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...

Six years after cannabis legalization in Canada, scientists are still mapping its long-term health effects. While social and medical benefits remain under review, emerging neuroscience now highlights a key concern - psychosis linked to dopamine changes in the brain.



A new study led by Canadian researchers has found biological evidence linking frequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medicinal-cannabis-helped-patients-feel-better-for-a-full-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis use</a> to changes in brain chemistry that resemble those seen in early psychosis.



Using a cutting-edge brain scan called neuromelanin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the experts observed elevated dopamine activity in people with cannabis use disorder (CUD).



This increase occurred in the same brain areas previously tied to hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms of psychotic disorders. The findings appeared in JAMA Psychiatry, in a study titled “Convergence of Cannabis and Psychosis on the Dopamine System.”



The study, spanning five years and several institutions, marks a turning point in how clinicians and researchers understand cannabis’ psychiatric risks. The analysis bridges the gap between clinical symptoms and underlying brain activity - something long sought but rarely demonstrated so clearly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-builds-dopamine-in-key-brain-areas">Cannabis builds dopamine in key brain areas</h2>



Dopamine helps the brain regulate mood, motivation, learning, and motor control. It also plays a central role in psychosis. High dopamine activity, especially in the striatum and midbrain, has been linked to schizophrenia and related disorders. What remained uncertain was how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cbd-reduces-the-unwanted-side-effects-of-thc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> fit into that picture.



The researchers used neuromelanin-MRI - a non-invasive method that visualizes dopamine activity indirectly by tracking neuromelanin, a vital compound in the brain.



Neuromelanin is a dark pigment that accumulates as dopamine breaks down over time. The more dopamine activity, the more neuromelanin remains behind. In brain scans, this pigment shows up as darkened regions, especially in two key midbrain areas: the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area.



“In people partaking in excess cannabis use, those spots are blacker than what they should be for their age compared to healthy individuals,” said Lena Palaniyappan, professor at McGill University and senior author of the study. 



“This indicates they have high levels of dopamine, and in some cases are showing pigments someone 10 years older would have.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-use-elevates-dopamine-signals">Cannabis use elevates dopamine signals</h2>



The study was focused on 61 individuals aged 18 to 35 from London, Ontario. Participants included people with CUD, those with early psychosis, some with both conditions, and healthy controls. The researchers tracked changes in neuromelanin-MRI signals across the groups.



They found that those with CUD - regardless of schizophrenia diagnosis - had elevated neuromelanin signals in a subregion of the midbrain tied to psychosis. This was not a temporary spike. Even after one year, the signal remained high, suggesting that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-related-anxiety-may-be-reduced-with-citrus-based-oil-d-limonene/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a>-related dopamine changes may have a lasting effect.



This finding was dose-dependent. Individuals with more severe CUD symptoms showed stronger signal intensity, confirming that frequency and severity of cannabis use matter. 



“We now have evidence that shows a straight line linking cannabis with dopamine and psychosis that has never been shown before, and it's crucial that clinicians, patients, and families work together to break this line," said Palaniyappan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-increases-the-risk-of-psychosis">Cannabis increases the risk of psychosis </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-use-impacts-working-memory-and-brain-function/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cannabis</a>’ effects on dopamine have long been disputed. Previous PET scans often showed mixed results - some indicating lowered dopamine synthesis, others showing a spike only after THC administration.



Neuromelanin-MRI offers a longer-term view, revealing cumulative dopamine activity, not just momentary shifts.



Participants with CUD had consistently higher neuromelanin signal across multiple scans, even when researchers accounted for nicotine use and other variables. 



Interestingly, participants with first-episode schizophrenia (FES) did not show significant changes unless they also had CUD, which suggests cannabis itself may play a more central role than previously thought.



“This could help explain why cannabis use increases the risk of hallucinations and delusions, key symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders,” said Jessica Ahrens, a PhD student at McGill University and lead author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-induced-psychosis-is-rising">Cannabis-induced psychosis is rising </h2>



Canadian emergency departments have reported more cases of cannabis-induced psychosis since legalization. Psychiatrists working with young adults are observing troubling patterns. Brief episodes are turning into more severe psychotic breaks over time.



“In the last several years since legalization, we're seeing adolescents who have two or three brief cannabis-induced episodes of psychosis and then have a much more major episode,” said Dr. Julie Richard, psychiatrist and physician lead at PEPP, a specialized early psychosis program. 



“So, we're trying to counsel adolescents within that first episode that they're pushing their brain towards a major episode and show them the areas in the brain that are impacted.”



The new imaging data now offers a visual tool that can support those conversations. Showing young people their own brain scans could help clinicians explain the risks more clearly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dopamine-changes-persist-after-one-year">Dopamine changes persist after one year</h2>



Importantly, the experts found no evidence that continued cannabis use beyond a certain point further increased dopamine activity. This suggests that dopamine-related changes may plateau after repeated exposure.



Yet, this stability does not mean the brain returns to normal. Elevated neuromelanin signals remained even a year later, indicating lasting effects.



“Increased dopamine functioning in the SN/VTA may be associated with the risk of psychosis in people with cannabis use disorder,” the authors wrote. This midbrain region - the source of dopamine projections to other brain areas - appears central to how cannabis affects mental health.



The absence of a “recovery effect” raises new questions: Can these changes be reversed with abstinence? Do they set the stage for future psychiatric illness? Larger, long-term studies will be needed to explore these questions further.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guiding-public-health-and-prevention">Guiding public health and prevention</h2>



The authors emphasized that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-potency-cannabis-use-linked-to-epigenetic-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> alone does not cause psychosis in every user. But it raises the risk, especially in those with family histories or early symptoms. By linking cannabis use to measurable brain changes, this study helps move the discussion from speculation to science.



“The lack of clear biological evidence linking cannabis to psychosis has made it harder to persuade young people with psychotic symptoms to reduce their use,” said Palaniyappan. 



“Our findings could help doctors and mental health professionals better educate patients about the potential risks of frequent cannabis use.”



“I hope these findings lead patients and health-care providers to better understand the implications and for the health-care providers to give patients resources for options other than cannabis to help them cope,” Jessica Ahrens added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-and-dopamine-help-explain-psychosis">Cannabis and dopamine help explain psychosis</h2>



This study does not aim to demonize cannabis but to understand its effects better. With its use becoming more socially accepted and legally accessible, especially among youth, understanding its neurological footprint is urgent.



Cannabis use disorder is now more than a behavioral diagnosis. It is increasingly linked to real, visible changes in the brain’s dopamine system that may shape vulnerability to psychosis. 



For clinicians, families, and users themselves, this information could lead to more informed decisions and safer outcomes.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2832297" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Psychiatry</a>.



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Dopamine changes from cannabis are linked to psychosis

Six years after cannabis legalization in Canada, scientists are still...

They sleep at our feet, wag their tails when we return, and bring joy to our lives. Dogs have earned the title of "man's best friend" for good reason. Across the globe, over a billion domestic dogs share our homes, parks, and neighborhoods. But this growing presence brings with it a hidden toll on the wildlife and the environment.



A new study by Professor Bill Bateman and Dr. Lauren Gilson from <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curtin University</a> sheds light on a neglected problem: the environmental impact of pet dogs. While cats have long been studied for their destructive effect on biodiversity, dogs have largely escaped scrutiny. That is starting to change.



The research, published in the journal Pacific Conservation Biology, makes a clear argument. The presence of pet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-puppy-day-2025-where-happiness-meets-responsibility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> - even the most pampered, leashed ones - can disturb ecosystems, spread disease, and accelerate environmental degradation. In many cases, the harm begins before we even notice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pet-dogs-instinctively-harm-wildlife">Pet dogs instinctively harm wildlife</h2>



Dogs are the world’s most common large carnivores. Despite centuries of domestication, they retain instincts from their wolf ancestors. This means many still chase, harass, or kill other animals when given the chance. Owners often assume their dog is harmless, especially if it stays on a leash. The research, however, reveals otherwise.



“Dogs are incredibly important to people’s lives and their roles range from providing companionship to contributing to conservation efforts as detection <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-dogs-replacing-children-how-modern-society-is-changing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>,” said Professor Bateman.



But dogs’ impact on nature can be vast. A study in Queensland found that 9.2% of wildlife admissions to rehabilitation centers were due to dog attacks, with nearly three-quarters of those animals dying.



In Tasmania, modeling shows that off-leash dogs have caused repeated collapses of Little Penguin colonies. Between 1980 and 2020, dog attacks accounted for 91% of all reported penguin deaths in these colonies.



These are not isolated incidents. Across the globe, from South Africa to the Galápagos Islands, owned dogs have attacked penguins, plovers, and other vulnerable species. Even the most playful dog can have deadly consequences in the wrong place.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-animals-avoid-dogs">Wild animals avoid dogs</h2>



Disturbance doesn’t require physical contact. Wildlife often perceives dogs as predators, regardless of their behavior. Just the presence - or the scent - of a dog can disrupt nesting, feeding, and movement patterns in birds and mammals.



“Studies have found that animals like deer, foxes and bobcats in the US are less active or completely avoid areas where dogs are regularly walked, even in the absence of the dogs,” said Professor Bateman.



A single dog walking through a beach can cause shorebirds to abandon their nests. In Western Australia, endangered Fairy Tern chicks have been trampled or scattered by off-leash dogs.



Breeding Kentish Plovers in Spain were flushed from their nests nearly every time a dog appeared. Plovers responded far more strongly to humans with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-99-of-dogs-in-the-u-s-have-a-behavior-problem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> than to humans alone.



In northern Australia, migratory birds like Sand Plovers and Knots spend their winters resting. When disturbed by dogs, their energy use jumps by 7.5% a day. These birds travel thousands of kilometers every year. Even a few extra energy costs can mean the difference between survival and death.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-owners-ignore-protection-rules">Dog owners ignore protection rules</h2>



One might assume the solution is simple - leash your dog. Yet, compliance remains alarmingly low. Studies from Australia, the United States, and Europe show that fewer than a quarter of owners leash their dogs in sensitive areas. Even when signs are posted or rules enforced, many dog owners flout them.



“Many owners simply don’t realise the environmental damage dogs can cause, from disturbing wildlife to polluting ecosystems,” said Professor Bateman.



In some cases, this disregard turns confrontational. One researcher was threatened with violence when asking beachgoers not to walk dogs in a protected wetland. Elsewhere, online footage shows <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/petting-a-dog-might-be-the-easiest-way-to-reduce-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> chasing birds from mudflats or damaging dune vegetation.



Owners often believe their personal actions won’t matter. This mindset, known as the “tragedy of the commons,” leads to shared spaces - like beaches and forests - being slowly damaged by many small actions. Without a sense of shared responsibility, even the best rules fail.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-threaten-wildlife-health">Dogs threaten wildlife health</h2>



Dogs also pollute their environment in less visible ways. Each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-suffer-from-the-january-blues-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog</a> produces about 0.2 kilograms of feces and 0.4 liters of urine daily.



Over a 13-year lifespan, that adds up to over a tonne of waste per dog. When left in parks or natural spaces, it alters soil chemistry, spreads disease, and contaminates waterways.



“Dog waste also contributes to pollution in waterways and inhibits plant growth, while wash-off from chemical treatments used to clean and guard dogs from parasites can add toxic compounds to aquatic environments,” noted Professor Bateman.



Flea and tick medications often contain fipronil and other chemicals. When dogs swim or are washed, these toxins enter streams and rivers. They poison aquatic insects and disrupt entire food chains. In some areas, dog urine has become a leading source of nitrogen in water systems.



The danger extends to wildlife health. Dogs can spread parasites such as roundworms and whipworms through their faeces. Zoonotic diseases like rabies and distemper have jumped from pet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-focus-more-when-humans-use-eye-contact-and-gestures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> to lions, hyenas, and wild canids, causing population declines. 



In Italy’s national parks, working dogs have been found carrying parasites harmful to endangered species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeding-dogs-affects-wildlife-ecosystems">Feeding dogs affects wildlife ecosystems</h2>



The environmental toll of dogs goes beyond behavior and waste. Feeding over a billion dogs every day requires vast resources. Pet food production consumes land, water, and energy, adding to global emissions.



“In addition, the pet food industry, driven by a vast global dog population, has a substantial carbon, land and water footprint,” said Professor Bateman.



Studies estimate that 13.5% of wild forage fish - normally eaten by other marine animals - now goes to pet food. The industry uses the equivalent of nearly twice the UK’s land area and emits greenhouse gases equal to a mid-sized nation.



Despite these costs, few owners are willing to change. Only 12 to 16 percent say they would pay more for sustainable dog food, even as prices continue to rise. This resistance blocks one of the few industry-level solutions available today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-need-for-awareness-and-cooperation">The need for awareness and cooperation</h2>



Dog ownership is not going away. These animals provide emotional support, companionship, and even serve vital roles in conservation. Detection dogs, for example, help find endangered species and monitor ecosystems.



But their rising numbers and poor owner habits threaten the very wildlife we aim to protect.



“Restrictive measures such as banning dogs from sensitive areas are necessary for protecting vulnerable species but they are not a complete solution. We are calling for a collaborative effort between dog owners, conservation groups and policymakers to develop strategies that balance pet ownership with environmental care,” said Professor Bateman.



Solutions must include better education, improved waste management, responsible food choices, and stronger enforcement of leash laws. Dogs can still share our lives, but their presence in nature must be managed with care and awareness.



We owe it to the wild animals who cannot flee forever - and to our own future on a shared planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/PC/PC24071" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pacific Conservation Biology</a>.



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Pet dogs severely harm wildlife, even when leashed

They sleep at our feet, wag their tails when we...

Birdwatchers and scientists alike have long admired the stunning diversity of bird feathers. Their hues and patterns offer more than just visual delight - they tell stories of evolution, survival, and social cues. Yet beyond what we can see lies a hidden world of light. 



A recent study from <a href="https://drexel.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drexel University</a> and <a href="https://nmu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Michigan University</a> reveals that some birds like owls hold secrets invisible to human eyes. 



The researchers have uncovered fluorescent pigments in the feathers of long-eared owls. These pigments glow only under ultraviolet (UV) light, revealing a new layer of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chicken-embryos-reveal-secrets-of-early-feather-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complexity</a> in avian plumage. While earlier studies focused on visible coloration, this study dives into traits concealed in darkness.



The discovery doesn’t just show that owls fluoresce - it demonstrates that this trait varies with age, size, and sex. These findings challenge assumptions about bird biology and open up questions about what fluorescence might truly mean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glowing-pigments-in-owl-feathers">Glowing pigments in owl feathers</h2>



The team, led by PhD candidate Emily Griffith, studied 99 long-eared owls captured at the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory in Michigan during the spring of 2020. They collected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-dinosaurs-to-birds-the-mysterious-origin-of-feathers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feathers</a> from each bird and used a fluorometer to measure pigment levels.



The pigments in question - mainly coproporphyrin III and protoporphyrin IX - respond to UV light by emitting a visible glow. Normally hidden to the naked eye, this glow can appear pinkish under blacklight. These pigments degrade with time and sun exposure, making them useful for determining a bird’s age.



Griffith and her colleagues extracted the pigments using a specialized chemical process, then measured their fluorescence. They also recorded data on each owl’s weight, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-evolved-feathers-for-much-more-than-just-flying/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wing</a> length, tail length, and visible plumage color.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-owl-feathers-glow-more">Some owl feathers glow more</h2>



The results showed that age and sex were the strongest predictors of pigment concentration. Older birds had significantly more pigment than younger ones. Likewise, females had more pigment than males.



“We are only beginning to describe fluorescent pigments in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vulture-fossil-reveals-that-volcanic-rock-can-preserve-feathers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> and other vertebrates,” said Griffith. “Although describing what species they are present in is important, in order to understand what their function is we need to also describe how they vary within a species like the Long-eared Owl.”



Plumage color, which helps determine an owl’s sex, also matched pigment levels. Darker birds (typically female) showed more fluorescence than lighter ones (typically male). Owls with intermediate coloration fell in between, suggesting a spectrum rather than a binary trait.



Statistical tests confirmed that adult birds consistently had more pigment than juveniles. This trend held regardless of feather type or collection date, reinforcing the idea that pigment concentration reflects biological age and sex.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-size-affects-pigment-levels">Body size affects pigment levels </h2>



The researchers also explored the relationship between body size and pigment levels. They found that weight positively correlated with pigment in males and small females. However, in larger females, this trend disappeared.



This suggests that there may be a saturation point - where adding more size doesn’t result in higher pigment levels. In other words, larger birds may already have as much pigment as their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robopteryx-dinosaur-feather-secrets-revealed-by-a-robot-dinosaur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feathers</a> can hold.



These findings highlight the complexity of traits that appear simple at first glance. Size matters, but only under specific biological conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-the-purpose-of-pigment">Rethinking the purpose of pigment</h2>



It’s long been thought that bright plumage helps males attract mates. Griffith challenges that narrative.



“Our study shows that female Long-eared Owls have a much higher concentration of these pigments in their feathers, challenging a common misconception that colorful plumage is a ‘male’ trait,” said Griffith. 



“Moreover, this trait doesn't follow a strict binary – the amount of fluorescent pigments in these owls exists on a spectrum where the amount of pigment is related to size, age and sex all together.”



Because males perform courtship flights, one might expect them to have more pigment. Yet the data shows the opposite. That raises questions about whether fluorescence in these owls even serves a visual signaling purpose.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pigment-and-heat-retention">Pigment and heat retention </h2>



Rather than attraction, the team suggests a different function for owl feathers: thermal regulation. 



Porphyrins, the class of pigments studied here, are known to absorb and reflect radiation. In bird eggs, protoporphyrin IX helps retain heat.



The researchers believe a similar mechanism might apply to female owls, who spend more time incubating eggs. More pigment could mean better heat retention during cold spring nights.



This theory would explain why females have more pigment. Males, who hunt and move often, wouldn’t benefit as much from this trait.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-why-owl-feathers-glow">Understanding why owl feathers glow</h2>



“So little is known about fluorescent pigments in bird feathers and owls aren’t the only ones with fluorescent pigments,” said Griffith. “So, it’s a really exciting time to be interested in studying bird plumage.”



Their study urges scientists to reconsider how feather traits evolve. Future work could explore how pigment production interacts with other compounds like melanin. It could also look at how environmental factors shape feather chemistry.



If these hidden pigments carry biological meaning, we need better tools to understand them. Questions remain about how quickly they fade, how owls perceive them, and whether they play roles in communication, survival, or both.



The glowing feathers of long-eared owls are not just a scientific curiosity. They are a reminder that much of nature’s beauty lies beyond the spectrum of human vision.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15594491.2024.2444031" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wilson Journal of Ornithology</a>.



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Hidden glow in owl feathers reveals biological differences

Birdwatchers and scientists alike have long admired the stunning diversity...

Studies worldwide rank strokes among the top causes of death, with major impacts on individuals and families across many countries. Researchers often look for new ways to decrease the risk of this condition. 



Experts have now started exploring how outside factors, such as <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution#tab=tab_1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> and <a href="https://maps.dot.gov/BTS/NationalTransportationNoiseMap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traffic noise</a>, might contribute to worsening stroke incidence.



In a recent study, this topic was explored by Dr. Huyen Nguyen Thi Khanh and her colleague Dr. Jeroen de Bont of the Institute of Environmental Medicine, <a href="https://ki.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karolinska Institutet</a>. 



The researchers investigated how exposure to these noise and air pollution, either alone or in tandem, might influence people’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-people-die-from-air-pollution-each-year-yet-theres-still-a-lack-of-monitoring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-risk-factors">Understanding the risk factors</h2>



Strokes occur when blood flow to a section of the brain is disrupted. Health <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33535786/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experts</a> point out that older age, high blood pressure, smoking, and sedentary habits are typical risk factors.



Air pollution has already been tied to a range of serious health conditions. This is because fine particles, known as <a href="https://www.epa.gov/air-trends/particulate-matter-pm25-trends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PM2.5</a>, can enter the bloodstream and affect the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493197/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular system</a>. 



Meanwhile, traffic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vicious-cycle-food-systems-both-suffer-from-and-cause-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noise</a> can keep people tense or disrupt healthy sleep patterns. Both these factors are thus worth considering when investigating ways to reduce the incidence of strokes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-pollution-and-noise-increase-stroke-risk">How pollution and noise increase stroke risk</h2>



The experts found that a 5 µg/m³ rise in PM2.5 added 9% to the risk of experiencing a stroke. An 11 dB increase in traffic noise was linked to a 6% additional risk of a stroke. 



These figures highlight how repeated exposure to these factors seems to raise the odds for this health event. In places with higher noise readings, air pollution showed a steeper link to stroke risk. 



The researchers noted that numbers tended to climb when both factors were on the high side. They caution that even lower-level <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-fuel-pollution-is-causing-disease-disaster-and-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exposure</a> to these two parameters should be taken seriously.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combined-effects-of-pollution-and-noise">Combined effects of pollution and noise</h2>



“Research on the combined effects of air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scented-products-release-indoor-air-pollutants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> and traffic noise is still scarce, and our study provides important new insights,” said the authors. 



They explained that even moderate levels of both exposures could affect human health. These circumstances point to a need for tighter policies on air quality and noise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-even-low-pollution-raises-stroke-risk">Even low pollution raises stroke risk</h2>



Many people assume that they are safe if pollution stays under certain guidelines. City dwellers might have a similar view about traffic noise. 



The data suggests that these assumptions can lead to complacency. Stroke is a formidable issue, so regulators may want to adopt stricter measures.



Studies have indicated that inflammation, oxidative stress, and endocrine responses could all play a part. These bodily changes may become more pronounced if a person regularly encounters both traffic noise and polluted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-air-pollution-affects-consumer-spending/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-public-health-implications">Broader public health implications</h2>



Communities near busy roads or industrial areas might face a higher disease burden. Recent investigations emphasize that it is not only about one exposure. The interplay between noise and pollution might explain why some areas see greater stroke hospitalizations.



Lawmakers and city planners can explore how changes to traffic patterns, building designs, and <a href="https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/transportation-sector-emissions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transport emissions</a> might reduce the dangers. 



A single solution will not fix everything, but a blend of cleaner energy and quieter streets may bring real benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cities-that-balance-health-and-growth">Cities that balance health and growth</h2>



Regions with robust public transport, well-kept bicycle lanes, and green spaces can promote a better daily life. 



Local authorities may look to separate major roads from residential zones or improve building insulation. Such measures can help cut noise disturbance and filter out particles.



Urban planning that decreases motor traffic could also diminish air pollution along with offensive noise. Air quality laws often target vehicle emissions. Noise mitigation strategies, on the other hand, focus more on barriers or lower speed limits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollution-changes-affect-stroke-risk">Pollution changes affect stroke risk</h2>



The researchers plan to see how changes in a person's residential area, from higher to lower exposures, might change cardiovascular outcomes. They will also consider other urban factors. 



All of this points to a future in which multiple elements are measured together instead of in isolation.



The idea of addressing both traffic noise and air pollution might shape new guidelines. Combining these efforts may lower stroke risks in affected populations. It can also give residents of crowded cities a better sense of control over their health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-stroke-risks">Reducing stroke risks</h2>



Urban decision-makers face a tough challenge in balancing economic growth with public welfare. 



Policies that encourage quieter vehicles, cleaner fuels, and noise-control solutions might strike that balance. If done right, these measures could spare many people from added danger.



Individuals may want to look into ways to shield themselves from the stroke risk associated with noise and air pollution. 



Windows that reduce sound transmission, air purifiers, and quiet neighborhoods can all play a part. The authors of the study note that a multi-layered approach is the most realistic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaner-air-and-quieter-surroundings">Cleaner air and quieter surroundings</h2>



Air pollution and traffic noise are not the only environmental concerns for stroke. Yet few studies have taken a deep look at how these factors might act in combination. 



Public health officials could benefit from more research on whether these exposures together push stroke rates up even further.



Experts also want to see if limiting one factor can blunt the effects of the other. These questions will guide policies to reduce harmful exposures. 



Health professionals are calling for solutions that support both cleaner air and quieter surroundings in order to reduce the risk of suffering a stroke.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412025001540" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environment International</a>.



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Stroke risk is elevated by air pollution and traffic noise

Studies worldwide rank strokes among the top causes of death,...

Dust devils are not only whipping up dust on Mars - they're revealing new secrets about the planet’s atmosphere.



In a recent video, NASA’s Perseverance rover recorded a rare and spectacular scene on the Red Planet: a big dust devil that engulfed a small one. 



The video was recorded as Perseverance was navigating the western rim of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-mars-rocks-contain-signs-of-life-scientists-call-to-bring-them-back-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jezero Crater</a>, more precisely in a region known as Witch Hazel Hill.



The rover’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-2020-perseverance/rover-components/#eyes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">navigation camera</a> took a series of shots from about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) away, and created a short video by stitching together the images. The footage demonstrates an encounter of several dust devils.



One of them, approximately <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mars_several-dust-devils_Perseverance-rover_NASA_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">210 feet (65 meters) wide</a>, swept over another, smaller one that was just 16 feet (5 meters) wide. In the background, two other devils swirl across the Martian landscape.



These whirling mini-tornadoes are not only stunning, they’re also crucial to figuring out how Martian weather behaves.



Researchers from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>) in Southern California and the <a href="https://www.spacescience.org/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Science Institute</a> in Colorado are behind this ongoing observation campaign.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fiendish-mini-twisters-on-mars">Fiendish mini-twisters on Mars</h2>



“Convective vortices - aka dust devils - can be rather fiendish. These mini-twisters wander the surface of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-can-engulf-the-entire-planet-of-mars-but-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>, picking up dust as they go and lowering the visibility in their immediate area," said Mark Lemmon, a Perseverance scientist.



"If two dust devils happen upon each other, they can either obliterate one another or merge, with the stronger one consuming the weaker.”



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://d2pn8kiwq2w21t.cloudfront.net/images/1_-_PIA26528_-_Dust_Devil_Lunch_-_navcam_-_so.width-1280.gif" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mars_several-dust-devils_Perseverance-rover_NASA_1s.webp" alt="While exploring the rim of Jezero Crater on Mars, NASA’s Perseverance rover captured new images of multiple dust devils in January 2025. These captivating phenomena have been documented for decades by the agency’s Red Planet robotic explorers. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/LANL/CNES/CNRS/INTA-CSIC/Space Science Institute/ISAE-Supaero/University of Arizona" class="wp-image-1964927"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">While exploring the rim of Jezero Crater on Mars, NASA’s Perseverance rover captured new images of multiple dust devils in January 2025. These captivating phenomena have been documented for decades by the agency’s Red Planet robotic explorers. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/LANL/CNES/CNRS/INTA-CSIC/Space Science Institute/ISAE-Supaero/University of Arizona</figcaption></figure>



This latest video was part of an imaging experiment designed to study atmospheric conditions. 



While unpredictable, dust devils are a common sight on Mars, especially around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-sediments-found-in-jezero-crater-hint-at-past-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jezero Crater</a>. They help shape the Martian weather and are a key factor in distributing dust across the planet.



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



Dust devils occur when warm air near the surface rises through cooler air above. As the warm air lifts, cooler air rushes in to replace it. 



That horizontal movement of air begins to spin, and once the motion turns vertical, the column intensifies - much like a figure skater spinning faster when the arms are pulled inward. Dust is swept into the spinning air, and a dust devil comes to life.



“Dust devils play a significant role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-records-a-martian-day-from-dawn-to-dusk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian weather patterns</a>,” said Katie Stack Morgan, project scientist for the Perseverance rover. 



“Dust devil study is important because these phenomena indicate atmospheric conditions, such as prevailing wind directions and speed, and are responsible for about half the dust in the Martian atmosphere.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-martian-dust-devil-sightings">History of Martian dust devil sightings</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-perseverance-rover-now-uses-ai-search-minerals-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance</a> has been no stranger to these whirlwinds. Since its landing in 2021, the rover has caught several on camera, including a particularly impressive scene on September 27, 2021.



On that day, a cluster of dust devils danced across the crater floor, and Perseverance’s SuperCam microphone even captured the eerie sound of one.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-missions-prepare-intense-solar-storms-coming-red-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars missions</a> have long had a fascination with these weather events. 



NASA’s Viking orbiters were the first to photograph dust devils from space in the 1970s. In the 1990s, the Pathfinder mission became the first to record one from the surface.



Later, the Spirit and Opportunity rovers captured several dusty spirals, and the Curiosity rover continues to see them as it explores <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sulfur-stones-and-spiderwebs-curiositys-latest-discoveries-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mount Sharp in Gale Crater</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-is-everything">Timing is everything</h2>



Recording one of these events on film requires waiting - and a little luck. Scientists can’t anticipate where or when dust devils will form. So Perseverance often patrols the horizon, hoping for a peek. 



As the team has gathered more data over time, they have started to see patterns in the behavior of dust devils, like hour-of-day or direction-of-travel patterns, that help predict where and when it is best to capture images of one. 



“If you feel bad for the little devil in our latest video, it may give you some solace to know the larger perpetrator most likely met its own end a few minutes later,” said Lemmon. “Dust devils on Mars only last about 10 minutes.”



Though short-lived, these dusty whirlwinds are proving to be long on scientific value. Each sighting helps researchers build a better picture of Mars's dynamic atmosphere and the role that dust plays in shaping the planet’s climate.



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Click here to see a <a href="https://youtu.be/YHKIZGKPZm4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video of one dust devil "eating" another one</a>.



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Right place, right time: Mars rover captures dust devils 'eating' each other

Dust devils are not only whipping up dust on Mars...

Earth’s biodiversity can be elusive, and most animal species lie beyond our immediate awareness. Researchers keep shining a light on hidden corners of the planet, eager to pinpoint the creatures we share our world with.



​A new project by scientists from <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a>, UCL, Dalhousie University, and the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre is tackling this challenge with a fresh simulation. 



The experts want to understand how many terrestrial animals exist and how quickly new species come into being.​



The research was led by Professor James Rosindell, who studies how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-the-cultural-legacy-of-wild-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> originate and spread across land-based habitats. He is based in the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-millions-of-animal-species-remain-undiscovered">Millions of animal species remain undiscovered</h2>



The newly developed simulation uses modern ecosystem modeling to estimate the total number of land-dwelling animals, as well as the rate at which they form new species. It suggests there could be anywhere from 1 million to 3 million undiscovered animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/venom-beyond-animals-the-toxic-arsenal-of-fungi-plants-and-microbes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>.



Many of these creatures may be too small, too rare, or too remote to be discovered easily. This hidden diversity has significant implications for our broader understanding of life’s complexity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-on-established-theories">Building on established theories</h2>



The team’s approach merges the <a href="https://madingley.github.io/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madingley model</a> - a framework that forecasts organism abundance worldwide - with <a href="https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691021287/the-unified-neutral-theory-of-biodiversity-and-biogeography" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutral theory</a>, which explores how species numbers connect to speciation rates and population sizes.



This unification offers a way to account for the presence of unclassified <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-secretly-reshape-landscapes-in-powerful-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> in different ecosystems.



“A key novelty of this study was that we plugged together the Madingley model and neutral theory for the first time,” said Professor Rosindell. 



This combination allowed the researchers to spot patterns that might otherwise remain hidden, offering a window into the subtle dynamics of how species appear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-animals-and-carnivores-evolve-faster">Small animals and carnivores evolve faster</h2>



Smaller-bodied animals often show faster <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/speciation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">speciation</a>, the process by which populations split to form new species.



“The two main questions we wanted to answer were how many species of terrestrial animals there are on the planet and how quickly do new species of terrestrial animals evolve,” said Professor Rosindell.



The simulation also suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carnivores</a>, when matched by size to herbivores or omnivores, evolve at a higher rate. This pattern adds another layer of nuance to how diet shapes long-term survival and adaptation.



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



Policymakers often struggle to allocate resources for wildlife protection due to a lack of precise data on species numbers. Understanding which groups evolve fastest or exist in smaller populations can help shape conservation strategies that prioritize those most at risk.



High speciation rates in smaller animals or carnivores do not guarantee resilience, especially if habitats are shrinking due to human activity. 



Protective measures that ignore these rapid-evolving groups might miss potential threats to the broader ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-model-of-all-life-on-earth">A model of all life on Earth</h2>



The team envisions a future where this model is refined to project biodiversity changes under different climate scenarios. 



“The end result will be a model of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a> on Earth that has the ecological and environmental elements necessary to answer questions around what will happen under different climate change and habitat loss scenarios,” said Professor Rosindell.



Such forecasts may indicate which areas and species will suffer most if temperatures rise or landscapes become fragmented. Conservation plans may then focus on these hotspots before losses become irreversible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study </h2>



Scientific estimates <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.1001127" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suggest</a> that a large percentage of Earth’s species remain unrecorded. Identifying these organisms is essential for a more balanced view of how ecosystems function and how we fit into the mix.



Accurate knowledge of undiscovered species counts and speciation rates also helps predict how ecosystems might shift if certain animals disappear. In complex food webs, the loss of a single group can trigger wide-ranging effects across entire habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-global-biodiversity-models">Refining global biodiversity models</h2>



Researchers are expanding their data sources to include genomic studies, <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/citizen-science-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">citizen science programs</a>, and collaborations with local communities. These contributions can refine how the Madingley model and other tools forecast global trends in life’s variety.



Some scientists hope to extend these methods to marine environments, polar regions, and mountainous terrains. Even extreme locations could harbor unknown organisms that hold clues to how life endures under tough conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-classifying-new-animal-species">Classifying new animal species </h2>



Determining which discoveries represent undiscovered animal species versus variations of known forms is no small task. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35912942/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taxonomic disagreements</a>, limited funding, and a shortage of specialists often slow the cataloging process.



Better collaboration between geneticists, ecologists, and local experts might streamline how newly found organisms are documented. Standardizing these efforts will likely improve the accuracy of predictions for how species arise and vanish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-chapter-for-biodiversity-research">A new chapter for biodiversity research</h2>



Efforts to map the planet’s living diversity are reaching a turning point, propelled by these integrated models. Detailed forecasts of species formation and decline could empower societies to make more informed decisions about preserving life’s richness.



“The exercise enabled us to estimate the number of terrestrial species of life on Earth, including all the numbers unknown to science, but it has great potential beyond this in future work,” said Professor Rosindell. 



Each refinement of the simulation can reveal new facets of how animal populations take shape.



By focusing on the interplay between ecology and evolution, scientists can spot vulnerabilities before they become crises. This perspective might help protect not just iconic animals, but also the humble creatures that quietly maintain critical processes in soils and forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charting-tomorrow-s-path">Charting tomorrow’s path</h2>



As climate change and human expansion accelerate, time is running short to prevent irreversible damage to fragile animal species. 



Modeling efforts that highlight hidden diversity can motivate communities and governments to invest in safeguarding lesser-known parts of the natural world.



Although massive in scope, these simulations offer the precision needed to foresee where interventions can make the biggest impact. That knowledge could be the difference between a resilient planet and one where key ecosystems collapse.



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



Many experts believe a similar approach could unlock answers about ocean life, which remains largely uncharted at great depths. Merging ecological theories with real-time observations from submarines and remote sensors could uncover countless marine species.



Such an undertaking would offer a broader perspective, connecting land-based knowledge with what lies beneath the waves. A complete vision of Earth’s inhabitants can only emerge by embracing every corner of the planet



This simulation is a step toward seeing the full scope of Earth’s biodiversity. Researchers are hopeful it can help people recognize our shared responsibility for safeguarding the hidden richness that sustains us all.



This endeavor symbolizes a growing momentum in ecological research, where data-driven models inform policy and public awareness. 



The results hint at a deeper story about our planet’s adaptability and the remarkable creatures that keep evolving.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sysbio/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/sysbio/syaf006/8098740?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Systematic Biology</a>.



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Earth may have three million undiscovered animal species

Earth’s biodiversity can be elusive, and most animal species lie...

Babies are curious little learners with a knack for noticing things in their world. In a new study, researchers have discovered that even the rhythms inside babies' bodies are on their radar from an early age.



The research suggests that infants as young as 3 months old can tune in to their own heartbeat.



"The babies must have recognized that the figures moved simultaneously with their heartbeat or breathing, and then they paid more attention," study lead author Markus Tünte from the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-babies-notice-heartbeats-and-body-signals-nbsp">Babies notice heartbeats and body signals&nbsp;</h2>



Parents often focus on changes in crying or facial expressions when they want to figure out what a baby needs. Under the surface, there are inner clues that may help shape a baby’s sense of who they are and how they feel.



<a href="https://thewomens.r.worldssl.net/images/uploads/fact-sheets/Reading_your_babys_body_language.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Body signals</a> can include a steady heartbeat and the rise and fall of the chest during breathing. These signals give the infant brain helpful information. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23439117/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Experts</a> believe they can support self-awareness and emotional development.



"Several recent theoretical accounts have posited that interoception, the perception of internal bodily signals, plays a vital role in early human development," wrote the researchers. "Yet, empirical evidence of cardiac interoceptive sensitivity in infants to date has been mixed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-babies-respond-to-heartbeat-rhythm">Babies respond to heartbeat rhythm</h2>



The researchers tested whether babies noticed when a fun animated figure moves in sync with their heartbeat. If the figure was out of sync, many babies seemed to lose some interest.



Scientists say this heartbeat sensitivity appears surprisingly stable during the first two years of life. Observing that kind of steadiness suggests that internal rhythms guide babies’ earliest social and emotional experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathing-awareness-in-infancy">Breathing awareness in infancy</h2>



The team also looked at how infants track their own breathing. Results indicated that babies pick up on the rise and fall of their chest, although this appears to become clearer in the second year.



Interestingly, the ability to sense the heartbeat and breathing did not overlap much. That separation might be similar to what researchers find in adults, who sometimes excel in sensing one body rhythm but not the other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animations-and-eye-tracking">Animations and eye tracking</h2>



Studying babies isn’t easy - especially when they can’t talk.



To understand how infants respond to body rhythms, the team used <a href="https://www.insightplatforms.com/the-top-15-eye-tracking-platforms-for-market-user-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eye-tracking tools</a> while showing animated shapes that moved either in sync or out of sync with the babies’ heartbeat or breathing.



If the figure moved in time with the infant’s internal signals, the babies tended to watch longer. This response helped scientists conclude that the infants were noticing a connection between the animation and their own body rhythm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heartbeat-awareness-and-baby-development">Heartbeat awareness and baby development</h2>



The results open the door to exploring how early body awareness might support emotional understanding. Since <a href="https://www.kelly-mahler.com/what-is-interoception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interoception</a> is tied to mental health in older kids and adults, recognizing these patterns early might one day help prevent problems before they start.



<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8416769/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> are especially interested in whether differences in body awareness during infancy could explain why some children are more emotionally sensitive or socially attuned than others. That line of research could lead to new strategies for early support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-early-body-perception">Supporting early body perception </h2>



Babies likely show these abilities during everyday routines, even though parents may not notice. As caregivers respond to fussiness that might be linked to hunger or discomfort, infants gain more experience connecting signals from inside and outside.



Some <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3594730/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experts</a> think that early awareness of internal rhythms might be linked to how babies develop emotional and social abilities later on. Supporting such early body perception could play a part in promoting healthy self-awareness.



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



New studies on babies might ask whether parents can encourage awareness of breathing or heartbeat. Experts also wonder how these early body signal patterns might relate to mental wellness in older children.



The researchers suggest that by exploring early sensitivity to internal rhythms, it may be possible one day to help kids who struggle with anxiety. For now, the team plans to expand on these findings through long-term observations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://elifesciences.org/articles/91579" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife</a>.



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Even before they crawl, babies can feel their own heartbeat

Babies are curious little learners with a knack for noticing...

Wadi,Bani,Khalid,,Oman

Arid stretches of sand can hide astonishing secrets. In southern Arabia, experts have uncovered evidence of lush landscapes that existed thousands of years ago.



The team was led by <a href="https://abdallahszaki.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Abdallah Zaki</a> from the University of Geneva, Switzerland, in collaboration with colleagues from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KAUST</a>) and <a href="https://www.griffith.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Griffith University</a>.



Their <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02224-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> revealed prehistoric water pathways, lakes, and a remarkable desert valley, all of which begged a deeper investigation into how storms once shaped this barren region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-lush-green-arabia-the-basics">Understanding lush, green Arabia - the basics</h2>



Thousands of years ago, Arabia looked nothing like the arid, sun-blasted deserts we picture today. Rain fell more often, carving rivers through what is now sand and dust. 



Rolling grasslands <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saudi-arabia-is-turning-degraded-desert-sand-into-blooming-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stretched across the peninsula</a>, dotted with lakes and wetlands where herds of elephants, gazelles, and even hippos roamed. Acacia trees and wildflowers lined the water’s edge, while birds and crocodiles thrived in the marshes. 



Nomadic people moved through this green world, hunting game, gathering plants, and settling near freshwater sources. Arabia wasn’t just a pass-through - it was a place people lived, loved, and left their mark on.



You can still see the echoes of this lush past. Rock art in northern Saudi Arabia shows hunters stalking prey and herders leading cattle - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-urban-heat-experts-plan-to-cool-a-desert-city-by-4-5c/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scenes impossible in a desert</a>, but common in fertile lands. 



Fossils lie buried beneath the dunes, and dry riverbeds, invisible to the naked eye, appear clearly in satellite images. 



With this study, Dr. Zaki and his team have uncovered more concrete details about this very different period in time for the Arabian peninsula.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lakes-and-wetlands-in-lush-arabia">Lakes and wetlands in lush Arabia</h2>



<a href="https://saudipedia.com/en/article/983/geography/deserts/empty-quarter-desert" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arabia’s Empty Quarter</a> is recognized today for its dunes and scorching heat. Yet traces of freshwater shells, dried-up channels, and lakebeds suggest that parts of this area once sustained diverse aquatic life.



“Based on a series of ages, it appears the lake peaked about 9,000 years ago during a wet Green Arabia period that extended between 11,000 and 5,500 years ago,” stated Dr. Zaki. 



Researchers say that rainfall patterns then were strong enough to allow lakes and rivers to form.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-monsoonal-footprints">Tracing the monsoonal footprints</h2>



Scientists used a blend of <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17445647.2018.1526719" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radiocarbon techniques</a> and analyses of sediment layers to figure out how water shaped the region. 



They identified a connection to the <a href="https://cp.copernicus.org/articles/20/37/2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">African monsoon</a>, which once carried moisture across the Red Sea to Arabia.



This moisture created grassy areas, wetlands, and streams. Cores of lake and river sediments also revealed the fossils of mollusks and confirmed that stable aquatic habitats thrived.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-floods-carved-in-lush-arabia">Floods carved in lush Arabia</h2>



One of the most striking findings was evidence of a large paleolake measuring about 1,100 square kilometers (425 square miles), and with a depth of roughly 42 yards (38 meters).



“Owing to increased rainfall, the lake eventually breached, causing a great flood and carving out a 93-mile-long valley in the desert floor,” remarked <a href="https://www.unige.ch/rectorat/en/sebastien-castelltort" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Sébastien Castelltort</a>, who is also from the University of Geneva.



The immense force of the water apparently sliced through sand and bedrock. Satellite images revealed streamlined shapes and steep-sided channels, which indicate heavy flows rather than slow trickles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-presence-in-a-changing-land">Human presence in a changing land</h2>



“The formation of lake and riverine landscapes, together with grasslands and savanna conditions, would have led to the expansion of hunting and gathering groups and pastoral populations,” said <a href="https://experts.griffith.edu.au/28674-michael-petraglia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Michael Petraglia</a>, from Griffith University’s Australian Research Center for Human Evolution. 



Archaeological remains in the Empty Quarter support the idea of more <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22718479/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable surroundings</a> during these lush intervals.



Sites once on the banks of prehistoric lakes show that people took advantage of water-rich environments. Plant and animal resources likely boosted their survival, and encouraged settlements around riverbeds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-monsoon-s-strong-effects">The monsoon’s strong effects</h2>



The flood features identified in the study highlight periods of unexpected intensity. 



Researchers relied on computer modeling to suggest that annual rainfall, at times, rose by as much as 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) above modern levels.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ancient-arabia_lush-landscape_streams-rivers-monsoons_map_credit-CEE_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ancient-arabia_lush-landscape_streams-rivers-monsoons_map_credit-CEE_1s.webp" alt="Distribution of palaeohydrological and geomorphic records, archaeological sites, modeled streams, major monsoon systems, and the study site in Arabia. Credit: Communications Earth &amp; Environment (2025)." class="wp-image-1964897"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Distribution of palaeohydrological and geomorphic records, archaeological sites, modeled streams, major monsoon systems, and the study site in Arabia. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Communications Earth &amp; Environment (2025).</figcaption></figure>



Such moisture allowed rivers to form, drain off the highlands, and feed desert basins. 



Evidence shows that these lakes and streams built up enough pressure to erupt through barriers, leading to the carving of deep channels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forced-migrations-out-of-lush-arabia">Forced migrations out of lush Arabia</h2>



The stable, moist climate did not last forever.&nbsp;



“By 6,000 years ago, the Empty Quarter experienced a strong decline in rainfall, which would have created dry, arid conditions, forcing populations to move into more hospitable settings and changing the lifestyle of nomadic populations,” noted Professor Petraglia. 



Dryness overtook the dunes, and water sources vanished. 



Over time, shifting sands covered much of the evidence of these greener eras, leaving behind faint traces that challenge our assumptions about Arabia’s dry and sandy emptiness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-all-of-this-mean">What does all of this mean?</h2>



Although the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-022-00368-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holocene humid phase</a> ended millennia ago, today’s scientists hope these findings can spark conversations about desert landscapes around the world. 



They show how climate swings can <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1083130" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transform</a> lush corridors into barren regions, with vital impacts on human migration.



Researchers also see these remnants as reminders that weather patterns can shift in dramatic ways. 



Shallow lakes can vanish, while floods can leave behind spectacular canyons that reshape entire terrains almost overnight.



These newly documented scenes of ancient rivers, lakebeds, and open grasslands in what is today a desert area, urge us to reflect on how drastically climates can vary through time.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02224-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Ancient Arabia was once green and lush with rivers, lakes, and grasslands

Arid stretches of sand can hide astonishing secrets. In southern...

A new set of findings warns of severe consequences for the global economy if Earth's temperature were to rise by 4°C before 2100. The research indicates the potential for a 40% decrease in world gross domestic product, which is considerably greater than earlier estimates of roughly 11%.



Many climate forecasts have relied on models that only examined local conditions, and have ignored how nations are linked by trade and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-shock-lakes-are-losing-oxygen-faster-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resources</a>. 



Recent <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092180092100015X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> say this oversight shifts the conversation around emission reductions and highlights the urgent need for updated risk calculations.



One expert leading this conversation is <a href="https://research.unsw.edu.au/people/dr-timothy-neal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Timothy Neal</a> from the <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New South Wales</a>. His fresh analysis addresses a missing piece in older frameworks and shows how global weather patterns can magnify <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1056819024000289" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regional economic shocks</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperature-could-crash-economy">Rising temperature could crash economy</h2>



“Economists have traditionally looked at historical data comparing weather events to economic growth, to cost climate damages,” said Dr. Neal. Many economists once focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-fuel-pollution-is-causing-disease-disaster-and-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> changes in a single region or country.&nbsp;



That local-only view might hide deeper problems that arise when extreme conditions batter multiple nations at the same time.



By including global averages instead, his group uncovered greater losses than standard forecasts have predicted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-global-links">Unseen global links</h2>



An interconnected world <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealthier-nations-set-bold-climate-targets-but-citizens-give-less/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">economy</a> means a shock in one place often ripples across borders. This is especially true when extreme weather events hamper trade flows or shrink production in key sectors.



“In a hotter future, we can expect cascading supply chain disruptions triggered by extreme weather events worldwide,” explained Dr. Neal, who emphasized that these shocks can spread quickly.



This scenario suggests that local economies may struggle to import goods if distant suppliers are also grappling with climate stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-weather-and-global-supply-systems">Extreme weather and global supply systems</h2>



A <a href="https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/trends-and-insights/articles/what-is-a-global-supply-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global supply chain</a> refers to the network of producers and distributors that move goods around the planet. It lets countries source items from regions with better weather or more resources at any given moment.



This safety net weakens if extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-pushing-nature-toward-a-breaking-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a> or storms strike multiple hubs at once. Reduced crop yields, property damage, or transport blockages in different locations can trigger worldwide shortages and price spikes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charting-a-lower-temperature-goal">Charting a lower temperature goal</h2>



New results suggest aiming for about 1.7°C (3.1°F) above pre-industrial levels rather than previous targets closer to 2.7°C (4.9°F). This tighter limit aligns with faster decarbonization pathways in agreements like the <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Accord</a>.



Some <a href="https://unfccc.int/topics/mitigation/workstreams/response-measures/modelling-tools-to-assess-the-impact-of-the-implementation-of-response-measures/integrated-assessment-models-iams-and-energy-environment-economy-e3-models" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">integrated assessment models</a> are frameworks that weigh economic and climate data, and they previously gave the green light to reduce emissions more slowly. 



However, by revising the way in which we gauge the damage function, policymakers might see a strong financial incentive to push for deeper cuts in emissions sooner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-policy-directions">Shifting policy directions</h2>



Another shift appears in how we set a <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/pricing-carbon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon price</a>, or tax on emissions, which influences energy choices worldwide. If the true economic risk is bigger than assumed, the ideal carbon price could be substantially higher.



“Because these damages haven't been taken into account, prior economic models have inadvertently concluded that even severe climate change wasn't a big problem for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-threaten-the-future-of-banana-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">economy</a> - and it's had profound implications for climate policy,” said Dr. Neal.



This underscores the need for updated modeling that captures global effects instead of isolated ones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-affect-all-economies">Rising temperatures affect all economies </h2>



Several countries once believed that cooler climates would shield them from heat-related damage. But global trade links mean that no nation gets a free pass when climate extremes hit many regions at once.



Adaptation, including policies for human migration or infrastructure upgrades, is still an evolving area of study. Dr. Neal notes that calculating its true scope is complex because political and logistical barriers can slow large-scale responses. 



Research continues to dig into the exact ways in which global temperature swings can harm production, jobs, and investment. 



Some believe that better trade rules and robust infrastructure can help countries cope when heat or storms hit harder than usual.



<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate science</a> also points to a rising frequency of events like hurricanes or droughts in a warming atmosphere. 



This pattern, combined with the presence of global supply chains, raises the stakes for coordinated action among governments and businesses.



<a href="https://news.mit.edu/2017/explained-neural-networks-deep-learning-0414" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neural networks</a> and advanced simulation tools are now part of some economic models. By simulating hypothetical shocks, experts might refine predictions and highlight early warning signs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-benefits-of-swift-action">Economic benefits of swift action</h2>



Researchers say earlier, decisive climate measures may reduce the economic toll in the long run. They also point to short-term gains like cleaner air and energy independence when nations invest in low-carbon solutions.



“We continue learning from how we see climate change impacting our economy right now, from rising food prices to insurance costs, and we need to be responsive to new information if we're going to act in our best interest,” said Dr. Neal. 



Analysts warn that postponing emissions cuts could lock in deeper losses, leaving populations vulnerable to recurrent disasters. Early investment in renewable energy and efficient technologies might save money down the road.



Industry leaders, finance experts, and governments have a collective responsibility to measure these costs correctly. 



Underestimating future damage might sideline critical reforms and push humanity toward an even hotter, more fragile planet.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412025001540?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Rising temperatures will cut world GDP by a staggering 40 percent if nothing changes

A new set of findings warns of severe consequences for...

In a remarkable medical breakthrough, engineers have developed a light-activated pacemaker so tiny that doctors can inject it into the body through a syringe. Remarkably, the device simply dissolves after it’s no longer needed.&nbsp;



Designed for newborns, the pacemaker could transform temporary heart care after congenital defect surgeries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-the-heart-with-light">Controlling the heart with light</h2>



The new pacemaker is smaller than a grain of rice. It's wirelessly activated through pulses of light which are delivered by a soft, wearable device mounted on the patient’s chest.



The external controller detects abnormal rhythms and sends light through the body to activate the pacemaker and restore heartbeat. The study demonstrates the device’s effectiveness across animal and human donor hearts.&nbsp;



The development of the pacemaker was led by John A. Rogers, a professor of material science, biomedical engineering, and neurological surgery at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a>.&nbsp;



“We have developed what is, to our knowledge, the world’s smallest pacemaker,” said Professor Rogers.



“There’s a crucial need for temporary pacemakers in the context of pediatric heart surgeries, and that’s a use case where size miniaturization is incredibly important. In terms of the device load on the body - the smaller, the better.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solution-designed-for-newborns">Solution designed for newborns</h2>



Though the light-activated pacemaker can function in patients of all sizes, its miniaturized design was motivated by the needs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infant-speech-is-driven-by-heart-rate-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infants</a>. 



Igor Efimov is a co-leader of the study and experimental cardiologist at Northwestern.&nbsp;



“About 1% of children are born with congenital heart defects. The good news is that these children only need temporary pacing after a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-smallest-robot-could-transform-minimally-invasive-surgery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surgery</a>. In about seven days or so, most patients’ hearts will self-repair. But those seven days are absolutely critical," said Efimov.



Traditional pacemakers require surgery and have wires sticking out of the chest to connect to an external device. When they are no longer needed, the wires are removed - risking bleeding, tissue damage, or even death.



“Wires literally protrude from the body, attached to a pacemaker outside the body,” Efimov explained. “When the pacemaker is no longer needed, a physician pulls it out. The wires can become enveloped in scar tissue. That’s actually how Neil Armstrong died.”



The new injectable pacemaker addresses these risks. All of its components are biocompatible and bioresorbable, meaning they safely dissolve in the body’s fluids without needing surgical removal. Once the device has served its purpose, it simply disappears.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-the-light-activated-pacemaker">Refining the light-activated pacemaker</h2>



This innovation builds on <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-021-00948-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earlier work</a> by Rogers and Efimov, who developed a quarter-sized dissolvable pacemaker in 2021. Surgeons asked for a smaller version to allow easier placement and suit the smallest patients.&nbsp;



The original device used near-field communication (NFC), but its antenna limited how small the device could be made. To overcome this, the team replaced the NFC system with a novel light-based mechanism.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pacemaker_light-activated_worlds-smallest_heart-health_Northwestern_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pacemaker_light-activated_worlds-smallest_heart-health_Northwestern_1s.webp" alt="The tiny pacemaker sits next to a single grain of rice on a fingertip. The device is so small that it can be non-invasively injected into the body via a syringe. Credit: John A. Rogers/Northwestern University" class="wp-image-1964846"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tiny pacemaker sits next to a single grain of rice on a fingertip. The device is so small that it can be non-invasively injected into the body via a syringe. Click image to enlarge. Credit: John A. Rogers/Northwestern University</figcaption></figure>



“Instead of using the radio frequency scheme for wireless control, we developed a light-based scheme for turning the pacemaker on and delivering stimulation pulses to the surface of the heart. This is one feature that allowed us to dramatically reduce the size,” said Professor Rogers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powered-by-the-body-s-own-fluids">Powered by the body’s own fluids</h2>



The engineers also reimagined how to power the tiny pacemaker. Rather than requiring a battery or external power source, the device uses a simple galvanic cell - a chemical battery formed by two different metals as electrodes.&nbsp;



When the device is inside the body, surrounding biofluids act as the electrolyte, allowing electrical current to flow and stimulate the heart.



“A very tiny light-activated switch on the opposite side from the battery allows us to turn the device from its ‘off’ state to an ‘on’ state upon delivery of light that passes through the patient’s body from the skin-mounted patch,” explained Professor Rogers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-trauma-and-risk">Reducing trauma and risk</h2>



Using infrared light, which can safely penetrate deep into the body, the wearable controller detects when a patient’s heart rate falls too low. It then triggers a light-emitting diode (LED) to flash on and off at the desired pacing rhythm.&nbsp;



“Infrared light penetrates very well through the body,” Efimov said. “If you put a flashlight against your palm, you will see the light glow through the other side of your hand. It turns out that our bodies are great conductors of light.”



Despite its microscopic size - just 1.8 mm wide, 3.5 mm long, and 1 mm thick - the pacemaker delivers stimulation on par with traditional devices. “The heart requires a tiny amount of electrical stimulation,” Rogers said.&nbsp;



“By minimizing the size, we dramatically simplify the implantation procedures, we reduce trauma and risk to the patient, and, with the dissolvable nature of the device, we eliminate any need for secondary surgical extraction procedures.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-of-heart-care">A new era of heart care</h2>



Because these light-activated pacemakers are so small and wireless, doctors could one day deploy multiple units on different parts of the heart to create more advanced pacing systems. 



Each device could be controlled independently using different light wavelengths, enabling personalized and precisely timed stimulation across the heart’s surface.



“We can deploy a number of such small pacemakers onto the outside of the heart and control each one,” Efimov said. “Then we can achieve improved synchronized functional care.”



Professor Rogers noted that because it’s so small, the pacemaker can be integrated with almost any kind of implantable device.



“We also demonstrated integration of collections of these devices across the frameworks that serve as transcatheter aortic valve replacements to address complications that can occur during a patient’s recovery process," said Rogers.



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



While this breakthrough has clear implications for pediatric heart care, the technology could pave the way for a new generation of bioelectronic medicine.&nbsp;



These tiny, dissolvable devices could one day be adapted to promote nerve and bone regeneration, manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-meditation-is-a-powerful-weapon-against-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain</a>, support wound healing, and more.



Northwestern engineers shrank the device and removed risks by making it dissolve after use. In doing so, they’ve created a tool that could reshape how doctors care for the heart - from the tiniest patients to adults.



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Click here to <a href="https://youtu.be/j_0hZ8cUwgo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watch a video interview...</a>



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08726-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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World's smallest pacemaker is set to revolutionize heart health

In a remarkable medical breakthrough, engineers have developed a light-activated...

Twenty years ago, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched Mars Express to explore the Red Planet. Since then, scientists have gathered an immense collection of data, enabling them to learn more about everything from canyons and craters to dust storms and hidden ice.



Now, the High Resolution Stereo Camera (<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Mars_Express_orbiter_instruments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HRSC</a>) team has presented a global color mosaic that captures “Mars as never seen before.” It shows the planet in spectacular detail and highlights both surface color and composition.



The vantage point rests about 1,550 miles above the Valles Marineris canyon system, revealing an enhanced view of Mars without its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-has-magnificent-landforms-created-when-ice-turns-into-gas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar caps</a>, thanks to the relatively low altitude.



Each pixel in this simulation covers about 1.24 miles on the surface, offering a closer look at darker grey-black volcanic sands and lighter patches where clay and sulfate minerals appear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valles-marineris-comes-to-life">Valles Marineris comes to life</h2>



Dr. Ralf Jaumann from the German Aerospace Center (<a href="https://www.dlr.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DLR</a>) led efforts that connected fresh camera techniques with years of observations.



His team’s mosaic blends red, green, and blue filter views, adjusting each color band to highlight hidden surface variations.



The image is more than a standard snapshot. It uses individual color channel stretching, so details stand out in ways impossible with a simple “beige to brown” depiction.



Through this approach, a "large scar" appears across the planet’s face, also known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noctis-volcano-buried-glacier-discovered-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Valles Marineris</a>. Its length of thousands of miles has always drawn attention, but the mosaic’s clarity makes it stand out even more.



By examining the sharp color shifts, researchers can explore how ancient volcanic materials, dust deposits, and other compounds formed the terrain we see today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shapes-light-and-mars-true-color">Shapes, light, and Mars' true color</h2>



Researchers wanted to form a cohesive image of Mars by stitching smaller images together. A single frame is simple to enhance, but it becomes tricky when combining multiple pictures.



Different angles and shapes come into play. If experts misjudge the spacecraft’s location or the camera’s orientation, the resulting mosaic can end up with misaligned patches.



They also needed to address how sunlight falls across various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-samples-from-mars-could-reveal-fascinating-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parts of the planet</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mars_global-surface-true-color_Mars-Express_HRSC_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mars_global-surface-true-color_Mars-Express_HRSC_ESA_1s.webp" alt="This image shows the globe of Mars set against a dark background. The disc of the planet features yellow, orange, blue and green patches, all with an overall muted grey hue, representing the varying composition of the surface. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1964406"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This image shows the globe of Mars set against a dark background. The disc of the planet features yellow, orange, blue and green patches, all with an overall muted grey hue, representing the varying composition of the surface. Click image to enlarge. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



Looking at a single picture of Mars is pretty easy - you just adjust the brightness and contrast to see it better. But when combining several images into one, it becomes more difficult. 



Two big problems come up: one is about shapes and angles, and the other is about light.



The strength of the sun, the planet’s reflectivity, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-mars-atmosphere-may-improve-weather-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shifting atmospheric dust</a> all change how each region looks.



Small hills and slopes facing the sun can appear brighter, even when they share the same basic composition as adjacent areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-sense-of-dusty-atmospheres">Making sense of dusty atmospheres</h2>



Mars is famous for its dust storms and ever-changing air quality. That’s because <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-could-threaten-the-health-of-future-astronauts-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars has a lot of dust</a> in the air, and the amount of dust changes with the seasons.



In some images, the atmosphere looked hazy, bright, or blurry. Scientists have tools to measure how dusty the air is by examining differences between sunny and shadowy spots. However, that method only works if shadows are clear and large enough.



Most of these can be fixed with computer tools. But sunlight is harder to adjust because slopes or hills that face the sun look brighter, even if they aren’t more reflective.



Because of that, researchers mostly preserved the original illumination in each picture. They adjusted overall brightness so the mosaic would seem uniform, yet they did not remove every bit of shadow.



They recognized that human eyes can interpret shapes using light and shadow alone, so an entirely shadow-free map might cause confusion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fitting-the-pieces-like-a-jigsaw-puzzle">Fitting the pieces like a jigsaw puzzle</h2>



In older attempts, matching brightness to a legacy map from another mission helped merge black-and-white images. 



There was no reliable true color map of Mars to use, so the team performed a more modest adjustment for color data. This helped make sure the images looked good when combined.



Initially, they focused on displaying color differences within each frame, filling in broad swaths with an average red. That kept finer details visible, though the overall impression was mostly red on a wider scale.



Later developments expanded the mosaic’s range. Between 2015 and 2017, <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Mars_Express" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Express</a> sometimes captured shots from high above, covering bigger regions than usual.



Although the spacecraft typically aimed for close-up imagery, these wide-angle pictures enabled researchers to cross-reference color changes over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-has-spectacular-glowing-clouds-at-sunset/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">large sections of the planet</a>.



By blending these distance-based views with the near-surface ones, they edged closer to showing an entire globe with consistent color and contrast.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlapping-frames">Overlapping frames</h2>



The year 2019 saw a series of new high-altitude images that overlapped significantly with previous frames. That overlap raised the possibility of a complete mosaic where each picture connected to others.



Because the spacecraft flies in a big oval path around Mars, it sometimes takes pictures from far away and sometimes from close up.



When all these shots came together, scientists replaced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-martian-sky-often-has-an-eerie-green-glow-at-night-called-nightglow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">partial color references</a> with a more global model that reflects large and small-scale differences. These showed color changes across much larger areas than usual.



The group integrated these extensive images to fill gaps and polish the big picture. As a result, the mosaic grew more comprehensive with every addition, reducing abrupt seams and strange brightness jumps.



Now, enthusiasts and experts alike can scan Mars with sharper context, comparing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-gravity-map-exposes-ancient-structures-and-volcanic-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic plains</a>, canyon floors, and everything in between in one continuous map.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-in-true-color-is-huge-for-science">Mars in true color is huge for science</h2>



Darker grey areas reveal basaltic sands left behind by ancient volcanic events. Lighter sections highlight clays and sulfates. While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-can-engulf-the-entire-planet-of-mars-but-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storms</a> come and go, these rock formations persist.



Human eyes can usually tell what shape something is just by how light hits it, so it’s not always helpful to remove those shadows.



Subtle differences in Mars' true color and brightness offer clues about the past, from water activity to mineral creation.



Surface features like Valles Marineris dominate the image, but smaller craters and ridges speak volumes about Mars’s geologic evolution.



The entire mosaic provides a way to piece together distinct eras of the planet’s story without losing local details.



By layering decades of exploration, the HRSC team has taken a large step toward a clearer portrait of Martian geography, both from orbit and on the surface.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S001910352400410X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Icarus</a>.



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Mars photo shows the Red Planet from above in "true" color for the first time ever

Twenty years ago, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched Mars...

When was the last time your mind wandered while you stared at a clock or folded laundry? People often slip into these mental journeys without even realizing it.



Recent findings shed light on the surprising ways these daydreams can help us pick up certain types of information. They focus on how the wandering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fueling-the-mind-new-map-reveals-where-the-brain-gets-its-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mind</a> might boost outcomes when a task barely demands attention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-wandering-mind">Exploring the wandering mind </h2>



In a study led by Péter Simor from <a href="https://www.elte.hu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eötvös Loránd University</a>, researchers used a simple task to test how unintentional mind wandering influences learning.



Nearly 40 volunteers participated while having their brain waves recorded to see if lapses in focus actually helped them pick up <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-may-literally-be-a-state-of-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a>.



Experts often blame <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23336-maladaptive-daydreaming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daydreaming</a> for hurting academic performance and everyday productivity. However, the team wanted to see if certain kinds of wandering thoughts have a hidden benefit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-passive-learning-works-without-focus">Passive learning works without focus</h2>



This task asked participants to detect patterns without overt awareness, which is sometimes called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/implicit-learning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">implicit learning</a>. Some scientists define this as the ability to pick up probabilities and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-reveals-the-secret-to-keeping-your-brain-young/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a> in the environment without actively trying to do so.



Classic research into <a href="https://www.amu.apus.edu/area-of-study/arts-and-humanities/resources/what-is-cognitive-psychology-and-why-is-it-so-important/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive psychology</a> has shown that not all learning requires our undivided attention. Some forms happen behind the scenes, relying on <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21071660/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">repeated exposure</a> rather than deliberate focus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-like-brain-waves">Sleep-like brain waves</h2>



During periods when participants said their minds were wandering, the experts detected <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10385593/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oscillatory neural activity</a> that looked a lot like slow-wave patterns seen in deep rest. These <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10385593/">electroencephalography signals</a> suggested the brain may shift into a partial offline mode.



Earlier <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4467852/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> from other labs has shown that short, quiet breaks can support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-is-constantly-making-predictions-about-the-world-and-your-place-in-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> consolidation by letting the mind rest. 



This new research aligns with those results, indicating that brief moments of reduced engagement could improve how we store and recall certain types of information.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spontaneous-versus-deliberate-drifting">Spontaneous versus deliberate drifting</h2>



Spontaneous wandering emerges on its own, whereas deliberate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-in-the-brain-alarming-new-details-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wandering</a> is more like choosing to zone out. The researchers observed stronger performance gains linked to these spontaneous episodes.



One part of the investigation examined how intentional versus unplanned mind wandering affected pattern recognition. 



People who spontaneously floated away into daydreams tended to show greater improvements, which suggests that letting the mind meander might be productive under certain conditions.



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



Some jobs rely on repetitive tasks that can get tedious. If subtle learning is part of the role, occasional mental drifting might actually help employees catch hidden cues.



Parents sometimes worry that children who daydream miss valuable lessons. Yet these findings hint that relaxed moments could still encode crucial bits of information.



Multi-taskers who juggle demanding activities might be less likely to benefit. Tasks requiring high focus could suffer from any mental drifting.



Those who engage in regular mindfulness might find it helpful to understand how the mind works in idle mode. This study supports the idea that idle thoughts and daydreams can serve a purpose, though they are not beneficial in every circumstance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wandering-mind-supports-memory">Wandering mind supports memory</h2>



Researchers have long studied <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.932592/full">wakeful rest</a> as a period when the brain continues to process and store new memories. These findings show that a wandering mind may activate a similar process, almost like a mini-break from conscious effort.



"As our brain needs sleep, maybe we also need passive ways of learning, or ‘wakeful rest,’ to recover from tasks that require the brain to be online and engaged," said Simor. He and his collaborators believe that such quiet spells might serve as small pockets of recovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-mind-wandering-boost-performance">Can mind wandering boost performance?</h2>



One question is how these sleep-like states differ from actual drowsiness. Another puzzle is whether mind wandering can be harnessed to speed up slow, repetitive processes.



Some psychologists suggest that harnessing the right type of mind wandering requires self-awareness. Determining when drifting thoughts happen may help individuals manage them to optimize learning or creativity.



Technology might open new doors by measuring <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/electroencephalogram/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EEG signals</a> in real time. This could show us exactly when the brain transitions into an offline state and how to use that transition for training or rehabilitation.



Neuroscience breakthroughs continue to build a clearer picture of how we learn in different mental states. Studies like this help us see the mind as flexible and adaptable, even in moments we consider unproductive.



The investigation reveals that there is more to daydreaming than meets the eye. Researchers note that not all daydreams are equally helpful, but those that arise on their own may support certain learning tasks.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.jneurosci.org/content/early/2025/03/31/JNEUROSCI.1421-24.2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JNeurosci</a>.



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Mind wandering might be more productive than you think

When was the last time your mind wandered while you...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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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...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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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...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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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"

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