2>



The overshoot scenario mirrors a "late net-zero" world in which society continues burning fossil fuels well into the 2100s, counting on large-scale carbon capture later. 



But the glacier model shows that waiting carries irreversible costs. Maussion noted that overshooting 1.5°C, even temporarily, locks in glacier loss for centuries. 



"Our study shows that much of this damage cannot simply be undone - even if temperatures later return to safer levels. The longer we delay emissions cuts, the more we burden future generations with irreversible change."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-glaciers-need-swift-action">Mountain glaciers need swift action</h2>



The findings are part of the EU-funded <a href="https://www.provide-h2020.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PROVIDE project</a>, which assesses overshoot risks across water, agriculture, and biodiversity.



They bolster the case for immediate, deep emissions reductions rather than banking on future technological rescues. For regions reliant on glacier melt, planners may need to prepare for both short-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flood-fatalities-experts-reveal-the-hidden-health-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flood</a> hazards and long-term water scarcity.



While advanced carbon-removal techniques remain essential for achieving net-zero, some parts of Earth’s cryosphere respond more slowly. The study shows that mountain glaciers, in particular, may not recover even if temperatures later drop. 



In essence, once the ice is gone, it will not return within any timeframe that can protect current societies or ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-025-02318-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Mountain glaciers face centuries of irreversible loss if warming surpasses 1.5°C

Mountain glaciers are already vanishing worldwide - and if global...

Aging is inevitable, but the speed at which we age might not be. Our biological age - how old our cells appear - can differ from our chronological age. This divergence has led scientists to explore the hidden mechanics of aging, with one food-related focus gaining momentum: epigenetics.



In simple terms, it’s how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-quality-carbs-in-midlife-linked-to-healthier-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene activity</a> changes without altering the DNA sequence. One way the body keeps track of age at the cellular level is through DNA methylation. These are chemical markers that accumulate as we grow older and can predict disease risk and mortality.



A team of researchers has investigated how specific dietary habits may slow or even reverse epigenetic aging. The study was led by Jamie L. Villanueva from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> and Ryan Bradley from the <a href="https://nunm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National University of Natural Medicine</a> 



This secondary analysis, based on data from the Methylation Diet and Lifestyle (MDL) study, explores how natural compounds found in plant-based foods may interact with DNA methylation and, in turn, reduce our biological age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-food-reverse-signs-of-aging">Could food reverse signs of aging?</h2>



In the MDL study, 43 healthy men aged 50 to 72 joined an eight-week program. They ate mostly plant-based food, exercised, meditated, and got good sleep. The study had many parts, but this research looked only at what they ate and how it affected aging at the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-every-day-proven-studies-to-delay-biological-aging-in-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cellular level</a>.



Scientists used a tool called Horvath’s clock to measure something called epigenetic age. This tells them how old someone’s body looks on the inside, based on changes in their DNA.



The results were surprising. On average, men who followed the full program ended up 2 years younger in biological terms. Those who didn’t change their habits aged a bit - about 1 year. In some cases, the age reversal was much bigger - up to 9 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewiring-epigenetic-age-with-food">Rewiring epigenetic age with food</h2>



The study’s standout finding was the impact of foods rich in methyl adaptogens. These are natural plant compounds known to influence DNA methylation pathways. 



The experts found that greater consumption of turmeric, rosemary, garlic, berries, green tea, and oolong tea correlated with a significant reduction in epigenetic age.



“In hierarchical linear regression, foods investigated as polyphenolic modulators of DNA methylation (green tea, oolong tea, turmeric, rosemary, garlic, berries) categorized in the original study as methyl adaptogens showed significant linear associations with epigenetic age change (B = -1.21, CI = [-2.80, -0.08]), after controlling for baseline epigenetic age <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-aging-drinking-coffee-can-add-years-to-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">acceleration</a> and weight changes,” noted the researchers.



This effect persisted even when researchers adjusted for weight loss and initial biological age. That means the foods themselves had a direct effect on DNA markers, not just general improvements in health from weight reduction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foods-gene-activity-and-aging">Foods, gene activity, and aging</h2>



Foods in the methyl adaptogen group - like green tea, turmeric, garlic, and berries - contain natural substances that can affect how our genes work. 



For example, green tea has EGCG, turmeric has curcumin, garlic has allicin, and berries have anthocyanins. These can block certain enzymes that speed up aging in our cells.



These substances also help control key <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-happens-to-our-teeth-as-we-age-new-details-have-emerged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body processes</a> like how cells grow, stay alive, and use energy. When those processes go off track, they’re often linked to diseases like cancer, heart problems, or memory decline.



Some of these foods also affect something called telomerase. That’s an enzyme that protects the ends of our DNA. Keeping those ends healthy may help slow aging. Interestingly, the same compounds that protect healthy cells might also help remove harmful ones, like cancer cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-impact">Measuring the impact</h2>



Statistical analyses reinforced the dietary impact. The researchers found that consumption of methyl adaptogens remained a significant predictor of epigenetic age reduction even after adjusting for other variables.



In the fully adjusted model, which included weight change and baseline epigenetic age acceleration (EAA), methyl adaptogen consumption still showed strong links to slower biological aging. 



Participants with higher EAA at the start - meaning they were biologically older than their actual age - benefited the most.



While weight loss was observed in the treatment group (average of 4.61 pounds), it did not significantly predict the drop in epigenetic age. This suggests the dietary compounds operated through a mechanism distinct from calorie restriction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-diets-showed-similar-benefits">Other diets showed similar benefits</h2>



These findings align with other studies showing how polyphenol-rich diets can improve epigenetic health. 



For example, a one-year Mediterranean diet trial showed a reversal in epigenetic aging, especially in participants who were biologically older at baseline. Similarly, traditional Japanese diets, known for their vegetable and seafood content, have also been associated with lower epigenetic age.



The DIRECT PLUS study, which used a green Mediterranean diet enriched with walnuts, green tea, and olive products, also linked polyphenol intake to slower biological aging. 



It specifically highlighted compounds like tyrosols and urolithins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and are found in green tea, olive oil, and berries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-biological-age-changes-from-food">Real biological age changes from food</h2>



This study stands out because it closely examined the effect of specific foods using actual biological age measurements. 



The participants’ diets were assessed with detailed frequency questionnaires, and adherence was cross-checked using blood markers of methyltetrahydrofolate - a nutrient associated with green vegetable intake.



Even though it was a small sample, the findings were statistically meaningful. The fully adjusted model explained 44% of the variability in epigenetic age changes - a considerable result given the environmental and genetic complexity of aging.



The fact that participants were mostly white, educated men from a narrow age range is both a strength and a limitation. It reduced variability in external factors but limits how widely the results can apply.



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



These results suggest a promising, food-based strategy for slowing biological aging. By focusing on natural foods that influence DNA methylation, researchers may be one step closer to practical aging interventions.



Of course, more studies with larger and more diverse populations are needed. Newer epigenetic clocks - especially those that account for immune and metabolic changes - could provide even clearer answers.



But the takeaway is encouraging. Eating certain plant foods daily could help reduce the wear and tear on your DNA. That doesn’t mean skipping on sleep or exercise. 



However, adding garlic to dinner or sipping green tea each morning might do more than boost your flavor or energy - it could support the longevity of your cells.



Our genes might set the stage, but our lifestyle holds the pen. This study suggests that choosing the right foods could be a powerful way to rewrite our cellular story. The future of aging might not lie only in medicine, but also in the meals we eat.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.aging-us.com/article/206240/text" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aging-US</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Want to slow down aging? Add these foods to your diet

Aging is inevitable, but the speed at which we age...

Picture a microorganism swimming through a liquid. It moves with purpose, but it has no brain, no nerves. How does it know where to go? How does it move at all? 



A team of researchers from <a href="https://www.tuwien.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TU Wien</a>, the University of Vienna, and Tufts University decided to tackle these questions. They simulated microorganisms on a computer to understand how they move without having centralized control.



The findings reveal something surprising: even without a brain or any central control, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-putting-many-unique-ecosystems-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microorganisms</a> can still swim efficiently. 



This behavior isn't just interesting from a biological standpoint - it could also lead to more effective designs for nanobots that navigate through fluids to deliver drugs or clean up pollutants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microorganisms-swim-efficiently">Microorganisms swim efficiently </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-skins-bacteria-could-be-a-natural-sunscreen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bacteria</a>, amoebas, and even blood cells move without central control. Yet, they navigate effectively through fluids. The researchers wanted to know how.



Benedikt Hartl, from TU Wien and <a href="https://www.tufts.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a>, explained the concept using a simple analogy. 



“Simple microorganisms can be imagined as being composed of several parts, a bit like a string of pearls,” he said. Each part can move relative to the next, but there is no overall command center issuing orders.



The research team created virtual microorganisms made up of interconnected beads. Each bead could exert a force to the left or right. 



But here’s the catch: each bead only knew the position of its immediate neighbors. It had no idea what the rest of the body was doing. Despite this, the beads still managed to coordinate their movements to swim effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-decentralized-control-is-effective-nbsp">Why decentralized control is effective&nbsp;</h2>



Why bother with decentralized control? Why not just give these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-recreate-an-ancient-war-trick-to-defeat-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microorganisms</a> a virtual brain?



The researchers argue that single-celled organisms don’t have brains, so it made sense to simulate movement without one. They wanted to see if simple rules could still produce coordinated movements. 



“Is there a control system, a set of simple rules, a behavioral strategy that each bead can follow individually so that a collective swimming motion emerges - without any central control unit?” Hartl questioned.



Turns out, there is. The beads don’t need a central controller. Instead, they rely on simple, localized rules. If each bead reacts only to its immediate neighbors, a kind of collective intelligence emerges. The beads work together without knowing it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virtual-microorganisms-swimming">Virtual microorganisms swimming</h2>



The researchers simulated these movements using a basic neural network. Each bead acted like a tiny agent with its own controller. 



The neural network had 20 to 50 parameters - not much in the world of artificial intelligence. Still, it was enough to produce coordinated swimming behaviors.



On the computer screen, the virtual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-found-alive-sealed-inside-rock-after-2-billion-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microorganisms</a> swam through simulated viscous fluids. They didn’t just move randomly. They propelled themselves in specific directions, responding to simulated forces. 



The most intriguing part was that they were swimming with purpose without any central control.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-microorganisms-learn-to-swim">How microorganisms learn to swim</h2>



The researchers didn’t just program these beads to swim. They let them learn how to swim. They used neuroevolution - a process that mimics natural selection. 



In each iteration, the virtual microorganisms tried different swimming strategies. The best ones survived, while the less efficient ones were eliminated.



With each new generation, the swimmers got better at moving through fluids. They became more coordinated and more efficient. They developed swimming gaits that propelled them forward with surprising speed and precision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-beyond-biology">Applications beyond biology</h2>



As the simulations progressed, a pattern emerged. Larger microorganisms tended to adopt long-wavelength body deformations. Instead of twitching back and forth, they generated sweeping, wave-like movements. These long-wavelength movements proved to be the most efficient.



Andreas Zöttl from the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a> saw potential beyond biology. If microorganisms could swim using such simple rules, so could nanobots. 



Imagine a swarm of nanobots moving through the bloodstream, delivering drugs directly to cancer cells. With decentralized control, each nanobot could operate independently, yet still contribute to the overall mission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-microorganisms-adapt-to-cargo">How microorganisms adapt to cargo</h2>



The researchers didn’t stop at swimming. They wanted to know if these decentralized controllers could handle cargo. They loaded the virtual microorganisms with additional beads - representing cargo - and watched what happened.



Despite the added weight, the swimmers kept moving. They didn’t need any adjustments to their control systems. The same simple rules that allowed them to swim also enabled them to transport cargo. As the cargo got heavier, the swimmers slowed down. But they kept moving.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robustness-without-reprogramming">Robustness without reprogramming</h2>



The researchers pushed the virtual swimmers further. What if a few beads stopped working? What if some connections got severed?



Even then, the swimmers kept going. The decentralized control system was remarkably robust. If one bead failed, the others adapted.



If a connection broke, the swimmers still moved. This kind of resilience is rare in centralized systems. But in decentralized systems, it’s almost a given.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-larger-microswimmers-adapt">How larger microswimmers adapt</h2>



The researchers didn’t just stick to small models. They scaled up to 100 beads. Would the same rules work? Could the microorganisms still swim without central control?



Yes. In fact, the larger swimmers performed even better. They generated longer, smoother waves. They moved more efficiently without any additional programming. The same set of rules that worked for a three-bead swimmer also worked for a 100-bead swimmer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-to-new-challenges">Adapting to new challenges</h2>



The virtual swimmers didn’t just learn to swim. They also learned to adapt. The researchers varied the simulated environment. They added obstacles, changed the viscosity of the fluid, and introduced new challenges.



The swimmers adapted without any reprogramming. Their controllers adjusted to the new conditions. This adaptability hints at the power of decentralized systems. They don’t just follow orders. They learn and evolve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nanobots-could-swim-like-microorganisms">Nanobots could swim like microorganisms</h2>



The implications extend far beyond microorganisms. Zöttl envisioned nanobots that could replicate these movements. 



Imagine a swarm of nanobots in polluted water, seeking out oil droplets and breaking them down. Or consider medical nanobots that navigate through the bloodstream, releasing drugs at specific locations.



These nanobots wouldn’t need complex programming. They’d just follow simple rules - the same rules that let microorganisms swim without a brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-way-of-thinking-about-movement">A new way of thinking about movement</h2>



This study challenges the assumption that complex movement requires complex control systems. Instead, the researchers showed that simple, decentralized rules can produce surprisingly coordinated behaviors.



The implications for nanotechnology are significant. Autonomous nanobots could swim without central control systems, like microorganisms, thus reducing computational costs and increasing resilience.



And by learning from nature, engineers could develop systems that adapt, evolve, and keep moving - even when some parts fail.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42005-025-02101-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Physics</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

How microorganisms swim without a brain and why it matters

Picture a microorganism swimming through a liquid. It moves with...

Honey,Bee,,Apis,Mellifera,,Silhouette,Of,A,Bee,,Anatomical,Structure

This World Bee Day, a troubling message is buzzing through the air - bees and other pollinators face a wave of new and unexpected threats that could cause even more losses in the coming decade. 



War, plastic pollution, artificial light, and even well-meaning climate actions are creating new obstacles for pollinators already under strain.



Pollinators such as bees, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-country-without-butterflies-rapid-decline-in-u-s-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterflies</a>, moths, bats, and birds are essential to our environment and food production. Nearly 90% of flowering plants and over three-quarters of the world’s major crops depend on them.



Yet these species are already declining at alarming rates due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and invasive species. Now, researchers say even more risks are on the horizon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-scientists-are-saying-about-bees">What scientists are saying about bees</h2>



Experts from the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a> contributed to a new report commissioned by Bee:wild, a science-led global campaign to save pollinators. The report identifies 12 rising dangers that could further endanger pollinators in the next 5 to 15 years.



Professor Simon Potts, lead author and chair of Bee:wild’s Scientific Advisory Board, noted that identifying new threats and finding ways to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> early is key to preventing further major declines.



“By acting early, we can reduce harm and help pollinators continue their important work in nature and food production. Various conservation opportunities already exist and more are emerging," continued Potts. 



"This is not just a conservation issue. Pollinators are central to our food systems, climate resilience, and economic security. Protecting pollinators means protecting ourselves.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-and-pollinators-in-war-zones">Bees and pollinators in war zones</h2>



The report outlines a series of surprising new threats to pollinators that extend beyond the usual concerns like pesticides and habitat loss. For instance, war and conflict, such as the ongoing situation in Ukraine, are changing agricultural practices. 



Countries involved in or affected by conflict tend to grow fewer crop types, leading to a lack of diverse flowering plants that pollinators need throughout the season for proper nutrition and survival. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-and-artifical-light">Plastic and artifical light</h2>



Another troubling issue is the discovery of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-are-the-latest-victims-of-plastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics in bee</a> colonies across Europe. Testing from 315 honey bee hives revealed the widespread presence of synthetic materials, including PET plastic. 



These microplastic particles are now contaminating hives, raising questions about their impact on bee health and the quality of honey.



Artificial light at night is also proving harmful. Studies show that nocturnal pollinators, such as moths and certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-impact-the-beetles-that-protect-our-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beetles</a>, visit 62% fewer flowers in areas with light pollution. 



This drastic reduction disrupts nighttime pollination, which is essential for many plant species and ecological cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollution-and-pollinator-behavior">Pollution and pollinator behavior </h2>



Antibiotic pollution is emerging as yet another hazard. Residues from antibiotics can contaminate both hives and honey. 



Worse still, they may interfere with pollinator behavior by reducing their foraging activity and visits to flowers, which are critical for pollination and plant reproduction.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-is-wiping-out-bees-and-other-wild-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Air pollution</a> is adding further stress, affecting the growth, reproduction, and overall survival of pollinators. Exposure to polluted air can impair navigation and reduce the chances of bees returning to their hives.



The use of pesticide cocktails - mixtures of various chemicals - is becoming more common, particularly in developing countries. These combinations can be more toxic than individual pesticides, weakening pollinators and making them more susceptible to disease and stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-threats-to-bees">Additional threats to bees</h2>



More frequent and intense wildfires are destroying vital habitats. As these fires become larger and harder to control, they not only remove food sources but also hinder the ability of pollinator populations to recover.



While climate action is critical, some approaches could unintentionally harm pollinators if not carefully managed. For instance, planting fast-growing non-flowering trees for carbon capture could reduce food for pollinators. 



Choosing a mix that includes flowering trees would help balance carbon storage with pollinator support.



Mining for materials like lithium - used in electric car batteries - can damage habitats rich in pollinators. Avoiding these areas and restoring land afterward could reduce long-term impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-ways-to-support-biodiversity">Smart ways to support biodiversity</h2>



Among the 12 strategies highlighted in the report, five stand out as particularly promising. First, introducing stronger regulations to reduce antibiotic pollution would help protect pollinator and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-and-flower-strips-improve-honey-bee-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee health</a>. 



Moving toward electric vehicles can significantly reduce air pollution, which in turn benefits pollinators. In addition, breeding new crop varieties that produce more nectar and pollen can improve the diet of pollinators, boosting their health and resilience.



Furthermore, integrating flower-rich habitats into solar parks can transform these spaces into pollinator-friendly areas, supporting biodiversity while generating renewable energy. 



Finally, scientists are developing RNAi-based treatments that specifically target harmful pests without affecting beneficial insects like bees, reducing the need for broad-spectrum pesticides.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-actions-big-difference">Small actions, big difference</h2>



Other opportunities include protecting stingless bees, which are vital to tropical ecosystems. This can be done by creating urban gardens, re-wilding spaces, and preserving natural habitats.



There's also growing interest in using artificial intelligence to monitor and track bee and other pollinator health and behavior more efficiently. Even AI tools to monitor pollinator populations could all make a big difference.



Dr. Deepa Senapathi is head of the Department of Sustainable Land Management at the University of Reading and co-author of the report.



“Meaningful action to protect bees is not a ‘nice-to-have’ future aspiration - practical solutions that we can implement now already exist and more are emerging. The most promising opportunities are ones that tackle multiple problems at once," said Dr. Senapathi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reversing-bee-and-pollinator-decline">Reversing bee and pollinator decline</h2>



According to Dr. Senapathi, focused and determined action could significantly slow and even reverse pollinator decline while creating environments that benefit both nature and people.



“It will take effort from everyone to address these threats. We need to maintain, manage and improve our natural habitats to create safe spaces for pollinators," said Dr Senapathi.



"But policy changes and individual actions must work together so everything from gardens and farms to public spaces and wider landscapes can all become pollinator-friendly habitats.”



Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Board Member of Re:wild, which helped launch Bee:wild, offers a hopeful reminder in the report’s foreword.



"The choices we make today will shape the future - not only for pollinators, but for all life on Earth. Together, we can ensure that these remarkable species continue their vital work, sustaining the natural world that sustains us all,” she said.



The full report, Emerging Threats and Opportunities for Conservation of Global Pollinators, is available <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1odhszqh-5-LJsJgidagHte_OW57Ke09x/view" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. 



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Rising dangers threaten the survival of bees and pollinators

This World Bee Day, a troubling message is buzzing through...

Picture a mouse entering a narrow, transparent tube. Another mouse approaches from the opposite end. They meet in the middle, noses twitching, bodies tense. One mouse retreats, conceding the passage. The other presses forward, asserting dominance - a silent communication carried by scent.



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.crick.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Francis Crick Institute</a> have been using this simple setup to uncover something remarkable: mice don’t just react to physical strength or size. They rely on scent to gauge social rank.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mice-use-scent-to-identify-social-rank">Mice use scent to identify social rank</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-smell-control-your-blood-pressure-new-research-says-yes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mice</a> live in social hierarchies, much like humans. Some lead, some follow, some are forever in between. For a long time, scientists assumed these roles emerged from physical aggression or fixed behaviors. But a study published in Current Biology suggests otherwise. 



Mice, it turns out, can read dominance through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/odors-prompt-brain-cells-to-make-decisions-before-you-know-whats-happening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scent</a>. They sniff out social status in the air and on the bodies of their peers. The researchers watched as mice encountered strangers and familiar cage mates.



They wanted to know whether a mouse could identify another’s rank without prior interaction. The answer was yes. The scent said it all.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scent-based-rank-recognition-in-mice">Scent-based rank recognition in mice</h2>



In the tube test, two mice enter from opposite ends. The dominant mouse typically forces the other to back out. Researchers ranked mice within the same cage, creating a clear hierarchy. 



Then they introduced unfamiliar mice, testing whether the scent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exposure-certain-odors-pheromones-speeds-up-aging-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cues</a> still worked when the opponent was a stranger. The findings? Even without prior interactions, the mice accurately detected rank using only scent.



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



Mice can’t rely on vision in complete darkness. So, the researchers plunged the testing room into blackness to eliminate visual cues.



The results stayed the same. Mice still recognized dominant opponents, proving that scent carried all the necessary information. 



The team also castrated some mice to see if the removal of sex hormones affected scent signals. It didn’t. Dominance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mice-perform-first-aid-and-save-unconscious-peers-in-emergencies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cues</a> remained intact, suggesting that scent signals aren’t tied to hormones but to other chemical compounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manipulating-perception-through-scent">Manipulating perception through scent</h2>



The researchers didn’t stop there. They tried manipulating rank perception through urine. By painting subordinate mice with urine from dominant males, they created temporary rank shifts. 



Suddenly, the formerly submissive mice behaved like top dogs. Even strangers treated them as if they had climbed the social ladder. This powerful manipulation revealed that scent cues could override an individual’s actual social history. 



“Our work offers an interesting perspective on social mobility: humans, like mice, can enter a new group of people but still maintain understanding of own social rank and gauge the social status of unfamiliar people,” noted Neven Borak, the study’s first author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mice-use-two-scent-systems">Mice use two scent systems</h2>



Mice use two chemosensory systems to read scent cues: the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) and the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). To understand how these systems contribute to rank detection, the researchers disabled each one separately. 



Mice with impaired olfactory systems still recognized rank. The same held true for those with damaged contact scent systems.



But when both systems were disrupted, the mice lost their ability to distinguish dominant from subordinate opponents. This dual reliance on scent systems underscores the importance of both airborne and contact-based scent cues in social interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scent-cues-help-mice-avoid-conflict">Scent cues help mice avoid conflict</h2>



Social life can get messy when animals clash over resources or mates. In mice, scent provides a way to avoid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-mice-turn-to-female-mice-to-avoid-fights-keep-social-peace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unnecessary fights</a>. A quick sniff can tell a subordinate mouse to back down before a confrontation even begins. 



By recognizing the scent of a dominant opponent, the mouse can retreat and avoid injury. This scent-based communication system not only maintains order but also reduces the risk of physical harm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-scent-signals">Universal scent signals</h2>



Do mice only recognize familiar scents? The researchers tested this by introducing mice from separate cages. Despite having no prior interactions, the mice still detected rank differences. 



This ability to generalize rank recognition across groups suggests that scent cues carry universal signals of dominance. The implications are profound. Scent can act as a universal language, conveying social information without prior encounters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-scent-to-social-status">Linking scent to social status</h2>



While scent clearly plays a role in rank recognition, how does the brain process this information? Previous studies have identified brain regions involved in self-rank detection, like the anterior cingulate cortex and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. 



But how does the brain interpret opponent rank? The researchers suspect that sensory input from the MOE and AOB converges in areas like the medial amygdala and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. 



These regions receive inputs from both olfactory and contact scent systems, suggesting a possible neural pathway for integrating social rank information.



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



Social hierarchies are not just a mouse problem. Humans also navigate complex social networks, constantly assessing their status relative to others. While humans rely more on visual and verbal cues, the underlying cognitive mechanisms for detecting rank may be similar across species. 



“Humans, like mice, can enter a new group of people but still maintain understanding of own social rank and gauge the social status of unfamiliar people,” Borak notes. 



The ability to perceive social status quickly can help avoid conflict, but it can also reinforce hierarchies, limiting social mobility and affecting health outcomes for those stuck at the bottom.



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



This study raises new questions. How do different brain regions work together to process scent cues and assess social rank? 



What specific chemical compounds convey rank information? And how do physiological states, like stress or hunger, affect scent perception?



The researchers plan to use advanced imaging techniques and optogenetic manipulation to explore these questions, aiming to map the neural circuits that translate scent into social behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scent-redefines-hierarchies-in-mice">Scent redefines hierarchies in mice</h2>



Mice don’t need words or physical strength to assert dominance. A scent can say it all. This study from the Crick Institute highlights how chemical cues can reshape social hierarchies, allowing mice to recognize and respond to dominance without direct confrontation. 



For humans, the implications are equally intriguing. While we may rely less on scent, the underlying cognitive mechanisms for detecting social rank may still be at play, subtly influencing our interactions and shaping the way we navigate the social world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(25)00560-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Mice use scent to determine who's the boss

Picture a mouse entering a narrow, transparent tube. Another mouse...

Concept,Of,Future,Technology,5g,Network,Wireless,Systems,And,Internet

People keep debating whether fifth-generation wireless signals might be risky. Some fear that these signals, traveling at higher frequencies, could damage our cells. Scientists have now studied how 5G waves affect the activity of human skin cells. 



The results reveal no alarming signs of harm. Dr. Vivian Meyer from <a href="https://constructor.university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jacobs University Bremen</a>, led the research to address these concerns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5g-causes-no-harm-to-skin-cells">5G causes no harm to skin cells</h2>



Study participants exposed human skin cells to frequencies of 27 GHz and 40.5 GHz. These tests ran for 2 hours or 48 hours at power flux densities of 1 milliwatt per square centimeter and 10 milliwatts per square centimeter.



The team measured how these electromagnetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-debris-may-create-a-future-with-no-internet-or-astronaut-missions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fields</a> might trigger changes in gene expression. They also tracked DNA methylation, which helps turn genes on or off.



Recommended safety limits for the general population sit at 1 milliwatt per square centimeter for this frequency range, based on the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection <a href="https://www.icnirp.org/cms/upload/publications/ICNIRPrfgdl2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">guidelines</a>. This study used up to 10 times that level to see if any significant shifts might appear.



Some earlier work pointed to possible health effects but failed to control for heat from the equipment. This group included temperature checks to rule out the chance that slight warming created misleading effects.



Many news outlets have highlighted statements that 5G might cause everything from headaches to severe illness. This study tackled those claims by testing real human cells in controlled lab setups.



Non-ionizing radiation, such as 5G, differs from high-energy sources like X-rays. These high-energy sources can break chemical bonds, but 5G waves do not have that ability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-5g-affects-gene-expression">How 5G affects gene expression </h2>



Gene expression involves the way cells read genetic instructions and make proteins. If an outside factor changes that process, it can lead to subtle or major biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-teleportation-communication-achieved-on-regular-internet-cables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consequences</a>.



Researchers found no unusual patterns in the cells that received the 5G signals. They compared them with cells shielded from the waves and saw similar activity levels.



“The quantum energies are far too low to have photochemical or even ionizing effects on cells,” stated Dr. Meyer. The authors also emphasized that routine tasks like making proteins or repairing tissue stayed normal. This calm response in gene expression points to no disruption from 5G.



Millimeter-wave frequencies also have shallow skin penetration, often only a few millimeters into the body. That limited depth further reduces the odds of deep tissue interference.



Scientists watch gene expression in skin cells closely because 5G exposure can link to inflammation or other cell stress. No such signals were noticed in the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5g-exposure-and-dna-methylation">5G exposure and DNA methylation</h2>



<a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Methylation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Methylation</a> is a chemical tag that can affect how genes function. Certain signals from the environment can change these tags, which sometimes alters cellular behavior.



In this project, no major shifts appeared in the cells’ methylation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/taking-a-smartphone-break-can-improve-your-life-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">profiles</a>. This suggests that the exposure did not create epigenetic stress.



Other <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0109435" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> found similar outcomes at frequencies in the millimeter-wave range, even when power levels were higher than everyday exposure. These stable methylation patterns match the stable gene expression findings.



Previous concerns stemmed from the fear that 5G might spark changes at the cellular level without immediate symptoms. These fresh data suggest otherwise.



Experts have explored whether electromagnetic exposure could prompt long-term epigenetic shifts. Those might remain hidden until many cell cycles pass.



In these trials, the normal patterns suggest that any subtle changes are unlikely. This observation matches wider evidence that short-term exposure poses no known epigenetic threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-studies-could-reveal-5g-risks">Future studies could reveal 5G risks</h2>



Some people wonder if long-term exposure might still pose unknown risks. Others question whether certain individuals might be more sensitive to electromagnetic signals.



This study indicates no harmful alterations in skin cells from 5G exposure, but more work on various cell types could settle lingering doubts. Future projects may also review how repeated exposure interacts with other environmental factors.



Scientists often stress the importance of consistent methods and proper temperature tracking. Such precautions help isolate real biological changes from simple heating effects. 



The authors believe these findings calm persistent fears and show that 5G exposure to skin cells is unlikely to cause genetic or epigenetic damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-concerns-about-5g-health-risks">Public concerns about 5G health risks</h2>



Many researchers believe large-scale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-shrinking-earths-atmosphere-and-thats-bad-for-satellites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monitoring</a> over years could confirm these laboratory insights. Ongoing surveillance might help ease public anxiety.



Policymakers often rely on robust data for safety guidelines. They may update recommendations only if science uncovers new dangers.



Modern wireless networks have always raised questions about health. This well-controlled experiment looks like a solid step toward assurance.



Many wonder if the matter is settled forever. Time will tell whether new research keeps indicating a lack of harm.



The study is published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/5/pgaf127/8124427?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>.



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

5G wireless signals were extensively tested and the final verdict is out on their human impact

People keep debating whether fifth-generation wireless signals might be risky....

Inside dark, hidden burrows, mice rely on their whiskers to make sense of the world. For decades, scientists believed that whisking - the brushing of whiskers against surfaces - was purely a tactile process. 



But researchers at the <a href="https://www.weizmann.ac.il/pages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weizmann Institute of Science</a> have uncovered a surprising twist. Whisking doesn’t just involve touch. It generates sound.



Published in the journal Current Biology, the study shows that these tiny sounds activate the auditory cortex in mice, revealing a previously unnoticed sensory connection. 



The implications stretch far beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-living-beings-emit-a-subtle-light-that-fades-after-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mice</a>. They hint at how brains might merge different senses to create a fuller picture of the surroundings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mice-whiskers-make-sounds">Mice whiskers make sounds</h2>



“Whiskers are so delicate that no one had thought of checking whether they produce sounds that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/klotho-s-kl-protein-discovered-boosts-lifespan-muscle-brain-power-with-one-dose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mice</a> are able to hear,” said Professor Ilan Lampl of Weizmann’s Brain Sciences Department.



Lampl’s team started by recording the sounds whiskers make when they brush against different surfaces. They used sensitive microphones capable of picking up ultrasonic frequencies - sounds beyond human hearing. The setup mimicked the distance between a mouse’s whiskers and ears.



Surprisingly, the microphones caught faint yet distinct sounds. Whiskers brushing against Bougainvillea leaves and aluminum foil each produced unique acoustic signatures. 



These whisker-generated sounds weren’t loud, but they were consistent enough for the researchers to wonder: Are mice actually listening to their own whiskers?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mice-brains-listen-to-whisker-sounds">Mice brains listen to whisker sounds</h2>



To answer that question, the researchers recorded neural activity in the auditory cortex of mice. They wanted to see if the brain responded to these whisker-generated sounds.



The results stunned them. The auditory cortex lit up every time a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mice-perform-first-aid-and-save-unconscious-peers-in-emergencies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mouse</a> whisked against a surface, even when the researchers blocked the pathways that convey touch. The brain wasn’t just feeling the whisker’s touch. It was listening to it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-listen-to-their-own-whiskers">Why listen to their own whiskers?</h2>



Mice navigate through dense, cluttered environments. They sniff, feel, and now, it seems, they also listen. This auditory feedback might help them distinguish between surfaces. 



The sound of whiskers brushing against a dry leaf may signal danger. The rustle of aluminum foil might mean food. Lampl suggests that mice may have developed this sensory connection to avoid predators.



“Since whisking generates much weaker sounds than walking, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mice-offer-first-aid-to-unconscious-companions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mouse</a> could rely on it when, for example, choosing whether to walk across a brittle, drier field of crops versus a fresher, quieter one, to avoid being detected by an owl,” said Lampl.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-confirms-that-mice-identify-sounds">AI confirms that mice identify sounds</h2>



To confirm that these sounds mattered to the mice, the researchers brought in artificial intelligence (AI). They trained two machine-learning models.



One model analyzed the neural activity in response to whisker-generated sounds. The other analyzed the recorded sounds themselves. Both models accurately identified objects based solely on sound patterns. 



The takeaway? The mice’s brains were not just picking up sound. They were interpreting it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mice-trained-to-hear-whisker-sounds">Mice trained to hear whisker sounds</h2>



With AI results in hand, the researchers designed a behavioral test. They trained mice whose touch sensation had been blocked to recognize aluminum foil based solely on its whisker-generated sound.



The mice caught on quickly. When they heard the sound of whiskers scraping foil, they responded as if they were touching it. 



This finding confirmed that the auditory cortex could interpret whisker sounds as sensory information, even without tactile input.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-listening-to-whiskers-helps-mice-survive">Listening to whiskers helps mice survive</h2>



Why would mice evolve to listen to their own whiskers? Lampl believes it’s all about survival. 



The sound of whiskers brushing against objects is subtle - much quieter than a mouse’s footsteps. This quiet feedback allows a mouse to navigate without attracting predators.



“Whisking could also help a mouse figure out whether a stem is hollow or sufficiently juicy and worthy of a bite,” Lampl explained. 



The ability to detect subtle acoustic differences might help mice decide what to bite, what to avoid, and where to hide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mouse-whisker-insights-for-robots">Mouse whisker insights for robots</h2>



The study’s findings have broader implications. If mice can merge sound and touch to perceive their environment, robots might do the same. 



Dr. Ben Efron, a lead researcher in the study, sees potential in collision-avoidance sensors that rely on sound.



“Integrating different types of sensory input is a major challenge in the design of robotic systems. The mouse brain’s whisking system might provide inspiration for technologies that would address this challenge,” said Dr. Efron.



In smoke-filled rooms, underwater environments, or other low-visibility conditions, sensors that interpret subtle sounds could prevent collisions. The mouse brain, it seems, may offer a blueprint for such systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-blind-people-could-benefit">How blind people could benefit</h2>



The study also opens doors for sensory rehabilitation. For people with sensory impairments, integrating touch and sound could enhance perception. 



Consider how blind individuals use the sound of a white cane tapping against a surface. Mice, it turns out, might be doing something similar with their whiskers.



If researchers can replicate this multisensory integration in prosthetic devices, they could create more intuitive feedback systems. Imagine a prosthetic hand that not only feels an object but also “hears” its texture through vibrations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-whiskers-big-sensory-impact">Tiny whiskers, big sensory impact</h2>



Mice whiskers are as thick as human hair at the base, ranging from 40 to 80 microns. 



As they extend outward, they become much thinner, ending at just 3 to 4 microns at the tip. This thin, sensitive structure helps them create tiny sounds and detect slight vibrations.



This study is just the beginning. If mice can use whisker-generated sounds to identify objects, what other animals might do the same? Could cats or rats also listen to their whiskers?



The researchers plan to explore how different animals might use touch-generated sounds. They also want to see if mice can learn to distinguish between even more complex sounds or if they can adapt to new auditory cues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-mice-whisker-sounds">Significance of mice whisker sounds </h2>



What started as a simple investigation into whiskers has revealed a complex sensory connection. Mice don’t just feel with their whiskers - they listen to them. 



The implications stretch beyond the burrow, hinting at new ways to merge sound and touch in both nature and technology.



And for researchers like Lampl, the work is far from over. The brain’s ability to integrate multiple senses opens up a world of possibilities, from robotic sensors to prosthetic feedback systems. The whispers of whiskers might just be the start.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960982225001241?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Mouse whiskers can actually "hear" the world by creating internal sounds

Inside dark, hidden burrows, mice rely on their whiskers to...

New research focuses on the compelling story of how ancient people began their journeys of migration into the Americas during the late Pleistocene.



It follows genetic clues carried by Indigenous communities who established themselves in different parts of North and South America over thousands of years.



Scientists uncovered these findings by examining high-quality genomic data and interpreting patterns of ancestral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/out-of-africa-hominin-migration-timeline-pushed-back-even-further-by-new-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relationships</a>. Among the researchers was Dr. Elena Gusareva from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (<a href="https://www.aaas.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AAAS</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-reveal-ancient-migration-paths">Clues reveal ancient migration paths</h2>



A broader look at prehistoric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-climate-shifts-changed-early-human-migration-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">movements</a> suggests that Beringia - the land region once connecting Asia and North America - served as a crucial route for these travelers.



<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abg7586" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evidence</a> from fossilized footprints in New Mexico indicates that humans were roaming parts of North America earlier than once thought, and this contradicts the simpler models of migration.



It is worth noting that some lines of evidence dispute a single migration event. Instead, genetic <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1137166" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> suggest multiple pulses of movement, resulting in a patchwork of related yet distinct communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-links-show-ancient-migration-routes">DNA links show ancient migration routes</h2>



By comparing modern DNA profiles, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature21347" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">researchers</a> noticed clusters of shared markers that hint at ancient ties. These strands of inherited data paint a bigger picture of how small groups branched off, explored new territories, and eventually settled in diverse environments.



“These findings highlight how population history and environmental pressures shaped the genetic architecture of human populations across North Asia and South America,” said Gusareva and colleagues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-climate-shaped-ancient-migrations">How climate shaped ancient migrations</h2>



Ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/115000-year-old-human-footprints-found-alathar-lake-arabian-peninsula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a> encountered dramatic weather changes and unfamiliar animal life as they moved into new areas. Some <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27507099/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scholars</a> believe these challenges forced communities to split off in different directions, which gave rise to subtle genetic differences over time.



With each passing generation, families held onto pieces of ancestral DNA that reveal how past adaptations helped them endure tough climates. 



These stories are visible in the DNA of modern Indigenous peoples who trace their roots back to the far north of Asia and the southern tip of the Americas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-megafauna-mortality">Climate change and megafauna mortality</h2>



Some researchers link a sharp population decline in ancient Siberians to climate instability and the disappearance of <a href="https://australian.museum/learn/australia-over-time/megafauna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">megafauna</a>, like mammoths and woolly rhinoceroses. 



These animals played a key role in the survival of early hunter-gatherer groups by providing meat, bones, and fur for tools, clothing and shelter.



As the climate warmed around 10,000 years ago, many large mammals went extinct, triggering a chain reaction that impacted ancient migration patterns. Nomadic communities dependent on these animals were forced to move, adapt their diets, or vanish.



That environmental pressure left a lasting imprint on genetic patterns seen in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/activity-in-earths-mantle-created-a-land-bridge-that-animals-traversed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groups</a> like the Kets and Nenets of West Siberia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-data-and-disease-risk">Genetic data and disease risk</h2>



Genomic information can help medical teams tailor disease-prevention plans, since certain populations carry genetic variants that affect immune responses. Smaller communities may have fewer variations in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546662/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HLA genes</a>, which can influence their response to infections.



A broader analysis of genetic markers also identifies potential drug sensitivities. In an era of personalized medicine, understanding these inherited factors has become more important than ever.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-cultural-heritage">Preserving cultural heritage </h2>



Experts hope this research encourages deeper collaboration with Indigenous communities, ensuring mutual respect and ethical partnerships. 



Protecting local languages, customs, and ancestral territories is vital for preserving cultural heritage.



Traditional knowledge can guide new studies on how early humans survived in settings that required innovative skills. Collaborations between geneticists, anthropologists, and community leaders will likely expand our insights in years to come.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-genomic-research-plans">New genomic research plans</h2>



Scientists plan to continue adding newly sequenced genomes to existing datasets to trace ancient migration patterns. This expansion may clarify how rare lineages or remote populations fit into the broader narrative of human migration.



Analysts are optimistic that these ongoing discoveries will refine modern views of prehistory. Traces of the longest journeys out of Africa remain visible in people alive today, and shed light on how we are all connected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patagonia-s-isolated-genetic-story">Patagonia’s isolated genetic story</h2>



Unlike other regions, Patagonia’s extreme southern location made it one of the last frontiers of human migration. Groups who settled there completed one of the farthest migrations ever recorded, traveling thousands of miles from their ancestral homes near the Arctic Circle.



The isolation was so intense that Patagonian populations, such as the <a href="https://www.tompkinsconservation.org/explore/kawesqar-national-park/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kawésqar</a>, developed some of the lowest genetic diversity levels recorded in the Americas. Their story illustrates the immense toll of geographic boundaries on small populations, both in terms of culture and biology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-ancient-migrations">Tracing ancient migrations </h2>



The transformative power of large-scale genomic studies is driving a reexamination of how people first populated the Americas. Enhanced methods allow specialists to detect subtle genetic patterns and connect them to ancient movements.



Preserving Indigenous perspectives matters. Cultural knowledge holds clues that labs alone might overlook, highlighting the bonds that tie present-day communities to those who first blazed these paths long ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-migrations-across-continents">Ancient migrations across continents</h2>



Discussions around the planet’s earliest migrations go well beyond the Americas. DNA research in Africa, Europe, and Asia continues to unearth astonishing clues about how human groups formed.



The hope is that such findings will support efforts to safeguard vulnerable communities, encourage fair representation in academic research, and improve health outcomes grounded in scientific understanding.



Ultimately, human history is a tapestry, woven with threads of perseverance, curiosity, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-surf-the-winds-of-storms-during-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation</a>. Learning more about that tapestry fosters greater appreciation for the shared origins that unite us.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk5081" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

DNA reveals multiple waves of migration into ancient Americas

New research focuses on the compelling story of how ancient...

Hydrogen is essential for fertilizer production and is increasingly promoted as a clean fuel for decarbonizing industry and shipping.



Yet almost all of today’s hydrogen - about 90 million metric tons a year - comes from reforming oil and gas, releasing roughly 2.4 percent of global CO2 emissions in the process. Blue and green hydrogen remain too expensive to scale rapidly, despite advances in carbon capture and clean electricity production.



A new review highlights a third option: tapping naturally occurring hydrogen produced by geological processes over millions of years. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-for-clean-hydrogen">Hunting for clean hydrogen</h2>



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/">University of Oxford</a>, <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/">Durham University</a>, and the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/">University of Toronto</a> calculate that Earth’s continental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-first-crust-already-had-chemical-traits-of-modern-continents/">crust</a> has produced enough hydrogen over the past billion years to meet humanity’s projected needs for at least 170,000 years.



Microbes have consumed much of it, and some has leaked away, but the rest could still form recoverable accumulations. To find it, scientists say geologists must pursue hydrogen like helium or gas - though it diffuses and reacts more easily.



“We have successfully developed an exploration strategy for helium, and a similar ‘first principles’ approach can be taken for hydrogen,” said co-author Jon Gluyas, a professor at Durham University. 



The review outlines the critical elements of such a strategy and identifies where current knowledge is solid or still developing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-hydrogen-form">How does hydrogen form?</h2>



Hydrogen forms through several crustal reactions. One of the best known is serpentinization, where water reacts with iron-rich minerals underground, oxidizing iron and releasing molecular hydrogen. 



Other pathways include radiolysis - where decaying uranium splits water molecules - and organic shale maturation, which can generate hydrogen alongside hydrocarbons. 



Production rates vary widely by region, depending on temperature, pressure, rock type, and the availability of liquid water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holding-hydrogen-underground">Holding hydrogen underground</h2>



After formation, hydrogen must migrate through fractures and porous rock layers until it meets a geological trap that prevents further escape.



Traditional seals like rock salt or claystone can work, but because hydrogen molecules are so small, maintaining containment over geological time may require exceptionally tight caps. Even a perfect seal is not enough if microbes lurk in the reservoir.



“We know, for example, that underground microbes readily feast on hydrogen," said co-author Barbara Sherwood Lollar of the University of Toronto. 



"Avoiding environments that bring them into contact with the hydrogen is important in preserving hydrogen in economic accumulations.” 



Sherwood noted that high temperatures, salty brines, or low nutrient levels can slow microbial consumption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targeting-deposits-in-earth-s-crust">Targeting deposits in Earth's crust</h2>



The review challenges speculation that mantle-derived hydrogen, sometimes touted as limitless, could be a major target. Analyses of isotopic fingerprints and gas ratios show that most mature accumulations originate from crustal rocks, not from deep-Earth plumes.



The good news is that suitable crustal settings are common: ancient cratonic shields, younger rift basins, iron-rich volcanic belts, and faulted sedimentary basins all provide the right mix of source, pathways, and potential traps. 



Some systems are geologically young, forming hydrogen within the past few million years, while others date back hundreds of millions.



Scientists have found encouragement in real-world hints. A village water well in Bourakébougou, Mali, accidentally tapped a stream of 98 percent hydrogen in 2012. Similar incidents have been reported in Kansas, South Australia, and the Pyrenees.



Drilling for water, oil, or minerals has accidentally revealed many deposits - hinting that targeted exploration could find much more.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-accumulated-hydrogen">Searching for accumulated hydrogen</h2>



Turning theory into drill bits will require integrating geophysics, geochemistry, microbiology, and reservoir engineering.



Study lead author Chris Ballentine from the University of Oxford offered a culinary analogy. “Combining the ingredients to find accumulated hydrogen in any of these settings can be likened to cooking a soufflé - get any one of the ingredients, amounts, timing, or temperature wrong and you will be disappointed.”



“One successful exploration recipe that is repeatable will unlock a commercially competitive, low-carbon hydrogen source that would significantly contribute to the energy transition - we have the right experience to combine these ingredients and find that recipe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-significant-hydrogen-fields">Identifying significant hydrogen fields</h2>



To pursue that recipe, the research team has launched <a href="https://www.snowfoxdiscovery.com/">Snowfox Discovery Ltd</a>., aiming to identify “societally significant” hydrogen fields.



Early priorities include mapping iron-rich rock belts intersected by deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-plays-critical-role-ecosystem-health/">groundwater</a>, quantifying how fast different microbial communities devour hydrogen, and testing seal integrity for a highly diffusive gas.



Seismic imaging and magnetotelluric surveys could reveal subsurface alteration zones where hydrogen-generating reactions are ongoing. Meanwhile, isotopic tracers will help distinguish fresh hydrogen from ancient residues or from contamination by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-methane-emissions-threaten-earths-habitability/">methane</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-step-toward-greener-fuel">A step toward greener fuel</h2>



If abundant, natural hydrogen could bridge blue and green hydrogen as a low-carbon feedstock during infrastructure scale-up.



However, extraction must avoid repeating the environmental mistakes of fossil-fuel development. Regulators will need to set standards for monitoring leaks, safeguarding groundwater, and managing co-produced gases.



Even partial success would diversify the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-energy-biodiversity-wildlife-habitats-delicate-balancing-act/">clean energy</a> portfolio and relieve pressure on renewables to shoulder all hydrogen demand. 



With the window to limit global warming rapidly closing, exploring Earth’s hidden hydrogen could buy valuable time - and illuminate a new frontier where geology and the energy transition meet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-025-00670-1">Nature Reviews Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Clean hydrogen source could power Earth for 170,000 years

Hydrogen is essential for fertilizer production and is increasingly promoted...

Cancer is one of the many health risks linked to physical inactivity, and it has become a growing concern in today’s sedentary world.



Most of us know that we should move more. Yet, with modern life keeping us in chairs and behind screens, the cost of sitting too much is steep - about £7.4 billion a year in the U.K. alone. But beyond the financial toll, it’s our health that suffers most.



Now, fresh evidence suggests a simple habit could make a big difference: walking. New research from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> shows that taking more daily steps can lower your chances of developing certain cancers. 



The study followed over 85,000 U.K. adults and found a strong connection between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-can-drastically-improve-your-health-without-thousands-of-daily-steps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">walking</a> regularly and a reduced risk for 13 types of cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-step-cancer-connection">Understanding the step-cancer connection</h2>



Participants wore devices that tracked how much - and how intensely - they moved each day. On average, they were monitored for six years.



The researchers spotted a clear pattern: the more someone walked, the lower their cancer risk. This link held up no matter how fast or slowly those steps were taken.



In fact, the benefits started to appear around 5,000 steps per day. Below that, there wasn’t much effect. But once participants hit 7,000 steps, cancer risk dropped by 11%. At 9,000 steps, the risk fell by 16%. Beyond that, the advantage leveled off, with only small additional improvements.



These numbers back the common advice to walk <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-prove-how-many-daily-steps-you-should-take-to-avoid-early-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10,000 steps a day</a> - not just for heart health or fitness reasons, but as a way to lower cancer risk as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pace-doesn-t-matter-movement-does">Pace doesn’t matter; movement does</h2>



Researchers also looked at how fast people walked. While faster walking was initially linked to lower cancer risk, this difference disappeared when total movement was taken into account. It turns out that it’s the overall amount of activity that matters most - not how briskly you do it.



Swapping sitting time for either light or moderate activity reduced cancer risk. But trading light movement for more intense activity didn’t add extra benefits. The key message? Just move more, at any speed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-types-of-cancer-are-affected">What types of cancer are affected?</h2>



The experts looked at 13 cancers: esophageal, liver, lung, kidney, gastric, endometrial, myeloid leukemia, myeloma, colon, head and neck, rectal, bladder, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diet-improves-health-in-women-with-breast-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breast cancer</a>.



Over six years, about 3% of participants developed one of these cancers. For men, the most common were colon, rectal, and lung cancers. For women, breast, colon, endometrial, and lung cancers were most common.



Physical activity showed the strongest protection against six <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-is-linked-to-32-cancer-types-that-could-drive-40-of-cases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer types</a>: gastric, bladder, liver, endometrial, lung, and head and neck cancers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-study-stands-out">Why this study stands out</h2>



Most earlier studies in this field have relied on people reporting their own activity levels. That method isn’t always reliable. People often forget or overestimate how much they move. This new study used wearable trackers, which gave a much clearer picture of actual daily movement.



It’s also different from research that focuses only on intense exercise. While hitting the gym can be helpful, not everyone is able or motivated to do that. The research suggests that even lighter movement, like walking, can reduce cancer risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-changes-add-up">Small changes add up</h2>



You don’t have to walk miles at a time to see real health benefits. Just 4,000 steps a day - roughly equal to two miles (3.2 kilometers) or about 40 minutes of light walking - can help improve your long-term health.



The good news is that you don’t need to carve out a large chunk of time to make it happen. These steps can be spread throughout the day, making it easier to fit movement into your routine.



Consider small adjustments to your daily habits. Take the stairs instead of the lift whenever possible - it’s a simple way to get your heart rate up. During your lunch break, step outside for a short walk to clear your mind and add to your daily total. 



If you're often on phone calls, use that time to walk around instead of sitting still while you talk. Even parking a little farther away from your destination can give you those extra steps that make a difference.



Incorporating more movement into your day, especially during middle age, can be one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your risk of cancer over time. It doesn’t require a gym membership or special equipment - just a conscious decision to sit less and move more.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-simple-way-to-lower-cancer-risk">A simple way to lower cancer risk</h2>



Of course, the connection between movement and cancer is complex. Scientists still have more to learn - especially about how different types of activity influence individual cancers over time.



But one thing is clear: sitting less and moving more really matters. You don’t have to run marathons. Just get up, take more steps, and you could be walking toward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intermittent-fasting-could-be-the-key-to-better-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better health</a> - one day at a time.



Details of the study are published in the <a style="font-style: italic;" href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2025/03/14/bjsports-2024-109360">British Journal of Sports Medicine</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Walking each day at any speed lowers the risk of cancer

Cancer is one of the many health risks linked to...

<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.



—–



Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.



—–

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

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>



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



-----

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.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



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)



---



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

News coming your way