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...

Between 2 and 2.9 billion people worldwide cannot afford what they need to live a healthy life. These individuals do not fit traditional definitions of extreme poverty, yet they still face hardship in accessing food with enough nutrients for long-term well-being.



<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306919225000533?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> from the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Göttingen</a> shows that most conventional yardsticks miss a key point: many people live above the typical “extreme poverty” threshold but cannot buy what experts call a basic healthy diet. 



The study was led by Jonas Stehl, a PhD researcher at Göttingen University’s Development Economics Research Group, who collaborated with the aid agency Misereor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-people-need-more-than-calories">People need more than calories</h2>



Basic living needs go beyond mere survival calories. People also require vitamins, minerals, and proteins to avoid illnesses linked to poor diets. Many policy discussions still focus on strict income cutoffs that do not include the cost of diverse foods.



This broader perspective introduces a different headcount of global poverty. By one calculation, at least 2.3 billion people fall below a new line that factors in both food variety and other essentials. 



A large chunk of humanity faces health risks simply because they cannot purchase <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-and-diet-nutrition-helps-lower-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutritious foods</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-high-cost-of-healthy-food">The high cost of healthy food</h2>



Researchers argue that current methods fail to reflect the price of fruits, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-fruits-and-vegetables-improve-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetables</a>, legumes, and other necessary foods. Studies by the <a href="https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/67b1e9c7-1a7f-4dc6-a19e-f6472a4ea83a/content" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food and Agriculture Organization</a> show that nutrient-rich diets often cost more than low-quality staples alone. This gap means many working families end up short on daily vitamins.



Some in wealthier nations may spend less overall on daily necessities, but they can still purchase balanced meals. Others in low-income regions might manage cheap starches yet cannot add proteins or produce. 



This imbalance can spell the difference between meeting basic nutrient targets or lacking them for years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-poverty-lines-miss-real-needs">Old poverty lines miss real needs</h2>



<a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/measuringpoverty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The World Bank</a> sets a widely used cut-and-dried income line to count extreme poverty. It is useful for simpler global comparisons but leaves out dietary requirements beyond raw calorie intake. The new findings say health must be a central factor in assessing need.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-your-secret-weapon-against-aging-and-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Healthy diets</a> cost more than a single universal figure can capture. Prices change based on location, food availability, and purchasing power. Diet-related disease burdens also vary, making a single yardstick less effective in reflecting true welfare.



“There are billions of people who are not classified as extremely poor by current standards, yet they cannot afford food for adequate nutrition and other basic needs, overlooking the long-term health consequences of malnutrition,” said Stehl. He added that traditional measures should be reconsidered to direct resources more precisely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poor-food-harms-people-and-society">Poor food harms people and society</h2>



Health impacts stretch far beyond the individual. Research published in <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(19)30041-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet</a> found that undernutrition and diet-linked illnesses contribute to high medical expenses, reduced labor output, and stunted childhood development. Societies bear additional burdens when large groups cannot afford the cost of healthy food.



Food assistance projects, micronutrient fortification programs, and cash transfers often aim to tackle these problems. However, efforts can fall short if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-diets-linked-to-education-and-food-access/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poverty lines</a> fail to identify who needs help with healthy diets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-non-food-essentials">Role of non-food essentials</h2>



The same study highlights that the expense of meeting non-food basics is also crucial. People need more than food - they also require housing, electricity, school fees, and healthcare.



A new poverty benchmark should account for both food and these other core needs to give a more accurate picture of deprivation.



If a household’s income only covers calories from cheap staples, they may still face undernutrition and struggle to pay for medicine or transportation. That shortfall harms productivity and can lock future generations into hardship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policies-must-reflect-real-costs">Policies must reflect real costs</h2>



Policymakers often rely on conventional international poverty lines to plan social support. 



The researchers’ findings suggest that billions of people remain overlooked because their incomes sit above outdated baselines. Officials could fine-tune global and local programs by adding a healthy-diet cost to official thresholds.



Certain governments have already started adjusting their calculations. Specialists hope more will follow, especially where malnutrition persists despite moderate overall growth. Shifting the conversation could help spark new investment in farm output, market efficiency, and safety nets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-healthier-diets-help-economies">Why healthier diets help economies</h2>



Balanced nutrition is <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33343003/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">linked</a> with stronger immune systems, better brain function, and improved school performance for children. Workers become more productive and health expenses often drop. 



Recognizing the real cost of these diets can steer governments, charities, and donors toward more impactful solutions.



A person might be working multiple jobs yet still remain food-insecure if healthy items are priced out of reach. That reality calls for creative policy, such as subsidizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ditch-the-diet-trends-for-a-healthier-relationship-with-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient-rich foods</a> or offering direct financial support to low-income families.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-the-cost-of-healthy-food">Reducing the cost of healthy food </h2>



Experts say updating poverty metrics to include the cost of a balanced diet aligns with the human right to adequate food. Focusing only on a single daily dollar amount does not capture the real gap that blocks better health and fuller lives.



Governments and aid groups can use this knowledge to push for market policies that reduce prices on nutritious staples, boost local production, or provide direct income programs. Measures of economic well-being can shift to something that covers more than a limited food basket.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306919225000533?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Policy</a>.



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Billions of people can't afford healthy food despite not being 'poor'

Between 2 and 2.9 billion people worldwide cannot afford what...

In 1962, environmentalist Rachel Carson galvanized public concern with her book Silent Spring, which warned of the reproductive dangers posed by DDT - particularly to birds like the bald eagle. Now, six decades later, scientists are sounding the alarm again, and this time the focus is on mercury contamination. 



Once more, birds are the primary concern - specifically, penguins living on the icy fringes of Antarctica.



“With <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mercury-emissions-from-human-activities-are-declining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mercury</a>, there’s an analogy to DDT,” said John Reinfelder, professor of environmental sciences at <a href="https://www.rutgers.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutgers University</a> and co-author of a new study.&nbsp;



“In the 1960s, we were discovering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-legacy-decades-old-ddt-found-in-deep-sea-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DDT</a> in remote places where it wasn’t being used. It’s a similar story today with mercury. There are no human sources near the Southern Ocean, but because of long-distance transport through the atmosphere, it has the potential to accumulate in penguins.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-reach-of-mercury-contamination">Global reach of mercury contamination</h2>



Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that builds up in the food chain, especially in aquatic ecosystems. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/steller-sea-lions-threatened-by-rising-mercury-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fish-eating animals</a> - including penguins - are at high risk. Chronic exposure can impair reproduction and damage the nervous system. In high enough doses, mercury contamination is lethal.



To understand how far mercury has traveled - and how much has made it into remote food chains - Reinfelder and Rutgers postdoctoral researcher Philip Sontag analyzed feathers from three penguin species collected on Anvers Island in the West Antarctic Peninsula.&nbsp;



The feathers, taken during the 2010–2011 breeding season, were gathered by William Fraser of the <a href="http://holtzmanwildlifefoundation.org/project/polar-oceans-research-group" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polar Oceans Research Group</a>. Due to agricultural safety regulations, the samples remained in storage for over a decade before they could be analyzed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-contamination-in-penguins">Mercury contamination in penguins</h2>



The team measured not only mercury concentrations, but the isotopic signatures of carbon-13 and nitrogen-15 in the feathers. 



These isotopes offer important clues: carbon-13 reveals where a penguin has been feeding, while nitrogen-15 indicates its position in the food chain. Together, these data points help pinpoint both the source and degree of mercury exposure.



Adelie and gentoo penguins showed relatively low mercury levels - among the lowest recorded in Southern Ocean penguins. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chinstrap-penguins-take-over-10000-micro-sleeps-per-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinstrap penguins</a>, however, stood out with significantly higher levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-more-about-penguin-ecology">Learning more about penguin ecology</h2>



Sontag believes their feeding behavior explains the difference in mercury contamination among penguin species. 



Unlike the other two species, chinstraps tend to migrate to lower latitudes during the winter, where mercury levels are higher.



“These data give us a way to learn not only about mercury accumulation, but about penguin ecology more broadly,” Reinfelder said.



The finding is also notable because it’s the first study to identify carbon-13 - not nitrogen-15 - as the stronger predictor of mercury levels in penguins across the Southern Ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-contamination-lingers">Mercury contamination lingers</h2>



Although mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants have decreased thanks to global efforts like the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/international-cooperation/minamata-convention-mercury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Minamata Convention on Mercury</a> - signed by 140 countries in 2013 - mercury is still being released into the environment, especially through small-scale gold mining.&nbsp;



In many developing regions, miners use elemental mercury to extract gold from ore. This releases over 1,000 tons of the toxin each year into air, water, and soil.



A recent <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2401950121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> found that atmospheric mercury levels dropped by 10% from 2005 to 2020, a promising trend largely attributed to the decline of coal-burning power stations. But mercury already in the environment can linger, circulating through the ocean’s vast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weakening-ocean-currents-could-cost-trillions-of-dollars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">currents</a> and entering food webs in even the most isolated regions of the planet.



“Just like DDT in the 1960s, the scientific community today is focused on monitoring mercury,” Reinfelder said. “Are we going to see a decrease in levels in the fish that people and animals eat? That's the hope.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-penguins-as-pollution-sentinels">Penguins as pollution sentinels</h2>



For researchers, penguins are more than charismatic wildlife - they are living indicators of global pollution including that of mercury contamination. Their feathers provide a snapshot of the environments they’ve traveled through and the toxins they’ve absorbed.



Sontag and Reinfelder’s findings add a new layer to our understanding of how pollutants like mercury travel through ecosystems. By linking penguin foraging behaviors with their mercury burden, the study offers both a warning and a call to action.



“Before this study, we didn't know that penguins migrating farther north had higher exposures to mercury,” Reinfelder noted.



In a world still grappling with the consequences of industrial pollution, these birds are once again showing us what’s at stake.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004896972405304X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of the Total Environment</a>.



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Penguins are threatened by mercury contamination

In 1962, environmentalist Rachel Carson galvanized public concern with her...

Dinosaurs might not have been on the verge of extinction before an asteroid wiped them out 66 million years ago.&nbsp;



New research led by scientists at <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University College London</a>&nbsp;(UCL) challenges the idea that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-case-of-the-two-clawed-dinosaur-duonychus-tsogtbaatari/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a> species gradually declined. Instead of a real drop in biodiversity, the study suggests that gaps in the fossil record might better explain this lack of specimens.



These findings question a decades-old assumption that dinosaurs were dwindling even before the catastrophic impact that ended the Cretaceous period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reexamining-dinosaur-extinction">Reexamining dinosaur extinction</h2>



The team studied more than 8,000 dinosaur fossils from North America. They focused on the last 18 million years before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-chicxulub-caused-dinosaurs-extinction-event-traced-to-origin-kuiper-belt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid</a> hit. This is a window from 84 to 66 million years ago.



At first glance, the fossils show a steady drop in dinosaur diversity starting about 75 million years ago. The researchers believe this trend is misleading.



“It’s been a subject of debate for more than 30 years," said lead author Chris Dean from UCL’s Department of Earth Sciences.



"Were dinosaurs doomed and already on their way out before the asteroid hit? We analyzed the fossil record and found that the quality of the record of four groups of dinosaurs gets worse during the final 6 million years prior to the asteroid.”



In other words, the apparent drop in species may not reflect what was really happening before the sudden dinosaur extinction event. 



Instead, it may simply be that fossils from that time are harder to locate. Natural geological changes might have reduced where and how fossils could be preserved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digging-into-the-data">Digging into the data</h2>



The researchers studied four major groups of dinosaurs: the Ankylosauridae (club-tailed armored herbivores), Ceratopsidae (like the iconic Triceratops), Hadrosauridae (duck-billed plant eaters), and Tyrannosauridae (apex predators like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-was-about-70-percent-bigger-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T. rex</a>).



Using occupancy modeling (a method borrowed from ecology), they mapped where these dinosaurs likely lived across ancient North America. 



The experts broke the region into a grid and estimated the number of grid squares each group probably occupied at different points during the last 18 million years of the Cretaceous.



What they found was surprising. While the raw fossil data suggested fewer species, the modeling indicated that the dinosaur habitat range stayed largely consistent. 



This means that dinosaurs probably weren’t dying off, but that we are just not finding as many of their fossils.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fewer-rocks-fewer-clues">Fewer rocks, fewer clues</h2>



So why is the record so patchy near the end of the Cretaceous? The team argued it mostly comes down to geology.&nbsp;



Before the dinosaur extinction, North America experienced significant changes: sea levels fell, a large inland sea vanished, and mountain ranges rose.



As a result of these geologic shifts, much of the sediment that could have preserved fossils from that time is no longer exposed. It is also buried under vegetation, cities, and other obstacles.



This makes it harder for paleontologists to locate fossils from the period just before the asteroid.



“The probability of finding dinosaur fossils decreases, while the likelihood of dinosaurs having lived in these areas at the time is stable,” Dean said. “This shows we can’t take the fossil record at face value.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-dinosaur-group-stood-out">One dinosaur group stood out</h2>



Among the four dinosaur groups, Ceratopsians (the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-with-huge-blade-like-horns-discovered-in-montana/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horned dinosaurs</a>) bucked the trend. They were more likely to be found in later layers of the fossil record. These animals also occupied more areas.



The researchers suggest this might be because Ceratopsians preferred open plains. The landscape was more widespread after the inland sea disappeared, and it was more likely to preserve fossils.



This ecological preference may have given them an edge in fossil preservation –&nbsp;not necessarily survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-extinction-without-an-asteroid">Dinosaur extinction without an asteroid?</h2>



Alessandro Chiarenza, a co-author of the study, said the findings help reframe our understanding of dinosaur extinction.



“If we take the fossil record at face value, we might conclude dinosaurs were already experiencing a decline. But we show that this apparent decline is more likely a result of a reduced sampling window caused by geological changes," noted Chiarenza.



“Dinosaurs were probably not inevitably doomed to extinction at the end of the Mesozoic. If it weren’t for that asteroid, they might still share this planet with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-ground-dwellers-survived-the-asteroid-impact-that-killed-the-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammals</a>, lizards, and their surviving descendants: birds.”



Thus, the research adds new weight to the idea that the asteroid impact was a cataclysmic fluke. It was not the final blow to an already dying group but the abrupt end to a thriving and diverse reign.



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Image credit: Reconstruction of a late Maastrichtian (~66 million years ago) paleoenvironment in North America, where a floodplain is roamed by dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex, Edmontosaurus annectens and Triceratops prorsus. Davide Bonadonna



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(25)00310-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Dinosaur extinction theories are challenged by new research

Dinosaurs might not have been on the verge of extinction...

When we envision sea turtles cruising through the ocean, we picture their streamlined shells - natural defenses seemingly built for protection.



However, these shells defend more than that. They allow sea turtles to slice through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beating-the-heat-how-sea-turtles-cope-with-warming-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a>, plunge deep into the depths, and survive drastic changes in pressure when surfacing and then diving once more.



Each shell consists of two sections: the carapace above and the plastron below. Both are covered in scutes - tough keratin plates fused to bone



Internally, the architecture is similar to a sandwich: a tough outer shell and a spongy, lightweight interior. This architecture balances between strength with buoyancy while protecting vital organs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-sea-turtle-shells">A closer look at sea turtle shells</h2>



Scientists from <a href="https://www.fau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Atlantic University</a> set out to study what makes sea turtle shells so good at handling the pressures of life underwater. 



While freshwater turtles and land tortoises have been widely studied, marine turtles haven’t received as much attention.



To change that, the team focused on three North Atlantic sea turtle species: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reintroduction-of-green-turtles-has-been-a-success-in-the-cayman-islands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green turtles</a> (Chelonia mydas), <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loggerhead-turtles-migrate-using-a-secret-thermal-corridor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">loggerheads</a> (Caretta caretta), and Kemp’s ridleys (Lepidochelys kempii). 



The researchers used advanced compression tests and statistical models to explore how these turtles' shells perform at different stages of life - from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-sea-turtles-swim-and-choose-their-paths-instead-of-drifting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young turtles</a> to full-grown adults.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shell-strength-varies-but-toughness-remains">Shell strength varies, but toughness remains</h2>



The research, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, showed sea turtle shells aren’t merely shields, but dynamic survival tools.



The researchers discovered that the shell’s bone structure maintains a vital balance: it’s flexible enough to absorb shock, but not so floppy as to be prone to damage. This balance enables sea turtles to remain agile in the water while fending off predators.



Surprisingly, each of the three species possesses the same type of shell, but respond in varying ways to pressure.



Green turtles possess the most rigid, powerful shells made from denser bone. Loggerheads, by contrast, have less dense, more elastic shells better adapted to flex without shattering.



These characteristics apparently mirror each species’ respective habitat and particular challenges it confronts. Even more surprising? The toughness of each species’ shell doesn’t change as the turtle grows.



“We believe this variation is likely a result of their evolution and the environments they inhabit,” said Ivana J. Lezcano, first author and doctoral student in the FAU Department of Biological Sciences within the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. 



“The differences in shell stiffness across these species may be connected to their distinct life histories, with each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-sea-turtle-day-celebrating-100-million-years-of-majesty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> adapting to unique environmental challenges and predation risks.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growth-brings-greater-protection">Growth brings greater protection</h2>



In green turtles and Kemp’s ridleys, shells become stiffer and stronger as the turtles grow, giving them better protection as they age. 



Kemp’s ridleys experience this stiffening earlier in life, likely because they mature quickly and forage in riskier coastal waters.



“What’s fascinating is that their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turtles-have-genomes-unlike-any-other-animal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shells</a> evolve to provide more protection over time,” said Lezcano. 



“The stiffness of juvenile green turtle shells may be especially important because their shells lack the protective spines and keels, which young loggerheads and ridleys sport to armor themselves against predators. It’s a dynamic interplay of form and function that ensures these turtles are built for survival.”



Loggerheads stood out for a different reason. Their shells don’t show a clear increase in stiffness as they grow. 



This slower change might be why they spend more time in the open ocean, where threats are fewer, before venturing closer to shore.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turtle-shell-flexibility-is-key">Turtle shell flexibility is key</h2>



The researchers also compared sea turtle shells to those of land turtles and found interesting similarities.



In both cases, the internal porous bone layer is key. It helps the shell resist crushing forces while staying light and somewhat flexible.



Study co-author Dr. Jeanette Wyneken is a professor of biological sciences at FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.



“The shells of adult sea turtles are surprisingly compliant compared to their land relatives,” said Dr. Wyneken. "But here’s the cool part: while their shells become stronger over time, they don’t become completely rigid like the shells of land turtles. 



"This flexibility is key - because it enables them to ‘flex the shell’ under pressure, which is crucial for navigating the harsh and varying conditions of underwater environments.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fine-tuning-through-evolution">Fine-tuning through evolution</h2>



The researchers believe their work sheds light on why sea turtles have lasted so long in the wild. 



Dr. Marianne Porter is an associate professor in the FAU Department of Biological Sciences and co-author of the study.



“Our study provides new insights into why sea turtles have thrived over time. Their shells are adapted to their aquatic lifestyle, and stiff enough to defend against predators while being tough enough to absorb shock," said Dr. Porter.



"This remarkable balance of strength and flexibility has allowed them to survive in the ocean for millions of years - an example of evolution shaping species in an environment.”



From the outside, a sea turtle’s shell looks simple. But inside, it’s a smart design honed by nature - built to keep these ocean travelers safe, swift, and strong.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article-abstract/228/7/jeb249959/367637/Using-the-axial-skeleton-as-armor-mechanical?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Experimental Biology</a>.



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Nature's armor: The hidden strength of sea turtle shells

When we envision sea turtles cruising through the ocean, we...

A,Fake,News,Warning,Notification,Appearing,On,The,Phone,While

Fake news is everywhere, and in a world flooded with information, sorting fact from fiction has never been more difficult - or more important. 



A new study based on over 66,000 participants across 96 countries sheds light on who struggles most to spot fake news and who might not be as good at identifying misinformation as they think they are.



The research, conducted by scientists from the <a href="https://www.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of British Columbia</a> and the University of Cambridge, used a tool called the Misinformation Susceptibility Test (MIST). 



The tool allows scientists to uncover both how well different groups can identify fake news and how accurately they judge their own abilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gen-z-and-fake-news-challenges">Gen Z and fake news challenges</h2>



It’s a common assumption that younger generations - especially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/generation-z-stressed-vote/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Generation Z</a>, those born between 1997 and 2012 - are better equipped to navigate digital content. But the study suggests otherwise.



Participants in this age group performed worse than average in detecting fake headlines. However, they were honest with themselves about it.



“There’s still this widespread misconception that digital natives are better at navigating these environments,” said Dr. Friedrich Götz, senior author of the study. “That has been debunked in the academic world for quite a few years, but I don’t think it has translated into public consciousness.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-helps-to-an-extent">Education helps to an extent</h2>



People with university degrees or higher education were more likely to correctly identify fake news. Still, this group often overestimated their own skill. In contrast, those with only a high school diploma were more modest - but also less accurate.



“No matter who you are, no matter what you think you know, none of us is immune to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/digital-misinformation-rumors-spread-like-nuclear-reactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">misinformation</a>,” said Dr. Götz. “People should realize that all of us are exposed to misinformation on a regular basis, and all of us are likely to fall for it at some point.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-politics-and-gender-differences">Politics and gender differences </h2>



One of the clearest trends in the findings was the link between political leaning and susceptibility to misinformation. People with more conservative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-trust-news-that-matches-their-political-views-even-when-its-fake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">political views</a> were more likely to believe fake headlines.



The lowest scores came from individuals at the far-right end of the political spectrum. Most conservatives, however, were fairly accurate in judging their own ability to detect misinformation - though this self-awareness dropped off among those with the most extreme views.



The data also showed that women were slightly more likely than men to fall for misinformation. At the same time, women were better than men at assessing their own ability to spot fake news. Men, by comparison, were more likely to show overconfidence in their skills.



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



Participants in the study were presented with a mix of real and fake news headlines and asked to determine which were accurate. 



Some of the false headlines included <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brains-may-be-hardwired-to-believe-lies-and-conspiracy-theories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conspiracy theories</a> such as “A Small Group of People Control the World Economy by Manipulating the Price of Gold and Oil” and “The Government Is Conducting a Massive Cover-Up of Their Involvement in 9/11.” Another fake headline claimed “Left-Wingers Are More Likely to Lie to Get a Good Grade.”



In contrast, real headlines such as “About a Quarter of Large US Newspapers Laid off Staff in 2018” were also included in the test. 



By comparing how participants scored with how confident they felt about their answers, the researchers were able to identify gaps between perceived and actual skill.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-fake-news-requires-political-will">Fighting fake news requires political will</h2>



The research suggests a need for better education and public awareness campaigns focused on identifying fake news. But implementing these solutions requires a political will that may not always be present.



“My sense is that not all democracies right now are really trying to address this problem,” said Dr. Götz. “Worse yet, in the polarized world we live in, some actors, including politicians, may deliberately weaponize it." 



"But if a government acts in good faith and wants to solve this problem in society, then I think they could use this study to raise awareness and move to more intervention-based research.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fake-news-affects-everyone">Fake news affects everyone</h2>



Fake news is not just a digital nuisance - it’s a risk to democracy and informed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quick-decisions-are-often-biased-and-misleading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decision-making</a>. This global study reminds us that misinformation affects everyone, regardless of age, gender, education, or beliefs.



And perhaps the most important takeaway? The first step to avoiding misinformation is accepting that you, too, might be fooled.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886925001394?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Personality and Individual Differences</a>.



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Who’s most likely to fall for fake news? A new study has the answer

Fake news is everywhere, and in a world flooded with...

Dark,Side,Of,Half,Moon

China’s Chang’e-6 mission made headlines on June 25, 2024 for successfully collecting the first direct samples from the Moon’s farside and returning them to Earth in August. 



Following his notable work analyzing Chang’e-5 specimens, Dr. Xian Haiyang of the <a href="http://english.gig.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> (CAS), was awarded the earliest batch of Chang’e-6 material.&nbsp;



Together with his colleague, Dr. Zhu Jianxi, he aims to deepen our understanding of how space weathering shapes the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-new-lunar-fss-mission-will-explore-moon-far-side-moonquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lunar farside</a> - an unexplored region that may experience environmental processes distinct from those on the near side of the Moon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-glimpse-into-farside-soil">A glimpse into farside soil</h2>



Under Dr. Xian’s guidance, graduate researcher Lin Jiarui at the Electron Microscopy Center of the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry began her work by examining the newly arrived samples from the Moon with a scanning electron microscope (SEM).&nbsp;



She first distributed the fine-grained lunar powder evenly onto conductive adhesive, then carefully applied a 10 nm carbon film to stabilize each grain’s surface before imaging.&nbsp;



Operating at a voltage of just 3 kV, Lin meticulously documented nearly a thousand particles and noted how the Chang’e-6 specimens showed noticeably fewer melt droplets or splashes than samples from Apollo or Chang’e-5 missions.



To systematically probe space weathering signatures, she selected seven mineral grains - identified using energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) - that represented the primary lunar minerals.&nbsp;



Observing each of these in detail, Lin sought to understand the cumulative effects of micrometeoroid impacts, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silent-storms-experts-identify-the-mysterious-source-of-solar-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a> radiation, and other processes that gradually transform the topmost layers of lunar soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-absence-of-surface-iron-nanoparticles">Absence of surface iron nanoparticles</h2>



In a follow-up investigation using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Lin and colleagues applied focused ion beam (FIB) techniques to section one feldspar grain, designated P2‑001.&nbsp;



Unlike Apollo samples, whose surfaces often carry a vapor-deposited film studded with nanophase metallic iron (npFe⁰), this Chang’e-6 feldspar showed no such feature. Instead, the newly recovered piece offered a different picture of how surface layers had evolved under lunar conditions.



Further EDS mapping on seven more FIB-prepared sections revealed an important clue. Any indications of space weathering, such as amorphous layers, vesicles, or small npFe⁰ grains, reflected the substrate’s intrinsic composition rather than the signature of external material condensing onto the rock. 



This suggests that, at least for these minerals, the solar wind may have been the dominant driver, causing localized damage without adding additional vapor components from micrometeoroid impacts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-exposure-different-iron-grains">Different exposure, different iron grains</h2>



Lin then quantified the thickness of the amorphized zones, measured the diameters of npFe⁰ grains, and counted solar wind tracks in minerals like pyroxene and olivine. The goal was to estimate how long these particles were exposed to solar radiation on the Moon. 



The results indicated that the Chang’e-6 grains had one of the shortest solar wind exposure times observed among lunar samples - on par with the least-exposed Apollo 11 grains and somewhat briefer than Chang’e-5’s.&nbsp;



Yet, intriguingly, the iron nanoparticles found in these samples were larger. “This might suggest that solar wind radiation in this region leads to more pronounced segregation and aggregation of iron,” noted Lin.



The findings add fresh context to an ongoing puzzle: the lunar farside appears to be space-weathered in ways that deviate from patterns documented by earlier Apollo or Chang’e-5 missions. Rather than micrometeoroid-induced vapor deposits shaping these surfaces, the solar wind seems to play a more central role.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-moon-s-farside-is-unique">The Moon's farside is unique</h2>



Scientists have long noted differences between the lunar near side and far side. While the near side periodically passes through Earth’s magnetotail, which partially shields it from solar wind flux, the farside remains openly exposed. 



And although micrometeoroid impacts certainly occur on both sides, varying orbital velocities can alter how those impacts affect the regolith. For instance, during a full moon, the Moon and meteoroids travel in roughly the same orbital direction, increasing the relative collision speeds.



Micrometeoroid impacts and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silent-storms-experts-identify-the-mysterious-source-of-solar-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a> sputtering are recognized as the two major processes that gradually alter the chemical and physical surface properties of airless bodies like the Moon.&nbsp;



Yet the Chang’e-6 samples highlight that on the farside, solar wind may outstrip micrometeorite activity in shaping the regolith’s mineralogy and microscopic structure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-constant-transformation-of-the-moon">Constant transformation of the Moon</h2>



Ever since the first images of the lunar farside in 1959, scientists have highlighted its stark contrast with the near side - a phenomenon dubbed the Moon’s “dichotomy.” But whether that difference extends to their space weathering processes has remained largely speculative.&nbsp;



Now, direct analysis of Chang’e-6’s farside soil offers concrete evidence that the unique environmental conditions on the far side lead to distinct signatures, emphasizing solar wind’s importance relative to micrometeoroid impacts.



This finding broadens our understanding of how the space environment molds the lunar surface. With every new mission, researchers refine their knowledge of airless-body evolution - an insight valuable not just for comprehending Earth’s closest neighbor but for interpreting the histories of other rocky objects throughout the solar system.&nbsp;



The Chang’e-6 results suggest that future missions could uncover additional nuances in how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-cosmic-rays-from-supernova-sparked-rapid-earth-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic rays</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-has-a-dent-and-nasa-is-watching-closely/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic fields</a>, and orbital geometry each shape the surfaces of bodies with little or no atmosphere.



For now, the novel data reveal that the lunar farside experiences a heightened influence from solar wind, offering a new lens through which to view our ancient satellite’s constant transformation under cosmic forces.



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Huge differences found between the Moon’s near and farside

China’s Chang’e-6 mission made headlines on June 25, 2024 for...

Sixty-six million years ago, a city-sized asteroid slammed into Earth near today's Yucatán Peninsula, blasting out a huge crater named Chicxulub and unleashing chaos across the planet.



Firestorms raced across continents. Massive tsunamis battered coastlines. Dust and debris blocked sunlight for years. In the aftermath, around 70% of ocean species vanished. 



Dinosaurs - apart from birds - were wiped out forever. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-ground-dwellers-survived-the-asteroid-impact-that-killed-the-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">It was the end of an era</a>.



But there's another side to this story, one most people don't know about. It’s not just a story of destruction, but also of renewal. 



At the very spot where so much life vanished, something extraordinary happened. A brand-new marine ecosystem sprang up, fueled by the heat and chemical changes left by the asteroid’s violent impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chicxulub-crater-became-a-life-source">Chicxulub crater became a life source</h2>



The Chicxulub crater, carved deep into the Earth’s crust, became a long-term source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-that-once-threatened-earth-may-target-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy</a> and nutrients. 



New research, published in Nature Communications, reveals that this impact zone supported marine life for at least 700,000 years after the collision event. 



It did so through a hydrothermal system that circulated heat and minerals through the seafloor and into the overlying ocean.



This continuous release of materials enriched the surrounding waters, creating a fertile environment in which plankton and other marine life could thrive.



Unlike the rest of the world’s oceans, which suffered from prolonged environmental collapse, the Gulf of Mexico turned into a pocket of recovery.



“After the asteroid impact, the Gulf of Mexico records an ecological recovery process that is quite different from that of the global ocean, as continuous hydrothermal activity has created a unique marine environment,” explained the study’s lead author Honami Sato, an assistant professor at Japan’s <a href="https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyushu University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-drill-chicxulub-crater">Scientists drill Chicxulub crater</h2>



The foundation for this discovery began in 2016, when scientists led a drilling expedition into the Chicxulub crater. 



Sean Gulick, a research professor at <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas at Austin</a>, helped lead the effort. The team retrieved 829 meters (2,700 feet) of core samples. These can be seen as sedimentary time capsules that reveal how life responded to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-asteroid-2024-yr4-has-a-chance-of-hitting-earth-in-2032/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact</a>.



These core samples contained more than just rock. They captured chemical signatures, biological remnants, and a timeline of the crater’s transformation from devastation to sanctuary.



The study is one of many based on the material collected during that international expedition.



“We are increasingly learning about the importance of impact-generated hydrothermal systems for life,” Gulick said. “This paper is a step forward in showing the potential of an impact event to affect the overlying ocean for hundreds of thousands of years.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-osmium-leaves-a-tell-tale-trail">Osmium leaves a tell-tale trail </h2>



To understand how the crater influenced life, researchers examined the element osmium. This rare metal holds a distinct isotopic signature when it comes from space. 



In the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-chaos-how-an-asteroid-strike-would-change-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crater</a>, osmium from the buried asteroid melt sheet was carried upward through hot water circulating under the seafloor.



As this hydrothermal water cooled, the osmium precipitated out and settled into the ocean sediment. 



Over time, this process created a long chemical record in the core samples. These traces showed a prolonged release of asteroid-derived material into the ocean above the crater.



By tracking osmium ratios, scientists could measure how long the crater enriched the ocean. They found that as long as osmium levels remained high, life thrived. When levels dropped back to normal, the ecosystem shifted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-life-mirrors-the-hydrothermal-pulse">Marine life mirrors the hydrothermal pulse</h2>



The study reveals a clear connection between chemistry and biology. 



When the hydrothermal system actively released osmium, the ocean above supported nutrient-loving plankton species. 



These organisms suggest an environment rich in minerals, likely thanks to the heat and chemical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-we-learned-from-nasas-asteroid-deflection-test/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reactions</a> happening below.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Chicxulub-asteroid-crater_dinosaur-extinction_map_credit-Sato_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Chicxulub-asteroid-crater_dinosaur-extinction_map_credit-Sato_1s.webp" alt="A figure showing a hypothesized semi-enclosed environment created by post-impact hydrothermal activity. Credit: Sato et al." class="wp-image-1965148"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A figure showing a hypothesized semi-enclosed environment created by post-impact hydrothermal activity. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Sato et al.</figcaption></figure>



But when the osmium release tapered off, the plankton community changed. New species that were better suited to nutrient poor environments took over. 



This shift marks the moment the hydrothermal activity stopped feeding the ecosystem above, even though it continued beneath the surface.



Over millions of years, layers of sediment buried the hydrothermal system deeper into the crust. It no longer influenced the ocean directly, but the record of its previous activity remained preserved in the core.



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



“This study reveals that impact cratering events, while primarily <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-ingredients-building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroid-bennu-dust-sample/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">destructive</a>, can in some cases also lead to significant hydrothermal activity,” said co-author Steven Goderis, a research professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, in Belgium. 



“In the case of Chicxulub, this process played a vital role in the rapid recovery of marine ecosystems.”



The irony is striking. The same impact that wiped out entire ecosystems and the majority of species on Earth, created the right conditions within the crater for life to bounce back in one small corner of the planet. The Chicxulub crater became not just a wound, but a wellspring.



Instead of a barren scar, it turned into a sanctuary - one where microbes, plankton, and other marine life found safe harbor in a nutrient-rich cradle of warmth and chemistry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chicxulub-crater-and-future-study">Chicxulub crater and future study</h2>



The findings reach beyond Earth’s ancient past. 



Sean Gulick, now working at the <a href="https://habitability.utexas.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UT Center for Planetary Systems Habitability</a>, explores how similar events could influence life elsewhere in the solar system. 



Could large impacts on Mars or Europa create hydrothermal systems? Could they spark life beneath alien oceans?



Gulick believes the answer may lie in studies like this one. The crater that ended the age of dinosaurs now points to how life might begin in the most unlikely of places.



-----



The research brought together scientists from&nbsp;Kyushu University, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jsg.utexas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jamstec.go.jp/e/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vub.be/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vrije Universiteit Brussel</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.isct.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Science Tokyo</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unizar.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidad de Zaragoza</a>, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://web.ub.edu/en/web/ub/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universitat de Barcelona</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58112-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Dinosaur-killing asteroid left behind a huge crater that actually helped life recover

Sixty-six million years ago, a city-sized asteroid slammed into Earth...

Alleppey,,Kerala,india,-,August,24,2018:,Rescue,Team,Help,People

Recent findings have sparked intense discussion among health experts around the globe. A new multi-country project reveals that flooding may pose serious problems to human well-being, with the potential to send more people to the hospital for unexpected health issues.



Led by Professors <a href="https://www.monash.edu/msdi/about/affiliates-program/affiliates/yuming-guo#:~:text=Dr%20Yuming%20Guo%20is%20Professor,Quality%20Research%20(CARE)%20Unit." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yuming Guo</a> and <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8yGPu9gAAAAJ&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shanshan Li</a> from <a href="https://www.monash.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monash University</a>, the team examined more than 300 million hospitalization records across eight flood-prone regions. This makes the study one of the largest ever undertaken in the world.



Researchers reported an overall increase of 26% in diseases requiring hospital care after a major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shorter-storms-bigger-impact-rising-flood-risks-in-a-warmer-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flood</a> event, and this effect lasted for up to seven months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-floods-cause-lasting-health-problems">Floods cause lasting health problems</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Floods</a> can damage buildings, roads, and power grids. They can also contaminate local water supplies in ways that can bring about unexpected illnesses.



Poorly treated water boosts the risk of <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digestive diseases</a>, and spreads pathogens that wreak havoc on communities without ready access to clean water.



<a href="https://floodobservatory.colorado.edu/Archives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stagnant water</a> can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other vectors, which can worsen <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17724-infectious-diseases" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infectious diseases</a>, such as dengue and malaria, and other ailments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-floods-increase-disease-rates-nbsp">Floods increase disease rates&nbsp;</h2>



The study results highlighted elevated rates of cancer, diabetes, and mental health disorders after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/once-in-a-thousand-years-extreme-storms-are-becoming-much-more-frequent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flood</a> events. For example, the incidence of diabetes showed one of the bigger increases at 61%, while mental health diagnoses increased by 11%.



These problems are not limited to initial injuries like drowning or electrocution. When roads are damaged, people miss important appointments for dialysis, chemo, and follow-up checkups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poor-sanitation-restricts-recovery">Poor sanitation restricts recovery</h2>



Shortages of shelter space often lead to cramped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flood-fatalities-experts-reveal-the-hidden-health-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>. This situation can worsen breathing difficulties and heighten the chance for infections, especially when sanitation is compromised.



Temporary housing set up in haste can complicate access to medications. That includes prescriptions for <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular diseases</a> or therapies that cancer patients rely on to stay stable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-from-floods-weakens-health">Stress from floods weakens health</h2>



Authorities have observed a increased strain on people's mental health in flood-ravaged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-directly-linked-to-flood-disasters-in-mountain-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">areas</a>. Emotional distress from property loss or relocation can hinder sleep and erode immune responses, which sets the stage for various health complications.



Unexpected costs can also drive people to put health on the back burner. Delays in routine checkups can escalate a minor ailment into a hospital-worthy issue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-is-most-at-risk">Who is most at risk</h2>



Older adults struggle with reduced mobility, and they often need ongoing treatment that floods can disrupt. Children face extra risks too because their developing bodies are more sensitive to environmental changes.



Even so, the study noted that high population density amplifies health impacts across all age groups. When many individuals live close together, conditions that speed up disease transmission can take hold more easily.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-climate-factors-in">How climate factors in</h2>



“An escalation in the severity, duration and frequency of floods [is expected] due to the more frequent extreme precipitation events and rising sea levels due to global warming,” said Professor Guo.



<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGI_Full_Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> say rising seas and more frequent storms point to bigger flood threats in the coming years.



Communities in certain climate zones will be hit harder when infrastructure is weak or health systems are ill-prepared. These areas may see longer recovery times because of slower medical responses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-flood-related-health-emergencies">Reducing flood-related health emergencies</h2>



Providers can identify high-risk patients early. They can prepare mobile clinics and bolster medication supplies to head off complications when evacuations happen.



Local governments can maintain reliable transportation routes so that ambulances and rescue teams can operate smoothly. Without a plan for these disruptions, hospital visits may spike unnecessarily.



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



Places with limited resources often lack the capacity for large-scale evacuations or robust shelter. People in those areas may delay or skip care entirely, resulting in underreported hospitalization numbers.



Better disaster response systems, stronger buildings, and well-maintained roads can help all communities ride out a flood with fewer complications. 



These measures may seem basic, but they serve as key steps toward reducing the number of health emergencies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-systems-and-flood-complications">Health systems and flood complications</h2>



Authorities should update flood risk maps and invest in early warning protocols. This keeps both residents and frontline workers ready for incoming storms.



Clinics in flood-prone areas might partner with volunteer groups to bring care directly to those in need. 



Furthermore, minor interventions, like ensuring backup power, can help dialysis or oxygen-dependent patients avoid critical setbacks.



Hospitals alone cannot handle the challenges that follow widespread floods. Public health agencies, local governments, and community volunteers must all act in unison.



Everyone has a role in preventing health crises after floods. Coordinated approaches keep the worst outcomes at bay and help support those who are most vulnerable.



The study was published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44221-025-00425-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Water</a>.



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Floods cause long-lasting health issues on top of all the structural damage

Recent findings have sparked intense discussion among health experts around...

Plastic is part of everyday life. It wraps our food, forms our clothes, supports our gadgets, and even helps heal us through medical devices. But plastic doesn’t decompose. 



Over time, it breaks into smaller pieces - down to microscopic and nanoscopic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-normal-plastic-turns-into-dangerous-micro-and-nanoplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> - but these are never broken down completely into their chemical components.



These nanoplastics, measuring just 1–100 nanometers in diameter, are invisible to the naked eye. Yet, they may pose one of the most serious threats to life on Earth. 



Once released into the environment, nanoplastics can enter air, water, and soil systems. They stick to living tissues, bind with harmful chemicals, and potentially move through entire ecosystems.



Soil, in particular, serves as a crucial gateway. It holds water, nourishes plants, and connects to food production. But what happens when nanoplastics enter this complex underground world?



A recent study from Japan offers important insights into this issue. Published in Science of The Total Environment, the study explores how nanoplastics move through different types of soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-nanoplastics-behave-in-soil">How do nanoplastics behave in soil? </h2>



The research was led by Kyouhei Tsuchida, a Ph.D. student from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.aist.go.jp/index_en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIST</a>) and <a href="https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waseda University</a>.



He worked with Yukari Imoto, Takeshi Saito, and Junko Hara from AIST. Professor Yoshishige Kawabe from the Department of Resources and Environmental Engineering at Waseda University also contributed to the study.



Their focus was to understand how nanoplastics migrate through soil. They explored how plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanoplastics-can-alter-the-course-of-antibiotics-within-our-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> clump together, stick to soil, and influence the way in which soil particles behave.



“The aggregation properties of nanoplastics and their adsorption onto soil particle surfaces are known to affect their migration in soil,” noted Tsuchida. 



“We conducted experiments to analyze these traits to get a better understanding of the migration of nanoplastics.”



This investigation helps answer one urgent question - how do plastics behave once they sink into the soil under our feet?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nanoplastics-clump-stick-and-change-soil-behavior">Nanoplastics clump, stick, and change soil behavior</h2>



The researchers examined three important phenomena. 



First, they studied how nanoplastics interact with each other - a process known as homo-aggregation. Second, they tested whether nanoplastics adhere to soil surfaces. Third, they checked whether nanoplastics influence how soil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-could-help-remove-nanoplastics-from-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> themselves clump together.



These three mechanisms together shape how plastic particles spread in soil. If nanoplastics clump together or bind tightly to soil particles, they might stay put. If not, they may travel long distances, possibly entering groundwater or plant roots.



To test these factors, the researchers selected two soil types: andosol and fine sand. Andosol, a volcanic soil that is rich in minerals, contrasts strongly with fine sand, which has a loose texture and minimal organic content.



“Both andosol and fine sand have extremely different properties, and we utilized these two to get a broader idea of how the behavior of nanoplastics changes with respect to soil composition and surface characteristics,” explained co-author Hara.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-of-soil-type-and-ph">Effects of soil type and pH </h2>



To understand how nanoplastics behave in soil, the team used polystyrene <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-nanotechnology-is-fighting-microplastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanoparticles</a>. 



These lab-prepared particles mimic common plastics found in waste. The researchers suspended these particles in solutions with different pH levels - acidic, neutral, and alkaline. This allowed them to simulate various soil conditions.



They measured particle size, clump size, and zeta potential. Zeta potential reflects the electric charge on particle surfaces. 



High zeta potential suggests particles will repel each other and stay apart. Low values mean they might attract and clump.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/nanoplastics_soil_illustration_credit-Waseda-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/nanoplastics_soil_illustration_credit-Waseda-University_1s.webp" alt="Researchers investigate the effect of soil pH and surface properties on the adsorption and aggregation behavior of plastic nanoparticles. Credit: Kyouhei Tsuchida from Waseda University, Japan" class="wp-image-1965133"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers investigate the effect of soil pH and surface properties on the adsorption and aggregation behavior of plastic nanoparticles. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Kyouhei Tsuchida from Waseda University, Japan</figcaption></figure>



They also studied how well nanoplastics attached to particles of the two soil types. For this, they used batch adsorption testing.



“We used batch adsorption testing to gain a deeper insight into how plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-future-of-plastic-biodegradable-durable-and-even-edible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> accumulate in soil pores. This property hasn’t been well explained in column studies,” explained co-author Kawabe.



By combining pH variations with different soil types, the team created a detailed map of nanoplastic behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-results-behind-particle-stability">Surprising results behind particle stability</h2>



Advanced tools like laser diffraction, UV spectroscopy, and zeta potential analysis helped examine how stable or reactive the particles were under the different experimental conditions.



Surprisingly, the polystyrene nanoparticles did not clump. The reason lay in their charge. 



“The highly negative zeta potential of the polystyrene <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-in-the-brain-alarming-new-details-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanoparticles</a> causes repulsion between the particles and remains unaffected by pH changes,” reported Tsuchida.



However, the situation changed once soil came into the picture. Nanoplastics began to adhere to soil particles. This binding also led to the clumping of the soil itself.



This process depended heavily on both the type of soil and the surrounding pH. Fine sand behaved differently from andosol, showing that surface texture and composition influence how plastics behave.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-chemistry-matters-in-pollution-control">Soil chemistry matters in pollution control</h2>



The findings show that pH and soil type influence how deeply and widely nanoplastics can travel. Soils with certain properties may trap particles more effectively. Others may allow them to flow through, like water through a sieve.



This distinction is crucial when designing solutions to combat plastic pollution. Contaminated soils may not all respond the same way to clean-up efforts. What works for one ecosystem might fail in another.



By highlighting these differences, the study encourages future research and policy to take a more tailored approach. 



Understanding how nanoplastics interact with soils could support more effective agricultural practices and pollution management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-we-go-from-here">Where do we go from here?</h2>



As plastic waste continues to grow, nanoplastics will become more common in our environment. Their movement through soil raises concerns, not only for agriculture but also for drinking water, wildlife, and human health.



Studies like this provide the foundation for new strategies. They bring attention to the unseen threats beneath our feet. And they remind us that, while plastics may seem small, their impact runs deep.



Through detailed experiments and thoughtful design, this research offers a fresh view on a growing problem. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969725003468?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a>.



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What happens when nanoplastics get into the soil? Many things, none of them are good

Plastic is part of everyday life. It wraps our food,...

Astronomers have been watching Uranus for decades and, until recently, it seemed like a fairly calm, blue-green planet. But new findings, based on two decades of observations from NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a>, paint a different picture. 



Uranus is full of surprises, with shifting patterns of haze, uneven distributions of methane, and giant seasonal changes that take place on a timescale of decades.



These changes have big implications not only for our understanding of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/miranda-uranus-moon-may-have-hidden-ocean-possibly-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strange ice giant</a>, but also for how we might interpret data from similar exoplanets in distant star systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-finds-complexity-on-uranus">Hubble finds complexity on Uranus</h2>



When Voyager 2 passed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/claim-uranus-and-neptune-have-oceans-5000-miles-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uranus</a> in 1986, it revealed what looked like a smooth billiard ball with a teal hue. That impression stuck for a long time. 



But starting in 2002, a team of researchers led by Erich Karkoschka from the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a>, and Larry Sromovsky and Pat Fry from the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin</a> used Hubble’s Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) to take a closer look.&nbsp;



Over the following twenty years, they discovered that Uranus isn’t static at all. Instead, sunlight shifts the planet’s appearance as it tilts throughout its 84-year orbit around the Sun.



Uranus is mainly composed of hydrogen, helium, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-10-global-methane-emissions-hotspots-spotted-by-satellites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a>, with the methane responsible for its cyan color because it reflects blue-green light and absorbs red.



Yet the Hubble data show that methane is not spread evenly around the planet. It’s severely depleted at both poles but remains more abundant at mid and lower latitudes. On top of that, researchers see big swings in aerosol hazes over time, especially near the poles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-planet-tipped-on-its-side">A planet tipped on its side</h2>



The dramatic tilt of Uranus - which essentially rolls around the Sun like a barrel - means its poles each get about 42 years of continuous sunlight followed by 42 years of darkness. 



In the last two decades, the north pole has gradually come into more direct sunlight.



Hubble’s observations show that this brightening sunlight appears to correlate with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-is-more-gassy-less-icy-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thicker haze</a>, making the north pole shine more vividly. Meanwhile, the south pole is losing light and has been dimming.



This is why the planet doesn’t look quite the same from year to year. An area that was relatively dark a decade ago could become much brighter as it moves into the spotlight.



Conversely, the region on the far side of the planet recedes into darkness, causing its cloud features to fade from view.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uranus-hubble-and-methane">Uranus, Hubble, and methane</h2>



Scientists expected that methane, the main ingredient behind Uranus’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/claim-uranus-and-neptune-have-oceans-5000-miles-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distinctive color</a>, would be key to understanding the planet’s atmosphere.



But what they found is that methane distribution varies more dramatically than anticipated, hinting at complex circulation patterns. 



Their data point toward upwelling in some areas - where methane-rich gas rises to the top - and strong downwelling at the poles, which flushes methane out of the visible layers of the atmosphere.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/uranus_hubble_20-years-observations_NASA_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/uranus_hubble_20-years-observations_NASA_1s.webp" alt="The image columns show the change of Uranus for the four years that STIS observed Uranus across a 20-year period. Over that span of time, the researchers watched the seasons of Uranus as the south polar region darkened going into winter shadow while the north polar region brightened as northern summer approaches. Credit: NASA, ESA, Erich Karkoschka" class="wp-image-1965121"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The image columns show the change of Uranus for the four years that STIS observed Uranus across a 20-year period. Over that span of time, the researchers watched the seasons of Uranus as the south polar region darkened going into winter shadow while the north polar region brightened as northern summer approaches. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA, ESA, Erich Karkoschka</figcaption></figure>



This interplay also seems tied to changes in cloud cover and haze formation. In false-color images from Hubble, researchers can pick out details that are invisible to the naked eye.



They can see exactly where methane is absent, where it’s abundant, and how these conditions tie to different latitudes or altitudes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasons-that-last-decades">Seasons that last decades</h2>



For Earth, seasons last a few months. For Uranus, one season can stretch over two decades. That’s what makes Hubble’s long-term observations so valuable: short missions like Voyager’s quick flyby provide just a snapshot.



Now, by capturing repeated views over many years, astronomers can piece together how the planet’s weather and seasons evolve.



The data from 2002 through 2022 capture what amounts to “late spring” in Uranus’s northern hemisphere, heading into northern summer solstice in 2030.



Over that span, the planet’s north pole has gone from modestly bright to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-has-an-infrared-aurora-that-offers-clues-to-life-on-icy-worlds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intensely reflective</a>, likely due to changes in the thickness or composition of haze. On the opposite side, the south polar region has moved deeper into shadow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-uranus">Looking beyond Uranus</h2>



Uranus is not just an oddity at the edge of our solar system. Ice giants like Uranus and Neptune are common throughout the galaxy, and many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-discovery-nasa-identifies-over-5500-distant-worlds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a> we discover may be similar. 



Learning how an ice giant’s atmosphere responds to sunlight, chemical processes, and extreme axial tilt can guide us in interpreting data from faraway star systems.



Some NASA scientists and engineers are already discussing sending a dedicated orbiter to Uranus in the coming decades. 



If built, that spacecraft could peel back even more layers of mystery: sampling the planet’s magnetic field, studying its faint <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-may-have-had-a-saturn-like-ring-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ring system</a>, and measuring wind speeds from within.



But in the meantime, Hubble’s slow, steady watch continues to reveal new details each time Uranus comes into view.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-in-ice-giant-science">New chapter in ice giant science</h2>



For now, researchers are sifting through this wealth of Hubble data to refine their theories about Uranus’s climate.



The findings confirm that even at great distances from the Sun, solar radiation can dramatically impact weather and haze formation. 



They also highlight how crucial long-duration missions like Hubble are for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ghostly-trenches-on-ariel-may-signal-a-hidden-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary atmospheres</a>. A single pass from a space probe could never have captured the unfolding story of Uranian seasons quite like this.



In short, the once “boring” Uranus now appears to be a place of shifting hazes, peculiar circulation, and slow but strong seasonal makeovers. 



Observing this unlikely show at the solar system’s edge, astronomers are constantly reminded that no planet can be written off as uninteresting - especially not one that literally travels on its side and is full of hidden surprises.



Image provided by <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



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Hubble finds Uranus full of surprises after 20 years of observations

Astronomers have been watching Uranus for decades and, until recently,...

On April 8, 2024, millions across North America paused to watch a rare and awe-inspiring celestial event. A group of scientists was there, prepared to track bird behavior during the total solar eclipse.



The researchers discovered that birds fell unusually quiet. This behavior, however, only occurred in areas where the sun was almost completely obscured.



The research was led by scientists from <a href="https://www.loggerhead.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Loggerhead Instruments</a> and the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics at the <a href="https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell Lab of Ornithology</a>.



The experts analyzed data from 344 Haikubox devices (small, community-powered acoustic monitors spread across the continent). This was the first large-scale study to use the Haikubox network for scientific analysis. 



A neural network detected changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-songs-human-speech-common-vocal-genetic-origin-syrinx/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird vocalizations</a> while controlling for human interference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-did-birds-go-silent">Did birds go silent?</h2>



“Anecdotal evidence has long suggested that birds fall silent or exhibit nighttime <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-behavior-productivity-being-directly-impacted-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behaviors</a> during a total solar eclipse,” said Dr. David Mann, lead author of the study and researcher at Loggerhead Instruments.



“Our study shows that, on average, birds do get quiet during and just after totality, but we also learned that this behavior is strongly linked to the degree of darkness experienced."



The findings confirmed that birds generally reduced their vocal activity during totality - but only in areas where the eclipse brought more than 99% obscuration. This threshold made all the difference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-reactions-to-the-eclipse-varied">Bird reactions to the eclipse varied </h2>



Interestingly, not all birds responded the same way. Even birds of the same species behaved differently at different locations. 



For example, black-capped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chickadees-are-genetically-inclined-to-have-a-remarkable-memory/">chickadees</a> in New York remained silent well after totality. The same birds in Vermont became more vocal during and just after the darkest moment.



Other examples were just as varied. Some American robins in Kentucky continued singing through the eclipse.



In contrast, pine siskins in Maine fell completely silent. These site-to-site variations left researchers with more questions than answers.



“The variability in bird responses and site differences was fascinating,” said Dr. Mann. "We really don’t know why birds had such different responses to the total darkness during the eclipse." 



"Despite examining factors like temperature, cloud cover, and wind speed, we found no significant relationship with changes in vocalization rates." 



"This strongly suggests that the sudden total darkness and associated changes in wind and temperature were the primary drivers of the observed behavioral shifts.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-human-noise-out-of-the-data">Keeping human noise out of the data</h2>



One key feature of the study was its effort to isolate the human factor. Haikubox data that may have been influenced by people nearby was adjusted accordingly.



This helped ensure the birds’ behavior was truly in response to the eclipse and not to excited human activity.



“Our first, quick look at Haikubox data just a few hours after the eclipse showed a large dip in bird vocalizations around the time of peak totality,” said Dr. Mann.



“When we dove deeper into the data and removed any sites where humans may have influenced the birds’ behaviors, we found a much more complicated story. People were pretty excited about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/total-solar-eclipse-captured-from-one-million-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">total solar eclipse</a>, and their celebrations likely affected the birds’ reactions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-nature-using-sound">Monitoring nature using sound</h2>



The Haikubox platform is built on the idea that everyday people can help monitor the natural world using sound. 



Each device records local bird vocalizations and uploads them to a central database. It’s a non-intrusive way to gather wildlife behavior data at scale, and it doesn't require a team of observers in the field.



“In a time when technology often pulls us away from the natural world, Haikubox does the opposite - it fosters a deeper connection to it. By combining AI technology with a love for the environment, Haikubox helps people engage with nature in a modern and educational way,” noted Dr. Mann.



This passive acoustic monitoring allows scientists to study how animals respond to natural events across large areas - without disrupting them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-bird-behavior">Learning from bird behavior</h2>



Beyond eclipses, the study may have broader implications for understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitat-and-evolution-shape-the-unique-sounds-of-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> react to sudden changes in light.



“Our findings can inform future research on the impacts of light pollution and sudden changes in light levels on bird behavior," noted Dr. Mann.



“Furthermore, it proves that when we combine the power of community science with clever technology, we can learn amazing things about wildlife without disturbing them, which may inform future continental-scale studies."



The researchers hope this will inspire more people to get involved in community science. More participants also means expanding the listening network.



“Passive acoustic monitoring is a terrific tool for gathering data about animal behavior, and regular folks play an important role in widening our listening network,” said Dr. Mann.



“Putting a Haikubox in your yard helps us add to the already 1 billion acoustic recordings we’ve gathered. Our community is enabling tomorrow’s scientific discoveries.”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-94901-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Darkness at noon: What the 2024 eclipse revealed about bird behavior

On April 8, 2024, millions across North America paused to...

Casual observers often overlook sea slugs, yet some species hide astonishing traits that challenge our expectations. One remarkable example is Elysia chlorotica, a small sea slug that produces energy from sunlight.



“It’s unique; it’s controversial; it’s elusive; it never eats,” said Dr. Patrick Krug of California State University in Los Angeles (<a href="https://www.calstate.edu/attend/campuses/los-angeles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CSU</a>). This slinky slug steals tiny green structures from inside algal cells and uses them to produce energy from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clouds-have-become-less-reflective-making-global-warming-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunlight</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-slugs-living-on-sunlight">Sea slugs living on sunlight</h2>



All plants contain chloroplasts that convert sunlight into energy. Most animals depend on regular meals to survive. However, by retaining <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/chloroplast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chloroplasts</a> from algal cells, Elysia chlorotica can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-cells-capable-of-photosynthesis-created-for-the-first-time/">photosynthesize</a> for months without typical feeding.



“We demonstrated that a nuclear gene of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrm1525" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygenic photosynthesis</a>, psbO, is expressed in the sea slug,” wrote Mary E. Rumpho, a biochemist involved in a 2008 <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.0804968105" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>. 



Researchers have shown that these stolen chloroplasts keep running inside the slug, even though vital genes usually reside in the original algal cells.&nbsp;



Probing deeper into this bizarre fusion of plant-like capabilities and animal physiology may help experts see how genes could move between species. That possibility intrigues many in the scientific community because it suggests a hidden path for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-broke-records-for-450-straight-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrinking-sea-slug-habitats">Shrinking sea slug habitats</h2>



Although these slugs captivate researchers, actually finding them is tricky. Shifting coastlines, development, and habitat changes might be shrinking their marshy homes.



Some specialists note that high tide fluctuations and coastal erosion can wipe out the algae on which these creatures depend. Others point out that a combination of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-ocean-warming-in-2024-is-a-warning-for-our-planet/">warming waters</a> and pollution could intensify threats to their survival.



Only a handful of scientists have tried to unravel these secrets, and many have since retired or pivoted to other projects. As the number of experts declines, so does the knowledge pipeline for these unusual mollusks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-photosynthesis-in-sea-slugs">Mysteries of photosynthesis in sea slugs </h2>



The biggest mystery is how the sea slug’s own cells refrain from attacking foreign chloroplasts. Animals typically react to invaders, yet this species tolerates them in ways not fully understood.



Another question concerns the slug’s ability to deal with the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1808645/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free oxygen radicals</a> generated through photosynthesis. Normally, this process is toxic to animal tissue, but these leaf-like wanderers seem to sidestep the damage.



Experiments have hinted that certain <a href="https://www.immunology.org/public-information/what-immunology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immunological</a> tweaks may help the slugs coexist with these solar components. Some researchers suspect molecular signals borrowed from algae might give the slug an edge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dwindling-population-makes-research-difficult">Dwindling population makes research difficult</h2>



Some who once pursued this slug have turned their attention to more readily available species. Collecting enough specimens for robust studies has become increasingly difficult, which limits progress.



The researchers note that raising these sea slugs in the lab is challenging. The adults, which usually live less than a year, require attentive care to reproduce. Their eggs hatch into free-swimming larvae that feed on various types of algae. 



As they mature, however, the young slugs switch to eating Vaucheria litorea - a slow-growing and difficult-to-culture alga.



“They’ll eat it literally faster than we could ever grow it,” said researcher Sidney Pierce, who has studied these animals for decades.



As younger generations of scientists seek <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/licking-rocks-and-zombie-spiders-the-wacky-world-of-ig-nobel-prizes/">research topics</a>, many avoid elusive organisms. Without fresh talent, answers to fundamental questions may never materialize.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-reveals-genetic-surprises">DNA reveals genetic surprises</h2>



Genomic research is uncovering interesting details about the slug’s DNA. One draft genome assembly found over 24,000 protein-coding genes, suggesting that the genome is larger than expected.



Scientists are investigating whether the slug has captured additional algal genes that help maintain stolen chloroplasts. If confirmed, these conclusions would offer a template for understanding genetic transfers across species.



Such discoveries might even point to new approaches in biotechnology, where harnessing photosynthesis in novel settings could be a game-changer. But these sampling efforts hinge on keeping the slug’s population stable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viable-solutions-going-forward">Viable solutions going forward</h2>



In addition to yielding biological insights, the slug’s weird synergy with algae may inform <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-mussels-are-ideal-for-ecosystem-restoration/">ecological restoration</a>. If we comprehend how this animal adapts to shifting coastal conditions, we might refine habitat protection strategies.



Some suggest that mapping the slug’s distribution and monitoring water quality could reveal its true population status. Others envision <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/citizen-science-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">citizen science programs</a> that inspire local communities to document sightings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-sun-loving-sea-slugs">Secrets of sun-loving sea slugs </h2>



Many experts see the value in this sea slug’s rare talent to convert sunlight into energy. They believe that more comprehensive studies could spark exciting breakthroughs. 



If scientists persevere, the synergy between animals and plants might reveal more about life’s creative potential.



Even though the path ahead looks challenging, there is hope that future teams will unlock more secrets about this sun-loving creature. Each fresh observation could demonstrate how life can seemingly bend the rules.



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



Environmental groups may collaborate with academic institutions to fund targeted surveys. This would ensure that these elusive sea slugs are not overlooked in shifting habitats.



Support from diverse disciplines, including molecular biology, marine ecology, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-leaks-conservation-efforts-may-shift-harm-elsewhere/">conservation policy</a>, might unite to keep Elysia chlorotica alive for generations.



Scientists remain optimistic about new fieldwork opportunities. Additional synergy and collaboration across scientific networks could generate crucial momentum.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.0804968105" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Some sea slugs use sunlight for energy, just like plants

Casual observers often overlook sea slugs, yet some species hide...

<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;



---



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;



---



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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