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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

For years, astronomers have searched for habitable exoplanets around main-sequence stars similar to the Sun. These stars provide stable energy for billions of years, making them prime candidates for life-supporting planets. 



However, recent research suggests that another type of star - known as a white dwarf - may also offer suitable conditions for habitability.



White dwarfs are the remnants of stars that have exhausted their nuclear fuel. They no longer sustain fusion at their cores, yet they continue to emit residual heat. This lingering warmth raises an intriguing question: Could planets orbiting these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-dandelion-year-1181-leaves-behind-zombie-star-defying-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> maintain the right conditions for life?



A new study led by astronomers at the <a href="https://uci.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Irvine</a>, suggests that the answer might be yes. Their findings indicate that white dwarf systems may be more hospitable to life than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-white-dwarfs-to-sun-like-stars">Comparing white dwarfs to Sun-like stars</h2>



The research team, led by UC Irvine professor Aomawa Shields, explored the climates of exoplanets orbiting two very different stars. 



One was a theoretical white dwarf nearing the final stages of its existence. The other was Kepler-62, a main-sequence star undergoing a phase of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-object-discovered-in-space-should-never-have-been-there/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a> similar to that of the Sun.



To understand how these exoplanets might behave, the team used a 3D global climate model originally designed to study Earth’s climate. 



The analysis revealed that the exoplanet orbiting the white dwarf was significantly warmer than the one around Kepler-62. This finding was unexpected, as white dwarfs are often assumed to be too dim to support habitable worlds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-characteristics-of-white-dwarf-planets">Unique characteristics of white dwarf planets</h2>



“While white dwarf stars may still give off some heat from residual nuclear activity in their outer layers, they no longer exhibit nuclear fusion at their cores. For this reason, not much consideration has been given to these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-draco-1es-1927-654-just-awoke-is-spewing-material-at-incredible-speeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>’ ability to host habitable exoplanets,” explained Professor Shields.



“Our computer simulations suggest that if rocky planets exist in their orbits, these planets could have more habitable real estate on their surfaces than previously thought.”



One of the most critical differences between the two planetary systems studied was the way their planets rotate. A planet’s rotation determines how heat is distributed across its surface, which in turn affects its climate and potential habitability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-planetary-rotation">The role of planetary rotation</h2>



The white dwarf’s habitable zone - the region where an exoplanet could maintain liquid water - sits much closer to the star than that of Kepler-62.



As a result, the planet orbiting the white dwarf has a much shorter rotation period of just ten hours. Meanwhile, the Kepler-62 planet takes 155 days to complete one rotation.



Both exoplanets likely experience synchronous rotation, meaning one side always faces the star while the other remains in permanent darkness. 



This phenomenon, known as tidal locking, creates extreme temperature differences between the day and night sides of a planet. However, the speed of rotation affects how atmospheric circulation distributes heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-cloud-cover-affects-temperature">How cloud cover affects temperature</h2>



“We expect synchronous rotation of an exoplanet in the habitable zone of a normal star like Kepler-62 to create more cloud cover on the planet’s dayside, reflecting incoming radiation away from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/hubble-spots-a-supernova-in-the-constellation-gemini/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a>’s surface,” noted Professor Shields.



“That’s usually a good thing for planets orbiting close to the inner edge of their stars’ habitable zones, where they could stand to cool off a bit rather than lose their oceans to space in a runaway greenhouse. But for a planet orbiting squarely in the middle of the habitable zone, it’s not such a good idea.”



The slow-rotating Kepler-62 exoplanet develops a thick layer of clouds on its day side. These clouds reflect a significant portion of incoming radiation, causing the planet to cool down more than expected. 



In contrast, the white dwarf exoplanet’s rapid rotation prevents the accumulation of extensive cloud cover. Without this reflective shield, the planet retains more heat, making it warmer and potentially more habitable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-retention-and-cloud-formation">Heat retention and cloud formation</h2>



“The planet orbiting Kepler-62 has so much cloud cover that it cools off too much, sacrificing precious habitable surface area in the process. On the other hand, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dead-stars-reveal-the-hidden-physics-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a> orbiting the white dwarf is rotating so fast that it never has time to build up nearly as much cloud cover on its dayside, so it retains more heat, and that works in its favor,” explained Professor Shields.



These insights suggest that white dwarf planets may have a natural advantage in maintaining surface temperatures that support liquid water. 



While cloud cover on the Kepler-62 exoplanet reduces its habitable surface, the minimal clouds on the white dwarf planet create a more balanced climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-white-dwarf-habitability">New perspective on white dwarf habitability</h2>



Scientists have long assumed that planets orbiting white dwarfs would be too cold to sustain life. However, this study challenges that belief. Fewer clouds on the day side and an enhanced greenhouse effect on the night side keep white dwarf planets warmer than expected.



“These results suggest that the white dwarf stellar environment, once thought of as inhospitable to life, may present new avenues for exoplanet and astrobiology researchers to pursue,” said Professor Shields.



“As powerful observational capabilities to assess exoplanet atmospheres and astrobiology have come on line, such as those associated with the James Webb Space Telescope, we could be entering a new phase in which we’re studying an entirely new class of worlds around previously unconsidered stars.”



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



The discovery that white dwarf exoplanets could maintain habitable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-x-ray-flashes-are-accelerating-in-a-black-hole/">conditions</a> opens new doors for future research. 



With advanced telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists can now analyze the atmospheres of exoplanets in ways that were previously impossible. This could lead to the identification of rocky planets orbiting white dwarfs with atmospheres that support life.



This research, funded by the National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>) and the <a href="https://ncar.ucar.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Center for Atmospheric Research</a>, involved collaboration with experts from multiple institutions, including the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Washington, and the University of Warwick.



The findings highlight the importance of considering a wider range of stellar environments in the search for life beyond Earth.



As astronomers continue to refine their understanding of exoplanet climates, white dwarf systems may become key targets in the search for potentially habitable worlds. The universe could be home to many more life-supporting planets than previously imagined.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad9827" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>. 



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White dwarf planets are more habitable than we thought

For years, astronomers have searched for habitable exoplanets around main-sequence...

Human history is shaped by patterns of power, competition, and survival instincts. These instincts, embedded deep in our nature, influence everything from politics to social structures. 



While civilization has advanced, fundamental drives continue to shape human interactions. Without conscious effort, these instincts may perpetuate cycles of inequality, division, and environmental destruction.



Professor Jorge A. Colombo explores this idea in <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003571544/new-approach-human-social-evolution-jorge-colombo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A New Approach to Human Social Evolution</a>. The book combines neuroscience, anthropology, and behavioral science to offer a new perspective on how ancient survival mechanisms still guide modern society.



Dr. Colombo's work suggests that recognizing and addressing these instincts is essential for building a more sustainable and just world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-human-instincts-shape-society">How human instincts shape society</h2>



Dr. Colombo argues that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/science-behind-predicting-and-changing-human-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human behaviors</a> such as dominance, competition, and survival instincts are not just remnants of the past.



These drives are hardwired into human nature and continue to define global politics, economic inequality, and social hierarchies. They are deeply ingrained, influencing decisions at both individual and societal levels.



He warns that if people fail to recognize and counterbalance these instincts, they risk reinforcing power struggles, economic disparity, and environmental damage. Understanding these behavioral patterns is not just an academic pursuit but a necessity for addressing today’s global challenges.



“In an era marked by rising authoritarianism, economic inequality, environmental crises, and nationalism, understanding how ancient survival mechanisms continue to shape human behavior is crucial,” explained Dr. Colombo.



“With increasing polarization in politics, conflicts over resources, and the struggle for social justice, I contend that only through education and universal values can humanity transcend these instincts to foster a more sustainable and equitable society.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-origins-of-human-behavior">Evolutionary origins of human behavior</h2>



Dr. Colombo, formerly a professor at the <a href="https://www.usf.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of South Florida</a> and principal investigator at <a href="https://www.conicet.gov.ar/?lan=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CONICET</a> (Argentina), explores how human behavior evolved from basic survival needs.



He explains that these instincts are deeply connected to early life as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>, where survival depended on competition for resources, territory, and social advantage.



When humans transitioned from prey to top predator, their brain structure changed. However, this shift did not erase primal survival mechanisms. 



Instead, it reinforced territorialism, reproductive instincts, and dominance over others. Unlike other species, humans also developed an awareness of mortality, further shaping their behavior and social structures.



Within the neural circuits of the brain, fundamental survival responses remain. The fight-or-flight instinct, territorial aggression, and competition for resources continue to influence human actions. 



These primal drives may be masked by cultural developments, but they still guide decision-making in ways that affect global stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balance-between-human-instinct-and-culture">Balance between human instinct and culture</h2>



The human brain has evolved beyond raw survival instincts, developing creativity, cognitive expansion, artistic expression, and complex communication. 



However, Dr. Colombo argues that these intellectual advancements did not erase ancient drives. Instead, they modified how these instincts manifest in modern society.



Cultural norms, religious beliefs, and political ideologies often serve as a cover for these primal instincts. While societies promote peace, justice, and cooperation, they also enforce power structures that reflect ancient survival mechanisms. 



Dr. Colombo suggests that this tension between cultural ideals and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-can-plan-and-adapt-their-use-of-tools-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primal instincts</a> explains many of today’s conflicts.



“Ancient animal survival drives persist in humans, masked under various behavioral paradigms. Fight and flight remain basic behavioral principles." 



"Even subdued under religious or mystic beliefs, aggressive and defensive behaviors emerge to defend or fight for even the most sophisticated peaceful beliefs, and events throughout humankind’s history support this evidence."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-and-control-shape-global-systems">Power and control shape global systems</h2>



Dr. Colombo identifies dominance as a key factor shaping human civilization. He points to politics, religion, and education as areas where power structures reinforce inequality. 



Throughout history, those in positions of power have used military force, propaganda, and economic control to maintain dominance.



Religious institutions have also played a role in enforcing hierarchical structures. Concepts of punishment, divine authority, and moral superiority often serve to maintain control over populations. 



Similarly, education systems have been designed to reinforce existing power dynamics, conditioning people to accept certain social structures.



Colombo argues that the accumulation of power - whether political, economic, or military - has led to widespread exploitation.



Over time, these structures have contributed to resource depletion, wealth inequality, and large-scale social divisions. While technological advancements have improved many aspects of life, they have also been used to reinforce these power dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-unchecked-power">Consequences of unchecked power</h2>



When dominance remains unchallenged, it leads to negative consequences for society and the environment. 



The pursuit of power and profit has driven over-exploitation of natural resources, the development of destructive weapons, and widespread consumerism. Political and economic systems have been designed to manipulate public opinion, reinforcing cycles of poverty and social exclusion.



Dr. Colombo emphasizes that without conscious intervention, these systems will continue to create suffering.



He warns that marginalized communities will become increasingly vulnerable, lacking access to basic needs such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. If these issues are not addressed, inequality will deepen, and social tensions will escalate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-knowledge-can-challenge-human-instincts">Knowledge can challenge human instincts</h2>



Dr. Colombo believes that education and universal values are the key to breaking free from these ancient behavioral patterns. 



By promoting critical thinking and awareness of human instincts, societies can create opportunities for individuals to evolve beyond their primal drives.



He highlights the role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in shaping future educational opportunities. 



However, Colombo warns that without equitable access to education, technological advancements may further widen the gap between privileged and disadvantaged populations. Addressing these disparities requires policies that prioritize equal access to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/apes-can-tell-when-humans-dont-know-something/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">knowledge and resources</a>.



“The aggressiveness, cruelties, social inequities, and unrelenting individual and socioeconomic class ambitions are the best evidence that humans must first recognize and assume their fundamental nature to change their ancestral drive."



“Profound cultural changes are only possible and enduring if humans come to grips with their actual primary condition.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-human-instincts">Understanding human instincts </h2>



Dr. Colombo’s work highlights the importance of understanding human nature in shaping a better future. By acknowledging deep-seated instincts, societies can work toward policies and cultural shifts that promote equality and sustainability.



Education, ethical leadership, and inclusive policies can help channel human instincts toward cooperation rather than conflict. 



Recognizing these drives does not mean accepting them as unchangeable. Instead, it provides a foundation for creating a world that values fairness, opportunity, and ecological balance.



The challenge lies in whether humanity can rise above its ancient impulses and build a society that prioritizes long-term well-being over short-term dominance. 



The choice between repeating historical cycles or creating meaningful change rests in the hands of individuals and communities willing to challenge their instincts for the greater good.



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Primal instincts may still drive modern human decisions

Human history is shaped by patterns of power, competition, and...

The mysteries of ancient Egypt continue to captivate the world. From the grandeur of the pyramids to the intricate burial rituals of pharaohs, each discovery adds another layer to our understanding of this civilization. A new study has now revealed a fascinating aspect of mummification - its scent.



Researchers from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a> and the <a href="https://www.uni-lj.si/en/university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Ljubljana</a> have analyzed the aromas of ancient Egyptian mummified bodies, uncovering details about embalming materials and conservation techniques.



This research marks the first time scientists have systematically studied the smells of mummies using both chemical instruments and trained human sniffers.



The experts examined nine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-cheese-discovered-alongside-ancient-mummies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mummified bodies</a> and identified scents described as "woody," "spicy," and "sweet."



The findings not only provide insight into ancient embalming materials but also reveal how museums have preserved and treated these remains over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemistry-behind-mummy-scents">Chemistry behind mummy scents </h2>



Odors are more than just sensations - they carry valuable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scented-products-release-indoor-air-pollutants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical information</a>. When substances break down or interact with the environment, they release volatile molecules that our noses detect. 



The researchers used gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to analyze these molecules, measuring the chemicals emitted by the mummified remains.



Alongside these advanced instruments, human experts also played a crucial role in the study. A panel of trained sniffers evaluated the intensity, quality, and pleasantness of the smells. 



This combination of scientific instruments and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-and-different-odors-can-influence-how-we-see-colors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human perception</a> allowed researchers to separate the original embalming odors from modern conservation chemicals and natural decay.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smell-of-mummified-bodies">Smell of mummified bodies</h2>



Study lead author Professor Matija Strlič emphasized the importance of this research in understanding both ancient practices and modern preservation methods.



"The smell of mummified bodies has for years attracted significant interest from experts and the general public, but no combined chemical and perceptual scientific study has been conducted until now," noted Professor Matija Strlič.



"This groundbreaking research really helps us better plan conservation and understand the ancient embalming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-human-nose-perceives-the-scent-that-lingers-after-rain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">materials</a>. It adds another layer of data to enrich the museum exhibition of mummified bodies."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-egyptian-perceptions-of-mummy-scents">Egyptian perceptions of mummy scents</h2>



For the ancient Egyptians, smell was an essential part of the mummification process. The aromas of embalming substances were more than just practical - they carried spiritual significance.



Pleasant scents were linked to purity and divinity, while foul odors were associated with corruption and decay. The careful selection of resins, oils, and balms ensured that the deceased would be preserved both physically and spiritually.



"Two aspects of this study stand out to me. First, new information was revealed by the smells, highlighting the importance of using our senses to understand the past," noted Dr. Cecilia Bembibre, a researcher involved in the study.



This research not only examines the chemical composition of these scents but also emphasizes the importance of working closely with Egyptian colleagues to ensure ethical and respectful study of mummified remains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-mummification-materials">Evolution of mummification materials</h2>



The practice of mummification changed over centuries, influenced by available resources, cultural shifts, and religious beliefs. 



The experts found traces of coniferous resins such as pine, cedar, and juniper, along with gum resins like myrrh and frankincense. These mummification ingredients were prized not only for their preservative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-scents-linked-to-improved-health-and-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">properties</a> but also for their scent.



The presence of these materials also provides clues about trade networks. Some resins used in mummification were imported from distant regions, showing the extent of Egypt’s connections with other civilizations. 



By analyzing the composition of these ancient embalming substances, researchers can determine when and how different techniques emerged.



"To the ancient Egyptians, mummification was an important mortuary practice aimed at preserving the body and soul for the afterlife through a detailed ritual of embalming of the deceased using oils, waxes and balms," noted Professor Ali Abdelhalim, director of the <a href="https://egyptianmuseumcairo.eg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Egyptian Museum</a> in Cairo.



"The practice evolved over time, and identifying different techniques and materials used offers insights into the era, location and socioeconomic status of the individual being mummified."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-modern-day-challenges">Conservation and modern-day challenges</h2>



While ancient Egyptians developed sophisticated methods to preserve their dead, modern conservators face new challenges in maintaining these fragile remains. 



Over time, mummies have been exposed to different environmental conditions, chemical treatments, and even pesticides. Some of these substances alter the original composition of the embalming materials, making it difficult to distinguish between ancient and modern additions.



The study demonstrates how smell analysis can serve as a non-invasive tool for conservation. By identifying the chemical signatures of different odors, researchers can detect contamination and deterioration without physically disturbing the mummies.



This approach helps museums and researchers make informed decisions about preserving these artifacts for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensory-experience-for-museum-visitors">Sensory experience for museum visitors</h2>



The findings of this study extend beyond laboratory research. Museums are now exploring new ways to engage visitors by incorporating smell into exhibitions. 



By reconstructing the original scents of ancient mummies, curators can create immersive experiences that bring history to life in unexpected ways.



"Smellscapes" allow audiences to experience mummification not just through sight but through scent. Visitors could soon step into an exhibit and inhale the fragrances once associated with ancient burial rituals.



This approach deepens the connection between modern audiences and the past, making history more tangible and memorable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-scents-as-historical-tools">Ancient scents as historical tools</h2>



The study marks just the beginning of using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-detects-odors-in-less-time-than-it-takes-to-blink/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scent</a> as a historical tool. By analyzing the smells of other archaeological finds, scientists can uncover new details about past civilizations.



From ancient manuscripts to buried artifacts, scent analysis could provide fresh perspectives on how people lived, worked, and preserved their surroundings.



The collaboration between Egyptian and international researchers sets a strong foundation for future studies. As more institutions embrace the potential of olfactory research, our understanding of the past will continue to expand beyond what we see and touch - into what we can smell.



The research not only enriches our knowledge of mummification but also changes the way we experience history. Whether through museum exhibits or further scientific discoveries, the scents of mummies will continue to reveal stories that have remained hidden for thousands of years.



The study is published in the <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.4c15769" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American Chemical Society.</a> 



Image Credit: Emma Paolin



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Ancient Egyptian mummies still carry their original scents

The mysteries of ancient Egypt continue to captivate the world....

A recent study has found that reintroducing wolves to the Scottish Highlands could contribute to an expansion of native woodland that would sequester up to one million tons of CO2 annually.



Experts from the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a> used ecological and modeling techniques to estimate how wolf predation on red deer might allow depleted forests to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolves-are-rebuilding-forests-and-restoring-ecosystem-balance-in-yellowstone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recover</a>. 



By reducing the deer population, the researchers project that new tree growth would flourish, resulting in substantial carbon sequestration.



In their study, the experts have detailed a potential path toward balancing biodiversity restoration with climate mitigation goals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-the-impact-of-wolves">Modeling the impact of wolves</h2>



The red <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-climate-change-affect-deer-its-complicated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deer</a> population in Scotland has grown considerably in the absence of top predators. As deer graze heavily on saplings, many once-forested areas remain treeless, inhibiting the region’s long-term ecological health.&nbsp;



The research team used a predator–prey model to simulate how wolves could control deer numbers if reintroduced to specific regions classified as Scottish Wild Land, including areas in the Cairngorms, South-west Highlands, Central Highlands, and North-west Highlands.



From their simulations, the scientists concluded that a population of around 167 wolves spread across these regions would likely reduce deer densities enough to enable natural woodland regeneration on a large scale.&nbsp;



This vegetation recovery, they estimate, would annually sequester roughly one million tons of CO2 - equivalent to about 5% of the <a href="https://www.theccc.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Climate Change Committee</a>’s recommended woodland carbon removal target for meeting net-zero emissions by 2050.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-climate-benefits-of-wolves">Potential climate benefits of wolves</h2>



One of the study’s most notable findings is that each wolf would lead to an annual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-carbon-sinks-are-being-pushed-to-their-limits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> uptake capability of 6080 tonnes of CO2, effectively making each predator “worth” £154,000 based on current carbon valuation metrics.&nbsp;



Researchers see these results as further proof that large carnivores can provide significant ecosystem services by restoring natural processes.



Wolves were eradicated from Scotland approximately 250 years ago, leaving red deer without any natural predators. While humans do hunt and manage deer, numbers have still surged, hampering tree regrowth.&nbsp;



According to the study, substantial reforestation could now be achievable through ecological processes alone - if wolves were allowed to return and perform their predator role in the ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-step-toward-climate-ready-conservation">A step toward climate-ready conservation</h2>



“There is an increasing acknowledgement that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate and biodiversity crises</a> cannot be managed in isolation,” said lead author Dominick Spracklen, a professor at the University of Leeds’ School of Earth and Environment.



“We need to look at the potential role of natural processes such as the reintroduction of species to recover our degraded ecosystems and these in turn can deliver co-benefits for climate and nature recovery.”&nbsp;



Diminished native woodlands pose ecological and economic risks. The study makes it clear that a wolf reintroduction initiative could turn this around, providing new habitat for other species.



Wolves could also reduce deer-related issues (such as road collisions and damage to young trees), and even create potential ecotourism opportunities - as observed in other countries that have reintroduced large predators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weighing-the-risks-and-benefits">Weighing the risks and benefits</h2>



The researchers acknowledge that reintroducing wolves would be controversial, especially among livestock farmers and deer stalkers concerned about their livelihoods.&nbsp;



Advocates argue that the economic value of improved carbon sequestration (along with reduced deer cull costs and new ecotourism revenues) could offset some of these concerns.



They also stress that any move toward wolf reintroduction would require extensive stakeholder engagement, transparent decision-making, and well-thought-out management plans to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-based-solutions-and-climate-benefits">Nature-based solutions and climate benefits </h2>



From a broader perspective, the findings add to a growing body of literature suggesting that nature-based solutions - in this case, leveraging a predator’s ecological role - can deliver meaningful climate benefits.&nbsp;



By harnessing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/danger-zones-climate-change-is-altering-predator-prey-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator-prey dynamic</a> to spur woodland recovery, Scotland could see a substantial boost in carbon storage capacity and ecological resilience.



Still, the exact outcome of wolf reintroduction would depend on public support, regulatory frameworks, and the practicalities of managing a newly returned apex predator.&nbsp;



As discussions evolve, the team’s data provide a baseline for measuring potential gains in both conservation and carbon uptake.



In line with these insights, the study offers a new vantage point on how large carnivore restoration might affect the UK’s broader climate and biodiversity goals.&nbsp;



If pursued, the reintroduction of wolves could shape not just local landscapes but also the national conversation on how best to unite climate action with wildlife recovery.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.70016" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecological Solutions and Evidence</a>.



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Reintroducing wolves could help Scotland fight climate change 

A recent study has found that reintroducing wolves to the...

For years, scientists and ocean lovers alike have marveled at the unique relationship between clownfish and sea anemones. 



The small, brightly colored fish seem to move fearlessly among the stinging tentacles of their hosts, completely unharmed. Their ability to thrive in this seemingly dangerous environment has fascinated researchers for over a century.



Sea anemones use specialized cells called nematocysts to deliver powerful stings to unsuspecting prey and predators. These stings can be deadly to most marine creatures, yet clownfish remain untouched. 



How do these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clownfish-count-stripes-on-other-fish-to-defend-their-territory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> avoid being stung? What makes them immune to a defense mechanism designed to kill? Scientists have now uncovered the secret behind this remarkable adaptation, revealing an intricate and finely tuned biological process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-protective-layer-in-clownfish-mucus">A protective layer in clownfish mucus</h2>



Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) and international collaborators made a remarkable discovery. 



The team found that clownfish produce mucus with exceptionally low levels of sialic acid. This sugar molecule, present in most living organisms, plays a crucial role in cellular communication. However, it also serves as a trigger for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anemonefish-can-distinguish-between-anemone-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anemone</a> stings.



Interestingly, sea anemones themselves also lack sialic acid in their mucus. This suggests they may have evolved this trait to avoid stinging their own tentacles. By maintaining similarly low levels of this sugar compound, clownfish are essentially "invisible" to the anemone’s stinging cells. 



The study, published in BMC Biology, provides strong evidence that clownfish have evolved a defense strategy that mimics their hosts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clownfish-anemone-relationship">Clownfish-anemone relationship</h2>



To explore this adaptation, the researchers examined both clownfish and damselfish - a close relative that does not live with anemones.



The team used glycobiology, which focuses on the study of sugars, along with transcriptomics, which analyzes the expression of genes through RNA. 



By measuring mucus samples, the experts were able to identify key differences in composition between the two fish species.



Using liquid chromatography, an advanced technique for separating and analyzing complex mixtures, they found that clownfish have significantly lower levels of sialic acid in their mucus compared to damselfish. 



While clownfish still retain sialic acid in vital organs like the brain and gut, their skin mucus remains nearly free of this compound. This prevents them from activating the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-anemones-can-regrow-their-entire-body-in-its-original-shape/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anemone</a>’s stinging response, allowing them to move freely among the tentacles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-clownfish-get-stung-until-they-adapt">Young clownfish get stung until they adapt</h2>



Anemonefish are not born with this special adaptation. The researchers discovered that juvenile clownfish, which have not yet established a relationship with anemones, possess normal levels of sialic acid. If they attempt to enter an anemone’s tentacles at this stage, they get stung just like any other fish.



As they grow and develop their signature bright orange and white coloration, their mucus chemistry changes. Their sialic acid levels gradually decrease, allowing them to safely integrate into anemone colonies. This transition marks a crucial stage in their survival, ensuring they receive the protection anemones offer against predators.



A similar pattern was found in the domino damselfish. As juveniles, these fish can temporarily live among anemones, and researchers discovered that their mucus also exhibits reduced sialic acid levels during this stage. This suggests that multiple fish species have independently evolved similar biological adaptations to coexist with anemones.



“Our findings represent a major advancement because it's one of the first studies to combine glycobiology with transcriptomic analysis to investigate this mechanism,” explained Dr. Natacha Roux of CRIOBE, a former researcher at OIST’s <a href="https://www.oist.jp/research/research-units/cne" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Computational Neuroethology Unit</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-bacteria-help-clownfish-avoid-stings">Can bacteria help clownfish avoid stings?</h2>



While the absence of sialic acid in clownfish mucus explains much of their immunity, researchers are now investigating whether bacteria also play a role in this process. They have two main theories.



The first theory suggests that clownfish produce enzymes that actively remove sialic acid from their mucus. The second hypothesis points to bacteria in their microbiome that could help break down these sugars.



Previous studies show that when clownfish and sea anemones live together, their bacterial communities become increasingly similar over time. This supports the idea that bacteria may influence the fish’s ability to resist stings. If true, this would add another layer of complexity to the already intricate clownfish-anemone relationship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clownfish-and-anemones-help-each-other-survive">Clownfish and anemones help each other survive</h2>



The symbiotic bond between clownfish and anemones is not just about avoiding stings. Both species benefit from their association in multiple ways. 



Clownfish gain a safe habitat, protected from larger predators that avoid anemone tentacles. In return, the fish defend their hosts from anemone-eating species and provide nutrients by stirring up the surrounding water.



Professor Vincent Laudet, head of OIST’s <a href="https://www.oist.jp/research/research-units/meedu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Eco-Evo-Devo Unit</a>, emphasized the complexity of this relationship. 



“Other factors might include the thickness of fish scales, the exchange of nutrients between species, and possible adjustments by the anemones themselves," said Professor Laudet.



"The relationship is mutually beneficial, with anemonefish receiving protection from predators while helping to defend the anemone and providing nutritional benefits."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-of-proving-this-hypothesis">Challenge of proving this hypothesis</h2>



While the research strongly supports the idea that low sialic acid levels help clownfish evade <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-anemones-use-their-shyness-survive-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anemone</a> stings, scientists want to confirm this by manipulating the process directly. 



If they can artificially raise sialic acid levels in clownfish mucus and make them vulnerable to stings, or reduce the levels in damselfish to make them resistant, it would serve as definitive proof. However, this is easier said than done.



The process of altering mucus composition in live fish is complex, requiring precise genetic and biochemical interventions. For now, scientists continue to explore ways to test their findings in controlled environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-milestone-in-marine-research">A milestone in marine research</h2>



This discovery represents more than just a scientific breakthrough; it also marks the first major research paper from a new collaboration between France’s National Centre for Scientific Research (<a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/en/the-cnrs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNRS</a>) and OIST. 



The work provides new insights into one of nature’s most fascinating partnerships and could open the door to further studies on marine symbiosis.



For now, the clownfish remains a symbol of the ocean’s hidden wonders, demonstrating how nature continuously shapes life through adaptation and survival. As research continues, scientists may uncover even more about the secrets behind this remarkable fish and its unusual way of life.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12915-025-02144-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMC Biology</a>.



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Clownfish have evolved a neat trick to live safely among stinging anemones

For years, scientists and ocean lovers alike have marveled at...

Space has always been a dangerous place, and of the greatest threats to astronauts is radiation. Without the protection of Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field, human explorers are vulnerable to harmful radiation that can damage both their health and the equipment they rely on.



To tackle this challenge, a team of researchers from <a href="https://www.ugent.be/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ghent University</a> in Belgium is exploring an innovative solution against damage by space radiation: 3D-printed hydrogels.



These water-absorbing materials may offer a safer and more effective way to shield astronauts and spacecraft from radiation exposure. Their research could revolutionize how future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-cosmic-explosion-changes-what-we-know-about-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">missions</a> handle one of space travel’s biggest hazards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-constant-threat-of-space-radiation">Constant threat of space radiation</h2>



Many people imagine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nisar-the-satellite-that-will-change-how-we-see-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a> as an empty void, but it is far from peaceful. Space is filled with streams of high-energy particles that move at nearly the speed of light.



Some originate from the Sun, particularly during solar flares, while others come from powerful explosions in deep space. These cosmic rays pose a constant threat to anything beyond Earth’s protective barriers.



On our planet, the atmosphere and magnetic field absorb most of this radiation. Astronauts in low-Earth orbit, such as those on the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Station</a>, receive higher exposure than people on the ground, but they still benefit from some protection. 



However, those traveling beyond this region - such as future Mars explorers - will need an alternative shielding method to stay safe.



Radiation exposure in space is not a minor issue. In just one day outside the protection of Earth’s atmosphere and magnetosphere, astronauts receive the same amount of radiation that a person on Earth would experience in an entire year.



Prolonged exposure increases the risk of cancer, nervous system damage, and acute radiation sickness. Without proper shielding, long-duration missions become incredibly dangerous, if not impossible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-as-a-radiation-shield">Water as a radiation shield</h2>



Scientists have identified water as one of the most effective materials for blocking radiation. Water is dense and contains large numbers of hydrogen atoms, which interact with incoming radiation and slow it down. This makes it an excellent natural barrier against harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-a-planet-k2-22b-disintegrating-at-a-speed-never-seen-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a> radiation.



However, using water as a radiation shield is not as simple as it seems. Keeping large amounts of free-flowing water in space poses several challenges. Containers filled with water could be bulky and limit the mobility of astronauts.



Unequal water distribution might lead to weak spots in the shielding. Additionally, any damage to a container could result in leaks, which could be catastrophic in an environment filled with delicate electronics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydrogels-against-space-radiation">Hydrogels against space radiation</h2>



To address these issues, researchers in <a href="https://www.ugent.be/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ghent University</a>’s Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group (PBM) are investigating super-absorbent polymers (SAPs). 



These materials can absorb up to several hundred times their weight in liquid, creating a stable, gel-like substance known as a hydrogel.



Timelapse images of hydrogel swelling demonstrate how these materials transform when they absorb water. Unlike free-flowing water, hydrogels remain solid, ensuring that the liquid stays evenly distributed. This property makes them a strong candidate for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-massive-early-universe-black-hole-stuns-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a> radiation shielding.



“The beauty of this project is that we are working with a well-known technology,” explained Lenny Van Daele.



“Hydrogels are found in many things we use every day, from contact lenses to diapers and sanitary products. Our research group has experience with applications in the medical field – using hydrogels as a soft implantable material to repair damaged tissues and organs,” added Van Daele.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydrogels-astronauts-and-radiation">Hydrogels, astronauts, and radiation</h2>



Hydrogels offer several advantages for space missions. Their ability to hold water without allowing it to flow freely ensures consistent protection against radiation. 



Unlike water in a container, a hydrogel patch will not shift or create gaps in shielding. Even if punctured, the material retains its structure, giving astronauts time to react without losing protection.



This makes hydrogels suitable for integrating into spacesuits, particularly for extravehicular activities (EVAs). Astronauts performing tasks outside a spacecraft would have an extra layer of radiation protection, reducing their exposure to harmful particles.



“The material could also potentially be applied to uncrewed missions – in radiation shields for spacecraft, or as water reservoirs once we have optimised the method of retrieving water from the hydrogel,” adds <a href="https://connectivity.esa.int/contacts/malgorzata-holynska" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Malgorzata Holynska</a> of ESA’s Materials, Environments and Contamination Control Section.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3d-printed-hydrogels-and-space-travel">3D printed hydrogels and space travel</h2>



One of the most exciting aspects of this research is the ability to 3D-print hydrogels into various shapes. Unlike traditional materials that must be cut and assembled, 3D printing allows researchers to create customized hydrogel structures that are tailored to specific needs.



“The superabsorbent polymer that we are using can be processed using multiple different techniques, which is a rare and advantageous quality amongst polymers,” explained Manon Minsart.



“Our method of choice is 3D printing, which allows us to create a hydrogel in almost any shape we want.”



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/3D-printed_hydrogel_radiation-protection_astronauts_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/3D-printed_hydrogel_radiation-protection_astronauts_ESA_1s.webp" alt="A space shuttle and astronaut on the Moon, illustrating the possibilities of hydrogel-based 3D printing. These models were made by a team from the Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group (PBM) at Ghent University in Belgium. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1960111"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A space shuttle and astronaut on the Moon, illustrating the possibilities of hydrogel-based 3D printing. These models were made by a team from the Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group (PBM) at Ghent University in Belgium. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smart-soil-can-absorb-water-from-the-air-and-feed-itself/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flexibility</a> of 3D printing could enable the production of lightweight, efficient radiation shields that are easy to manufacture, both on Earth and in space.



This opens possibilities for in-situ manufacturing, where astronauts could produce hydrogel-based shielding using onboard 3D printers, which would reduce the need to transport bulky protective materials from Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-towards-industrial-applications">Moving towards industrial applications</h2>



While the research is still in progress, the potential applications of 3D-printed hydrogels extend beyond space travel. 



If successful, these materials could be used for radiation protection in a variety of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-photosynthesis-could-transform-power-generation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fields</a>, including medical imaging, nuclear energy, and even military applications.



“There is a constant search for lightweight radiation protection materials. In our discovery activity we successfully demonstrated that hydrogels are safe to use under space conditions," explained project lead Peter Dubruel.



"In this follow-up project, we are applying different techniques to shape the material into a 3D structure and scale up the production process, so that we can come a step closer to industrialization,” he added.



The ability to create customizable, lightweight radiation shielding could change how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-forces-have-made-the-structure-of-the-universe-messier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a> missions are planned. 



By reducing the reliance on traditional heavy materials, future spacecraft and habitats could be designed with improved flexibility and safety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safer-space-exploration-with-hydrogels">Safer space exploration with hydrogels</h2>



As humanity prepares for longer missions beyond Earth, finding innovative ways to protect astronauts from radiation remains a top priority. 



The research into 3D-printed hydrogels represents a major step forward in space technology.



By harnessing the unique properties of hydrogels, scientists may provide future space explorers with a practical and effective shield against radiation. 



This breakthrough could make deep-space travel safer, and bring us closer to a future where humans can explore the cosmos without fear of the invisible threats that lurk beyond our planet’s protective shield.



Details of this new technology were described in a <a href="https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Engineering_Technology/For_astronaut_radiation_protection_just_add_water">press release</a> by the European Space Agency.



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New plan developed to protect astronauts from space radiation

Space has always been a dangerous place, and of the...

Far below the Atlantic waves, an unusual site known as the Lost City fascinates scientists and casual observers. It consists of towering <a href="http://www.lostcity.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbonate structures</a> in a hydrothermal field, at a depth of&nbsp;750 - 900 meters (2,460 - 2,950 feet) below the sea surface. 



These carbonate vents, that rise 60 meters (180 feet) above the Atlantis Massif pump out basic molecules that some researchers believe are key to understanding how life began on our planet.



Investigations of these vents suggest the presence of chemical pathways that could have helped living systems form when Earth was still very young. 



Many suspect that such conditions also exist on distant worlds, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-detect-hidden-magnetic-signals-in-earths-oceans/">hidden oceans</a> might mirror this remarkable environment and spark similar biochemical processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-lost-city-vents-matter">Why Lost City vents matter</h2>



<a href="https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/edu/oceanage/05kelley/welcome.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deborah Kelley</a>, a professor at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>, has studied this site to learn how simple molecules emerge from deep-sea conditions. 



Her research draws on previous work by collaborators at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (<a href="https://www.whoi.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>), and her findings suggest a link between the natural chemical reactions in the vents, and the building blocks of life



Among the most significant chemical components at Lost City are hydrocarbons, which are molecules made of hydrogen and carbon. 



These can form when seawater interacts with certain rocks, and can generate substances that may have paved the way for making the first cell membranes and other vital structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-lost-city">Inside the lost city</h2>



Researchers <a href="http://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1151194" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> that chemicals generated by the vents in this undersea terrain support microbial life that is capable of thriving without sunlight. 



The chemical energy from reactions between water and mantle rock produces hydrogen, which boosts unique microbial communities that survive in alkaline fluids.



These microbes feed on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-previously-unknown-sources-of-methane-production/">methane</a> and other chemicals, meaning that these ecosystems are powered by geology rather than photosynthesis. 



Scientists are intrigued by how organisms adapt to conditions similar to what may have existed on early Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-origin-theories">Shaping origin theories</h2>



Some <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11541234/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientists</a>, including those at the University of Washington, see a possible bridge between ancient hydrothermal systems and the start of cellular life. 



This concept proposes that energetic fluids in such vents might drive the gradual assembly of amino acids and simple proteins.



Early Earth likely had large stretches of mantle exposed on the ocean floor. That arrangement could have given rise to the right chemical balance for forming organic molecules from inorganic ones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-planetary-parallels">Unexpected planetary parallels</h2>



Some researchers believe that these vents have analogs on other celestial bodies, such as Saturn’s moon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-could-survive-near-surface-europa-enceladus-moons/">Enceladus</a>. 



Beneath its icy exterior lies liquid water, and if water-rock interactions there mimic what happens at Lost City, life-supporting chemistry might be possible.



Jupiter’s moon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/europa-clipper-will-search-for-signs-of-life-on-jupiters-icy-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa</a> may host a similar setup under its frozen shell. Detecting any evidence of hydrothermal venting on those worlds would open fresh debates about whether life is more widespread in our Solar System than once assumed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-a-natural-treasure">Protecting a natural treasure</h2>



Reports indicate that deep-sea mining efforts could threaten this remarkable pristine habitat by disturbing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-ocean-holds-carbon-hidden-mechanisms-revealed/">ocean sediments</a> and water chemistry. 



Although current efforts target specific minerals, any disruptions might affect the delicate balance that allows organisms to flourish in the Lost City vents.



Some scientists urge international organizations to <a href="https://mpa.highseasalliance.org/the-lost-city" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preserve</a> areas like Lost City for future study. If such sites vanish or degrade, humanity might lose vital clues about how life's earliest processes could unfold under extreme conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fresh-directions-in-exploration">Fresh directions in exploration</h2>



Oceanographers are developing advanced vehicles to reach deeper vents and gather high-resolution data. 



These instruments might one day map other hidden carbonate towers, shedding light on places where chemical gradients resemble those that spark the origins of life.



Teams also study the genetic makeup of organisms found in this extreme environment, searching for enzymes that endure harsh temperatures and pH levels. 



Such enzymes might eventually help industries design more efficient processes or pave the way for medical breakthroughs.



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



“The generation of hydrocarbons was the very first step; otherwise Earth would have remained lifeless,” said <a href="https://schmidtocean.org/person/giora-proskurowski/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giora Proskurowski</a>, a researcher involved in these <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/oceanus/feature/lost-city-pumps-life-essential-chemicals-at-rates-unseen-at-typical-black-smokers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigations</a>. 



He highlighted the need to consider non-biological carbon molecules as a source of energy for microbes. 



Such statements emphasize the importance of hydrothermal vents in debates about how life might emerge. Observations at Lost City offer a living laboratory where chemistry, geology, and biology cross paths in unexpected ways.



Tomorrow’s missions to uncharted ocean floors and distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/">moon oceans</a> may confirm whether such geological processes are ubiquitous. 



If they are, we might learn that life’s raw potential is woven into far more corners of the cosmos than once imagined.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-research">More research</h2>



Soon, new research expeditions aim to probe deeper into the labyrinthine vents, searching for clues about catalytic processes that might underlie early metabolism. 



By studying the chemical signatures in situ and analyzing how microbes harness available energy, scientists hope to piece together a more complete story of how inorganic matter could have taken that monumental leap toward becoming living cells.



There is a growing belief that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-northwest-ecosystems-are-being-tested-by-climate-change/">Earth’s ecosystems</a>, from scorching desert plains to icy polar seas, are connected by the same fundamental chemical threads found at Lost City. 



This is a powerful reminder that life can flourish under conditions once deemed too extreme. That ongoing resilience invites continued exploration. There’s so much yet to be discovered.



Details of this research were published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1151194" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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'Lost City' reveals chemical pathways that could explain the origin of life

Far below the Atlantic waves, an unusual site known as...

Deep below the ocean’s surface, underwater mountains rise from the seafloor, creating landscapes few have explored. These seamounts, often teeming with life, stand in stark contrast to the vast, open ocean surrounding them. 



New research has revealed that these hidden peaks hold far more predators than the open sea, drawing large numbers of sharks and other marine hunters.



A study led by the University of Exeter and the Ascension Island Government found that seamounts in the South Atlantic Ocean support astonishing levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>. 



The research focused on three seamounts near Ascension Island, uncovering why these locations serve as prime gathering spots for predators. 



Scientists discovered that shallow seamounts, with peaks less than 100 meters below the surface, were particularly rich in marine life, including sharks and tuna.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-seamounts-attract-predators">Why do seamounts attract predators?</h2>



Scientists have long suspected that seamounts act as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-like-marine-life-found-on-underwater-mountains-includes-100-new-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hubs for marine life</a>. Some of these underwater mountains create nutrient-rich upwellings that boost phytoplankton growth, which forms the foundation of ocean food chains.



 However, this new study found no evidence of such upwellings at the seamounts near Ascension Island. Instead, the researchers observed a different pattern. Marine life increased at every level of the food web, even without a surge in phytoplankton.



Zooplankton, which consume phytoplankton, were twice as abundant near the seamounts as in the open ocean. Sharks, at the top of the food chain, were 41 times more numerous than in surrounding waters.



“Seamounts have been likened to oases of life in the comparative deserts of the open ocean,” said Dr. Sam Weber from the <a href="https://ecologyconservation.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centre for Ecology and Conservation</a> at Exeter’s Penryn Campus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-seamounts-attract-predators">Why seamounts attract predators </h2>



Several factors explain why seamounts attract so many predators. The underwater peaks interrupt ocean currents, pushing smaller organisms into concentrated areas. This creates an easy feeding ground for fish, which, in turn, draws larger predators.



Dr. Weber and his team suggest that filter-feeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seamounts-underwater-mountains-impact-ocean-circulation-climate-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> benefit from food being swept over the seamount peaks, making prey easier to catch.



The peaks may also prevent prey from escaping into deeper waters, effectively trapping them in a confined space. This allows predators to hunt with greater success, making these locations an efficient source of food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seamounts-are-social-hubs">Seamounts are social hubs </h2>



Beyond hunting opportunities, seamounts appear to serve another function. Researchers found that some predators use these underwater mountains as social meeting points. 



Sharks and other species may gather to interact, mate, or rest before returning to the open ocean.



“Also, some predators appear to use seamounts as ‘hubs’ to gather, socialise, mate or rest, and as a base to return to after hunting in the open ocean. This may lead to more top predators on seamounts than you would expect based on the amount of food available,” Dr. Weber explained.



The findings suggest that seamounts are more than just feeding zones. They may be essential gathering sites for marine predators, helping them interact and maintain social structures within their populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-found-at-seamounts">Species found at seamounts</h2>



The experts found that certain species consistently gather at seamounts. Among them are Galapagos and silky sharks, along with yellowfin and bigeye tuna.



Some individuals remained at a single seamount for long periods, while others traveled between seamounts up to 80 kilometers apart.



The researchers also noted a “halo” effect around the seamounts, where marine life remained abundant up to five kilometers into the surrounding ocean. This suggests that the influence of seamounts extends beyond their immediate area, affecting a much larger ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-for-seamount-ecosystems">Conservation for seamount ecosystems</h2>



The seamounts included in the study fall within the <a href="https://www.ascensionmpa.ac" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ascension Island Marine Protected Area</a>. This vast 445,000 square kilometer zone is free from large-scale commercial fishing and seabed mining, ensuring that marine life can thrive without human interference.



“Our results reinforce the conservation significance of shallow seamounts for many top predators,” Dr. Weber said.



“This research also offers fundamental insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oceans-are-rapidly-changing-colors-matching-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seamounts</a>’ role as activity hubs and oases for marine species and shows how these remarkable habitats influence the oceans that surround them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deeper-understanding-of-seamounts">A deeper understanding of seamounts</h2>



Despite their importance, seamounts remain one of the least studied ecosystems in the ocean. This research sheds light on the critical role they play in supporting marine predators and influencing broader oceanic food webs. 



Understanding these underwater structures is essential for ocean conservation, as protecting seamounts could help maintain predator populations and overall marine biodiversity.



The study gathered data from a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition aboard the British Antarctic Survey research vessel <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/polar-operations/sites-and-facilities/facility/rrs-james-clark-ross/rrs-james-clark-ross-computing-facilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RRS James Clark Ross</a>. Funding came from a European Union BEST grant and the UK government’s <a href="https://www.darwininitiative.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Darwin Initiative</a>. 



As scientists continue to explore these hidden underwater worlds, seamounts may reveal even more secrets about the complex relationships that shape life in the ocean.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3003016" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



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Seamounts are gathering hubs for ocean predators

Deep below the ocean’s surface, underwater mountains rise from the...

When people hear "Chernobyl," they often think of the 1986 nuclear disaster that led to mass evacuations. Yet, the region remains home to diverse wildlife, including dogs that have become a focus of genetic research.



In 2018, researchers collected blood samples from eight canines in Ukraine’s Chernobyl Exclusion Zone - four near the power plant and four in Chornobyl city, roughly 10 miles away. Preliminary findings sparked questions about how environmental toxins might shape these animals over time.



Dr. Matthew Breen is a professor in the Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences at the <a href="https://cvm.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine</a>. He played a central role in analyzing the animals’ DNA. 



The findings revealed a notable genetic split between the dogs, despite their close proximity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-differences-in-chernobyl-dogs">Differences in Chernobyl dogs</h2>



A team from <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a> and <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/">Columbia University</a> Mailman School of Public Health discovered that the canines near the power plant were genetically distinct from those in the nearby city. 



The results challenge the assumption that animals living so close together would share similar genetic profiles.



“We have been working with two dog populations that, while separated by just 16 kilometers, or about 10 miles, are genetically distinct,” explained Dr. Matthew Breen. 



The genetic differences raise new questions about how decades of exposure to unique contaminants can shape survival strategies.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-back-at-chernobyl-s-legacy">Looking back at Chernobyl's legacy</h2>



The meltdown at the plant is considered one of history’s worst nuclear power accidents. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, significant levels of radioactive material from the compromised nuclear plant spread across much of Eastern Europe.



Residents were evacuated, and many areas remain off-limits due to lingering contamination. Despite these challenges, animals continued to roam the area, forming populations that today provide unique insights into long-term genetic outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-exposure-to-chernobyl-contaminants">Dog exposure to Chernobyl contaminants </h2>



The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is an area where lingering radioactive contaminants and heavy metals may pose long-term challenges for local species. 



Scientists suspect that ongoing contact with these hazards could leave detectable marks in a population’s <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Genome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a>, which is the complete set of genetic instructions in each cell.



Study co-senior author Norman Kleiman is a professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia Mailman.



“Most people think of the Chernobyl nuclear accident as a radiological disaster in an abandoned corner of Ukraine, but the potential adverse health implications are much wider,” said Kleiman.



It is likely that other pollutants, including lead and pesticides, also influence the dogs’ genetic composition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radiation-exposure-and-genetic-changes">Radiation exposure and genetic changes</h2>



By sifting through DNA at the chromosomal level and moving down to individual nucleotides, the researchers looked for signs of accumulated damage. They focused on sections tied to repairing DNA, since that is where potentially harmful mutations might show up.



Low-level exposure to radiation over many generations could create subtle changes that become evident in how genes function. Early results did not reveal obvious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-surprising-mutations-in-sars-cov-2-virus/">mutations</a> that could be traced directly to this radiation.



The team considered that only the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chernobyl-wolves-have-evolved-resistance-to-cancer/">hardiest dogs</a> may have reproduced successfully in the difficult environment of Chernobyl following the 1986 accident. Researchers are investigating whether these survivors already carried traits that shielded them from ongoing threats.



Such inherited advantages might have given future litters a better shot at coping with residual waste and radioactive particles. Experts note that selective pressures can rapidly refine a population’s genetic framework under harsh circumstances.



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



The lessons from these dogs could be applied to human communities from around the world that confront toxic exposures. If certain genetic signatures indicate enhanced resilience, related research may illuminate how people respond to contaminants in their own neighborhoods.



“Studying companion animals like these dogs offers a window into the kinds of adverse health risks that people may face,” said Kleiman. In regions where industrial pollution remains high, the health implications could be far-reaching.



Scientists plan to measure other forms of pollution in the area to see if there are interactions that mask or enhance certain gene variants. Work continues as the region remains politically unstable, adding logistical hurdles to ongoing projects.



Nevertheless, researchers hope that ongoing data collection will further clarify how diverse environmental factors shape living organisms across the generations. 



Megan Dillon, a doctoral candidate at NC State, believes that uncovering these patterns will help in designing strategies to protect animals and people in future disaster zones.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0315244" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>.



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Chernobyl dogs carry unexpected genetic characteristics

When people hear "Chernobyl," they often think of the 1986...

For six decades, marine biologists at UC Santa Cruz have closely monitored northern elephant seals that make their way to Año Nuevo Natural Reserve.&nbsp;



With thousands of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-seals-have-genetic-scars-from-intense-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seals</a> gathering on the beach for breeding and molting, researchers have been able to collect over 350,000 individual observations on more than 50,000 animals.&nbsp;



This long-term study has provided invaluable insights into the fitness, foraging patterns, and population dynamics of these massive marine mammals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seals-as-smart-sensors">Seals as smart sensors </h2>



Now, a new study suggests that elephant seals can serve as “smart sensors” for monitoring fish populations in the ocean’s twilight zone - the deep, dimly lit layer between 200 and 1,000 meters below the surface.&nbsp;



The research was led by Roxanne Beltran, assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at <a href="https://www.ucsc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Cruz</a>.



The study demonstrates how tracking the seals’ foraging success can offer a novel way to estimate fish abundance across vast ocean regions, a task that conventional monitoring tools have struggled to accomplish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elephant-seals-in-the-twilight-zone">Elephant seals in the twilight zone</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-twilight-zone-stabilizes-the-marine-food-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">twilight zone</a> is a critical region in the ocean, containing the majority of the planet’s fish biomass. However, studying it presents significant challenges. Ships and buoys can only sample limited areas, while satellites cannot penetrate below the ocean’s surface.&nbsp;



Because the twilight zone is where elephant seals hunt for food, their movements provide a previously impossible method to assess fish populations on a large scale.



“Given the importance of the ocean for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-ocean-holds-carbon-hidden-mechanisms-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sequestration</a>, climate regulation, oxygen production, and food for billions of people, there is an urgent need to measure changes in marine ecosystems,” Beltran said.&nbsp;



“Our research shows that the vast foraging extent and millions of feeding attempts by elephant seals make them a fantastic ecosystem sentinel, both for fish populations and top predators in the open ocean.”



Each elephant seal makes approximately 75,000 foraging dives over a seven-month period, covering nearly 6,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;



The researchers estimate that tracking just 14 seals per year could provide fish abundance data across an astonishing 4.4 million cubic kilometers of ocean volume.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seal-foraging-success-and-oceanic-changes">Seal foraging success and oceanic changes</h2>



Beyond simply tracking where seals search for food, weighing them before and after their foraging migrations provides crucial information about prey availability. This offers a long-term record of fluctuations in fish populations, which is particularly important as commercial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bleaching-effect-coral-loss-threatens-fisheries-and-livelihoods/">fisheries</a> push into deeper waters in search of new protein sources.&nbsp;



Sustainable management of these fisheries requires reliable assessments of fish stocks and their responses to environmental changes.



Beltran and her colleagues integrated data from decades of elephant seal research to analyze how their foraging success correlates with oceanographic conditions.&nbsp;



The findings suggest that changes in seal pup survival rates over the past 40 years are tightly linked to variations in the ocean environment, reinforcing the seals’ role as natural indicators of ecosystem health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-of-data-on-elephant-seals">Decades of data on elephant seals</h2>



In addition to its scientific implications, the study highlights the importance of hands-on research training for students. The paper includes 14 undergraduate co-authors, all of whom participated in a field-based course led by Beltran and <a href="https://anonuevoreserve.ucsc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Año Nuevo Natural Reserve</a> Director Patrick Robinson.&nbsp;



Through this immersive program, students analyzed six decades of data, developed scientific questions, and contributed directly to the study’s findings.



“We want the students to feel like they are part of a community of scientists,” said Allison Payne, a graduate student in the Beltran Lab who served as the course’s teaching assistant.&nbsp;



“It’s an incredible opportunity for the students and instructors alike to collaborate on real-world science, and it builds students’ confidence in navigating the scientific process.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-oceanographic-research">Biological oceanographic research </h2>



One of the undergraduate co-authors, Madi Reed, examined how oceanographic conditions influence seal pup survival. She found dramatic fluctuations in elephant seal reproductive success that strongly correlated with changing ocean conditions.&nbsp;



“It was really exciting to directly experience how the concepts we learned in our classes could be applied to real research,” Reed said. “This discovery has hugely inspired my current drive to pursue a career in biological oceanographic research.”



Beltran’s lab has also published a related perspective in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.14482" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology Letters</a>, discussing the importance of long-term studies in providing inclusive research opportunities for students.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seals-and-twilight-zone-conservation">Seals and twilight zone conservation</h2>



The twilight zone plays a crucial role in marine food webs, serving as an essential feeding ground for economically valuable species like tuna and squid.&nbsp;



However, scientific estimates of twilight-zone fish populations remain highly uncertain, with a 10-fold range of possible values. This uncertainty presents a major challenge for fisheries management, especially as discussions about commercially harvesting twilight-zone fish gain momentum.



The new study, which builds on decades of research led by Burney LeBoeuf and Dan Costa, helps bridge this gap by linking elephant seal foraging success to broader oceanographic trends.&nbsp;



“This effort documented the coupling between the elephant seals' behavior thousands of miles at sea, to their breeding success on the beach,” said Costa, a distinguished professor of ecology and evolutionary biology.&nbsp;



“This could only be accomplished with a long-time series coupled with a multidisciplinary team, including oceanographers, demographers, modelers, and seal biologists.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-ocean-s-pulse">Measuring the ocean's pulse</h2>



Past studies from this long-term research program revealed several groundbreaking discoveries, including the long-distance foraging migrations of elephant seals, the sheer volume of their feeding attempts, and the connection between maternal foraging success and pup health.



Now, the latest findings demonstrate that elephant seal foraging success aligns closely with broad-scale oceanographic indices that can be monitored by satellites.&nbsp;



“This linkage allowed us to measure the ocean's pulse and estimate fluctuations in fish availability five decades into the past and a few years into the future,” Beltran explained.



By providing a critical ecological baseline, this research can help inform sustainable fishing policies and assess the impacts of climate change on deep-sea fish populations.&nbsp;



With growing concerns about human-driven environmental changes, long-term studies like this one are becoming increasingly essential for understanding and protecting the ocean’s vast, yet largely unexplored, ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adp2244" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Elephant seals provide a window into the ocean’s twilight zone

For six decades, marine biologists at UC Santa Cruz have...

Solar cells are at the forefront of renewable energy, but their sustainability has long been a challenge. Now, a team of scientists has devised an innovative method to recycle them efficiently, offering a potential breakthrough in the fight against electronic waste.



This is more than just a solution - it’s a monumental step toward sustainability and a possible game-changer for the global energy crisis.



The researchers have developed a way to reprocess all components of perovskite solar cells without relying on harmful solvents. Remarkably, the recycled cells retain the same efficiency as their original, unprocessed counterparts.



Even more impressive, this breakthrough is powered by a simple yet effective ingredient - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-molecule-discovery-will-force-textbooks-to-be-rewritten/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> - providing a sustainable alternative to conventional, toxic chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energizing-our-future-with-solar-cells">Energizing our future with solar cells</h2>



With the current surge in electrification in various sectors - from our digital technologies to our vehicles - energy consumption is all set to soar.



To prevent this substantial increase in electricity usage from fuelling climate change, numerous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-utilities-may-be-100-percent-renewable-energy-by-2060/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable energy</a> sources need to join forces. Solar energy has long been seen as a vital player in this ensemble. 



Silicon-based solar panels have been in the commercial sphere for over three decades. However, their life cycle is nearing its end, leading to a significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-waste-is-growing-five-times-faster-than-recycling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waste problem</a>.



Study lead author Xun Xiao is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology at <a href="https://liu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Linköping University</a>.



“There is currently no efficient technology to deal with the waste of silicon panels. That’s why old solar panels end up in the landfill. Huge mountains of electronic waste that you can’t do anything with," said Xiao.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emerging-solar-cell-technologies">Emerging solar cell technologies </h2>



The researchers are focused on developing flagship solar cell technologies that inherently accommodate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-trash-to-treasure-e-waste-is-a-literal-gold-mine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recycling</a>.



“We need to take recycling into consideration when developing emerging solar cell technologies. If we don’t know how to recycle them, maybe we shouldn’t put them on the market at all," noted study co-author Feng Gao, a professor of optoelectronics.



Perovskite solar cells are cost-effective and simple to produce. They are also lightweight, flexible, and transparent.



With a potential 25% efficiency in converting solar energy into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tech-uses-chicken-feathers-to-generate-clean-electricity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electricity</a>, perovskite solar cells rival modern silicon-based counterparts.



“There are many companies that want to get perovskite solar cells on the market right now, but we’d like to avoid another landfill. In this project, we’ve developed a method where all parts can be reused in a new perovskite solar cell without compromising performance in the new one," noted study co-author Niansheng Xu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recycling-perovskite-with-water">Recycling perovskite with water</h2>



Even though the power-packed perovskite solar cells have a shorter lifespan than silicon panels, it is crucial that their recycling process is both productive and environmentally benign.



A small amount of lead, vital for high efficiency, is present in these cells. This creates the need for a well-functioning recycling procedure.



Existing methods to disassemble perovskite solar cells often require a toxic, environmentally damaging, and potentially carcinogenic compound present in paint solvents. 



However, the experts at Linköping University have ingeniously replaced it with water. The result? High-quality perovskite recycled from the water solution, without compromising efficiency or performance.



This breakthrough not only eliminates hazardous waste but also simplifies the recycling process, making large-scale implementation more feasible.



“We can recycle everything - covering glasses, electrodes, perovskite layers and also the charge transport layer," said Xiao.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-solar-economy">Sustainable solar economy </h2>



With plans to develop this method for larger scale use, the scientists are optimistic that perovskite solar cells will play a crucial role in future energy supply, once the proper infrastructure is established.



"We demonstrate that our recycling strategy can greatly alleviate the environmental burden of waste perovskite modules, especially for the human toxicity and resource depletion impacts, and also reduce the levelized cost of electricity," wrote the researchers.



"This study demonstrates unique opportunities of holistic perovskite solar module recycling - which are barely possible for other PV technologies - for a sustainable and circular solar economy in the future."



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08408-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Scientists recycle solar cells sustainably - with water

Solar cells are at the forefront of renewable energy, but...

Coral reefs are known for their vibrant colors and abundant marine life. They shelter countless fish and invertebrate species, stabilize coastlines, and supply vital resources for communities.



Scientists have speculated whether these important habitats underwent dramatic shifts in the distant past. A new investigation has unearthed a major interruption in coral growth in the Gulf of Eilat, raising new questions about coral resilience.



This region, at the northern tip of the Red Sea, is home to corals that tolerate warmer waters than many other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-is-transforming-nightlife-on-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef systems</a>. Their apparent resilience has made the area a favored spot for studying how reefs cope with changing conditions.



The latest findings come from a team led by Professor Adi Torfstein of <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hebrew University</a> and Professor Oren Levy of <a href="https://www.biu.ac.il/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bar-Ilan University</a>, in collaboration with several other international scientists.



The research opens a window into the historical factors that have shaped coral life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-coral-reefs-matter">Why coral reefs matter</h2>



Reefs are not just pretty landscapes. They play a role in the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon balance</a> of the oceans. Coral reefs are also biodiversity hotspots that support tourism and feed local fisheries.



Some species that thrive in reef environments form the basis of drug discovery. These organisms produce compounds that could one day lead to breakthroughs in treatments for human diseases.



Furthermore, coral skeletons serve as natural archives, preserving details about past water temperatures and nutrient levels. 



By sampling these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-may-not-adapt-quickly-enough-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">structures</a>, researchers can piece together long-term climate shifts that might otherwise go unnoticed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pause-in-coral-growth">Pause in coral growth </h2>



The researchers found that there was a hiatus in coral growth between 4,400 and 1,000 years before 1950. The corals on certain reefs stopped growing for several thousand years.



The researchers suggest that a mix of tectonic (Earth’s crust movement) and glacio-eustatic (sea-level fluctuation due to ice changes) forces lowered the water level in this region. 



Similar patterns were noted in other parts of the globe, hinting at a larger climate trend.



Corals in certain deeper zones survived and, when the sea rose again, they repopulated the reefs in shallower areas where other corals had died out. This rebound demonstrates how a single interruption might not eliminate a reef forever.



Most striking was the finding that this standstill persisted for nearly three millennia, which is a significant stretch in geological terms. 



The researchers believe the pause in coral growth coincided with a period of global cooling, which reduced sea levels enough to disrupt reef expansion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-threats-to-coral-reefs">Future threats to coral reefs</h2>



Coral <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral_bleach.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching</a> events have become more frequent in the past few decades, and have often been linked to the presence of warmer waters. Some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-bleaching-has-reached-catastrophic-levels-on-the-great-barrier-reef/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reefs</a> bounce back, but others suffer long-term harm, especially if pollution or destructive fishing adds stress to the situation.



Ocean <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/acidification.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">acidification</a> is another growing concern, as shifting pH levels can dissolve coral skeletons faster than they can regenerate. This chemical imbalance makes it tougher for new corals to build their stony foundations.



"Understanding how reefs have responded to past sea-level changes helps us predict their future resilience and informs conservation strategies," noted Dr. Torfstein.



"While our research shows that coral communities can recover after major disruptions, today’s climate crisis presents unprecedented challenges that demand urgent action."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-ancient-corals">Studying ancient corals</h2>



To investigate the environmental conditions in ancient times, the team drilled coral cores up to ten feet deep into the seafloor. 



Each layer in these samples contains evidence about the salinity, temperature, and ecological conditions at the time the coral skeleton was formed.



By comparing layers from different time periods, the researchers identified distinct phases of coral growth. 



One of the biggest revelations was a shift in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/physics-and-astronomy/carbon-isotopes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon isotopes</a> over recent centuries, suggesting increased human impact on local waters.



The approach of drilling and analyzing such extensive coral reef samples had been rarely applied in this region. It provided a way to see how these reefs evolved over the past 10,000 years, capturing both abrupt changes and gradual trends in the environmental indicators.



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



As scientists build on these findings, they understand more about the broader ocean changes that can happen over thousands of years. 



This perspective is critical, considering that short-term surveys often miss the subtle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-may-be-more-resilient-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shifts</a> that accumulate over centuries.



Many marine ecosystems, from kelp forests to seagrass meadows, also face stress from temperature swings and habitat loss. 



Learning from coral core records might help researchers anticipate shifts in other environments that share similar vulnerabilities.



Local communities in Eilat rely on healthy reefs for tourism and fishing, which raises the stakes for successful conservation. 



Some groups are exploring restoration projects, including transplanting young <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protecting-coral-reefs-is-a-matter-of-humans-rights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a> and monitoring water quality, to help reefs survive tough conditions.



The study is published in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70073" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Breaks in ancient coral growth reveal Earth's climate past

Coral reefs are known for their vibrant colors and abundant...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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