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>.



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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...

Playing a video game by thought alone sounds like science fiction, yet it is inching toward everyday reality. In a lab in Austin, volunteers steered a digital racecar and balanced an onscreen bar without lifting a finger. 



The only gear they wore was an electrode cap, and the only control signals came straight from their brains.



For years, these brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) have struggled to escape the clinic because each new user had to sit through tedious calibration. 



A system trained on one head simply fumbled on the next. That drawback made the technology slow, costly, and far too fragile for the home.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calibrating-a-brain-computer-interface">Calibrating a brain-computer interface</h2>



After watching the bottleneck stall progress, engineers at <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas at Austin</a> tried a different tack. 



They built a “decoder” with data from a single expert and then taught the software to bend toward every newcomer. 



Two algorithms handled the heavy lifting: Generic Recentering, which adjusts itself automatically, and Personally Assisted Recentering, which adds a light, optional tweak from the user.



“When we think about this in a clinical setting, this technology will make it so we won’t need a specialized team to do this calibration process, which is long and tedious,” said Satyam Kumar, a graduate student in the laboratory of José del R. Millán. “It will be much faster to move from patient to patient.”



Eighteen healthy volunteers put both approaches through their paces. 



Even the fully automatic method matched the performance of the slightly customized version in two tasks: balancing a left‑right bar and zipping around a twisty racetrack. 



In other words, the system worked on unfamiliar heads without extra setup.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-decoder-to-rule-them-all">One decoder to rule them all</h2>



Electrode caps in the study relied on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-walking-quantifiably-improves-brain-health-and-functioning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electroencephalography</a>, a decades‑old technique that tracks faint voltage changes on the scalp. 



Traditional BCIs force analysts to hunt for each person’s optimal signal patterns, often for an hour or more. 



The new decoder skips that search by leaning on the expert’s neural footprint as a starting point. It then nudges the “center” of the data cloud until the newcomer’s signals line up. 



Generic Recentering does the nudging automatically; Personally Assisted Recentering lets the volunteer guide a handful of corrections.



The payoff is more than convenience. By saving time, clinicians can devote scarce minutes to coaching users on strategy rather than tinkering with software. 



Faster sessions also cut fatigue - an overlooked hurdle for patients with limited stamina.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-games-and-brain-computer-interfaces">Games and brain-computer interfaces</h2>



The bar‑balancing exercise may look simple, yet it trains users to modulate brain‑rhythm power across <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-violent-video-games-impact-the-human-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">left and right motor cortices</a>. 



The racing game piles on complexity by demanding rapid, anticipatory turns, much like reflexes needed for steering a powered wheelchair through a crowded hallway. Volunteers mastered both activities within a single visit.



A separate demonstration hinted at still broader horizons. Outside the peer‑reviewed trial, visitors at the South by Southwest festival controlled two rehabilitation robots for the hand and arm after only minutes of exposure. 



The stunt showed that the decoder can jump from screen‑based tasks to physical devices without starting over.



“On the one hand, we want to translate the BCI to the clinical realm to help people with disabilities; on the other, we need to improve our technology to make it easier to use so that the impact for these people with disabilities is stronger,” Millán said.



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



Although the present work involved able‑bodied adults, plans are under way to test the decoder with people who have spinal‑cord injuries or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eyes-serve-as-an-early-warning-system-for-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stroke‑related</a> movement loss. 



Earlier research from Millán’s group found that regular BCI practice can spark neural plasticity - the brain’s knack for rewiring itself - so a smoother onboarding process could multiply those benefits.



The team is also refining a thought‑driven wheelchair that debuted several years ago. An off‑the‑shelf version would give users the freedom to roll out of rehab and into their daily routines without a technician in tow.



The wider field is moving in the same direction. Researchers at institutions such as <a href="https://www.stanford.edu">Stanford</a> and <a href="https://www.cmu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carnegie Mellon</a> are blending adaptive algorithms with invasive implants, while companies like Neuralink aim for direct brain‑text typing. 



Noninvasive systems, however, remain safer and cheaper, making strides like the Austin decoder essential for broad access.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shortening-the-training-periods">Shortening the training periods</h2>



Kumar and colleagues believe the key to scaling up is shrinking the gap between first contact and effective control. Their study suggests that gap can fall to minutes, not hours. 



“The point of this technology is to help people, help them in their everyday lives,” Millán said. “We’ll continue down this path wherever it takes us in the pursuit of helping people.”



If the trend holds, tomorrow’s rehabilitation units might hand out electrode caps the way today’s gyms loan heart‑rate straps. 



Patients could start training as soon as the cap touches their scalp, strengthening unused neural circuits while playing a race that feels more like fun than therapy. 



And because the software does the housekeeping itself, therapists could tackle the human side of recovery - motivation, goal setting, and support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-mind-control-devices">Future of mind-control devices</h2>



Tools that listen to brainwaves still face hurdles: interference from muscle twitches, signal drift over long sessions, and regulatory scrutiny, to name a few. 



Yet the Austin study shows that at least one stubborn obstacle - individual calibration - no longer looks insurmountable. 



With the decoder learning on the fly, the door cracks open for BCIs that work out of the box, as ready for an eight‑year‑old gamer as for a 70‑year‑old stroke survivor.



That prospect might be closer than many expect. In less time than it takes to order takeout, a clinician could slip on a cap, boot up the program, and watch a newcomer send a digital racecar hurtling down the track. Speed like that could change not only how fast we play but how fast we heal.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/3/2/pgae076/7609232" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>.



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Brain-computer interface device lets users play games with only their minds

Playing a video game by thought alone sounds like science...

Scientists have taken a close look at certain reef fish and found something that no one expected. These underwater inhabitants can shift their jawbones in more ways than just up and down. The fish use a quick jaw twist in order to feed more effectively.



Peter Wainwright from the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a> and his colleagues discovered this unusual trait while studying the <a href="https://www.fishbase.se/summary/zanclus-cornutus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moorish idol</a> (Zanclus cornutus), a striking species known for its long dorsal fin and bold stripes. 



The experts saw swift sideways motions that differ from the typical jaw movements of most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-illuminates-fish-interactions-in-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> - a finding that might explain how certain fish became successful herbivores.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-use-the-jaw-twist-to-feed-better">Fish use the jaw twist to feed better</h2>



High-speed video helped <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2418982122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">researchers</a> detect a rapid shifting motion in the mouth region of this coral reef species.



Two-dimensional footage does not capture the complexity of the action, so cameras operating at hundreds of frames per second were crucial for seeing the sideways glide that is rarely seen in vertebrates.



The research team examined the mouth structures using scans and dissections, and spotted the unique anatomical elements that permit the jaws to move in multiple directions without slowing down. "I thought, holy cow, that’s not something we expected!” said Wainwright.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jaw-movement-helps-to-scrape-algae">Jaw movement helps to scrape algae</h2>



This side-to-side movement appears to boost the way in which the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reef-fish-populations-are-boosted-by-ocean-connectivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> remove bits of algae from rocks on coral reefs. 



Many reef environments feature hard surfaces where edible plant material clings stubbornly, so efficient techniques for scraping and plucking food may be especially important.



Surgeonfish, which share a close kinship with the Moorish idol, also display a version of this sliding jaw function. This capacity helps them graze on tough patches of algae, which supports their diets and possibly contributes to the dominance of certain fish species in these habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-jaw-adaptations-for-targeted-grazing">Fish jaw adaptations for targeted grazing</h2>



These mouth maneuvers seem to offer a quick way to yank food free. Fish that rely on suction feeding typically aim for items drifting in the water, but <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226413625_The_trophic_status_of_herbivorous_fishes_on_coral_reefs_II_Food_processing_modes_and_trophodynamics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grazing species</a> face different challenges when their meals grow attached to stones or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-coral-reef-fish-survive-in-the-worlds-warmest-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a>.



Lateral jaw movement might allow them to target specific chunks of algae, while leaving the rest of the body steady. 



Staying still in choppy waters can reduce energy waste, so subtle mouth motion alone may make feeding smoother and more successful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-fish-feeding-affects-coral-reef-health">How fish feeding affects coral reef health</h2>



By adopting this method, <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.0801946105" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbivorous</a> fish may help regulate algal overgrowth. Large algal blooms can sometimes crowd out coral species, so hungry fish that trim back the vegetation are often vital for the health of reefs.



“For Zanclus, this adaptation seems to relate to where they feed,” said Michalis Mihalitsis, now at the <a href="https://www.uog.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Guam</a>, who worked on the study. His comment highlights the link between physical traits and the specific environmental niches that fish occupy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-evolution-and-the-jaw-twist">Fish evolution and the jaw twist</h2>



Vertebrate <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7672094/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jaws</a> have undergone countless modifications since the first fish appeared, over 400 million years ago. Each structural shift opens up new dietary options, supporting the rise of new species with unique ways of eating.



Sideways jaw movement is familiar to mammals that chew the cud, such as cows and goats. In fish, this trait is much less common, making its discovery in the Moorish idol and <a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/holomua/surgeonfish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surgeonfish</a> particularly surprising.



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



Scientists plan to explore whether other families of benthic-feeding fish also possess some degree of sideways jaw rotation. As more species are examined, other hidden techniques that have allowed various fish lineages to flourish could come to light.



Understanding fine-scale feeding approaches can reveal how fish keep reefs in balance. Each specialized adaptation for cropping algae may have influenced which species thrived in these colorful yet competitive underwater neighborhoods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jaw-adaptations-impact-fish-feeding">Jaw adaptations impact fish feeding</h2>



Researchers are starting to see the big picture of how a single trait may drive broad ecological shifts. A fish that can chomp algae in a quick and strategic manner might help shape community dynamics, protect coral structures, and boost biodiversity.



This mouth movement breakthrough raises questions about what else fish mouths can do. It also shows how delicate mechanical tweaks can transform an animal’s role in its ecosystem.



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



Future work could involve close analysis of mouth ligaments, muscles, and bone joints across diverse reef species. Pinpointing the underlying genetics might allow scientists to trace how such mobility spread among related fish groups.



New knowledge might spark investigations into how environmental pressures push mouth features to evolve. As climate change affects reef conditions, fish that are able to adapt their feeding methods could prove more resilient, and help preserve vital coastal ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-jaws-reveal-ecosystem-dynamics">Fish jaws reveal ecosystem dynamics</h2>



Exploring these jaw movements offers a view into the interplay of form and function within marine life. When tiny physical details align with dietary demands, entire ecosystems may shift toward richer variety or greater stability.



Observations of how fish navigate algae-laden surfaces broaden our appreciation of the ties between animals and their habitats. Investigators plan to continue searching for morphological secrets that aid survival in the swirling waters of tropical reefs.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2418982122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Fish use a 'jaw twist' to access more food on coral reefs

Scientists have taken a close look at certain reef fish...

A new study of frontline employees in Arizona reveals that firefighters carry the greatest load of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood, while health care personnel also show moderate but notable elevations. The findings point to unseen hazards in everyday work gear and environments.



The investigation, led by scientists at the <a href="https://healthsciences.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona Health Sciences</a>, compared blood samples from nearly 2,000 adults in firefighting, health care, and other essential occupations to learn how job duties shape chemical exposure.



PFAS are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-filtration-system-removes-forever-chemicals-from-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-made compounds</a> prized for stain, water, and flame resistance. They coat cookware, clothing, carpets, packaging, and industrial foams. Because their molecular bonds are hard to break, the chemicals linger in air, soil, and water for decades and build up in living tissues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-firefighters-exposure-to-forever-chemicals">Firefighters' exposure to forever chemicals</h2>



The researchers measured serum PFAS concentrations in 280 firefighters, 787 health care workers, and 734 employees from other trades. Blood was collected between 2018 and 2021. 



For most workers, PFAS totals declined by six to 17 percent each year, yet measurable levels remained in every group by the study’s end. Firefighters topped the charts for several compounds, including PFHxS, Sm-PFOS, n-PFOS, and PFHpS. 



Health care workers ranked second overall and showed higher odds of two PFAS - Sb-PFOA and PFDoA - when compared with peers in other fields. They also had modest rises in PFHpS and PFUnA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-from-previous-research"><a></a>Clues from previous research</h2>



Study senior author Kate Ellingson is an associate professor at the <a href="https://publichealth.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health</a>.



“Our study reinforces previous research showing elevated PFAS levels among firefighters and suggests that health care workers may have unique sources of PFAS exposure as well,” said Ellingson.



“Our findings underscore the need to understand occupational exposure pathways for PFAS among different types of workers.”



Firefighters have long been flagged for exposure because their protective clothing and the foams used to quench fuel fires contain PFAS. 



Less is known about how nurses, surgeons, or technicians come into contact with the chemicals. Single-use gowns, surgical masks, sterile wraps, and even X-ray film may contribute, but few studies have investigated those items.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-linked-to-forever-chemicals">Health risks linked to forever chemicals </h2>



Study co-author Jeff Burgess is the director of the <a href="https://publichealth.arizona.edu/about/centers-institutes/center-firefighter-health-collaborative-research" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research</a>.



“Almost all adults in the U.S. have detectable levels of certain PFAS, and people in occupations with more frequent exposure to PFAS-containing materials have been shown to exhibit higher serum concentrations of some PFAS,” said Burgess. 



“Research into occupational exposure to PFAS is vital to reduce the health risks associated with PFAS, including but not limited to increases in rates of certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-in-tap-water-increase-cancer-risk-by-up-to-33/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancers</a>, increases in cholesterol levels, lower antibody response to certain immunizations, and increased rates of certain adverse reproductive outcomes.”



Although scientists are still mapping dose-response relationships, mounting evidence ties long-term PFAS exposure to thyroid dysfunction, immune suppression, and reproductive harm, as well as kidney, prostate, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/surprising-link-between-elephant-testicle-temperature-and-cancer-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testicular cancers</a>. That makes the new data especially relevant for workers who already confront other job-related dangers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-in-health-care-settings">PFAS in health care settings</h2>



“To date, PFAS exposure in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-space-agencies-can-help-address-healthcare-challenges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health care</a> settings has not been widely studied, and the potential sources of exposure remain unclear,” Ellingson said. He also noted that single-use surgical masks, surgical gowns, and X-ray film could be potential sources of PFAS exposure.



“Therefore, it’s important to further examine specific exposure routes and health consequences for firefighters and health care workers.”



The researchers suggest that manufacturers, hospitals, and fire departments audit supply chains to identify products treated with PFAS. Substituting safer materials where possible - and improving decontamination practices when replacement is not feasible - could lower cumulative dose.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avoiding-pfas-exposure">Avoiding PFAS exposure</h2>



Many PFAS formulas have been phased out in the United States, yet older stockpiles and imported goods keep the chemicals in circulation. 



The authors call for expanded monitoring of occupational exposures, stronger regulation of PFAS in consumer products and more public funding for exposure-reduction programs.



They also urge longitudinal studies to track how changing equipment or policies alters blood levels over time. Because PFAS can stay in the body for years, measuring declines after interventions will help pinpoint which strategies work best.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-exposure-beyond-firefighters">Chemical exposure beyond firefighters </h2>



The Arizona results echo national surveys showing widespread but uneven PFAS contamination. They also highlight chemical exposure gaps: firefighters remain the most researched group, while other frontline roles - from paramedics to factory workers - receive far less attention.



By bringing health care personnel into the spotlight, the new study widens the search for hidden chemical risks at work. As communities push to remove PFAS from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-droughts-could-quadruple-by-2100-harming-water-supplies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water supplies</a> and household goods, understanding workplace exposures becomes equally urgent.



The current findings provide a starting map - and a reminder that protecting those who protect the rest of us means looking beyond the obvious dangers of heat, smoke, and infection to the quieter threat of “forever chemicals.”



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-025-00753-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Exposure Science &amp; Environmental Epidemiology</a>.



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Firefighters face elevated exposure to forever chemicals

A new study of frontline employees in Arizona reveals that...

It can be hard to tell when unusual weather turns into our everyday climate. That moment, called time of emergence, is drawing closer in the Arctic, prompting fresh questions about how the world will adapt.



Scientists at the University of Groningen and the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (<a href="https://www.knmi.nl/over-het-knmi/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KNMI</a>) have identified when familiar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-plant-alert-rising-shrubs-and-vanishing-meadows/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> markers like temperature and sea ice might lock into a new state. 



The <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-96607-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> point to big changes within a few decades, so people who live and work there may need to start preparing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-shifts-in-the-arctic-climate">Tracking shifts in the Arctic climate </h2>



One method uses multiple climate models to track <a href="https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/warming-climate-system-unequivocal-highlights-fourth-ipcc-assessment-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice thickness</a> and other trends. Each model compares what’s happening now to what happened from 1850 to 1949, then checks when the data step beyond that older range.



In many areas, temperature changes land earlier than shifts in precipitation. This detail matters for people who depend on stable ice or clear skies for hunting, travel, and fishing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-arctic-ice-signals-climate-change">How Arctic ice signals climate change</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-meltdown-is-accelerating-global-warming-already-changing-earth-in-unimaginable-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> waters freeze and thaw each year in dramatic cycles. But the thickness of that ice is often the most important clue for climate shifts. This is because big changes in thickness can happen even when the ice still covers large areas.



Thin ice can flip a region from stable and predictable to something far trickier. It also affects local wildlife and hunting routes, which sets off a ripple effect for nearby communities.



Several models suggest the shift for temperature and sea ice might happen by the middle of this century. Rainfall and overall wetness could land in a new normal closer to the end of the century.



This difference in timing highlights how varied the Arctic can be. Some parts of the Central Arctic are already seeing distinct changes, while others might still be waiting decades for any permanent shift.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-climate-predictions">Arctic climate predictions</h2>



Study co-author Richard Bintanja is a professor of climate and environmental change at the <a href="https://www.rug.nl/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Groningen</a>.



“We were excited to see that we were able to estimate ToE in a consistent and robust way. The next step is to apply these insights in society, policy, and ecology,” noted Bintanja.



The suggestions come at a time when the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/ArcticIce" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic’s warming rate</a> is more than double that of many other places on Earth. Locals feel the effects of this rapid warming when ice travel becomes uncertain and permafrost thaws in ways that threaten buildings and roadways.



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



Indigenous groups who fish along shifting coasts watch shorelines erode from storms once tamed by thicker ice. Others must adjust hunting schedules as new temperature patterns push migratory animals to different routes.



Such changes go beyond the ups and downs of a single season. Permanent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drastic-warming-will-transform-the-arctic-beyond-recognition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shifts</a> in temperature and moisture can affect how communities develop housing, manage health concerns, and protect roads or runways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-to-changing-arctic-conditions">Adapting to changing Arctic conditions</h2>



Arctic policy planners often rely on temperature and ice predictions to set safety rules. If scientists forecast an ice-free shipping route by a certain year, shipping agencies might prepare new schedules or invest in port upgrades.



Local groups also keep an eye on precipitation. Unexpected rain can create slippery slopes or break up coastal ice. 



A better understanding of when steady rain replaces lighter snow can help communities plan for floods or freeze-thaw cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-impacts-across-the-arctic">Climate impacts across the Arctic </h2>



The Central Arctic is not the only area feeling the heat. In the Barents Sea, the thinner ice has already set an earlier countdown for a different climate.



Elsewhere, thick <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-may-fuel-the-spread-of-diseases-by-unleashing-frozen-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice</a> persists into colder months, which delays the shift for sea ice extent. Differences like these complicate any simple one-size-fits-all plan.



Shrinking ice might open some economic doors, such as easier oil or gas access, but that also raises environmental and social concerns. In areas where wildlife serves as a food source, any large disturbance can threaten the well-being of families.



Rain and snow trends will shape everything from reindeer herding to coastal storm damage. Some experts point out that boosting resilience now may lower costs down the road.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-arctic-climate-changes">Preparing for Arctic climate changes</h2>



Though the Arctic often leads global warming headlines, its swings in temperature and precipitation can mask long-term changes. This high variability means time of emergence arrives when the data consistently breaches older extremes for at least 10 years.



Policymakers and scientists aim to use these predictions to help communities design infrastructure that stays intact despite uncertain conditions. 



More robust roads, flexible building designs, and long-term planning for water management could all stand between a smooth future and a rocky one.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-for-ecosystems">Significance for ecosystems</h2>



Melting sea ice disturbs fish habitats and can alter the timing of plankton blooms. That in turn affects seabirds, mammals, and other species.



When rainfall rises, marshy conditions may form in once-dry spots, reshaping feeding grounds for animals like migrating birds. A thorough understanding of these knock-on effects can be vital for ecosystem-based management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-climate-predictions-0">Arctic climate predictions</h2>



Climate models often leave room for doubt, considering that each model can differ slightly in its predictions. But the large mix of global models used here helps narrow those ranges and reduce the uncertainty.



Regional detail is another strength of the study. Each part of the Arctic demands a closer lens, since local features can speed up or slow down how quickly conditions tip into a different climate.



Accurate predictions help communities time their strategies and avoid harsh surprises. Whether it’s building on safer ground or designing better seasonal routes, knowledge of these changes helps to promote stability.



The strong changes in the Arctic can still catch everyone off guard. Tools like time of emergence show that slow transformations can one day feel quite sudden.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-96607-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Arctic climate will permanently change by 2050, scientists warn

It can be hard to tell when unusual weather turns...

Monk parakeets stand out for their lively chatter in city parks. They are originally from South America but have adapted well to urban environments, often roosting and breeding in large communal nests.



After watching these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecuadors-rare-red-faced-parrot-gets-a-new-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> for a while, it is hard not to notice the range of sounds they produce. They seem to greet each other with whistles, screeches, and abrupt squawks that vary from one bird to the next, and they interact across tree canopies and open lawns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parakeet-vocal-diversity-and-social-bonds">Parakeet vocal diversity and social bonds</h2>



Many people might think that parrots squawk randomly. Yet <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241717" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">researchers</a> discovered that an individual with more companions also has a more varied set of sounds.



“This research is a really important first step,” said Simeon Smeele from the <a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</a>. He and his team studied hundreds of monk parakeets over a two-year period in Barcelona.



The experts mapped how each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-parrots-in-the-illegal-wildlife-trade-with-dna-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> connected with the others, noting which individuals spent time together and which ones nested side by side. The group found that birds living in larger social units tended to use a broader mix of call types.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-female-calls-in-social-settings">Female calls in social settings</h2>



One detail turned heads. Females produced more types of calls than males did.



“It really looks like there are some call types that are used uniquely in social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elusive-bird-night-parrot-pezoporus-occidentalis-thought-to-be-long-extinct-rediscovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">situations</a>. And it’s really interesting to see that females appear to produce more of these, suggesting they are the more social sex,” stated Smeele.



The data showed that these calls are not only about attracting attention. Some might help them manage interactions within the nest or signal identity among neighbors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parakeet-friends-sound-distinct">Parakeet friends sound distinct</h2>



Parrots might share nest trees, but that does not mean they mimic each other’s voices. In many species, birds within the same group often sound more alike, yet in these monk parakeets the result was flipped.



“What I find really exciting is that we were able to link what individuals say to very specific levels of sociality," said Smeele.



"For example, close friends that allowed each other to approach within pecking distance sounded less like each other, as if they were trying to sound unique in their little gang."



Such individuality may help them coordinate tasks around nest building or recognize each other’s calls in busy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infanticide-or-adoption-why-parrots-kill-each-others-chicks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groups</a>. It might also allow certain birds to stand apart if they are higher in the pecking order.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-groups-more-vocalizations">Bigger groups, more vocalizations</h2>



Scientists have long noticed that species living in bigger teams often have more complex communication. Research on <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16866738/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina chickadees</a> has shown that groups of greater size can trigger richer call structures.



Monk parakeets follow a similar pattern. According to the new study, a bird nested in a big colony made a greater variety of sounds, possibly to handle the daily hubbub of communal living.



This diversity might even scale up as more parrots settle in crowded parks, resulting in a creative environment where many types of calls are shared or invented.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-parakeet-calls-further">Decoding parakeet calls further</h2>



Each call likely serves a function, whether it signals an alarm, a greeting, or a social bond. Figuring out these functions is trickier than it sounds because parakeets often chatter in large flocks.



“The next big step is to better understand what each of the sounds mean, a real mammoth task, since most of the social squawking happens in large groups with many individuals talking at the same time!” said Smeele.



Pinpointing who is calling to whom could help decode a chaotic scene that appears random but might contain important social signals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-for-human-language-studies">Insights for human language studies</h2>



Parrot behavior offers an interesting peek at how complexity arises in social communication. Humans certainly lean on language for the same reason: many relationships call for many ways to express ourselves.



Experts suggest that the parakeets’ varied calls might operate much like a nuanced social toolkit. When a bird needs to defend a favorite perch or greet a nest mate, it can tweak its calls as needed.



The findings echo ideas about how social pressures in our own evolutionary past might have nudged human language toward more vocabulary and flexible ways to share information.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unresolved-questions-about-parakeets">Unresolved questions about parakeets</h2>



While the study shines a light on parrot chatter, many questions remain about how these calls arise in the nest. Scientists wonder whether younger birds learn from their parents or peers, or if they pick up new call elements whenever they meet fresh faces.



Some also want to see if parakeets in other cities behave the same way. The birds have spread widely across Europe and North America, so there may be subtle differences in how they talk in each region.



Investigations like these could reveal a chain of learning that might shape entire populations of monk parakeets over many generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-ties-shape-vocal-patterns">Social ties shape vocal patterns</h2>



Many examples in the animal kingdom show that bigger families and more interactions spur new forms of communication. 



Monk parakeets highlight how even everyday chatter can reflect deeper relationships. They show that social ties can shape the sound of voices, with friend groups forging their own acoustic style. 



Individual acoustic style might be a simple tool for sorting out personal space or forming alliances in a bustling colony.



As these bright green birds continue to thrive in city parks, they remind us that nature’s best talkers often lead the busiest social lives.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241717" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



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Monk parakeets develop a unique voice to navigate social life

Monk parakeets stand out for their lively chatter in city...

A new boat-shaped robot mimics the movement of fish and aquatic insects by using the Marangoni effect to glide across water surfaces. This phenomenon, driven by changes in surface tension, propels the robot forward through a chemical reaction.



A tiny chamber releases carbon dioxide gas, pushing fuel through a channel. The fuel reduces surface tension, causing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/autonomous-robots-are-revolutionizing-marine-operations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot</a> to advance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-non-toxic-and-biodegradable-design">Non-toxic and biodegradable design</h2>



The robot’s propulsion method employs a safe, biodegradable combination of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate – the same reaction found in school science experiments. 



Propylene glycol, commonly used in skincare products, serves as the fuel. The design ensures minimal environmental impact while allowing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robot-gender-can-influence-your-choices-at-a-restaurant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot</a> to move freely across the water surface for several minutes.



“While the development of miniature swimming robots for natural environments has progressed rapidly, these typically rely on plastics, batteries, and other electronics, which pose challenges for mass deployment in sensitive ecosystems,” says <a href="https://www.epfl.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPFL</a> PhD student Shuhang Zhang. 



“In this work, we show how those materials can be replaced by completely biodegradable and edible components.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-food-powered-robot">Fish food-powered robot</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-can-now-learn-from-humans-by-watching-how-to-videos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot</a> is about 5 cm (2 inches) long and is made using fish food that has more protein and less fat than regular fish feed. 



This design not only gives the robot a strong, sturdy body but also makes it edible for fish and other aquatic animals once its mission is over. 



The body is created using a freeze-drying process, which removes moisture while keeping the structure lightweight and strong.



This method also prevents the robot from soaking up too much water, helping it stay buoyant and maintain its shape while moving.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-monitoring-potential">Environmental monitoring potential</h2>



The EPFL team envisions deploying the robots in large numbers to collect environmental data, including water pH, temperature, and pollutant levels. 



Equipped with biodegradable sensors, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-can-now-learn-like-humans-using-self-awareness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">devices</a> could gather data remotely or through direct collection.



Instead of precise directional control, the researchers created "left turning" and "right turning" variants by adjusting the fuel channel’s design. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/edible-robot_environmental-monitoring_fish-food_credit-Alain-Herzog_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/edible-robot_environmental-monitoring_fish-food_credit-Alain-Herzog_1s.webp" alt="The edible robot is an alternative to electronic environmental monitoring devices. Credit: Alain Herzog" class="wp-image-1968991"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The edible robot is an alternative to electronic environmental monitoring devices. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Alain Herzog</figcaption></figure>



The robots’ pseudo-random movements mimic those of insects, making them suitable for delivering nutrients or medication to fish.



The design also includes a fluidic actuator to house the fuel and reaction chamber, which is activated when water contacts the chamber’s bottom membrane.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-edible-robotics">Advancing edible robotics</h2>



The Laboratory of Intelligent Systems has previously explored edible robotic systems. Past projects include edible soft actuators, fluidic circuits for edible computation, and conductive ink for crop monitoring.



“The replacement of electronic waste with biodegradable materials is the subject of intensive study, but edible materials with targeted nutritional profiles and function have barely been considered, and open up a world of opportunities for human and animal health,” says Dario Floreano, head of the laboratory and coordinator of the <a href="https://www.robofood.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RoboFood</a> consortium.



The RoboFood project, launched in 2021 with € 3.5 million ($3.8 million USD) in EU funding, continues to explore the potential of these devices in environmental and nutritional applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fuel-and-motion-analysis">Fuel and motion analysis</h2>



The researchers selected propylene glycol as the fuel due to its high solubility and low toxicity. 



Lecithin, though a safer surfactant, saturated the water surface quickly, reducing motion duration. The fluidic actuator design maximizes fuel capacity, allowing motion for several minutes before fuel depletion.



The propulsion system achieves a speed range of 0.5 to 3 body lengths per second, aligning with typical prey speeds in aquatic habitats. 



This motion variability aids in distributing nutrients or medication while simulating natural prey behavior, potentially attracting predatory fish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-offer-new-solutions-for-fish-farming">Robots offer new solutions for fish farming</h2>



The edible aquatic robot can function as a mobile environmental sensor or a nutrient delivery system for fish. Its design also allows for the integration of edible sensors, making it suitable for large-scale deployment in aquatic monitoring.



Further research could look into how these robots could be used in fish farming and the pet industry. They could be designed to provide specific nutrients, boost fish health, or even stimulate natural hunting behaviors in pet fish. 



The biodegradable design also makes them suitable for delivering nutrients or medication in delicate ecosystems without causing harm or disrupting aquatic life.



<a href="https://youtu.be/dDmnoexVT5o" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to watch a video demonstration...</a>



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59559-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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New boat-shaped robot mimics insects and is made of fish food

A new boat-shaped robot mimics the movement of fish and...

What’s the secret to aging well? It might be curiosity. If you're the kind of person who enjoys learning new things, you're already on the right path.



Recent research shows that some types of curiosity not only persist into old age - they can actually grow stronger. This is important because it could help protect your brain.



Older adults who stay curious and actively seek knowledge - especially about things they care about - may lower their risk for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-a-brain-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s disease</a>. On the other hand, losing interest in learning and becoming mentally disengaged could be a warning sign of future cognitive issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-curiosity-decline-with-age">Does curiosity decline with age?</h2>



The insights come from a team of psychologists at <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a>, Western Carolina University, the University of Tübingen, and Kochi University of Technology. Their work challenges earlier studies that claimed curiosity steadily fades as we grow older.



“The psychology literature shows that oftentimes what's known as trait curiosity, or a person’s general level of curiosity, tends to decline with age,” said UCLA psychologist Alan Castel. 



“But we thought that was a little bit strange and went against some of the things we saw in some of the older adult participants in our experiments, who would often be very engaged and interested in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a> about memory, specifically, but even other forms of trivia.”



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



To better understand how interest in learning changes across the lifespan, the researchers looked at two specific types: trait curiosity and state curiosity.



Trait curiosity is your overall tendency to be curious. It’s more like a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/personality-traits-linked-to-willingness-to-volunteer-or-donate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personality trait</a> - something that stays relatively stable over time. Some people are naturally inquisitive about many things, while others are more content to take life as it comes.



State curiosity, by contrast, is the moment-to-moment interest you feel when something grabs your attention. It’s often tied to specific topics, hobbies, or experiences. 



Even people who don’t consider themselves naturally curious might light up when asked a question in their favorite area of interest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-curiosity-across-ages">Testing curiosity across ages</h2>



To test how curiosity works, the team asked over 1,000 participants aged 20 to 84 to complete an online questionnaire. This measured their level of trait curiosity. 



Then came the fun part. Participants were asked to guess answers to obscure trivia questions, like “What was the first country to give women the right to vote?” (It’s New Zealand, if you're wondering).



Before revealing the correct answers, participants rated how interested they were in learning the truth. This rated their state curiosity in the moment.



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



People with high trait curiosity usually showed high state curiosity, and vice versa. But when the researchers looked at how these two types of curiosity changed with age, an interesting pattern emerged.



Trait curiosity did tend to drop off as people got older. But state curiosity followed a different curve. It declined in early adulthood, hit a low around middle age, and then rose again steadily in older adults.



That might sound familiar. The researchers noted that this pattern mirrors other life trends - like how happiness tends to dip during middle age before climbing back up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-middle-age-slows-us-down">Why middle age slows us down</h2>



The drop in curiosity during midlife may not be a mystery. That phase of life is packed with responsibilities: raising children, building careers, paying mortgages. 



People focus their energy on achieving goals, which might leave less time for exploring new ideas. Once those obligations ease - after retirement, for example - people may feel freer to pursue personal interests and hobbies again.



“Our findings fit with some of my work on selectivity theory, which is that as we get older, we don’t want to stop learning, we’re just more selective about what we want to learn,” Castel said. 



“You see this in the context of lifelong learning: A lot of older adults will go back to take classes or pick up hobbies or engage in bird watching. I think it shows that this level of curiosity, if maintained, can really keep us sharp as we age.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curiosity-keeps-the-brain-engaged">Curiosity keeps the brain engaged</h2>



There’s another reason curiosity matters as we age: It helps with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a>. "As we get older, maybe we want to be focused on the things that are important, and we forget the things that are less relevant,” Castel said.



“Anecdotally, a lot of older adults I speak to say that it's important to stay curious. That fits with some of the research that shows that people who have early stages of dementia might show disinterest in things that they once enjoyed.”



In other words, curiosity may act like a filter, helping us pay more attention to meaningful information - and ignore what doesn’t matter. That selective focus could be a key strategy for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-reveal-how-much-sleep-you-need-for-successful-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging successfully</a>.



So if you’re always chasing answers, digging into facts, or asking questions, keep it up. Staying curious might just be one of the smartest things you can do for your brain.



The full study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0320600" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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Curiosity might help you stay sharp as you age

What’s the secret to aging well? It might be curiosity....

Small,Puddle,Of,Melted,White,Snow,In,The,Warm,Spring

Ski slopes and winter wonderlands are changing faster than many expected. Researchers have been noticing a shift in global snow patterns for decades, but recent analyses point to a worrying surge in low-snow conditions, known as snow droughts. 



Scientists warn that these seasonal shortfalls could hold big implications for drinking water supplies and irrigation.



They also highlight how temperature patterns can change precipitation into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megadroughts-are-becoming-more-frequent-and-severe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rain</a> instead of snow when the air is warmer. This research was led by Li Zhi from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the <a href="http://english.egi.cas.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-growing-threat-to-water-supplies">A growing threat to water supplies</h2>



A snow drought happens when snowpack is abnormally low for the season. It may be "dry" due to lower winter precipitation or "warm" because temperatures prevent snowfall or speed up melting.



Warm and dry conditions can blend, forming dry-warm compound events that create serious trouble for farming, hydroelectric power, and drinking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> supplies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-snow-droughts-form">How snow droughts form</h2>



Greenhouse gases raise air temperatures and affect storm tracks across many latitudes. This <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1029/2025GL114641" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">causes</a> more precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow, which lowers snowpack levels and speeds up snowmelt.



Some <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323523846_Dramatic_declines_in_snowpack_in_the_western_US">research</a> indicates that global warming is already shifting snow seasons earlier, leaving many mid- and high-latitude regions with shorter, patchier periods of snow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-snow-drought-predictions-by-2100">Future snow drought predictions by 2100</h2>



“By 2100, snow drought frequency could triple under the intermediate SSP2-4.5 scenario and quadruple under the high-emission SSP5-8.5 scenario,” said Li Zhi.



Other <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370992524_Evolution_of_global_snow_droughts_characteristics_from_1850_to_2100" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> reveals that warm snow droughts could become the dominant form in future decades, outpacing dry cases in many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regional-impacts-and-risks">Regional impacts and risks</h2>



Mid-latitude areas, including certain parts of North America and Eurasia, appear to be at greater risk for heavier impacts. Past modeling experiments suggest that some mountainous regions in the <a href="https://www.mines.edu/undergraduate-research/assessing-snow-drought-extent-across-the-western-us-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">western U.S.</a> might see a snow drought frequency increase from 6.6% to 42% under higher emissions.



These changes may upset local agriculture, since winter snowpack often acts as a natural reservoir that gradually releases water in spring and early summer. Less snow means less water stored for crops and hydroelectric needs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-snow-droughts-threaten-power-and-food">How snow droughts threaten power and food</h2>



Snow isn't just about scenery - it’s a critical water source for hydropower. When snowpack shrinks, it can slash electricity generation in mountain-fed regions like the Pacific Northwest and parts of Asia.



Less snow also creates big problems for irrigation. Crops that depend on steady spring runoff, like rice, wheat, and orchard fruits, may suffer from reduced yields or failed harvests in drought-prone years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-snow-droughts-are-hard-to-spot">Why snow droughts are hard to spot</h2>



Snow droughts don’t always get noticed right away. Unlike rain shortages, the effects of missing snow may take months to show up.



Water supplies might look normal in winter, only to fall short by late spring or summer when snowmelt usually kicks in. That lag makes it harder for cities and farmers to react in time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-security-risks-linked-to-snow-droughts">Water security risks linked to snow droughts</h2>



A warming climate is changing how much snow accumulates and when it melts. Cities and farms downstream of major mountain ranges could see water shortages or they must scramble to update water storage infrastructure.



Increased variability also challenges flood management. If more precipitation arrives as rain, rivers might swell quickly in winter months, prompting new <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025GL114775?af=R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concerns</a> over dam operations and reservoir capacity.



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



Experts stress the importance of refining climate models to better understand the timing and intensity of these droughts. Accurate forecasting can help decision-makers plan efficient strategies for storing water and preventing supply shocks.



Many research <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19447973/2025/61/1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groups</a> suggest a broad approach that includes water conservation, improved snowpack monitoring, and flexible infrastructure. These measures may help communities adapt to the growing possibility of more frequent snow droughts, including warm and dry-warm compound <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-will-wreak-havoc-on-mountain-ranges-as-warming-climate-turns-snow-to-rain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">events</a>.



The study is published in <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025GL114641" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Snow droughts could quadruple by 2100, harming water supplies

Ski slopes and winter wonderlands are changing faster than many...

Climate scientists say rising temperatures can reduce the availability and nutritional quality of dairy grass. Producers then turn to alternative feeds, including corn-based silage, to maintain production.



In a recent investigation, Dr. Matthieu Bouchon, an expert at <a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INRAE</a> - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, studied how these changes in feeding practices influence both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-makes-dairy-cows-produce-less-milk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">milk</a> yield and the resulting cheese.



Dr. Bouchon was part of a team that analyzed nutritional profiles and taste notes across different feeding setups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-climate-change-affects-cow-feed">How climate change affects cow feed</h2>



Drought is bad news for many pasture-reliant farms. When rains fade, grass doesn’t grow as usual, so farmers scramble to bolster cow diets with stored feeds or more concentrated rations.



Climate impacts force them to get inventive. That often means adding more corn silage to keep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grazing-animals-have-an-unexpected-role-in-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cows</a> in good shape, but it can lead to a drop in grass-based components that affect milk’s natural composition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grass-intake-and-dairy-nutrients">Grass intake and dairy nutrients</h2>



Farmers are keen on maximizing nutrients in milk. The study team discovered a strong tie between higher grass intake and better fatty acid content.



“The results showed that the more grass the cows ate, the richer the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-paves-the-way-for-climate-conscious-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">milk</a> and cheese were in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to human health,” stated Dr. Bouchon.



Switching to corn-based rations can still yield a decent amount of milk. Yet the subtle nutritional goodies in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16960079/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grass</a> may slip away if it becomes a minor part of the diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cow-feed-changes-cheese">Cow feed changes cheese </h2>



Consumers often favor the special shade and softness of artisanal cheese. Grass helps deliver that yellowish tinge and a smoother, melt-in-the-mouth feel.



“Cows fed on grazed grass produced smoother, yellower, more aromatic cheeses, while cows fed little to no grass produce whiter, firmer cheeses with milder flavors,” said Dr. Bouchon.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-flavors-of-cheese">Distinct flavors of cheese</h2>



Minimizing fresh grass in a herd’s diet can make the final dairy product less appealing. This outcome matters not just for foodies but also for farmers marketing distinctive <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5867552/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cheeses</a>.



Many shoppers pick grass-fed labels expecting distinct flavors. When producers reduce fresh grass in favor of silage or hay, the cheese may lose that familiar aroma.



A cheese that once tasted bold or slightly grassy can end up with a blander profile. Texture often changes too, as the fats and proteins shift under modified feeding patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-worries-for-farmers">Practical worries for farmers</h2>



Dairy farms run on slim profit margins. Any slip in milk yield or cheese appeal can hurt business, but ignoring drought conditions isn’t an option either.



Balancing feed mixes becomes a juggling act. More grass means tastier cheese, but a parched field can’t always supply what's needed, so producers face a hard call.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feed-changes-affect-cow-digestion">Feed changes affect cow digestion</h2>



Each feed ingredient, whether hay or silage, can affect <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-022-00974-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiota</a> inside a cow’s rumen. This intricate environment helps break down cellulose and produce nutrients for the cow.



If farmers switch abruptly to corn-based rations, the cow’s digestive system may take time to adjust. Subtle changes in the rumen can ripple through to the milk in surprising ways.



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



Nobody wants a rubbery or flavorless cheese on their plate. Folks who appreciate artisanal dairy should keep an eye on how climate issues and diet adjustments shape their favorite products.



While these shifts might not stand out in mass-produced cheese, small-scale operations often rely on the tastes derived from high-grass diets. Flavor can be a big selling point.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeding-strategies-influence-dairy-yield-nbsp">Feeding strategies influence dairy yield&nbsp;</h2>



Herd nutrition is more complicated than many realize. Different cows have varying needs depending on genetics, lactation stage, and climate conditions.



Producers factor in how each feed ingredient influences both milk quantity and milk quality. These trade-offs can make or break the end product’s sensory profile.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-cow-feed-to-drought-conditions">Adapting cow feed to drought conditions</h2>



Some farmers are testing new grass varieties said to handle hot spells better. Others look at advanced grazing strategies or water conservation tactics to maintain fields during dry months.



At the same time, research teams share data to guide farmers on how best to tweak feed ingredients. The aim is to protect both milk output and that prized cheese taste.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-dairy-grass">Preserving dairy grass </h2>



Shoppers see words like omega-3 on labels but don’t always know how production methods affect those nutrients. Many prefer products that combine solid nutrition with a pleasing taste, color, and aroma.



Farmers who manage to preserve grass can maintain that balance. Even modest amounts of fresh forage appear helpful to keep cheese palatable and nutritionally robust.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-the-pasture">Beyond the pasture</h2>



Climate concerns won’t vanish overnight. Researchers are tracking how these feeding adjustments ripple across entire food chains, from soil microbes to final cheese properties.



While not every farm can rely on grass alone, preserving its presence seems vital for those aiming for standout cheese. This is especially true for dairy regions with a cultural heritage tied to lush fields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dairy-production-amid-climate-change">Dairy production amid climate change</h2>



With each passing year, dryness threatens more farmland. Creative solutions and careful ration decisions may hold the key to maintaining the hallmark traits that grass-based cheeses are known for.



Ongoing research may soon offer farmers new strategies to keep cows healthy while reducing their environmental impact. Whether large or small, dairy producers must continue to adapt to meet these evolving challenges.



The study is published in the <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S002203022500092X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Dairy Science</a>.



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Popular types of cheese are beginning to taste different due to what cows are eating

Climate scientists say rising temperatures can reduce the availability and...

Illegal wildlife trade in North Korea is a shadowy yet thriving enterprise. Beneath the state’s stringent regulatory framework, a dark undercurrent flows - one where endangered species become mere commodities. 



This silent crisis has been investigated by experts at University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>). The research reveals the stark reality of a nation where economic desperation and government complicity intertwine to ravage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>.



The study is the first in-depth examination of North Korea’s wildlife trade. Researchers interviewed defectors, including former hunters, middlemen, and buyers, exposing a network of illegal trade that stretches from the country’s dense forests to the bustling markets of China. 



The findings are chilling: endangered species are being hunted, skinned, and sold while the state profits from their suffering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rise-of-black-markets">The rise of black markets</h2>



The collapse of North Korea’s economy in the 1990s reshaped the country’s social and economic fabric. A once-centralized distribution system crumbled, pushing citizens into the shadows of the black market. 



Food shortages forced families to fend for themselves, and in the absence of state support, wildlife became both a lifeline and a lucrative trade.



Hunting, a desperate act of survival, turned into a thriving underground economy. Deer, wild boar, and red fox became prime targets, not just for their meat but for their skins and bones. These products were not only consumed locally but also sold to middlemen, who then smuggled them across the border to China.



Dr. Joshua Elves-Powell, the study’s lead author, connects economic hardship to the surge in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-civet-day-2025-reveals-the-dark-side-of-a-luxury-coffee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> exploitation. 



“The widespread harvesting of North Korea’s wildlife, driven by the economic limitations of the North Korean state and the shortages of food, medicine and basic goods experienced by many of its citizens, is an important threat to the biodiversity of North Korea and the wider region,” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-china-s-role-in-the-wildlife-trade">China’s role in the wildlife trade</h2>



Wildlife trade in North Korea doesn’t end within its borders. China has become a voracious consumer of North Korean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-honors-success-in-clean-energy-and-wildlife-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> products. 



The study reveals that middlemen capitalize on economic desperation, offering substantial sums for tiger bones, bear bile, and deer antlers.



One former hunter, now a defector, described how deer antlers from large stags could fetch a price that would sustain a family for months. Some antlers, smuggled into China, were ground into medicinal powders and sold as luxury health supplements.



The study also exposes the intricate network of middlemen who facilitate this trade. These brokers navigate a labyrinth of border patrols and bribes, disguising wildlife products as everyday goods. 



Despite international sanctions, the illicit flow of animal products continues, driven by insatiable demand and unchecked corruption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-state-sanctioned-wildlife-exploitation">State-sanctioned wildlife exploitation</h2>



North Korea’s wildlife trade laws ostensibly protect endangered species. Yet the state itself is a key player in the trade of protected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>. 



The study uncovers how government-run farms raise otters, pheasants, and Asiatic black bears, ostensibly for domestic consumption but ultimately to fuel the black market.



Bear bile farming, a practice condemned globally for its cruelty, continues unabated. North Korea began farming bears in the 1970s, a practice that later spread to China and South Korea. Despite mounting international pressure, the country persists, extracting bile to supply a market that prizes its medicinal properties.



One defector recounted how households were forced to submit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pet-dogs-severely-harm-wildlife-even-when-leashed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal</a> skins to meet state quotas. Failure to comply could result in severe repercussions. Even children were tasked with raising rabbits, their skins later harvested to produce winter clothing for the military.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-medicine-drives-wildlife-exploitation">Traditional medicine drives wildlife exploitation</h2>



Traditional Korean medicine (TKM) reveres wildlife products for their supposed healing properties. In North Korea, the use of deer antlers, bear bile, and badger oil extends beyond folklore. It is an industry that thrives amid scarcity and desperation.



Participants in the study reported that deer antlers, once reserved for high-ranking officials, are now sold to the highest bidder. Smuggled antlers are processed into powders and pills, marketed as potent health supplements in China.



The trade in badger oil, used to treat ailments ranging from skin conditions to joint pain, is another thriving enterprise. Asian badgers, once common, have become targets of relentless hunting. 



One participant described how wildlife like badgers were captured, killed, and traded for their oil, the resulting product sold as a cure-all in local markets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-korea-s-vanishing-wildlife">North Korea’s vanishing wildlife</h2>



In North Korea, the sable is a creature of myth and memory. Once abundant in the country’s forests, this small carnivore is now all but extinct. 



The study details how sable skins, once a common sight in markets, have become so rare that traders refer to them as “ghost pelts.” The report paints a grim picture of a species driven to the brink by relentless hunting.



Sables, valued for their luxurious fur, were trapped, skinned, and smuggled into China, where their pelts fetched exorbitant prices. The trade was so lucrative that some hunters risked their lives crossing frozen rivers to transport their illegal haul.



Amur tigers and leopards face a similar fate. Their skins, bones, and claws are traded as status symbols, used in traditional medicine or displayed as trophies. One defector recounted how a single tiger pelt could fetch a price that would feed a family for a year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dark-side-of-wildlife-breeding">The dark side of wildlife breeding</h2>



Wildlife farms in North Korea are a paradox — legal yet inherently cruel. Bears are caged for bile extraction, otters are bred for their pelts, and deer are farmed for their antlers.



The study highlights how these state-run farms operate under a thin veneer of legality. While their stated purpose is to provide a sustainable source of animal products, in reality, they supply a black market that thrives on animal suffering.



Coypu, a non-native species introduced for its fur, now roams the countryside, an invasive consequence of escaped farm stock. Meanwhile, rabbits, raised under Kim Il Sung’s directives, are now a staple in state-run farms.



One defector described how children in schools were tasked with raising rabbits, their skins later collected by government officials. The meat, considered a “gift” from the state, was a rare protein source in a country where food is perpetually scarce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-trade-threatens-biodiversity">Wildlife trade threatens biodiversity</h2>



The consequences of North Korea’s wildlife trade extend beyond its borders. Amur tigers, rebounding in parts of China, risk being poached if they cross into North Korea. 



Deer populations, already decimated, may soon disappear entirely. Dr. Elves-Powell emphasized the need for regional cooperation.



“China can counter this threat by continuing to reduce domestic demand for illegal wildlife and putting diplomatic pressure on its economically dependent neighbour to disengage from state-sanctioned illegal wildlife trade,” he stated.



China’s role is pivotal. Despite being a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the country remains a major market for North Korean wildlife products. 



Strengthening border controls and enforcing stricter penalties for smugglers could significantly curb the flow of illicit goods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-trade-and-protection-laws">Wildlife trade and protection laws</h2>



The study concludes with urgent recommendations for North Korea and its neighbors. First, the researchers call for immediate enforcement of existing wildlife protection laws, targeting both state-run farms and private traders.



Second, they advocate for a total ban on bear bile farming, a practice that has been condemned by conservationists for decades. North Korea’s continued participation in this trade not only endangers its bear populations but also tarnishes its international reputation.



Third, the study recommends that China strengthen its efforts to curb demand for illegal wildlife products. Without a crackdown on black market networks, North Korea’s endangered species will continue to vanish, one animal at a time.



Finally, the report emphasizes the need for international pressure. Diplomatic efforts, coupled with targeted sanctions, could compel North Korea to curb its exploitation of wildlife. Yet, as long as economic desperation persists, the allure of quick profits from animal products may prove too strong to resist.



In a land where economic hardship, cultural tradition, and state control converge, North Korea’s wildlife is running out of time. The silent extinction continues, unnoticed, unchecked, and utterly devastating.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320725001399" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Conservation</a>.



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North Korea's wildlife trade targets endangered animals

Illegal wildlife trade in North Korea is a shadowy yet...

A virus doesn’t need wings to travel. It just needs a ride - and sometimes, that ride is a cage packed into the back of a truck. That’s what scientists are now suggesting about the ancestor of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic.



New research suggests that the ancestor of this virus likely originated in Western China or Northern Laos. But it showed up nearly 2,700 kilometers away in Central China just a few years later - too far for its natural host, the horseshoe bat, to cover on its own.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-journey-of-the-covid-virus">Hidden journey of the COVID virus</h2>



The study comes from scientists at the <a href="https://medschool.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego School of Medicine</a>, working with collaborators from other institutions. 



The team concluded that the virus was likely transported by other animals involved in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-sunscreens-lose-effectiveness-and-become-harmful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife trade</a> - similar to what happened during the SARS outbreak in 2002.



Horseshoe bats are known carriers of sarbecoviruses, the virus family that includes both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. 



These viruses don’t make bats sick, but they can jump to humans through a process called “zoonotic spillover.” It’s still debated how that spillover happens and which animals might be involved beyond bats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-evolution-of-viruses">Complex evolution of viruses</h2>



To trace the virus's path, the researchers looked at viral genomes shared online and mapped out how these viruses evolved over time. 



That task wasn’t easy. These viruses tend to recombine - shuffling their genetic material like a deck of cards when two viruses infect the same bat.



“When two different viruses infect the same bat, sometimes what comes out of that bat is an amalgam of different pieces of both viruses,” said Dr. Joel Wertheim from UC San Diego School of Medicine. 



“Recombination complicates our understanding of the evolution of these viruses because it results in different parts of the genome having different evolutionary histories.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bats-carrying-the-covid-virus">Bats carrying the COVID virus</h2>



To work around the recombination issue, the scientists identified parts of the virus genomes that had not recombined. These stable sections allowed them to paint a clearer picture of the virus’s evolutionary path.



The analysis showed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaccine-resistant-coronavirus-discovered-in-russian-bats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sarbecoviruses</a>, including those related to SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, have been circulating in Western China and Southeast Asia for a long time. As the bats moved across the landscape, the viruses moved with them - at roughly the same pace.



“Horseshoe bats have an estimated foraging area of around 2-3 kilometers and a dispersal capacity similar to the diffusion velocity we estimated for the sarbecoviruses related to SARS-CoV-2,” said Dr. Simon Dellicour from Université Libre de Bruxelles and KU Leuven.



But that wasn’t the case for the specific ancestors of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. These viruses showed up far from their point of origin, and they did it fast - less than 10 years before the outbreaks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-to-the-wildlife-trade">Looking to the wildlife trade </h2>



Dr. Jonathan E. Pekar is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Edinburgh and a graduate of the UC San Diego School of Medicine.



"We show that the original SARS-CoV-1 was circulating in Western China - just one to two years before the emergence of SARS in Guangdong Province, South Central China, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-surprising-mutations-in-sars-cov-2-virus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SARS-CoV-2</a> in Western China or Northern Laos - just five to seven years before the emergence of COVID-19 in Wuhan,” said Dr. Pekar.



That timeline makes it highly unlikely that bats alone moved the virus such a long distance. More likely, the viruses hitched a ride through the wildlife trade - moving with infected animals sold for food or fur.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-following-the-trail-of-infected-animals">Following the trail of infected animals</h2>



This theory isn’t new. Previous research suggested that palm civets or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/raccoon-dogs-may-be-a-growing-threat-to-waterbirds-in-finland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raccoon dogs</a> helped carry SARS-CoV-1 from Yunnan Province to Guangdong Province. The latest study strengthens the idea that SARS-CoV-2 traveled in the same way.



“The viruses most closely related to the original SARS coronavirus were found in palm civets and raccoon dogs in southern China, hundreds of miles from the bat populations that were their original source,” said Dr. Michael Worobey from The University of Arizona. 



“For more than two decades the scientific community has concluded that the live-wildlife trade was how those hundreds of miles were covered. We’re seeing exactly the same pattern with SARS-CoV-2.”



The findings challenge claims that SARS-CoV-2 might have come from a lab leak.



“At the outset of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-virus-lingers-body-two-years-after-infection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> pandemic, there was a concern that the distance between Wuhan and the bat virus reservoir was too extreme for a zoonotic origin,” said Dr. Wertheim. “This paper shows that it isn't unusual and is, in fact, extremely similar to the emergence of SARS-CoV-1 in 2002.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-virus-movement">Understanding virus movement</h2>



The frequency of zoonotic spillover events is rising. Wildlife trade, urban growth, and habitat loss are bringing humans and animals into closer contact than ever before. 



Scientists believe that keeping tabs on wild bat populations and tracking the viruses they carry could help us predict where the next pandemic might start.



Understanding how viruses move through the world - whether by wing or by wagon - could be a key step in keeping us safer in the years to come.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0092867425003538" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>.



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COVID virus spread too quickly for bats alone to be responsible

A virus doesn’t need wings to travel. It just needs...

Marine life, including algae, can present a kaleidoscope of color, sometimes produced by microstructures rather than pigments. This unique method, known as structural color, is a topic scientists have explored in creatures from fish to seaweeds.



Recent findings show that certain red <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-algae-in-lake-erie-may-be-hiding-toxic-deadly-compounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae</a> use structural color in ways that go beyond simple aesthetics. One researcher who has observed this phenomenon for years is Hiroshi Kawai, an expert in marine biodiversity and ecology at <a href="https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-algae-s-unexpected-color-shift">Algae’s unexpected color shift </h2>



“Being a diver, I have long been aware that some red <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/algae-that-thrives-on-ice-plays-an-unexpected-role-in-glacier-melting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae</a> have a much whiter appearance than their usual red when observed in water,” said Kawai. While exploring coastal waters, experts came across young shoots with a blueish tint near their tips.&nbsp;



Further sampling required specialized gear due to the algae’s fragile nature and deep location. Still, enough specimens were gathered for close inspection with advanced imaging methods.



Researchers classify Asparagopsis taxiformis in the <a href="https://marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&amp;id=146314" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bonnemaisoniales</a> order, placing it among seaweeds that show diverse structures. Its delicate branches can break under minor stress, prompting careful handling techniques.



A qualified phycologist, someone who studies <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/algae-revived-after-7000-years-beneath-the-baltic-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae</a>, can notice subtle traits that casual observers miss. Long hours underwater revealed more than just color variations, including the potential for chemical defenses within the tissues.



Field research in deeper zones sometimes requires special permits for scuba operations and environmental guidelines. Strict adherence to these rules ensured minimal disturbance to local ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-algae-reflect-light">How algae reflect light</h2>



Scientists observed that certain <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1529-8817.2006.00226.x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gland cells</a> in the algae contain tightly packed spheres of reflective materials, each measuring about the same size. Uniform spheres reflect light of a single color, which explains why the tips appear blue.



As the algae mature, the sphere sizes vary and scatter multiple wavelengths of color. That color shift results in a whitish tint that can mask the original red tone.



<a href="https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/protista/rhodophyta.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rhodophyta</a>, the broader group of red algae, includes species that rely on pigments like phycoerythrin. Structural color adds another layer of visual effects beyond the red shades typically seen.



Different wavelengths bounce off micro-scale structures, producing colors without relying on traditional pigments. This phenomenon has also been recorded in certain land plants and insects.



Some marine biologists stress that structural color is often more stable than pigment-based hues. Changes in water clarity or sunlight intensity can still influence how it appears to observers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-protect-algae-from-predators">Colors protect algae from predators</h2>



At the site of these color shifts, researchers found <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22404468/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-herbivory chemicals</a> that may deter hungry fish. Some experts propose that the bright hue signals a warning, making the algae less appetizing to potential grazers.



Where the algae’s fruiting structures develop, the lighter tones may help it blend in. This trick could be beneficial in waters where vision-based predators roam.



The presence of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969721038444" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bromides</a> in certain algae species has been documented as a possible deterrent. Some analyses suggest these substances can interfere with fish digestion, encouraging them to seek meals elsewhere.



A shift in shading at different growth stages points to complex interactions between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-algae-play-an-unexpected-role-in-cooling-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae</a> and its environment. Defensive strategies might change as the algae transitions from young shoots to fruiting bodies.



Anti-herbivory strategies in algae can vary, with some relying on tough external layers instead of chemicals. The dual approach of color and substances is less common, drawing renewed interest in laboratory studies.



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



“As warm-water fish migrate further north, they might pose a significant threat to the algae there that are not protected by such coloration,” explained Kawai. 



Global warming can shift tropical fish populations into cooler regions, increasing grazing pressure on algae not prepared for such threats. 



Such color shifts could lead to reduced numbers of red algae without these visual defenses. This raises concerns about ecosystem changes in regions previously free from tropical fish.



Rising temperatures can alter marine habitats faster than some organisms can adapt. Species with built-in protective traits might outcompete those lacking similar adaptations.



Marine ecologists suggest ongoing surveys to track how expanded grazing ranges affect underwater forests of algae. In some spots, these forests also serve as shelters for small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-emerged-zygnema-star-algae-conquer-earths-landmass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine</a> animals, amplifying the impact of fish movement.



Warmer conditions also affect the reproductive cycles of many algae species. Faster or altered reproductive phases can intersect with shifting fish populations, compounding the stress on these underwater communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structural-color-of-algae">Structural color of algae</h2>



Researchers from <a href="https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hokkaido University</a> contributed to the effort, hinting that structural color might be more prevalent in marine plants. Some brown algae were also found to display similar optical features in earlier work.



Such color patterns may serve multiple roles, from camouflage to signaling. Future studies may uncover additional strategies across other algae groups.



Chemical compounds linked to defense could attract interest from various industries. Discoveries about unusual pigments or reflective properties sometimes pave the way for new materials or pharmaceuticals.



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



Stronger global collaboration may spur further research on deep-water algae and their hidden qualities. Closer ties between institutions also help support the extensive fieldwork required to observe these species in their natural habitats.



Collaboration between universities offers a broader perspective on how widespread algae color phenomena may be. Sharing data across continents can reveal patterns that single-site studies might overlook.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09670262.2025.2483980" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Journal of Phycology</a>.



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Red algae use color tricks to warn fish they taste bad

Marine life, including algae, can present a kaleidoscope of color,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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