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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

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

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

You might already know that salty food affects your blood pressure. But a new study suggests it could be doing something far more surprising - it might be changing how you feel. Scientists have now linked high salt intake to depression-like behavior, revealing a new immune mechanism that connects the gut, the brain, and mood.



The study, led by researchers from <a href="https://english.njmu.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanjing Medical University</a> explored how excess salt changes the immune system in ways that alter brain function and behavior.



The findings are built on years of clinical observations that hinted at a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-chronic-pain-have-high-rates-of-depression-and-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">connection</a> between high-sodium diets and worsening mental health. Now, there is experimental evidence to back it.



“This work supports dietary interventions, such as salt reduction, as a preventive measure for mental illness. It also paves the way for novel therapeutic strategies targeting IL-17A to treat depression,” said Dr. Xiaojun Chen, the study's lead researcher.



“We hope these findings encourage discussions on salt consumption guidelines.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-salt-leads-to-depression">How salt leads to depression</h2>



The researchers noticed that mice on a high-salt diet for five weeks showed less curiosity and more inactivity. These behaviors resembled those seen in standard stress-based models of depression. 



Mice with high salt intake also showed elevated IL-17A levels in the spleen, blood, and brain - especially the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.



IL-17A was not just present; it was active. In mice lacking the RORγt gene - a gene required for IL-17A production - these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-related-brain-inflammation-linked-to-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depressive symptoms</a> did not appear. This points to a direct causal link between IL-17A and mood changes triggered by salt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-special-immune-cells-trigger-mood-changes">Special immune cells trigger mood changes</h2>



The research also pinpointed γδT17 cells as the key producers of IL-17A. These cells made up nearly 40% of IL-17A producers in the spleen, blood, and brain. Their activity increased in the high-salt group, but the total number of γδT cells stayed the same. Instead, the shift was in their function, not quantity.



Specifically, HSD triggered γδT cells to become hyperactive IL-17A producers, marked by higher CD44 expression and a tilt toward the Vγ4 subtype. These cells likely carry out the salt-triggered immune attack on the brain, altering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-therapy-offers-hope-for-millions-with-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mood and behavior</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blocking-salt-linked-cells-eases-depression">Blocking salt-linked cells eases depression</h2>



To investigate further, scientists treated mice with antibodies that deplete γδT cells. This lowered IL-17A levels and reversed depression-like behavior. The mice explored more and spent less time immobile in behavioral tests. These results highlight γδT17 cells as potential drug targets.



Interestingly, combining salt with restraint stress did not worsen depression in the same way. This suggests that salt may trigger a different biological route to depression than psychological stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salt-alters-immunity-and-metabolism">Salt alters immunity and metabolism</h2>



The team also proposed two possible molecular pathways. First, HSD may activate the p38/MAPK pathway in γδT cells, increasing IL-17A output. 



Second, salt might raise IL-1β levels in macrophages. IL-1β is a known driver of IL-17 production. Both routes could explain how salt tweaks immune function and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-americans-have-lost-years-of-time-to-poor-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mood</a>.



Salt also affects how immune cells make energy. By shifting cells from mitochondrial respiration to glycolysis, HSD reprograms how immune cells behave. These metabolic shifts might further activate γδT17 cells, linking diet and mood through immune cell energy use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-mental-health">What this means for mental health</h2>



Major depressive disorder is already a leading cause of disability and death. Its ties to other diseases, like cancer and autoimmune conditions, make it an urgent health issue. Treatments that target immune signals, especially IL-17A, could provide new hope.



The research confirms what some clinical data hinted at: high salt worsens depression, while low sodium intake improves mood. Dietary advice could now go beyond blood pressure and heart health. It may become a mental health intervention too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-and-broader-impacts">Next steps and broader impacts</h2>



The researchers will now try to validate these results in human studies. 



If confirmed, simple dietary changes could lower depression risk. Drugs that block IL-17A or deactivate γδT cells might also help people with salt-sensitive mood disorders.



This study not only challenges how we view diet and mood but also shows how tightly the immune system and brain work together. What we eat might shape how we feel - cell by cell, molecule by molecule.



The study is published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jimmunol/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jimmun/vkaf019/8090296?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journal of Immunology</a>. 



-----



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



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



-----

Eating too much salt may contribute to depression

You might already know that salty food affects your blood...

In many Western countries today, the number of dogs is increasing, but the number of children is not. This striking shift raises big questions. Are people choosing dogs instead of kids? Or is something deeper going on?



Professor Enikő Kubinyi from <a href="https://www.elte.hu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eötvös Loránd University</a> believes she has found the answer. Her theory connects the rise of dog ownership to falling birth rates - but not in a simple, cause-and-effect way.



Kubinyi explains that many see their dogs not just as pets, but as full <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-puppy-day-2025-where-happiness-meets-responsibility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">family members</a>. Some even place their relationships with their dogs above those that they have with humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-as-emotional-anchors">Dogs as emotional anchors</h2>



Recent surveys in Hungary show a surprising trend. Nineteen percent of childless adults, and ten percent of parents, value their dog more than any human.



Kubinyi’s theory explores why this emotional shift is happening.



"Some say dogs are the new children, while others find this idea outrageous. Pope Francis, for example, has called it selfish for childless people to pamper pets," noted Kubinyi.



She points to studies suggesting that dog owners often feel more negatively about motherhood. Some mothers with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lost-in-translation-how-we-misread-our-dogs-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> feel parenting becomes more burdensome, reducing their desire for more children. In some cases, dogs even create distance in romantic relationships.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-as-a-step-before-having-a-child">Dogs as a step before having a child</h2>



But the picture isn’t one-sided. Kubinyi highlights another argument: dog ownership may actually support family life.



"Families with children are more likely to own dogs, and some couples see their pet as a 'practice child,' a preparatory step toward starting a family. Women also tend to find men with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-focus-more-when-humans-use-eye-contact-and-gestures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> more attractive, which could increase the chances of fatherhood."



In this view, dogs don’t replace children. They support and sometimes lead to parenthood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-build-social-ties-too">Dogs build social ties too</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-dogs-share-genes-linked-to-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dog ownership</a> doesn’t just affect families. It also shapes social life. Dog walking often leads to more human interaction. 



Kubinyi explains that dogs serve as "social glue" in modern life. They help build relationships.



But there’s a flip side. If someone&nbsp;leans only on dogs for emotional needs,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787820300356" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior issues</a> like barking or aggression can isolate them further, instead of connecting them to other people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-bonds-now-shift-to-dogs">Emotional bonds now shift to dogs</h2>



"The number of children is not declining because the number of dogs is increasing, but the same trend lies behind both phenomena: the transformation of social networks," said Kubinyi.



She calls this the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.x-mol.com/paper/1900939840006262784">companion dog runaway theory</a>.&nbsp;It ties the rise of dog ownership to both biology and culture.&nbsp;Humans have an innate need to care and connect.&nbsp;When bonds between humans weaken, these instincts shift to dogs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-changed-in-society">What changed in society?</h2>



Nearly 90% of Hungarian adults don’t spend even an hour a week with children. That’s unusual for a species built around cooperative childcare.



Kubinyi points out that modern support networks have eroded. People feel alone. Some have lost faith in human relationships altogether. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rewards-of-dog-ownership-outweigh-the-challenges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dogs</a> that offer loyalty and comfort fill that space.



Cultural shifts support this trend.&nbsp;Memes joke about dog-parent life, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787824000819" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pet businesses are booming</a>. People call themselves "dog moms" and "dog dads." These aren’t just trends - they reflect emotional truths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-are-treated-like-children">Dogs are treated like children</h2>



Dogs aren’t just pets anymore. For many, they’re the most important companion a person has. Their loyalty, shaped by thousands of years beside humans, fits perfectly in the role of substitute family.



Even breeding reflects this change.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flat-faced-dogs-have-childlike-traits-that-humans-cannot-resist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Small, baby-faced dogs</a> are now wildly popular. Their “cuteness” triggers our nurturing instincts. But these breeds also suffer from many health issues. Owners care for them intensely - and feel deeply needed.



Sometimes, though, over-caring causes confusion and behavior problems. Dogs have needs, but they aren’t children. Misreading these needs can cause stress - for both pet and owner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-people-substitute-caregivers-with-dogs">People substitute caregivers with dogs</h2>



"The changing role of dog ownership suggests that people in Western societies experience a significant lack of caregiving and social support - and they try to compensate for this, at least in part, with dogs and likely cats as well," said Kubinyi.



She urges stronger support systems for families and better ways to fight loneliness. Dog ownership should help people connect - not push them further apart.



Other experts agree. Researcher Hal Herzog refers to Kubinyi’s theory as "an important new perspective" on how dogs fit into our social and emotional world.



In the end, keeping dogs reflects our deepest human needs - for love, connection, and care.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09637214251318284" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Directions in Psychological Science</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Are dogs replacing children? How modern society is changing

In many Western countries today, the number of dogs is...

Have you ever noticed how memories from the same day seem to blend together, while events that happened weeks apart feel like they exist in totally separate mental files? 



A new study sheds light on why this happens - and it’s not because of what’s happening in the main body of brain cells. Instead, the secret lies in the tiny branches called dendrites.



In a recent study, scientists from <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a> used advanced imaging tools, including miniaturized microscopes, to track how mice formed memories in real time. 



The team focused on a lesser-known part of the brain cell - dendrites, the slender projections that stretch out from neurons. These branches are known for receiving information, but they’re much more active than previously thought.



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



The researchers zeroed in on the retrosplenial cortex (RSC), a brain area involved in spatial and contextual memory.



When mice were introduced to two different environments close together in time, something remarkable happened: the memories of those places became linked. 



If the mice were later given a small shock in just one of the environments, they reacted with fear in both. Their brains treated the two places as connected - even though only one was associated with the unpleasant experience.



“If you think of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-complete-map-of-every-neuron-in-the-brain-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neuron</a> as a computer, dendrites are like tiny computers inside it, each performing its own calculations,” said study lead author Megha Sehgal.



“This discovery shows that our brains can link information arriving close in time to the same dendritic location, expanding our understanding of how memories are organized.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication-between-neurons">Communication between neurons </h2>



The researchers studied how dendrites change during the process of learning and storing information. On the surface of these branches are small bumps called spines - tiny hubs where communication between neurons happens.



When a new memory was formed, they saw clusters of these spines pop up. Then, if another memory formed shortly after, those same spots were more likely to attract additional spines.



This physical clustering of connections appears to be how the brain binds related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-often-undervalue-the-most-meaningful-experiences-in-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experiences</a> together.



“The idea is that we don’t form memories in isolation. You don’t form a single memory. You use that memory, make a framework of memories, and then pull from that framework when you need to make adaptive decisions,” said Sehgal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-role-of-dendrites">Critical role of dendrites</h2>



To test whether these dendritic branches were really causing the linking effect, the team used a method called optogenetics. This technique lets scientists control <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-emotions-linked-to-unique-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain activity</a> using light. 



The experts reactivated the exact dendritic branches that had been used during one memory and found that doing so could link it to another, unrelated memory.



This confirmed the critical role that dendrites play in how memories are joined together in our brains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-memory-related-disorders">Understanding memory-related disorders</h2>



This discovery not only changes how we think about memory - it also opens the door to new ways of understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dementia-was-extremely-rare-in-ancient-times-so-why-is-it-now-so-prevalent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory-related disorders</a>.



If scientists can learn to influence how dendrites work, they may be able to treat conditions where memory formation or linking is impaired.



“Our work not only expands our understanding of how memories are formed but also suggests exciting new possibilities for manipulating higher order memory processes,” said Sehgal. “This could have implications for developing therapies for memory-related conditions such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stopping-alzheimers-before-it-starts-early-treatment-shows-potential/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s disease</a>.”



The research marks an important step in decoding the physical structure of memory -and it all starts with the tiny, busy branches inside each brain cell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-memory-storage">Rethinking memory storage</h2>



This study encourages us to rethink how we view memory storage. Instead of seeing each experience as a separate snapshot, it may be more accurate to picture them as parts of a timeline - physically tied together through shared dendritic changes.



This could explain why certain days feel like a continuous stream of events, while others stand alone. 



The findings also suggest that how we mentally group events may depend more on timing than emotional weight. 



With a clearer picture of how the brain organizes information, scientists can better understand what happens when that system begins to fail, such as in age-related cognitive decline.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-025-01876-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Neuroscience</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Why memories close in time feel connected

Have you ever noticed how memories from the same day...

Climate change has long threatened species living in extreme habitats. Emperor penguins, iconic residents of Antarctica, now face a sharper edge of that threat. 



​A team led by scientists at the&nbsp;Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (<a href="https://www.whoi.edu/press-room/news-release/new-study-finds-emperor-penguins-increasingly-threatened-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>), along with global collaborators, has revealed new evidence that these birds are more at risk than previously believed.​



The study suggests emperor penguins should no longer be considered “Near Threatened.” Instead, the team recommends reclassifying them as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320719309899?" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Vulnerable” or even “Endangered”</a>. This shift, based on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22697752/132600320?" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">updated IUCN criteria</a>, highlights an urgent need to reconsider current conservation strategies.



The researchers tailored their study to match the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/just-a-whiff-of-penguin-poop-can-send-krill-into-a-frenzy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">penguins</a>’ deep dependence on stable sea ice and predictable Antarctic conditions. The changing environment now places them on unstable ground.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-threats-to-emperor-penguins">Climate threats to emperor penguins </h2>



Emperor penguins are at significant risk of extinction due to climate change, particularly the rapid loss of Antarctic sea ice, which they depend on for breeding and raising their chicks. 



Studies suggest that if current warming trends continue, more than 90% of emperor penguin colonies could be gone by the end of the century. 



Some projections indicate that major population declines could happen much sooner, potentially within our lifetime.



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



Published in Biological Conservation, the paper titled Living with Uncertainty presents new tools to predict future risks. The researchers used a cutting-edge method: the Multi-Model Large Ensemble (MMLE) framework.



This approach combines numerous Earth system simulations to capture a fuller picture of possible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/enhanced-monitoring-of-emperor-penguins-can-help-us-save-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental futures</a>.



“This is the first study to integrate natural variability in physical and biological processes and employ a wide range of Earth system and ecological models to account for numerous sources of uncertainty in projecting assessments of future population trajectories,” said Stéphanie Jenouvrier, lead author and senior scientist at WHOI.



“Improved methods for accounting for uncertainties are urgently needed to strengthen assessments of extinction and inform conservation efforts in an uncertain world.”



The framework improves how scientists handle uncertainty in environmental modeling. Instead of relying on a single future scenario, the MMLE considers many outcomes. This change offers deeper insight into extinction risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-world-is-changing-for-emperor-penguins">The world is changing for emperor penguins</h2>



To build their models, the team used a wide variety of data. These included satellite images of 50 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-penguins-have-lost-97-percent-of-their-population/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">penguin colonies</a>, long-term monitoring of chicks and adults, and over a decade of observations of individual birds. The researchers also factored in how colonies move, drawn from genetic and population data.



“There are quantifiable uncertainties in projections of future environmental conditions,” said Jenouvrier. “Incorporating this uncertainty in ecosystem projections allows for a more complete and robust assessment of potential extinction risk.”



This approach blends fieldwork, satellite technology, and ecological theory. It gives conservationists a more grounded look at future risks. Such forecasts help shape stronger policies - especially when dealing with species that live in remote or harsh environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-model-for-future-conservation">A model for future conservation</h2>



Professor Phil Trathan, one of the study’s authors and formerly Head of Conservation Biology at the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>, emphasized the broader meaning of this research.



“Emperor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emperor-penguins-are-struggling-to-survive-as-sea-ice-vanishes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">penguins</a> are vital indicators of ecosystem health in the Antarctic, they also help inform us about wider changes in the earth system. Therefore, harnessing robust models that increase our understanding about uncertainty and risk are vital, if we are to better conserve and protect this and other species.”



“Ultimately, humans depend upon the natural world, so developing better projections of the future earth system are essential for ensuring human health and well-being. The tools used in this study should now help us all.”



The combination of modeling tools and diverse data points may set a precedent for future work. Other species in similarly vulnerable habitats may also benefit from these techniques.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-emperor-penguins">Protecting emperor penguins</h2>



The IUCN plays a central role in shaping how species like the emperor penguin are protected. The Red List guides many conservation decisions, often influencing discussions at international levels.



These include forums like the&nbsp;Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (<a href="https://www.ats.aq/e/atcm.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ATCM</a>)&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (<a href="https://www.ccamlr.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CCAMLR</a>).​



“The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting serves as a key forum for decision-making on Antarctic conservation. This new IUCN Red List assessment provides critical scientific support for strengthening protections for emperor penguins under the Antarctic Treaty System,” noted Jenouvrier.



”It also strengthens the case for establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) under the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, particularly in vital regions like the Ross Sea and the Weddell Sea, which could serve as crucial refugia for emperor penguins.” 



With the scientific foundation now laid, the next step lies with policymakers. If taken seriously, this reassessment may not only protect emperor penguins but also influence how we respond to global climate threats across species and continents.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320725000746" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Conservation</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Emperor penguins may disappear in our lifetime

Climate change has long threatened species living in extreme habitats....

In every classroom, on every street, there are teenagers quietly battling depression. It’s a growing crisis, one that does not treat everyone equally. Around the world, depression strikes women twice as often as men. 



This disparity begins not in adulthood but during adolescence. While hormones, social pressure, and life events all play roles, new science is pointing to something deeper - something biological.



A new study published in&nbsp;Biological Psychiatry&nbsp;explores how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-chronic-pain-have-high-rates-of-depression-and-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain chemistry</a> may drive this gender divide. It focuses on a lesser-known series of chemical reactions in the brain called the "kynurenine pathway."



This pathway has long been studied in adults with depression, but for the first time, scientists have turned their attention to teenagers. The goal was to find out whether differences in this brain chemistry could explain why depression takes root more strongly in adolescent girls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-drivers-for-depression">Biological drivers for depression </h2>



Tryptophan breaks into two key products. Kynurenic acid protects the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-related-brain-inflammation-linked-to-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>. Quinolinic acid harms it. These chemicals may influence how depression develops. 



The researchers focused on this pathway in teenagers, examining how these brain chemicals differ between boys and girls.​



“Adolescence is a time when many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-adult-depression-linked-to-worse-memory-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changes occur in the brain</a> and body but we still know very little about the possible biological drivers for depression and how this might affect the difference between teenage boys and girls,“ said Professor Valeria Mondelli from King’s IoPPN.



“Our study indicates the ‘kynurenine pathway’ plays a role in development of depression during the teenage years which may help us to understand why there is a higher incidence amongst girls."



“During adolescence there are a wide range of social and individual factors that influence mental health and by identifying the biological pathways involved we hope we can help build a clearer picture of how we can help teenagers manage depression.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teen-girls-with-a-chemical-imbalance">Teen girls with a chemical imbalance </h2>



The teenagers, aged between 14 and 16, were placed into three distinct groups based on their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/teens-with-problematic-smartphone-use-suffer-from-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> profiles: those with low risk of depression, those considered high risk, and those already diagnosed with depression. 



Each group included 50 adolescents, with an equal number of boys and girls. To determine risk levels, the researchers used an assessment developed as part of the IDEA project, which evaluates various psychological and social factors.



The participants were then tracked over a period of three years to observe whether their symptoms improved or remained.



The findings revealed that teens with a high risk of depression or a current diagnosis had lower levels of kynurenic acid, a chemical known to protect the brain. 



This decrease was especially evident among girls, suggesting that an imbalance in the kynurenine pathway may affect them more severely during adolescence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflammation-and-its-role-in-depression">Inflammation and its role in depression</h2>



The experts also measured proteins that show inflammation. These markers rise during infection or stress. 



The researchers found high inflammation levels linked to more quinolinic acid. This means inflammation could push the kynurenine pathway toward damage.



This pattern appeared only in high-risk or depressed teens. Low-risk teens did not show the same chemical changes. That points to inflammation as a driver of depression’s deeper roots in the brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-persistent-depression-in-teen-girls">Persistent depression in teen girls</h2>



Three years later, the researchers checked back in. Girls with ongoing depression had more neurotoxic chemicals in their blood. Those who improved had lower levels, suggesting that a long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-therapy-offers-hope-for-millions-with-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical imbalance</a> might slow recovery.



“Our study indicates that the measurement of chemicals involved in the kynurenine pathway could potentially help identify those who at risk of persistent depression, particularly amongst females, as well as inform the approaches we take to providing support,“ said Dr. Naghmeh Nikkheslat, the study’s first author.



“This insight could help develop more targeted support for teenagers with depression through interventions that work in a range of ways on the kynurenine pathway from medication to lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-support-is-needed">Personalized support is needed</h2>



This research could change how we detect and treat teen depression. Measuring brain-related chemicals may help flag those most at risk. With more data, doctors might offer depression support earlier, especially to girls.



By linking biology to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-americans-have-lost-years-of-time-to-poor-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>, the study brings new options to the table. It offers hope for more effective, personal care in the teenage years.



Funded by <a href="https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MQ Mental Health Research</a>, the research received support from the <a href="https://www.maudsleybrc.nihr.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre</a>. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(24)01789-X/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Psychiatry</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Why teen girls struggle more with depression

In every classroom, on every street, there are teenagers quietly...

Antibiotic resistance is rising. Infections spread unchecked as old treatments fail. The next solution may come not from labs, but from swamps and forests. Frogs - ancient survivors of earth’s changing ecosystems - have evolved powerful natural defenses. These defenses may hold the key to future antibiotics.



Frogs thrive in environments teeming with microbes. Yet, they rarely suffer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-pass-down-their-memories-to-fight-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infections</a>. That mystery has long intrigued researchers. Could frogs be carrying biological secrets that might save human lives?



​A new study led by&nbsp;Professor Cesar de la Fuente&nbsp;at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.upenn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pennsylvania</a>&nbsp;believes the answer is yes.&nbsp;His team is tapping into the molecular defenses of frogs to design synthetic antibiotics that may defeat drug-resistant bacteria.​



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frog-evolution-shaped-powerful-antibiotics">Frog evolution shaped powerful antibiotics</h2>



Frogs have existed for over 200 million years. They have spread across continents and climates, adapting to jungles, rivers, deserts, and subarctic forests. Living in moist, microbe-rich environments, frogs constantly face bacterial threats. 



To survive, many species evolved antimicrobial peptides in their skin. These natural compounds kill harmful bacteria on contact. Unlike traditional antibiotics, they do not easily trigger resistance.



One frog species, Odorrana andersonii, has become the focus of research. It produces a peptide known as Andersonnin-D1. Chinese scientists first identified it in 2012. 



Despite its strength against bacteria, the peptide clumps together, making it less effective and more toxic. Because of this flaw, it cannot be used in clinical medicine without modification.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mission-to-rebuild-nature-s-blueprints">Mission to rebuild nature’s blueprints</h2>



Professor Cesar de la Fuente’s lab works at the intersection of biology, engineering, and synthetic chemistry. His team looks for inspiration in nature’s forgotten corners. 



Their earlier work explored ancient DNA from extinct animals like the woolly mammoth and Neanderthals. They also investigated the human gut microbiome, home to countless natural compounds.



“Each study is motivated by imagining environments where evolution would spur the creation of antibiotics,” said de la Fuente.



“Amphibians live in very microbe-rich environments. They very rarely get infected despite being surrounded by microbes, so they must produce antimicrobial compounds.”



Inspired by this evolutionary logic, the team set out to redesign Andersonnin-D1. The goal was to remove its dangerous tendencies while keeping its bacterial-fighting power.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-frog-antibiotics-in-the-lab">Improving frog antibiotics in the lab</h2>



Using structure-guided design, the researchers altered the chemical structure of Andersonnin-D1. This approach allows experts to make small, deliberate changes to a molecule’s sequence and observe the effects.



Marcelo Torres is a research associate in the de la Fuente lab and co-author of the paper.



“With structure-guided design, we change the sequence of the molecule. And then we see how those mutations affect the function that we are trying to improve," said Torres.



This method generated several synthetic peptides. These versions kept the strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cigarette-waste-fuels-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antimicrobial effect</a> but avoided the clumping that caused toxicity in the original. 



Each design aimed for maximum precision, producing molecules more suitable for real-world use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-putting-the-molecules-to-the-test">Putting the molecules to the test</h2>



Designing new&nbsp;frog-based&nbsp;antibiotics is only the beginning. To prove their value, the synthetic peptides had to succeed in rigorous lab tests. 



The team exposed the molecules to a range of harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistance-could-cause-a-health-crisis-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>. The results were promising. In preclinical models, the peptides matched the strength of polymyxin B - a last-resort drug used when others fail.



More importantly, these synthetic antibiotics showed low toxicity. They left human cells unharmed and did not disrupt beneficial gut bacteria. This makes them more targeted and less harmful than many existing drugs. The lab tested the peptides in both simple and complex bacterial communities.



“Those experiments are very difficult to set up because you need to grow different bacteria at once,” says de la Fuente. “We had to come up with the specific ratio of each bacterium to have a sustained community.”



These community-based models better reflect the conditions of real <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antimicrobial-resistance-could-cause-39-million-deaths-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infections</a> in the human body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steps-toward-clinical-use">Steps toward clinical use</h2>



If additional studies continue to show strong results, the team will prepare for Investigational New Drug (IND) enabling studies. 



These tests assess safety and efficacy before a drug can be submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Only after passing these stages can the peptides move into clinical trials involving human patients.



“We are excited that frogs - and nature in general - can inspire new molecules that could be developed into antibiotics,” said de la Fuente. “Thanks to the power of engineering, we can take those natural molecules and turn them into something more useful for humanity.”



This line of research represents a fusion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-plays-an-overlooked-role-in-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary biology</a> and advanced engineering. It shows how careful study of nature’s own defenses can guide the creation of life-saving medicines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-role-in-innovation">Nature’s role in innovation</h2>



The research was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania’s <a href="https://www.seas.upenn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Engineering and Applied Science</a>. It was supported by funding from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (<a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIH</a>), the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (<a href="https://www.dtra.mil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DTRA</a>), <a href="https://us.pg.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Procter &amp; Gamble</a>, and the <a href="https://www.aiche.org/giving" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIChE Foundation</a>.



The study is not just about frogs or antibiotics. It reflects a larger movement in science. Instead of only inventing new molecules from scratch, researchers are increasingly exploring the solutions that evolution already tested over millions of years.



Nature, shaped by survival, often creates molecules more elegant and efficient than anything built by human hands.



In this case, one frog’s molecular defense may lead to a major medical breakthrough. As the world searches for new antibiotics, it may be ancient animals - and the researchers who study them - that help protect our future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.02.007" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Biotechnology</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Frogs lead the way in developing new antibiotics

Antibiotic resistance is rising. Infections spread unchecked as old treatments...

We often think parenting begins after birth - diapers, lullabies, and sleepless nights. But what if a mother’s bond with her baby starts much earlier, long before the baby is born?



A recent study led by Dr. Nora Medina from <a href="https://www.jefferson.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thomas Jefferson University</a> suggests just that. 



Dr. Medina and her colleagues at the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a> have shed light on how the emotional connection between mother and child during pregnancy lays the groundwork for future relationships.



This work goes beyond traditional research, which often begins after the child is born. By tracing bonds from the prenatal stage, Medina reveals new insight into how early experiences influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moms-health-shapes-how-well-an-embryo-develops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parenthood</a>. 



Her study focuses on a group often overlooked or misjudged - young, low-income, racially diverse mothers - and highlights their emotional resilience and strength. In doing so, she challenges long-held assumptions about who makes a good parent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mother-child-bond-begins-before-birth">Mother-child bond begins before birth</h2>



Dr. Medina and her team followed 160 women from pregnancy through their children’s toddler years. The mothers came from racially diverse backgrounds and faced economic challenges. Yet within this group, the researchers discovered powerful stories of connection, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mothers-care-linked-to-the-evolution-of-longer-lifespans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotion, and care</a>.



Mothers who reported feeling emotionally connected to their babies during pregnancy later had stronger, more positive relationships with them. They interacted with greater sensitivity and warmth. These bonds weren’t fleeting emotions - they predicted lasting patterns in how mothers related to their toddlers over time.



On the other hand, mothers who had difficult experiences with their own parents struggled more to connect prenatally. 



These women often expressed frustration and anger in their early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-chili-during-pregnancy-may-actually-be-a-good-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parenting</a>. The study reveals how cycles of emotional distance can repeat — but also how they can be identified and changed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bonding-shapes-how-motherhood-begins">Bonding shapes how motherhood begins</h2>



Most parenting studies begin after childbirth. They examine how parents behave, what support systems they use, and how children respond. But Medina’s work shifts that focus to pregnancy itself - a time often treated as purely medical.



Her research fills a critical gap. The prenatal period isn’t just about physical development. It’s also an emotional window, where a parent begins forming their sense of identity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-of-your-energy-comes-from-mom-not-dad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">connection</a>. 



When that early bond feels strong, it can shape everything that comes after - from how a mother soothes her baby to how she sees herself in the role of a parent.



These findings suggest we need to rethink when parenting really begins. Pregnancy isn’t just preparation - it’s the beginning of a relationship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-mothers-can-build-strong-early-bonds">Young mothers can build strong early bonds</h2>



In addition to emotional insights, Dr. Medina’s study takes on harmful cultural stereotypes. Young, low-income mothers often carry the burden of negative assumptions. They are seen as disengaged or incapable. Medina wanted to counter that image with data from real lives.



“Parenting is challenging, and young, low-income mothers face additional stressors,” said Dr. Medina. “I focused on studying mother-infant relationships within this population to produce findings that may inform parenting support programs more closely aligned with the lived experiences of young, low-income mothers.”



The results contradict common misconceptions. The majority of participants reported strong prenatal connections. They continued to show care, attentiveness, and love as their children grew. 



This group, often painted in broad and negative strokes, revealed themselves as thoughtful, emotionally aware parents - navigating hardship with strength.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-support-and-the-mother-baby-bond">Early support and the mother-baby bond</h2>



Dr. Medina believes our systems need to support mothers earlier in the journey. Too often, interventions wait until problems appear. Instead, she proposes we begin during pregnancy, when emotional connections are forming.



Dr. Medina suggests that support to promote strong parent-child relationships should begin during pregnancy. Interventions should help young mothers explore their past relationship experiences and recognize how they shape their expectations of parenthood. 



Programs that incorporate perinatal social workers or doulas could help facilitate these discussions and encourage healthier attachment patterns.



Support during pregnancy allows mothers to reflect on their own emotional histories. It also helps them build a sense of confidence and preparedness. 



Early conversations about relationships, expectations, and past trauma can have lasting effects on parenting style and connection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-access-remains-the-greatest-challenge">Access remains the greatest challenge</h2>



While the research offers clear solutions, one problem remains - access. Despite the promising insights, Dr. Medina says funding remains a key barrier to accessibility of such support programs.



Moving forward, she hopes to further investigate how familial and community-based support can help strengthen early mother-child bonds and improve long-term outcomes for young mothers and their children.



Her hope lies in community support networks - systems already embedded in many families’ lives. These local connections may offer flexible, culturally grounded ways to support young mothers. 



Medina’s future research will explore how family structures and neighborhood ties can reinforce early attachment.



Dr. Medina’s study invites us to expand our understanding of what it means to parent. Parenthood doesn’t begin with birth - it begins with emotion, intention, and connection. Her work reminds us that even in challenging circumstances, strong relationships can take root early.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/imhj.22162" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Infant Mental Health Journal Infancy and Early Childhood</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Mothers start bonding with their baby before delivery

We often think parenting begins after birth - diapers, lullabies,...

California,Wildflower,Super,Bloom,In,Carrizo,Plain,National,Monument,-

Flowers are more than just a sign of spring - they’re part of a natural rhythm shaped by light, temperature, and rainfall. Scientists are now studying that rhythm to better understand how our planet is changing.



A recent study has shown that wildflowers in California can be tracked from above using aircraft and space-based tools. 



The technology, originally designed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>), picks up subtle changes in color that occur during a plant’s life cycle.



These findings could offer a new way for farmers and natural-resource managers to monitor the health and timing of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-of-life-created-for-flowering-plants-using-400-million-specimens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowering plants</a>, which are essential to ecosystems and agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-seasonal-plant-life">Monitoring seasonal plant life</h2>



Scientists from the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland-College Park</a> and NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a> teamed up to test how remote sensing could capture large-scale flowering patterns.



They surveyed thousands of acres of protected land using a high-tech tool called an imaging spectrometer. 



Built by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, the instrument was mounted on a plane and scanned the land below as the plane flew along.



It recorded light in hundreds of narrow wavelength bands, far beyond what the human eye can see. This allowed it to map out the extent of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blooming</a> and fading flowers over several months.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wildflowers_monitoring_imaging-spectrometer_airplane_nasa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wildflowers_monitoring_imaging-spectrometer_airplane_nasa_1s.webp" alt="In this illustration, an imaging spectrometer aboard a research plane measures sunlight reflecting off California coastal scrub. In the data cube below, the top panel shows the true-color view of the area. Lower panels depict the spectral fingerprint for every point in the image, capturing the visible range of light (blue, green, and red wavelengths) to the near-infrared (NIR) and beyond. Spatial resolution is around 16 feet (5 meters). Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1963384"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In this illustration, an imaging spectrometer aboard a research plane measures sunlight reflecting off California coastal scrub. In the data cube below, the top panel shows the true-color view of the area. Lower panels depict the spectral fingerprint for every point in the image, capturing the visible range of light (blue, green, and red wavelengths) to the near-infrared (NIR) and beyond. Spatial resolution is around 16 feet (5 meters). Click to enlarge Credit: NASA</figcaption></figure>



It was the first time the instrument had been deployed to track vegetation steadily through the growing season, making this a "first-of-a-kind study,” according to David Schimel, a research scientist at JPL.



The study of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-butterfly-migration-sparked-by-a-surge-in-vegetation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a> in relation to seasons is known as phenology and it is important to botanists and agriculturalists alike. From wildflowers to crops, most flowering plants are triggered by shifts in weather and daylight length. 



In addition, scientists are increasingly focused on this connection to monitor how ecosystems respond to warmer temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-flowers-are-hard-to-track">Why flowers are hard to track</h2>



Field surveys and time-lapse photography have long been used to monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildflowers-are-self-fertilizing-to-deal-with-a-lack-of-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildflower</a> life histories. But those methods only offer a limited view.



“One challenge is that, compared to leaves or other parts of a plant, flowers can be pretty ephemeral,” said Yoseline Angel, a scientist from the University of Maryland-College Park and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. “They may last only a few weeks.”



That fleeting nature makes it tough to gather reliable data, especially across large areas. Angel and her team turned to one of the most distinct traits of flowers - their color - as a way to study the timing of blooming from the sky.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-flower-color">Science behind flower color</h2>



The bright colors of flowers come from pigments that fall into three main groups. Carotenoids and betalains create yellow, orange, and red tones. Anthocyanins are behind the deep reds, purples, and blues. 



These pigments absorb and reflect light in unique ways, creating a “spectral fingerprint.” Using spectrometers, researchers can therefore scan light patterns to identify plants and even track changes as they grow and bloom. 



These tools have been used for decades to study Earth and other planets, but now they’re being fine-tuned to observe the seasonal changes in flowering plants.



In 2022, a spectrometer called <a href="https://avirisng.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AVIRIS-NG</a> (Airborne Visible/InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer – Next Generation) flew over two nature preserves in Santa Barbara County: the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve and the Sedgwick Reserve.



Among the native plants monitored were Coreopsis gigantea and Artemisia californica. The scans ran from February to June.



The team developed a method to differentiate the flower signals from soil, leaves, and shadows. In doing so, they captured 97% of the spectral differences among those features and were able to pinpoint flowering stages with 80% accuracy.



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



This method could one day help track flowering plants across the globe. 



Since flowers make up nearly 90% of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-plant-species-remain-unphotographed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a> on land, this kind of remote sensing could support a wide range of work - from ecology to food production.



A key goal, Angel noted, is to support farmers and land managers who rely on flowering plants - along with the insects and pollinators that depend on them. These plants are vital for producing fruits, nuts, cotton, and even many medicines.



She’s now applying the same technique to data from <a href="https://earth.jpl.nasa.gov/emit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EMIT</a> (Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation), another NASA instrument that operates from the International Space Station.



While EMIT’s main purpose is to study mineral dust in dry regions, it can also detect plant pigments. 



By combining this space-based data with weather and environmental information, researchers may one day be able to predict events like <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/poppy-superbloom-in-the-california-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superblooms</a> - rare bursts of flowers in the desert that follow heavy rains.



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



Superblooms are nature’s way of showing off. They happen when a rare combo of perfect weather conditions - like heavy rains after a long drought - triggers wildflowers to explode across a landscape in crazy, vibrant color. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/superbloom_carrizo-plain-national-park_california_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/superbloom_carrizo-plain-national-park_california_1s.webp" alt="Wildflower super bloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument - one of the best place to see wildflowers in California" class="wp-image-1963388"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wildflower super bloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument - one of the best place to see wildflowers in California. Click to enlarge.</figcaption></figure>



Think entire valleys carpeted in orange poppies, purple lupines, and yellow goldfields, stretching as far as the eye can see. 



These blooms don’t just pop up anywhere; they’re most famous in arid places like California’s deserts, where wildflowers lie dormant in the soil, waiting years - sometimes decades - for just the right moment to wake up and party.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-citizen-science-and-the-joy-of-flowers">Citizen science and the joy of flowers</h2>



Angel said one of the most rewarding parts of her research is seeing how much people love flowers. 



“I have social media alerts on my phone,” she added, sharing how she stays updated on wildflower sightings around the world.



As flowers continue to signal the pulse of the planet, new technologies are helping us pay closer attention - from the ground, the air, and even from space.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.70127" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecosphere</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

NASA tracks changes in seasonal flower cycles and migration patterns from the air

Flowers are more than just a sign of spring -...

Deep in the galaxy’s central molecular zone (CMZ), surrounding the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way’s center, clouds of dust and gas swirl amid energetic shock waves.&nbsp;



Now, a collaboration of international astronomers - using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (<a href="https://www.almaobservatory.org/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ALMA</a>) - has greatly sharpened our view of these processes by a factor of 100.



The team has uncovered an unexpected class of long, narrow filaments within this turbulent region, giving fresh insight into the cyclical formation and destruction of material in the CMZ.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-shock-generated-turbulence">Tracking shock-generated turbulence</h2>



Although researchers have long recognized the CMZ as a zone filled with ever-churning dust and gases, the driver behind these dynamic flows of matter had remained murky. 



Molecules in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fluffy-molecular-clouds-may-change-our-understanding-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molecular clouds</a> serve as markers of different phenomena, with silicon monoxide (SiO) standing out as a tracer of shock waves.&nbsp;



By capitalizing on ALMA’s high sensitivity to identify multiple molecular emission lines, a team led by Kai Yang of <a href="https://en.sjtu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shanghai Jiao Tong University</a> has managed to map these slender filaments at an unprecedentedly fine scale. 



The findings reveal a striking interaction between shock-generated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-microscopic-noises-could-trigger-spontaneous-turbulence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turbulence</a> and the newly observed structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-a-turbulent-environment">Observing a turbulent environment</h2>



Because the CMZ lies so close to our galaxy’s central <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-unleashes-mysterious-flares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>, it endures intense gravitational forces and frequent disturbances, making the environment especially dynamic. 



The narrow filaments now identified confirm that shock waves play a considerable role, stirring and redistributing material.



“When we checked the ALMA images showing the outflows, we noticed these long and narrow filaments spatially offset from any star-forming regions," Kai Yang explained.



"Unlike any objects we know, these filaments really surprised us. Since then, we have been pondering what they are."



These “slim filaments” emerged unexpectedly in the SiO emission lines - together with lines from eight other molecules - and present velocities along our line of sight that do not align with other, previously known filaments or outflows. 



On top of that, they display no correlation with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-map-reveals-that-the-milky-ways-dust-has-very-unusual-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust</a> emission and apparently lack hydrostatic equilibrium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-tornadoes-and-violent-gas-flow">Space tornadoes and violent gas flow</h2>



“Our research contributes to the fascinating Galactic Center landscape by uncovering these slim filaments as an important part of material circulation,” said Xing Lu, a research professor at the <a href="http://english.shao.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shanghai Astronomical Observatory</a> and a corresponding author on the paper.



One interpretation is that these filaments act like channels for gas flow, and facilitate the integration or removal of shock-released molecules from the surrounding environment.



“We can envision these as space tornados: they are violent streams of gas, they dissipate quickly, and they distribute materials into the environment efficiently,” Lu added. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/space-tornadoes_discovered_center-milky-way_credit-Astronomy-Astrophysics_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/space-tornadoes_discovered_center-milky-way_credit-Astronomy-Astrophysics_1s.webp" alt="Slim filaments in the CMZ. Credit: Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics (2025)" class="wp-image-1963330"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Slim filaments in the CMZ. Credit: Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics (2025). Click to enlarge.</figcaption></figure>



Determining exactly what triggers these filaments remains open to investigation, yet their presence points to a strong link with ongoing shock processes, according to the research team.



Based on several pieces of evidence - the detection of the SiO 5-4 rotational transition in ALMA data, the presence of CH3OH masers, and the abundances of complex organic molecules - the researchers inferred that these structures are shock-driven. 



Each shock event appears to release SiO and other organic compounds, injecting them into the interstellar medium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-space-tornadoes-emerge">How space tornadoes emerge</h2>



Yichen Zhang is a professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and a corresponding author of the paper.



"ALMA’s high angular resolution and extraordinary sensitivity were essential to detect these molecular line emissions associated with the slim filaments, and to confirm that there is no association between these structures with dust emissions,” said Zhang. 



“Our discovery marks a significant advancement, by detecting these filaments on a much finer 0.01 parsec scale to mark the working surface of these shocks.”



Understanding how these structures emerge offers a deeper look at CMZ dynamics. First, the hypothesized shock waves create filaments that emit certain molecular lines, distributing molecules such as CH3OH, CH3CN, and HC3N into the local environment. 



Next, the filaments decay, releasing newly shock-released materials across broader regions. 



Finally, the molecules, once again free in the gas phase, eventually re-freeze onto dust grains, preserving an equilibrium between depletion and replenishment in the CMZ. 



If these slim filaments are as common as the sample suggests, this cyclical process might be significant for the broader region’s matter budget.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vital-conduits-for-recycling-matter">Vital conduits for recycling matter</h2>



“SiO is currently the only molecule that exclusively traces shocks, and the SiO 5-4 rotational transition is only detectable in shocked regions that have both relatively high densities and high temperatures," Yang continued. 



"This makes it a particularly valuable tool for tracing shock-induced processes in the dense regions of the CMZ."



Such revelations cast the CMZ in a new light, highlighting shock waves as a central driver in reconfiguring dust, gas, and molecules. 



By fueling cyclical changes in chemical composition, these "space tornadoes" presumably leave their imprint on the formation and dissolution of clouds that might spawn new stars - or even feed material into the supermassive black hole.



With future ALMA surveys of multiple SiO transitions and wide-ranging observations over the CMZ, astronomers aim to corroborate the filaments’ shock origin and map their potential distribution across this turbulent galactic region.&nbsp;



These efforts, combined with advanced simulations, may confirm or refine the emerging hypothesis that “slim filaments” serve as vital conduits for recycling matter in and around the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>’s center, thus shaping the environment in which stars and black holes interact.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202453191" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

'Space tornadoes' discovered at the center of our galaxy

Deep in the galaxy’s central molecular zone (CMZ), surrounding the...

The European Space Agency (ESA) has unveiled the first survey data from its Euclid mission. The images feature a spectacular collection of galaxies, clusters, and deep cosmic fields. 



This first, massive Euclid data release previews what will soon become one of the largest cosmic maps ever created.



Three deep field mosaics highlight hundreds of thousands of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-signals-from-the-center-of-our-galaxy-hint-at-a-new-kind-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>. Their shapes, brightness, and distributions offer a rich visual of the cosmic web. 



Each observation captures active galactic nuclei and rare, short-lived celestial events.



These glimpses already provide hints about the unseen forces shaping our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-found-in-the-early-universe-that-shouldnt-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-maps-26-million-galaxies">Euclid maps 26 million galaxies</h2>



The Euclid mission mapped 63 square degrees of galaxy-filled sky in just one week.



That area equals 300 full Moons. <a href="https://youtu.be/rXCBFlIpvfQ?si=jV1erYHoOnb-ggqy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">It captured more than 26 million galaxies</a>, including quasars up to 10.5 billion light-years away. The plan is for Euclid to scan each of the three deep regions 30–52 times before 2030.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Euclid_Galaxies-in-different-shapes_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Euclid_Galaxies-in-different-shapes_ESA_1s.webp" alt="This image shows examples of galaxies in different shapes, all captured by Euclid during its first observations of the Deep Field areas. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1963131"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This image shows examples of galaxies in different shapes, all captured by Euclid during its first observations of the Deep Field areas. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



The final sky map will cover one-third of the sky, around 14,000 square degrees. 



These repeat passes will build an incredibly detailed 3D cosmic atlas that will help researchers explore how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/andromeda-galaxy-shows-signs-of-violent-past-collisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies formed</a> and how dark matter shaped their journey.



“We are unlocking a treasure trove of information for scientists to dive into,” stated Professor Carole Mundell, director of science at the European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-reveals-galaxy-web-structure">Euclid reveals galaxy web structure</h2>



Each new observation sharpens our view of the universe's large-scale structure. 



Filaments of normal and dark matter stretch across space like a vast web. These filaments are where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-radiation-may-actually-be-a-catalyst-for-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> formed and evolved. 



Euclid’s visible and near-infrared instruments offer precision in measuring the shapes and distances of these galaxies.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Euclid_Deep-Field-South_70x-zoom_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Euclid_Deep-Field-South_70x-zoom_ESA_1s.webp" alt="This image shows an area of Euclid’s Deep Field South. The area is zoomed in 70 times compared to the large mosaic. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1963129"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This image shows an area of Euclid’s Deep Field South. The area is zoomed in 70 times compared to the large mosaic. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



“Just think of the discoveries that await us,” noted Valeria Pettorino, an astrophysicist who works on the Euclid Project.



ESA scientists expect these images to refine our understanding of dark matter and dark energy. Together, these two invisible components make up 95% of the cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-classifying-galaxies-by-shape-and-features">Classifying galaxies by shape and features </h2>



Euclid’s massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spherex-will-scan-the-galaxy-to-look-for-lifes-ingredients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> dataset requires fresh strategies. Every day, it sends back 100 GB of data. 



Scientists use AI models and citizen science to process this flood of information. A key result is a new catalogue of over 380,000 galaxies classified by shape and features.



“AI is a fundamental and necessary part of our process,” noted Mike Walmsley, a Euclid Consortium scientist based at the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a>, Canada, who has been heavily involved in astronomical deep learning algorithms for the past decade. .



The Zoobot algorithm, trained by nearly 10,000 volunteers, now classifies galaxies by traits like spiral arms and mergers. This first catalogue is just 0.4% of what Euclid is expected to deliver.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravitational-lenses-reveal-hidden-matter">Gravitational lenses reveal hidden matter</h2>



When light travels to us from faraway galaxies, it doesn't always move in a straight line. If it passes through matter - like a galaxy or a cluster of galaxies - on the way, the light gets bent. 



This bending is called gravitational lensing. It's a natural effect caused by gravity and helps scientists detect dark matter, which we can't see directly.



Using artificial intelligence and help from human volunteers, Euclid has already found 500 possible examples of strong gravitational lenses. Most of these had never been seen before.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Euclid_strong-gravitational-lenses-captured_deep-field-south_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Euclid_strong-gravitational-lenses-captured_deep-field-south_ESA_1s.webp" alt="This image shows examples of gravitational lenses that Euclid captured in its first observations of the Deep Field areas. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1963167"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This image shows examples of gravitational lenses that Euclid captured in its first observations of the Deep Field areas. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



By the end of the mission, it is anticipated that Euclid will find about 100,000 strong lenses. That’s a hundred times more than we currently know. 



Each one gives scientists a powerful tool to study how dark matter is spread out across the Universe and how galaxies are shaped by it.



“We are combining the strengths of Euclid, AI, citizen science, and experts into a single discovery engine,” said Pierre Ferruit, ESA’s Euclid mission manager.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-the-euclid-mission">What’s next for the Euclid mission</h2>



By March 2025, Euclid had already scanned 2,000 square degrees of the sky, packed with galaxies. That’s about 14% of its total planned survey. This work is just the start. 



The mission will share its first full set of cosmology data in October 2026. That upcoming release will include many repeated observations of three special regions called deep fields. 



These repeated scans will give scientists a clearer, more detailed view of those distant parts of the Universe.



Euclid launched in July 2023. It began regular science work in February 2024. ESA built the spacecraft with support from NASA and companies like Thales Alenia Space and Airbus. 



The mission is backed by the Euclid Consortium, a global team of over 2,000 scientists from 15 countries.



You can now explore the first deep field images through the <a href="https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/esdc/esasky" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESASky</a> platform. This is just the beginning. Euclid will continue to uncover the hidden structure of the cosmos.



Details of the latest Euclid Project images are available in this ESA <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid/Euclid_opens_data_treasure_trove_offers_glimpse_of_deep_fields" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press release.</a>



Image Credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by M. Walmsley, M. Huertas-Company, J.-C. Cuillandre



-----



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



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



-----

26 million galaxies captured in vivid deep field photos in just one week

The European Space Agency (ESA) has unveiled the first survey...

In the heart of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean, lies a fascinating geological wonder - the Great Blue Hole. This vast, circular sinkhole bears an uncanny resemblance to a giant oceanic eye gazing up at the sky.



Nestled in the turquoise waters of the atoll, about 43 miles from the coast of Belize, this dark circular pit is surrounded by coral and contains sediments that tell a story about centuries of storms.



The Great Blue Hole began as a limestone cave on a dry island. During the last ice age, its roof collapsed, leaving it open to the elements. 



Today, this underwater cave plunges to a depth of 410 feet, spans 980 feet, and is one of the most fascinating places to scuba dive.



As glaciers melted and sea levels rose, the cave filled with water, turning it into a natural vault of sediment that has quietly recorded the passage of time.



In the summer of 2022, a team of scientists from <a href="https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goethe University Frankfurt</a> led a mission to explore this hidden archive. 



Funded by the German Research Foundation, the researchers brought a drilling platform out to sea and extracted a 30-meter-long sediment core from the bottom of the Great Blue Hole.



The analysis, carried out by researchers from the universities of Frankfurt, Cologne, Göttingen, Hamburg, and Bern, has given new insight into storm history and climate change in the southwestern Caribbean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storm-record-written-in-sediment">Storm record written in sediment</h2>



Roughly 7,200 years ago, the limestone island that once held the Great Blue Hole was overtaken by the sea. Since then, layers of sediment have quietly accumulated at the bottom of the underwater cave.



These layers act like a natural time capsule, offering a window into 5,700 years of storm activity. Each layer records the passing of time, just as is found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/californias-weather-extremes-found-in-600-year-old-tree-rings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree rings</a>.



“Due to the unique environmental conditions – including oxygen-free bottom water and several stratified water layers – fine marine sediments could settle largely undisturbed in the Great Blue Hole,” said Dr. Dominik Schmitt, a researcher in the Biosedimentology Research Group at Goethe University Frankfurt.



“Inside the sediment core, they look a bit like tree rings, with the annual layers alternating in color between gray-green and light green depending on organic content.”



But not all layers are the same. Some are made up of coarser, lighter-colored particles. 



These event layers, called tempestites, formed when powerful waves from hurricanes and tropical storms swept coarse material from the atoll’s outer reef into the hole. 



“The tempestites stand out from the fair-weather gray-green sediments in terms of grain size, composition, and color, which ranges from beige to white,” Schmitt added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-climate-patterns">Long-term climate patterns </h2>



The team identified and dated 574 individual storm events that were preserved in the sediment core. This detailed storm record stretches far beyond the reach of written or instrumental history, which only covers about 175 years. 



The results offer a unique look into long-term climate patterns and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-propose-adding-a-category-6-to-the-current-hurricane-intensity-scale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane</a> behavior in the region.



The data paints a clear picture: storm activity in the southwestern Caribbean has steadily risen over the past 6,000 years.



“A key factor has been the southward shift of the equatorial low-pressure zone. Known as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-rains-will-shift-northward-in-the-coming-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intertropical Convergence Zone</a>, this zone influences the location of major storm formation areas in the Atlantic and determines how tropical storms and hurricanes move and where they make landfall in the Caribbean,” Schmitt said.



The researchers also discovered a connection between sea surface temperatures and storm frequency. Warmer waters matched up with periods of increased storm activity. 



“These shorter-term fluctuations align with five distinct warm and cold climate periods, which also impacted water temperatures in the tropical Atlantic,” Schmitt noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-warning-from-the-storm-record">A warning from the storm record</h2>



Historical averages suggest that the Great Blue Hole experienced between four and sixteen major storms per century. However, the sediment record shows that nine storms have already occurred in just the past 20 years.



“Our results suggest that some 45 tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-heat-fueled-unexpected-and-deadly-storms-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storms</a> and hurricanes could pass over this region in our century alone. This would far exceed the natural variability of the past millennia,” said Prof. Eberhard Gischler of Goethe University Frankfurt.



The team emphasizes that natural climate changes alone cannot explain this dramatic increase. Instead, they point to human-driven global warming. 



The rise in ocean temperatures and the growing strength of La Niña events are creating the perfect conditions for more frequent and more intense storms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-sediment-core-with-a-message">A sediment core with a message</h2>



The Great Blue Hole, once thought to be a quiet underwater marvel, is now telling a louder story - one of climate shifts and increasing storm risk.



As the sediment layers continue to build, so does the urgency to address the accelerating pace of extreme weather. 



This research reminds us that history, especially the kind written in mud and sand, still has much to teach us.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads5624" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Sediment in the Great Blue Hole reveals an alarming storm record

In the heart of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, off the...

Recently, astronomers made an astonishing discovery -- a mysterious and powerful burst of radio waves reached Earth after traveling through space for 8 billion years. Dubbed FRB 20220610A, it is one of the most distant and energetic radio signals ever observed.



Fast radio bursts (FRBs), including this particular one, are extremely intense flashes of radio waves that last only milliseconds, yet their origins remain a source of great intrigue and perplexity. 



Although astronomers are getting closer to understanding these enigmatic energy bursts, there is still much debate in the field as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-radio-bursts-traced-to-chaotic-magnetospheres-of-neutron-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">each new discovery</a> adds a new twist.



The nature of these signals challenges our understanding of the universe, as they can originate from regions <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-radio-bursts-from-space-may-be-signs-of-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">far beyond our Milky Way galaxy</a>, hinting at processes and events that we are only beginning to comprehend.



Dr. Stuart Ryder, an esteemed astronomer at <a href="https://www.mq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macquarie University</a> in Australia, is among the dedicated team of scientists working diligently to unravel the mysteries surrounding this cosmic enigma.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-fast-radio-bursts-frbs">Understanding fast radio bursts (FRBs)</h2>



Researchers speculate that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farthest-known-fast-radio-burst-traced-to-rare-cluster-of-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these cosmic events</a> might be linked to magnetars, the highly energetic remnants left behind by exploding stars.



Astronomers deployed the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (<a href="https://www.atnf.csiro.au/projects/askap/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ASKAP</a>) to detect the burst and track down its origin. 



"We used ASKAP’s radio dishes to skillfully pinpoint where the burst came from," says Dr. Ryder. 



The reveal didn't end there. The team also located the source galaxy using the European Southern Observatory’s <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/paranal-observatory/vlt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Very Large Telescope</a>, discovering it to be older and more distant than any other FRB source found to date. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pinpointing-location-of-frb-20220610a">Pinpointing location of FRB 20220610A</h2>



The European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope confirmed it came from a distant location, and it was four times more energetic than closer FRBs. 



Researchers relied on Hubble’s clarity to pinpoint the burst’s origin. 



"It required Hubble's keen sharpness and sensitivity to pinpoint exactly where the FRB came from," said lead author Alexa Gordon of <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> in Evanston, Illinois. 



"Without Hubble's imaging, it would still remain a mystery as to whether this was originating from one monolithic galaxy or from some type of interacting system. It's these types of environments - these weird ones - that are driving us toward better understanding the mystery of FRBs."



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radio-burst_8-billion-years_FRB-20220610A_Hubble-locates-origin_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/radio-burst_8-billion-years_FRB-20220610A_Hubble-locates-origin_NASA_1s.webp" alt="A Hubble Space Telescope image of the host galaxy of an exceptionally powerful fast radio burst, FRB 20220610A. Hubble’s sensitivity and sharpness reveals a compact group of multiple galaxies that may be in the process of merging. They existed when the universe was only 5 billion years old. Credit: NASA, ESA, STScI, Alexa Gordon" class="wp-image-1963342"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Hubble Space Telescope image of the host galaxy of an exceptionally powerful fast radio burst, FRB 20220610A. Hubble’s sensitivity and sharpness reveals a compact group of multiple galaxies that may be in the process of merging. They existed when the universe was only 5 billion years old. Click to enlarge. Credit: NASA, ESA, STScI, Alexa Gordon</figcaption></figure>



Hubble’s crisp images hint that up to seven galaxies in this region may be merging, which is pretty intriguing. 



Co-investigator Wen-fai Fong, also of Northwestern, says scientists want to figure out what kicks off these bursts, who (or what) their progenitors are, and where they form. 



According to Fong, Hubble’s view of these unexpected environments gets us one step closer to solving the mystery behind these powerful flashes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weighing-the-universe-with-frbs">'Weighing' the universe with FRBs</h2>



Believe it or not, these fleeting cosmic fireworks could help us 'weigh' the universe. There's a discrepancy between the amount of normal matter we can detect and what cosmologists theorize should exist. Could the answer be outside our visual spectrum? 



"More than half of the normal matter that should exist today is missing," says Professor Ryan Shannon. He suggests that this 'missing' matter might be hiding in the vast spaces between galaxies, where it's too hot and diffuse to see with conventional methods.



Enter FRBs. Their unique ability to 'sense' the ionized material in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-alien-radio-signals-may-be-caused-by-starquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nearly empty space</a> allows scientists to measure the matter located between galaxies. 



This method, established in 2020 by the late Australian astronomer Jean-Pierre Macquart, is now known as the Macquart relation. 



"This detection confirms the Macquart relation, even for bursts halfway across the known universe," adds Ryder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-telescopes-will-soon-join-the-search">New telescopes will soon join the search</h2>



Nearly 50 FRBs have been traced back to their origins, and about half were discovered using the ASKAP telescope. 



Despite the unknown causes of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glitching-star-explains-cosmic-radio-bursts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enormous bursts</a>, one thing is certain: FRBs are common events in the cosmos and have enormous potential for advancing our understanding of the universe.



Professor Shannon believes that future radio telescopes, currently under construction, will detect thousands more FRBs. 



"FRBs are common and hold great promise," he says. "We could use them to create a new map of the universe's structure and answer big questions about cosmology."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-matter-mystery">Missing matter mystery</h2>



The universe is enormous, and much of it still baffles us, especially the disparity between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/origins-of-matter-discovered-by-recreating-the-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">observable and theoretical matter</a>. 



This "missing matter" refers to a significant amount that should be there according to our current models of cosmic evolution but hasn’t been seen. 



It turns out that visible matter -- like stars, planets, and galaxies -- makes up only about 5% of the universe's total mass-energy content. 



The other 95% is thought to be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-may-consist-of-particles-that-travel-faster-than-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark energy</a>, which we can’t directly detect. This gap raises some big questions about how the universe is structured and behaves.



Figuring out what this missing matter is and where it’s located is key to getting a complete picture of cosmic evolution and fine-tuning our models of how the universe works. 



Fortunately, the discovery of FRBs and their ability to trace hidden matter could revolutionize how we understand the cosmos. 



As Professor Shannon points out, even in nearly empty space, FRBs can 'see' electrons and measure the matter present.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-future-of-frb-research">Exciting future of FRB research</h2>



With more advanced radio telescopes on the horizon, the future of FRB research is looking bright. Each new detection brings us closer to unveiling the secrets of these powerful cosmic events. 



Beyond mapping the universe's structure, FRBs could guide us to fundamental questions about the inner workings of the universe -- aligning us closer with the cosmic forces and events that shape our cosmos.



Despite our growing knowledge base, FRBs remain one of the universe's great mysteries. As researchers venture deeper into the study of these cosmic flashes, one thing becomes clear: we still know very little about the universe in which we live.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="http://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adf2678" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Deep space radio burst reaches Earth after an 8 billion year journey

Recently, astronomers made an astonishing discovery -- a mysterious and...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



—–



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



—–



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



—–

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



-----



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



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



-----

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



---



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



---



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



---



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



---



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

News coming your way