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...

Honey bees play a vital role in pollination, supporting food production and maintaining biodiversity. However, their populations have been declining due to multiple threats, including habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Among these dangers, one menace stands out - Varroa destructor mites.



These parasites latch onto honey <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-nutrition-is-key-to-honey-bee-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee</a> larvae, weakening entire colonies and leading to their collapse. Beekeepers have long battled these mites using various treatments, but a new study reveals that improper timing of these treatments could be causing more harm than good.



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> found that many beekeepers are not following recommended treatment schedules. As a result, their hives suffer higher losses than necessary.



The findings suggest that improving adherence to treatment guidelines could make a significant difference in bee survival rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varroa-mites-are-killing-bees">Varroa mites are killing bees</h2>



The study analyzed data from 4,339 beekeepers across 37 counties in England and Wales. Using information from the National Bee Unit’s <a href="https://www.nationalbeeunit.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BeeBase</a>, the researchers examined 18,700 colonies between 2016 and 2020.



By tracking Varroa mite treatments, they found that the type of treatment used was important, but its timing played an even greater role in determining colony survival. Delayed or premature applications led to a higher rate of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/winter-poses-a-challenge-to-the-survival-of-honey-bees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hive</a> losses, regardless of the treatment method.



"The main finding here was that a major cause of honeybee mortality could, in theory, be quite easy to reduce," said Dr. Thomas O'Shea-Wheller, lead author of the study from the University of Exeter.



The research challenges the assumption that the main threats to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-colonies-are-collapsing-as-climate-change-progresses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honey bees</a> come from new diseases or environmental changes. Instead, it points to an overlooked but controllable factor - adherence to treatment schedules.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-the-reproductive-cycle">Breaking the reproductive cycle</h2>



Mite populations increase rapidly throughout the beekeeping season, growing in an exponential pattern. This makes it essential for beekeepers to apply treatments at the correct moments to break the reproductive cycle of the mites.



"Although beekeepers are frequently treating for Varroa, a considerable proportion are missing key time points and thus experiencing higher losses than expected," said Dr. O'Shea-Wheller.



A common mistake among beekeepers is applying treatment too early or too late in the season. If treatment occurs too soon, it may not fully eliminate the mites, allowing them to rebound before the season ends. 



If applied too late, the mites will have already caused significant damage to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colony</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-untimely-treatment-leads-to-more-bee-deaths">Untimely treatment leads to more bee deaths</h2>



Varroa mites weaken honey bees by feeding on their bodily fluids, which reduces their ability to fight infections and diseases. As the mite population grows unchecked, the hive becomes more vulnerable to collapse.



"If you miss these, and apply a treatment too early or too late, then it will fail to properly suppress the mite population and growth will continue unchecked," said Dr. O'Shea-Wheller. 



"Missing the recommended treatment window is, I think, the largest cause of poor prognostic outcomes and associated colony mortality."



This mistiming does not just impact individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-and-flower-strips-improve-honey-bee-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hives</a>. The spread of Varroa mites from poorly treated colonies can affect neighboring hives, creating a wider problem for beekeeping communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-threat-of-resistance">Growing threat of resistance</h2>



Beyond colony losses, inconsistent treatment schedules also contribute to another serious issue - the rise of resistant Varroa mites. Similar to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, mites that survive mistimed or improperly applied treatments become more resistant to future applications.



"Varroa has been the primary cause of honey bee mortality for some years, and it seems that we're in a sort of arms race as the mites become increasingly resistant to acaricides," said Dr. O'Shea-Wheller. 



"Like with antibiotics, it's important to use Varroa treatments precisely as directed, because mistiming, overdosing, or underdosing can all increase the chances of the mites developing resistance."



This resistance forces beekeepers to rely on stronger or alternative treatments, which may not always be effective. If resistance continues to spread, managing Varroa mites will become even more challenging in the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-simple-yet-effective-solution">A simple yet effective solution</h2>



The research suggests that improving adherence to treatment guidelines could significantly reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-build-symmetrical-nests-not-for-beauty-but-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colony</a> losses. 



Unlike other threats to honey bees, such as climate change or habitat destruction, this is a problem that can be addressed immediately.



By ensuring that treatments are applied at the right time, beekeepers can not only protect their own hives but also help slow the spread of resistant mites. This change requires greater awareness, education, and commitment from beekeepers to follow best practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-bees-with-timely-varroa-treatment">Protecting bees with timely Varroa treatment</h2>



Honey bee populations face a range of threats, but the study highlights one key factor that can be controlled right away. Proper timing of Varroa mite treatments is a simple yet powerful step toward reducing colony losses.



With continued research and better adherence to treatment schedules, beekeepers can play a crucial role in safeguarding these vital pollinators. The future of honey bees depends on proactive solutions, and ensuring timely Varroa treatment is a crucial part of that effort.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.schweizerbart.de/papers/entomologia/detail/prepub/106352/A_large_scale_study_of_Varroa_destructor_treatment?af=crossref" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Entomologia Generalis</a>.



Image Credit: Fera Science



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Major cause of honeybee mortality can be easily reduced

Honey bees play a vital role in pollination, supporting food...

Often thought of as frozen rivers, the vast ice streams of Greenland and Antarctica serve a pivotal role in our climate system. Like sluggish streams of frosty honey, they ferry ice from the heartland sheets to the seas.



The steady movement of ice streams has long been considered predictable, with models assuming a continuous and gradual flow.



However, new findings suggest that beneath their seemingly smooth surface, these icy giants behave in ways that are more complex than we imagined.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-ice-movement">Rethinking ice movement</h2>



Previously, scientists used computer simulations to estimate how ice streams could impact sea-level rise.



These simulations have always been underpinned by a simple concept: the ice steadily and slowly flows into the sea. 



But satellite measurements have painted a different picture, revealing noticeable shortfalls in these simulations, leading to inaccurate results in how much ice is being lost, and consequently blurring our projections on sea-level rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior-of-ice-streams">Behavior of ice streams </h2>



A team of researchers at <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a>, led by Professor Andreas Fichtner, has discovered a startling fact about the behavior of ice streams.



Hidden deep in the icy belly of these streams, countless weak quakes are constantly unfolding, triggering each other and extending over hundreds of meters. 



“The assumption that ice streams only flow like viscous honey is no longer tenable. They also move with a constant stick-slip motion,” said Fichtner.



As these findings are integrated into future simulations, experts may be able to better predict sea-level changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-fault-planes">The mystery of fault planes </h2>



Interestingly, the discovery also resolves a longstanding puzzle about fault planes found between ice crystals in deep ice cores. These fault lines, the fallout from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamond-fountain-eruption-from-volcanoes-when-earth-continents-shift/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tectonic shifts</a>, have puzzled scientists for years.



“The fact that we’ve now discovered these ice quakes is a key step towards gaining a better understanding of the deformation of ice streams on small scales,” noted study co-author Olaf Eisen, a professor at the Alfred Wegener Institute.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-volcanic-twist">A volcanic twist</h2>



These ice quakes have remained unnoticed due to a layer of volcanic particles, situated 900 meters under the ice surface. 



The volcanic particles - traced back to a massive eruption of Mount Mazama about 7,700 years ago - block the quakes from reaching the surface.



Fichtner also pointed out that the ice quakes start from impurities in the ice, which are actually remnant sulphates from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcanic-eruptions-are-more-harmful-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic eruptions</a>, thus highlighting an unexpected connection between volcanic eruptions and ice stream dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revealing-hidden-seismic-activity">Revealing hidden seismic activity</h2>



The experts unraveled the mystery of ice quakes using a fiber-optic cable inserted into a 2,700-meter borehole, recording seismic data from within a massive ice stream. They used a borehole drilled for the East Greenland Ice-core Project.



The team dropped a fiber-optic cable deep into the borehole, capturing data from within the ice stream continuously over a 14-hour period.



The prospect of ice quakes is not just limited to the data site. Fichtner believes that they likely occur in ice streams globally. While verifying this will require further <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-map-shows-75-percent-of-the-u-s-at-risk-of-damaging-earthquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic</a> measurements in other boreholes, the team has already started working on it.



This research provides a fresh perspective on the ice-stream dynamics that play a crucial role in shaping our planet's future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-ice-stream-models">Rethinking ice stream models</h2>



The discovery of tiny ice quakes will reshape how scientists model ice streams and their role in global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-level rise</a>.



Traditional simulations assumed a steady, smooth flow of ice, but incorporating stick-slip motion into these models could refine predictions and provide more accurate assessments of future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-antarctic-sea-ice-loss-is-causing-severe-storms-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice loss</a>. 



By integrating real-time seismic monitoring with satellite data, the researchers aim to build a more comprehensive understanding of ice stream dynamics.



As the team continues to expand their studies to other ice streams around the world, these findings could mark a turning point in climate science, offering better tools to anticipate and mitigate the effects of a warming planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp8094" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Ice streams move unpredictably due to hidden quakes

Often thought of as frozen rivers, the vast ice streams...

An Australian team of astronomers has created a specialized way to sift through radio signals in space, looking to identify their sources. The experts studied bright flashes of energy that appear suddenly and then vanish almost as quickly.



The research was led by Dr. Andy Wang from the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy <a href="https://www.icrar.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(ICRAR)</a>. He and his collaborators tested a system that can pick out rare signals in the middle of enormous data streams.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-fast-radio-flashes">Tracking fast radio flashes</h2>



Scientists often refer to these bursts as <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1147532" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fast radio bursts</a>, which are intense radio waves that can release as much energy in a moment as the Sun does in a day. No one really knows what causes them, but they show up unexpectedly all over the sky.



“We were focused on finding fast radio bursts, a mysterious phenomenon that has opened up a new field of research in astronomy,” said Dr. Wang.



Experts have been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-x-ray-flashes-are-accelerating-in-a-black-hole/">studying these flashes</a> since they were first reported in 2007, yet they keep surprising us with odd variations.



The new CRACO system of analysis helped the team detect two of these quick radio signals in their pilot run. The system also identified two sporadically-emitting <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/universe/neutron-stars-are-weird/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron stars</a>, which are smaller cores left behind when massive stars burn out.



This fresh approach helped the researchers refine the positions of four <a href="https://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/science/objects/neutron_stars1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pulsars</a>, which are rotating stellar remnants that broadcast beams of energy at timed intervals.



The experts also detected more than 20 additional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-radio-bursts-are-even-more-mysterious-than-we-thought/">fast radio bursts</a> afterward, which was an unexpected bonus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-approach-with-craco">A new approach with CRACO</h2>



<a href="https://astronomy.curtin.edu.au/research/craft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRACO</a> involves a collection of powerful computers and accelerators. The system analyzes trillions of pixels of information received by telescopes linked to the <a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/about/facilities-collections/atnf/askap-radio-telescope" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ASKAP radio telescope</a> at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation <a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/research/technology-space/astronomy-space?start=0&amp;count=12" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(CSIRO)</a>.



ASKAP is an array of antennas in Western Australia that scans wide areas of the sky to catch radio signals.



“CRACO is enabling us to find these bursts better than ever before. We have been searching for bursts 100 times per second and in the future we expect this will increase to 1,000 times per second,” noted Dr. Wang. He expressed excitement about covering such vast swaths of data in real time.



CRACO looks at the sky in short, frequent snapshots. It filters out unnecessary noise and flags anything that might be a sudden spike in radio waves.



“That’s the equivalent of sifting through a whole beach of sand to look for a single five-cent coin every minute,” said Dr. Keith Bannister, the CSIRO astronomer and engineer who helped build the instrument. The speed of scanning reaches 100 billion pixels per second.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-period-radio-transients">Long-period radio transients</h2>



These bursts are not the only things drawing attention. The researchers also noticed long-period transients, which stay lit up for longer stretches compared to the super-fast flashes.



They appear to be unusual objects within our own galaxy, though they remain puzzling. Dr. Wang and his colleagues hope to gather more clues about their nature as CRACO expands its range.



Some transients turn off and on at unpredictable intervals. This irregular behavior makes them tricky to spot without a system that can constantly watch for changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-unknown">Mapping the unknown</h2>



Knowing where radio signals come from in the sky helps experts figure out if they originate in distant galaxies or close by. Each burst or transient could reveal details about the environment that produced it.



Scientists believe that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glitching-star-explains-cosmic-radio-bursts/">fast radio bursts</a> could travel across billions of light-years, carrying signs of how matter is distributed in that path. This might help map cosmic structures that are otherwise invisible.



When a burst’s location is pinned down, astronomers can compare that spot to optical data. If they locate a galaxy there, it hints at possible processes feeding the bursts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-for-fast-radio-signals">Hunting for fast radio signals</h2>



CRACO will soon be offered as part of the <a href="https://www.atnf.csiro.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australia Telescope National Facility</a>, managed by CSIRO. This opens it up globally to scientists who want to hunt for fast radio bursts and other odd signals.



“Once at full capacity, CRACO will be a game changer for international astronomy,” said Dr. Wang. He believes the technology will find more objects out in space that defy expectations.



ASKAP itself is part of a wave of next-generation tools that collect vast amounts of data. Innovations like CRACO will handle the load, scanning the input swiftly and tagging unusual patterns.



Researchers want to tune CRACO’s speed so it can scan 1,000 times each second. That pace could reveal bursts that are too short or rare to catch using older methods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-lies-ahead">What lies ahead</h2>



The next steps involve adopting more advanced <a href="https://arxiv.org/html/2501.16770v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radio astronomy</a> engineering. These improvements might capture bursts that flicker and vanish in less than 10 milliseconds.



Each detection is a chance to learn something new about the cosmos. CRACO’s quick response system can notify astronomers right away, who can then steer other telescopes toward that target.



Scientists hope this technology will guide them to new puzzles about star formations, neutron stars, or even black hole activity. Any new object that flickers in radio waves might be part of this expanding list.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-next-wave-of-radio-signals">The next wave of radio signals</h2>



CRACO’s data will be archived and shared. This ensures that researchers worldwide can investigate the signals without having to start from scratch.



Global collaboration often leads to discoveries that might have been missed by a single group. As more international teams plug into CRACO, more eyes will pore over the data.



Australia’s strong reputation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-radio-burst-frb-20240209a-detected-from-dead-galaxy-should-not-be-possible/">radio astronomy</a> rests on developments like ASKAP and CRACO. Astronomers praise these systems for their ability to process enormous datasets in near real time.



There is hope that the next wave of bursts and transients will shine a light on how galaxies form and evolve. Each flash tells a tiny story that, once pieced together, will help unravel cosmic mysteries.



The findings were published in the <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/publications-of-the-astronomical-society-of-australia/article/craft-coherent-craco-upgrade-i-system-description-and-results-of-the-110ms-radio-transient-pilot-survey/DDFC21A8ACFCAFE88561FC2856503558">Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia</a>.



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Scientists detect more than 20 mysterious radio signals from space

An Australian team of astronomers has created a specialized way...

Over the years, people have turned to licorice not just for a sugary pick-me-up but also for various health-related reasons. Ancient societies in Egypt, Rome, and Greece relied on this root to cure colds and other ailments. Today, there’s growing curiosity about how this medicinal plant might help the body.



Licorice contains a unique compound called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/glycyrrhizin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glycyrrhizin</a>, which has been studied for its influence on the immune system, digestion, and even mood. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-licorice-is-getting-attention">Why licorice is getting attention</h2>



Licorice root has been used in therapeutic settings for thousands of years. It is cultivated in regions across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, where people have appreciated its sweet flavor for both confectionery and health uses.



Modern researchers have examined whether consuming licorice regularly might support respiratory function or offer some relief for sore throats. Some of these effects may stem from its anti-inflammatory properties, which appear to calm irritated tissues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-licorice-on-digestion"> Impact of licorice on digestion</h2>



People often mention licorice as a remedy for upset stomachs. Early research suggested it may help by boosting mucus production in the stomach, which could protect the lining from acid irritation. Supporters of the root also claim it can ease indigestion and reduce gas.



The challenge begins if portions get too large. In that case, licorice might put certain individuals at risk for adverse effects like elevated blood pressure or lower potassium levels, which can trigger problems with heart rhythm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-of-licorice-on-mood">Effects of licorice on mood</h2>



Some people have used licorice for a mood boost. It contains a range of compounds that might offer support to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-has-its-own-mini-brain-that-controls-its-beat/">nervous system</a>, including nutrients that can influence one’s energy and outlook.



Still, experts recommend staying aware of personal tolerance levels. For some people, consuming licorice can cause jittery feelings and unusual heart activity, so they should not eat too much licorice candy or tea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caution-around-certain-health-conditions">Caution around certain health conditions</h2>



There is evidence that licorice can play a helpful role for individuals working through respiratory issues or trying to quit smoking.



Many turn to the root as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/e-cigarettes-linked-to-increased-risk-of-heart-failure/">substitute for cigarettes</a>, but that approach should be weighed against any predisposition to high blood pressure.



“Licorice root is generally considered safe as a food ingredient, but it can cause serious side effects when consumed in large amounts or for long periods of time,” noted the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (<a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root">NCCIH</a>). 



Individuals with kidney issues or heart ailments may want to avoid heavy licorice consumption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-excessive-licorice-intake">Excessive licorice intake</h2>



Dr. Decio Armanini from the Endocrinology Unit at the <a href="https://www.unipd.it/en/university-hospital" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Hospital of Padua</a> has conducted extensive research on the effects of licorice consumption, particularly its impact on hormones. He also warns about the potential impacts of eating too much licorice. 



For example, glycyrrhizin can lead to an increase in cortisol levels by inhibiting the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2. 



This enzyme normally helps convert active cortisol into its inactive form, cortisone. As a result, excessive licorice intake can mimic symptoms of conditions like Cushing's syndrome.



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



Licorice has traveled across centuries and cultures as a multiuse herb. The root can be an ally when used wisely, but it can also become an unwelcome influence if overused.



Moderation is the key. Some people have reported great results by taking small amounts of licorice in lozenges to soothe sore throats, especially after medical procedures. Others find it helpful in managing mild digestive troubles.



If you're interested in exploring licorice for its potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-delays-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health benefits</a>, consider starting with small servings of high-quality licorice teas or dietary supplements from reputable sources. 



Licorice contains compounds that can influence various bodily functions, including blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Because of this, it's important to monitor for any changes in heart function, blood pressure, or fluid retention, especially if you have a history of hypertension, heart disease, or kidney issues. 



Consulting with a healthcare provider before incorporating licorice into your routine is advisable, as it can interact with certain medications and may not be suitable for everyone.



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'Candy' plant has revitalizing effects on the body, but only in moderation

Over the years, people have turned to licorice not just...

It’s widely believed that eating animal products gave early human relatives a boost in developing larger brains and stronger bodies.&nbsp;Many have argued that meat-based diets launched a chain reaction in our evolution, and that protein intake was linked to bigger brains and higher intelligence.



But new research is presenting a different picture of some ancient relatives: they might not have been munching on meat as often as we assumed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tooth-enamel-reveals-a-plant-diet">Tooth enamel reveals a plant diet</h2>



Researchers analyzed tooth enamel in seven <a href="https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/australopithecus-and-kin-145077614/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australopithecus</a> specimens uncovered in <a href="https://popular-archaeology.com/article/sterkfontein-a-history-of-evolution-in-the-cradle-of-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sterkfontein, South Africa</a>, and found that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-had-surprising-diets-3-5-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early hominins</a> consumed mostly plant-based foods.&nbsp;



The work used a method for measuring stable <a href="https://wwwrcamnl.wr.usgs.gov/isoig/period/n_iig.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen isotopes</a> in fossilized enamel. Specialists in human origins have looked to nitrogen isotopes for diet clues in more recent remains, but the technology has now been applied to samples that are millions of years old.



“Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue of the mammalian body and can preserve the isotopic fingerprint of an animal’s diet for millions of years,” explained <a href="https://www.mpic.de/person/123706/2285" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Tina Lüdecke</a>, a geochemist at the <a href="https://www.wits.ac.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Witwatersrand</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meat-free-diet-challenges-big-brain-hypothesis">Meat-free diet challenges big brain hypothesis</h2>



Many hypotheses <a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/204350" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">link</a> meat consumption to expanded brain size in our lineage. Some researchers <a href="https://nature.berkeley.edu/miltonlab/pdfs/meateating.pdf">note</a> that dense protein sources could have contributed to physiological changes, allowing for more complex cognition.&nbsp;



The findings from Sterkfontein, however, indicate that these particular Australopithecus individuals didn’t eat a lot of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-diets-early-humans-richer-berries-nuts-plants-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meat</a>.



Their nitrogen isotope ratios aligned with those of herbivores from the same timeframe, hinting at a diet that was plant-based rather than meat-centric.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen-isotope-method">Nitrogen isotope method</h2>



Scientists previously faced a big hurdle: organic matter degrades in bones older than about 200,000 years. 



This new <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10082005/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approach</a> recovers nitrogen signals locked within tooth enamel, and can give us answers about diet dating much further back in time.



Researchers examined the enamel from these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-diet-deer-and-trout-were-on-the-menu-10000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hominins</a> and other animals. Herbivores showed distinct nitrogen isotope signatures compared to carnivores. 



The isotope ratios in Australopithecus enamel specimens looked much more like the ratios found in the herbivore group, suggesting that the hominins had a limited meat intake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-humans-did-not-have-a-meat-based-diet">Early humans did not have a meat-based diet</h2>



Legumes, seeds, and insects could still have been on the menu. Some <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/17/science/tools-suggest-early-human-termite-diet.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experts</a> think termites might have been an occasional source of protein. But the <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2022/january/human-ancestor-homo-erectus-probably-wasnt-carnivore-we-thought.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientists</a> noted that nothing in the results indicates frequent or heavy hunting of mammals.&nbsp;



The findings fit with other archaeological evidence that hasn’t yet confirmed systematic meat consumption among early hominins at this period in time.



“Our method opens up exciting possibilities for understanding human evolution,” said <a href="https://www.mpic.de/4493238/alfredo-martinez-garcia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Martínez-García</a>, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, who <a href="https://www.mpg.de/17039594/annual-report-2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emphasized</a> the significance of this approach.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greater-context-in-hominin-evolution">Greater context in hominin evolution</h2>



Australopithecus is a well-known genus of early hominins that walked upright and lived in parts of Africa between roughly 4 and 2 million years ago.



<a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/australopithecus-afarensis-lucy-species.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lucy</a>, discovered in 1974, is the most famous example of these ancient relatives. They had smaller brains than modern humans but were already showing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-hunter-gatherer-ancestors-did-much-more-gathering-than-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">certain traits</a> that set them apart from other primates, such as upright posture.&nbsp;



Speculations about their eating habits have varied, with some thinking they might have combined plant foods with regular meat. This new evidence challenges that notion for at least one population of Australopithecus.



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



Trying to unravel hominin diets helps anthropologists figure out what shaped our bodies and minds. Did meat-eating diets truly set the stage for rapid growth in brain volume and sophisticated tools?



Or were these changes linked to other factors like social cooperation, broader food choices, or climatic shifts? 



Understanding that australopithecines didn’t rely heavily on meat raises fresh questions about what triggered key developments in our lineage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossils-reveal-plant-based-diet-not-meat">Fossils reveal plant-based diet, not meat</h2>



Sterkfontein has been a hotbed of discoveries for nearly a century. 



Excavations at this <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/915" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a> have produced many fossil finds, including some of the earliest evidence of bipedal hominins. Even after so many decades, the site continues to surprise.



“The research provides clear evidence that its diet did not contain significant amounts of meat,” said <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/anthropology/faculty-and-staff/stratford-d.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Dominic Stratford</a>, Director of Research at the Sterkfontein Caves. 



Studies of early hominin diets will keep evolving as technology improves. Analyzing tooth enamel for nitrogen might open a doorway to insights about other ancient species, and shed light on their place in the food chain.



That, in turn, informs the story of our family tree.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq7315" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Meat wasn't on the menu for our ancient hominin ancestors

It’s widely believed that eating animal products gave early human...

Fear shapes human behavior in profound ways, influencing our reactions and survival responses. While some fears are innate, others can be unlearned through experience, a process that has long intrigued neuroscientists. 



Now, researchers have identified a crucial brain pathway that helps suppress fear, and sheds new light on how we adapt to perceived threats.



The findings could pave the way for innovative treatments for fear-related disorders such as phobias, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).



The study, conducted by scientists at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/gatsby/about/sainsbury-wellcome-centre" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWC</a>) at UCL, unravels the neural mechanisms behind fear suppression, and offers a fresh perspective on the role of learning, memory, and emotional regulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brain-helps-us-unlearn-fear">The brain helps us unlearn fear</h2>



Led by Dr. Sara Mederos and Professor Sonja Hofer, the research team investigated how we unlearn fear.



"Humans are born with instinctive fear reactions, such as responses to loud noises or fast-approaching objects," said Dr. Mederos.



"However, we can override these instinctive responses through experience - like children learning to enjoy fireworks rather than fear their loud bangs. We wanted to understand the brain mechanisms that underlie such forms of learning."



The researchers employed a novel experimental approach using mice. They observed that when presented with a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primal-instincts-kick-in-when-a-threat-appears-too-close/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perceived threat</a> - an overhead expanding shadow that mimicked an aerial predator - the mice initially sought shelter.



Over time, however, they learned to remain calm, giving the researchers a model for studying how we suppress our fear responses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-brain-s-fear-pathway">Decoding the brain's fear pathway</h2>



Expanding on their previous findings, the team studied the ventrolateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN), a brain region that can suppress fear responses when active. They also explored its role in tracking past experiences of threats.



Two significant findings emerged. First, particular regions of the visual cortex were essential for learning. Second, the vLGN stored the memories that were formed during this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zombie-neurons-shed-new-light-on-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning process</a>.



“We found that animals failed to learn to suppress their fear responses when specific cortical visual areas were inactivated. However, once the animals had already learned to stop escaping, the cerebral cortex was no longer necessary,” explained Dr. Mederos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-learning-and-memory">New perspective on learning and memory</h2>



These discoveries challenge conventional beliefs about learning and memory. 



"While the cerebral cortex has long been considered the brain's primary center for learning, memory and behavioral flexibility, we found the subcortical vLGN, and not the visual cortex, actually stores these crucial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-reboots-the-brain-making-room-for-new-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memories</a>," said Professor Hofer.



"This neural pathway can provide a link between cognitive neocortical processes and ‘hard-wired’ brainstem-mediated behaviors, enabling animals to adapt instinctive behaviors.”



The team also revealed the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind this process. Learning occurs through increased neural activity in certain vLGN neurons, and is prompted by the release of endocannabinoids, which are known to regulate mood and memory. 



This leads to heightened activity in this brain area when encountering a visual threat, thereby suppressing fear responses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-directions">Implications and future directions</h2>



The value of these findings could reach far beyond the laboratory. 



"Our findings could also help advance our understanding of what is going wrong in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-human-brain-decides-which-memories-to-remember/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> when fear response regulation is impaired in conditions such as phobias, anxiety and PTSD," said Professor Hofer.



"While instinctive fear reactions to predators may be less relevant for modern humans, the brain pathway we discovered exists in humans too."



Next, the team will collaborate with clinical researchers to further explore these brain circuits in humans. The goal is to create new, targeted treatments for maladaptive fear responses and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-discovery-social-anxiety-can-be-targeted-in-the-gut/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a> disorders. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-research-and-treatment">Bridging research and treatment</h2>



The discovery of this fear-regulating brain pathway could have profound implications for mental health treatment. 



By understanding how the brain suppresses instinctive fear responses, researchers may be able to develop new therapies for individuals struggling with fear-based disorders.



Traditional treatments, such as exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, rely on retraining the brain to respond differently to fear-inducing stimuli. 



However, targeting the vLGN directly could offer a more precise approach that leads to faster and more effective treatments.



As scientists continue to map the brain’s intricate fear circuitry, the hope is that these insights will translate into breakthroughs in mental health care, offering relief to millions affected by excessive or maladaptive fear responses.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr2247" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



Image Credit: Sainsbury Wellcome Centre



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Brain pathway discovered that suppresses fear

Fear shapes human behavior in profound ways, influencing our reactions...

Quantum computing has moved from academic circles to everyday tech discussions. Many people wonder if these futuristic machines will soon handle tasks that push the limits of standard processors.



This question got a boost from Google, which shared an optimistic <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/google-says-commercial-quantum-computing-applications-arriving-within-five-years-2025-02-05/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">timeline</a> that contrasts with more cautious forecasts. 



<a href="https://research.google/people/hartmutneven/?&amp;type=google" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hartmut Neven</a> of Google Quantum AI has drawn attention to the possibility of commercial quantum <a href="https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/quantum-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">computing</a> breakthroughs sooner than expected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-quantum-computing-different">What makes quantum computing different</h2>



Classical computers operate by processing data one step at a time. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doped-diamonds-discovery-may-reshape-quantum-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum systems</a> work with <a href="https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/qubit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">qubits</a>, which can encode multiple values at once and promise exponential increases in computing power.



This difference matters for certain complex problems, especially in materials science and drug discovery. 



Designing new molecules or screening vast chemical spaces often strains current hardware, leaving researchers eager for a system that can test scenarios with staggering depth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-five-year-bet">The five-year bet</h2>



"We’re optimistic that within five years we’ll see real-world applications that are possible only on quantum computers," Hartmut Neven said in a statement.



Some research groups see a path to better <a href="https://www.cisa.gov/topics/cybersecurity-best-practices" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cybersecurity</a> tools and energy-efficient processes if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> machines achieve the speed and scale predicted by Google. 



Industry watchers note that large companies and governments have been investing heavily to maintain a competitive edge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-others-disagree">Why others disagree</h2>



Not everyone buys the five-year horizon. "If you kind of said 15 years... that'd probably be on the early side," said <a href="https://nvidianews.nvidia.com/bios/jensen-huang" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jensen Huang</a>, CEO of Nvidia, at an <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/quantum-computing-stocks-take-hit-nvidia-ceo-predicts-long-road-ahead-2025-01-08/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">event</a> in January.



Some experts prefer a longer timeline, suggesting that building error-free <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-cold-molecules-poised-to-revolutionize-quantum-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum systems</a> will remain an uphill climb. Uncertain hardware designs and unpredictable funding cycles contribute to the skepticism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-impacts-of-quantum-computing">Practical impacts of quantum computing</h2>



Companies hoping to create new batteries for electric cars stand to benefit. 



Analysts believe advanced quantum processors could help test more efficient designs that store energy for longer drives without guesswork.



Scientists in drug discovery picture a faster way to simulate molecular interactions. That could save years of lab work and cut costs for patients who need new treatments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fresh-approach-to-simulation">Fresh approach to simulation</h2>



A team of Google scientists has outlined a new approach that centers on <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1666-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum simulation</a>. Their paper highlights techniques for handling complex interactions in ways classical hardware struggles to manage.



Many researchers see simulation-based breakthroughs as an essential step. The success of these methods might pave the way for tasks like predicting chemical reactions with higher accuracy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-over-cybersecurity">Concerns over cybersecurity</h2>



Banks and government agencies pay close attention to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-quantum-computers-just-got-easier-with-new-technique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum progress</a>. They know that the algorithms guarding financial data might be at risk once quantum computers crack encryption that is safe against classical machines.



Scientists are exploring encryption standards labeled post-quantum to counter that risk. These novel methods aim to protect sensitive information if quantum computing power ramps up faster than expected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-quantum-computing-matter">Why does quantum computing matter?</h2>



The conversation around quantum computing sometimes recalls how artificial intelligence started as an academic pursuit and then exploded in widespread use. 



ChatGPT changed the perception of AI, and many wonder if a similar leap could happen with quantum machines.



Some business leaders worry about unpredictable timeframes. They fear missing out on a major transition if they dismiss quantum tools too soon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hardware-hurdles">Hardware hurdles</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/schrodingers-cat-put-into-silicon-chip-may-be-holy-grail-for-error-proof-quantum-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum</a> chips are notoriously fragile. Each qubit needs a carefully controlled environment to maintain a delicate state, which requires specialized facilities and constant monitoring.



Engineers are refining designs to reduce error rates. They look to scale up qubits without losing the stability needed for correct results.



Governments in the United States, China, and Europe have invested large sums to lead in quantum technology. Researchers hope quantum computing projects will produce robust platforms and train a new generation of experts.



Startups have also joined the race by focusing on software or specialized hardware. Some work on smaller quantum processors that can handle targeted tasks, offering a stepping stone to bigger platforms later.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-expectations">Managing expectations</h2>



Skeptics caution that early quantum machines may not instantly solve big problems. Real-world results could arrive in stages, as incremental improvements accumulate.



Yet the possibilities continue to spark interest from industries that crave faster computations. A single breakthrough in hardware stability could trigger a flurry of practical demos.



Google’s timeline points to a milestone that many see as both thrilling and uncertain. It sets a marker for teams worldwide to push each other in a race that is as much about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/code-breaking-encryption-quantum-computers-takes-big-step-closer-to-becoming-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">engineering</a> as scientific discovery.



Big announcements often fuel excitement and speculation. For now, the path remains challenging, but the promise of quantum computing keeps drawing top minds to the lab.



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Google claims commercial quantum computing is just five years away

Quantum computing has moved from academic circles to everyday tech...

People everywhere want to extend their healthy years, yet many remain unaware that their blood type could play a part in the pace of aging. The results of a new study suggest that individuals with <a href="https://www.blood.co.uk/why-give-blood/blood-types/b-positive-blood-type/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood group B</a> may experience a slower aging process, sparking plenty of questions about what sets this group apart.



<a href="https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/tony-wyss-coray" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tony Wyss-Coray</a> from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> has spent years exploring these biological mysteries with a keen eye on the role that blood factors play in overall vitality.



His research highlights how blood can provide important clues about our body's wear and tear as we grow older.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-blood-group-b">Understanding blood group B</h2>



Blood types are determined by specific markers on red blood cells and by the antibodies that circulate in our bloodstream. 



In the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/abo-blood-group-system" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ABO blood group system</a>, people with group B have the B antigen on their red blood cells and produce antibodies against the A antigen.



Only around 10% of the global population falls into this category. 



<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21173130/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> have examined whether this unique marker might contribute to a more efficient handling of metabolic changes, which could help these individuals age more slowly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longevity-factors">Longevity factors</h2>



Decades ago, scientists began investigating the connection between blood types and lifespan.&nbsp;



“Our findings suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-blood-type-determine-your-stroke-risk/">blood type B</a> might be associated with exceptional longevity,” concluded Shimizu and colleagues, from Tokyo, in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0531556504002463">2004</a>. Experts have looked deeper into why this group might outlast others.



Some point to better cellular repair and regeneration mechanisms. Others suggest that their bodies handle metabolic stress more smoothly, which might shield them against certain age-related health problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-downsides">Possible downsides</h2>



Scientists note that people with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-genetic-mutation-has-given-rise-to-a-new-blood-group-mal-system/">blood group</a> B are not immune to health risks. Researchers have identified a slightly higher likelihood of cardiovascular concerns among these individuals. 



Good eating habits, regular exercise, and stress management can lower this vulnerability.



This group also has a reputation for higher emotional sensitivity, and some say they need a strong support system in order to maintain good mental health. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organ-aging-insights">Organ aging insights</h2>



Growing <a href="https://newsroom.uw.edu/news-releases/scientists-unravel-mystery-of-uneven-aging-in-the-body" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> points to aging as an uneven process in different parts of the body. Some organs can deteriorate faster than others, which raises the specter of illness, even if a person seems healthy on the outside.



One large study examined more than 5,000 volunteers to gauge the biological age of 11 organs by checking levels of over 4,000 proteins in the bloodstream. 



This <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39117878/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> showed that roughly 20% of the population experiences accelerated aging in at least one organ.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-based-approach">Blood-based approach</h2>



Existing methods often measure epigenetic changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-damage-can-persist-for-years-increasing-cancer-risks/">DNA</a> to predict overall aging. That typically requires tissue samples, which are tricky to collect from every organ. 



Blood, however, is more accessible and can offer a snapshot of the levels of proteins linked to various internal systems.



Machine learning tools sort through thousands of these proteins. They then match levels of specific proteins to individual organs, revealing which parts might be aging faster than expected. 



This information could be used to create personalized strategies for slowing down deterioration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-considerations">Practical considerations</h2>



The thought of identifying an aging organ before serious symptoms appear is appealing, yet it raises important questions. 



Knowing you have a high risk of kidney or heart disease might inspire extra vigilance, but it can also stir up anxiety if no direct cure exists.



Experts recommend balancing that knowledge with preventive steps. For people with blood group B, a careful check on cardiovascular health may be a good idea, in addition to managing stress levels that might influence emotional well-being.



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



While statistics spark our interest, everyday habits usually determine how these findings play out. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-secret-ingredient-to-healthy-aging-your-midlife-diet/">Maintaining a good diet</a>, staying active, getting enough rest, and nurturing strong relationships all help stabilize physical and emotional health.



Researchers encourage anyone curious about their aging process to consider all possible factors. Blood type B may help explain certain traits, but it is not the only player in this puzzle.



Access to advanced blood-based testing for all still lies down the road. If it becomes more common, people may be able to spot small red flags for particular organs and take action sooner.



Wyss-Coray's work shows that a simple blood draw can pull back the curtain on hidden changes in different parts of the body. 



This could pave the way for more focused care, especially for folks eager to maintain a high quality of life as they grow older.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15501027/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Experimental Gerontology</a>.



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People with this blood group age more slowly, according to new research

People everywhere want to extend their healthy years, yet many...

The human brain is one of the most complex structures in nature, setting our species apart from all others. Understanding how it evolved remains one of the most fascinating questions in science. 



A new study from Yale University offers fresh insights into this mystery by examining specific genetic changes that influenced brain development.



By studying a class of genetic switches known as human accelerated regions (HARs), researchers have uncovered how these sequences fine-tune gene expression. 



The findings challenge previous assumptions and reveal a more intricate process at play.



This research not only deepens knowledge about human evolution but also sheds light on conditions linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-genes-to-genius-what-makes-the-human-brain-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain function</a>, such as autism and schizophrenia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-human-accelerated-regions">Role of human accelerated regions</h2>



HARs are sections of DNA that evolved rapidly in humans compared to other species. They regulate gene activity by determining when, where, and how much a gene is expressed. 



Scientists have long suspected that HARs played a crucial role in shaping the human brain, but their exact influence remained unclear.



Earlier research suggested that HARs might control different genes in humans than they do in chimpanzees, our closest primate relatives. The new study, however, paints a different picture. 



Instead of altering which genes are controlled, HARs appear to adjust the activity of existing genes, influencing how neurons form, grow, and communicate. 



This subtle yet powerful mechanism likely contributed to the evolution of uniquely human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive abilities</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-interactions-in-the-human-brain">Genetic interactions in the human brain</h2>



To understand the effects of HARs, the research team used cutting-edge methods to study their interactions with genes and neural stem cells. 



These advanced techniques allowed them to identify gene targets for nearly all HARs, marking a major step forward in evolutionary genetics.



The study was led by James Noonan, the Albert E. Kent Professor of Genetics at the <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Medicine</a>.



"The results reveal that HARs largely regulate the same genes in both species, particularly those involved in brain development," Noonan explained.



"However, HARs adjust gene expression levels differently in humans, suggesting that evolutionary changes to brain function emerged not by reinventing genetic pathways but by modifying their output."



By refining gene expression rather than creating entirely new pathways, evolution shaped the brain’s function in a precise and efficient manner. This discovery challenges long-held theories and opens up new avenues for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-brains-create-three-copies-of-every-memory-we-make/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-gene-targets">Identifying gene targets</h2>



Understanding which genes are influenced by HARs is crucial for decoding their role in evolution. 



Previously, scientists had only been able to identify gene targets for a small fraction of HARs - ranging from 7 to 21 percent. This limited knowledge left many questions unanswered.



The challenge stemmed from technological constraints. Earlier studies relied on less precise methods, making it difficult to determine which genes are actually controlled by human accelerated regions.



Some estimates even included genes that might not have been targets at all. Without accurate data, researchers could only speculate about HARs’ true impact on brain development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-human-brain">Mapping the human brain</h2>



To overcome these challenges, the Yale team applied an innovative technique that allowed them to map the genome in three dimensions. 



This approach enabled them to track how HARs interact with genes in human and chimpanzee <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-the-speed-at-which-the-brain-processes-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neural</a> stem cells. 



As a result, they were able to identify gene targets for almost 90% of all HARs—a significant breakthrough in the field.



"Having a more complete picture now opens up a vast new landscape of things scientists can do," noted Atreyo Pal, a graduate student in genetics at Yale and first author of the study.



By identifying more HAR gene targets, scientists can now explore how these genetic elements shaped brain evolution in greater detail. 



This progress also has implications beyond evolutionary biology, offering potential insights into neurological conditions linked to HARs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-brain-development-and-mental-health">Early brain development and mental health</h2>



Many of the genes regulated by HARs are active during early brain development. They influence the formation of neurons, guide their growth, and ensure proper communication between brain cells. 



These functions are critical for shaping cognitive abilities, memory, and overall brain function.



Some HAR-regulated genes are also linked to neurological conditions such as autism and schizophrenia. 



This connection suggests that while HARs played a key role in human brain evolution, they may have also contributed to vulnerabilities in mental health.



Understanding these links could provide new insights into the biological basis of such disorders.



"Our findings also show that HAR gene targets are expressed in particular cell types in the developing human brain, including cell types that may have contributed to the increased size of our brain," Pal elaborated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-avenues-for-human-brain-research">New avenues for human brain research</h2>



The discovery of additional HAR gene targets marks a turning point in the study of human evolution. 



Scientists now have a clearer picture of how genetic changes influenced brain development, paving the way for further research into cognitive function and neurological disorders.



"Before, we didn't know what many of the genes that HARs controlled were or what their biological functions were. We didn't have the full picture. Now, this opens up many new avenues for us to understand how HARs contributed to the evolution of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-time-and-space-interact-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>," noted Noonan.



With new tools and expanded knowledge, researchers are equipped to explore deeper questions about human intelligence, brain function, and the genetic forces that shaped our species.



This study represents a major step forward in unraveling the genetic blueprint that made us uniquely human.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674(25)00036-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>.



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Subtle DNA changes shaped human brain evolution

The human brain is one of the most complex structures...

What if the key to extraterrestrial life isn’t hidden in the vastness of the cosmos, but in the tiny movements of microbes? The search for life beyond Earth has captivated humanity for generations, fueling both science fiction adventures and serious space exploration.



One intriguing approach is to observe the spontaneous movement of microorganisms - a key indicator of life. When specific chemicals trigger this movement, the phenomenon is known as chemotaxis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alien-life-detection-with-microbes">Alien life detection with microbes</h2>



Researchers in Germany have now developed a simplified method to induce chemotactic movement in some of Earth's smallest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diverse-life-forms-from-800-million-years-ago-redefine-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life forms</a>. Ultimately, learning how microbes move could make the detection of alien life more efficient.



“We tested three types of microbes - two bacteria and one type of archaea - and found that they all moved toward a chemical called L-serine,” said Max Riekeles, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.tu.berlin/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Berlin</a>.



“This movement, known as chemotaxis, could be a strong indicator of life and could guide future space missions looking for living organisms on Mars or other planets.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-that-defy-extremes">Microbes that defy extremes</h2>



The microorganisms selected for the study are known for their resilience in extreme conditions. 



Bacillus subtilis, highly motile in its spore form, can endure temperatures up to 100°C (212°F). Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis, isolated from Antarctic waters, thrives between -2.5°C (27.5°F) and 29°C (84.2°F). 



Meanwhile, the archaeon Haloferax volcanii is adapted to the high-salinity environments of the Dead Sea.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/23-new-marine-bacteria-species-discovered-that-influence-global-ocean-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bacteria</a> and archaea are two of the oldest forms of life on Earth, but they move in different ways and evolved motility systems independently from each other,” Riekeles explained. “By testing both groups, we can make life detection methods more reliable for space missions.”



The amino acid L-serine, which has been shown to trigger chemotaxis in various life forms, was used to stimulate movement in the microorganisms. 



Scientists speculate that if extraterrestrial life exists on Mars and shares biochemical similarities with Earth life, Martian microbes could also be attracted to L-serine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-method-for-alien-life-detection">Simple method for alien life detection</h2>



The study revealed that L-serine acted as an attractant for all three species. 



“Especially the usage of H. volcanii broadens the scope of potential life forms that can be detected using chemotaxis-based methodologies, even when it is known that some archaea possess chemotactic systems,” Riekeles explained. 



“Since H. volcanii is thriving in extreme salty environments, it could be a good model for the kinds of life we might find on Mars.”



To achieve this, the researchers used a straightforward technique which included a slide with two chambers separated by a thin membrane. The microorganisms were placed on one side, while L-serine was introduced on the other.



“If the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-microbes-discovered-in-2-billion-year-old-rocks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> are alive and able to move, they swim toward the L-serine through the membrane,” Riekeles explained. “This method is easy, affordable, and doesn’t require powerful computers to analyze the results.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achieving-more-with-fewer-resources">Achieving more with fewer resources </h2>



For this technique to be used on extraterrestrial life-detection missions, however, certain modifications will be necessary.



“Smaller and more robust equipment that can survive the harsh conditions of space travel and a system that can work automatically without human intervention are two of them,” noted the researchers.



Once these challenges are addressed, microbial movement could help uncover life in unexpected corners of the cosmos - perhaps even in the subsurface ocean of Jupiter’s moon Europa.



“This approach could make life detection cheaper and faster, helping future missions achieve more with fewer resources,” concluded Riekeles. “It could be a simple way to look for life on future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-missions-prepare-intense-solar-storms-coming-red-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars missions</a> and a useful addition for direct motility observation techniques.”



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



The implications of this research extend beyond Mars. If chemotaxis can serve as a universal biosignature, future missions could deploy similar methods to detect life in other extraterrestrial environments. 



Europa, Enceladus, and Titan - with their subsurface oceans and organic-rich chemistry - are prime candidates for exploration.



Chemotaxis-based detection could be particularly useful in missions targeting icy moons, where microbial ecosystems may exist beneath thick ice layers. 



These environments pose challenges for direct observation, making indirect detection methods like chemotaxis especially valuable.



This new approach could also complement existing life-detection techniques, such as atmospheric biosignature analysis and organic molecule detection.



By integrating multiple strategies, scientists can improve the reliability of extraterrestrial life detection and refine future astrobiology missions.



As space agencies plan the next steps in the search for alien life, this simplified test on the movement of microbes could become a key tool in identifying signs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-compound-suggests-that-life-beyond-earth-could-be-common/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life beyond Earth</a>.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/astronomy-and-space-sciences/articles/10.3389/fspas.2024.1490090/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences</a>.



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Finding alien life may be as simple as watching microbes move

What if the key to extraterrestrial life isn’t hidden in...

Blue whales, the largest creatures on Earth, have long captivated scientists and the public alike. Reaching lengths of up to 100 feet (30 meters), these immense mammals depend on huge quantities of krill - tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans - to sustain their colossal bodies.&nbsp;



Historically, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-whales-continue-their-battle-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blue whales</a>, along with other baleen whales, roamed the oceans in great numbers, filtering seawater for small marine life. However, the past century brought intensive commercial whaling that nearly eradicated them.&nbsp;



Intriguingly, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-krill-are-natures-unexpected-carbon-warriors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">krill</a> populations also plummeted instead of thriving in predator-free waters, and neither species has fully rebounded. This paradox has prompted scientists to investigate whales’ larger role in marine ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whales-as-nutrient-recyclers-nbsp">Whales as nutrient recyclers&nbsp;</h2>



A new study from <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> (UW) oceanographers offers insight into this mystery. The research suggests that whales may act not just as top predators but also as crucial nutrient recyclers, fertilizing the open ocean through their excrement.&nbsp;



By providing essential trace metals like iron and non-toxic forms of copper, whales may bolster phytoplankton productivity, thereby sustaining the food web from the bottom up.



“We made novel measurements of whale feces to assess how important whales are to recycling important nutrients for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-from-africa-sparked-a-massive-phytoplankton-bloom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a>,” said first author Patrick Monreal, a UW doctoral student in oceanography.&nbsp;



“Our analysis suggests that the decimation of baleen whale populations from historical whaling could have had larger biogeochemical implications for the Southern Ocean, an area crucially important to global carbon cycling.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-poop-and-a-nutrient-puzzle-nbsp">Whale poop and a nutrient puzzle&nbsp;</h2>



For decades, scientists assumed that if whale numbers fell, then their primary prey - krill - would flourish in predator-free waters. Instead, krill populations declined as well. This conundrum spurred the idea that whales might be more than mere consumers, potentially playing a vital role in fertilizing the waters they inhabit.&nbsp;



In particular, the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, with its strong currents and nutrient-rich upwelling, is recognized as a key player in climate regulation.&nbsp;



Despite the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-draining-nutrients-from-the-oceans-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient</a> content in deep water, essential elements such as iron can be in short supply at the surface, limiting phytoplankton growth. Without abundant phytoplankton, krill lack the food needed to sustain their populations.



Understanding this dynamic is crucial because phytoplankton, akin to terrestrial plants, form the foundation of marine food webs. They convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into organic matter, sequestering carbon and fueling the entire oceanic community.&nbsp;



If whale waste - rich in iron and other trace metals - once stimulated massive phytoplankton blooms, the decimation of whales could have curtailed this nutrient supply. This may have contributed to declines in krill and reshaped oceanic ecosystems in ways still felt today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gathering-and-analyzing-whale-waste">Gathering and analyzing whale waste</h2>



To investigate whales’ nutrient contribution, researchers collected five fecal samples: two from humpback whales in the Southern Ocean and three from blue whales off central California.&nbsp;



Although securing such samples might sound challenging, opportunistic collection is possible when whales defecate at the surface - whale excrement floats, forming a distinctive cloud that can be scooped up with a small net.



“The nice thing, I guess, is that whale excrement floats,” said senior author Randie Bundy, an assistant professor of oceanography at UW.



Previously, scientists had documented high levels of nitrogen and carbon in whale poop, but the new study focused on trace metals, substances often lacking far from land but essential for phytoplankton growth.&nbsp;



The team analyzed the whale feces for iron, known to be especially limited in the Southern Ocean, as well as copper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iron-copper-and-the-microbial-connection">Iron, copper, and the microbial connection</h2>



All five samples showed substantial iron content, reinforcing the hypothesis that whale waste functions as a fertilizer in nutrient-poor waters. The presence of copper astonished the researchers.



“We were really shocked by how much copper was in the whale poop. We initially thought, ‘Oh, no, is the whale poop actually toxic?’” Bundy said.



A deeper analysis indicated that the copper atoms were bound to organic ligands, molecules that render copper safe and bioavailable for marine life. These ligands also appear to help phytoplankton access iron more effectively.&nbsp;



The scientists suspect that gut microbes living within the whales may generate these ligands, acting as microscopic chemists that transform the animals’ feces into a highly beneficial nutrient source.



“I think animals play a larger role in chemical cycles than many experts give them credit for, especially when thinking at the ecosystem scale,” Monreal said. “When I say animals, I really mean their gut microbiome. Based on what we see, it seems like bacteria in the whales’ guts could be important.”



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



The Southern Ocean is a critical zone for global carbon cycling, making these findings especially significant. If whales once substantially fertilized these waters, their near-eradication may have altered entire food chains.&nbsp;



As whale populations slowly recover, it’s possible their nutrient recycling activity - sometimes termed the “whale pump” - could also rebound, bolstering phytoplankton and helping reestablish robust marine communities.



Moreover, given that phytoplankton sequester carbon dioxide, a fuller understanding of whales’ role in promoting these blooms may inform climate mitigation efforts.&nbsp;



By illuminating the profound but underappreciated role of whale poop, this study underscores how preserving and restoring whale populations could ripple through oceanic ecosystems, affecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ocean-day-a-unified-approach-to-protect-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, fisheries, and even carbon storage.



Ultimately, the research illustrates that whales, far from being mere consumers, actively shape their habitats. Their excrement stands as a striking example of how interconnected life in the ocean truly is - a reminder that conserving key species often helps uphold the entire, intricately balanced system beneath the waves.



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Whale poop is a natural fertilizer that keeps the ocean alive

Blue whales, the largest creatures on Earth, have long captivated...

The mysteries of the universe continue to unfold as the James Webb Space Telescope captures yet another breathtaking image. This time, the focus is on HH 30, a fascinating celestial structure that provides a unique view into the early formation of planets.



Located within the dark cloud LDN 1551 in the Taurus Molecular Cloud, HH 30 presents an extraordinary, edge-on protoplanetary disc that is surrounded by jets and a disc wind.



For decades, astronomers have studied these discs to understand how dust grains <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beautiful-stellar-nursery-herbig-haro-objects-orion-constellation-captured-by-hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolve</a> and eventually give rise to planets. Thanks to <a href="https://webbtelescope.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb</a>’s unmatched sensitivity and resolution, researchers can now explore HH 30 in greater detail than ever before.



Combined with past observations from the <a href="https://hubblesite.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a> and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), these new findings reveal an active and complex environment where cosmic forces shape the future of planetary systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-nature-of-herbig-haro-objects">The nature of Herbig-Haro objects</h2>



Herbig-Haro objects like HH 30 play an important role in star formation. These small nebulae appear in regions where young stars eject gas, which then heats up and glows as it interacts with surrounding material. 



HH 30 is a striking example of a body undergoing this process. It is characterized by a jet of gas that extends outward in a narrow stream.



At one end of the jet, the source star remains hidden behind a dense, edge-on protoplanetary disc. This unique perspective allows scientists to observe how dust behaves in a developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-detects-awe-inspiring-newborn-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary system</a>. 



Unlike discs that appear face-on, edge-on discs provide a direct look at how particles settle, migrate, and gather in specific regions.



The significance of HH 30 extends beyond its stunning appearance. Since its discovery with the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers have used it as a model for understanding other edge-on discs. By studying HH 30, they gain insights into the evolution of similar systems across the cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaboration-in-modern-astronomy">Collaboration in modern astronomy</h2>



An international team of researchers has taken full advantage of Webb’s capabilities to analyze HH 30. They combined data from Webb, Hubble, and <a href="https://www.almaobservatory.org/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ALMA</a> to observe the system at multiple wavelengths, thus creating a detailed and layered picture of its structure.



ALMA’s long-wavelength observations reveal the location of millimeter-sized dust grains within the disc. These larger particles cluster in a thin, dense region at the center, and act as the foundation for future planet formation.



Meanwhile, Webb’s infrared imaging captures much smaller dust grains, some only a millionth of a meter across. These microscopic particles are spread more widely throughout the disc, providing clues about how material redistributes over time.



This multiwavelength approach highlights the importance of collaboration in modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-stellar-objects-observing-the-early-lives-of-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronomy</a>. 



No single telescope can capture the full complexity of these structures. By combining different technologies, scientists can piece together a more complete story of how planetary systems emerge from swirling clouds of dust and gas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-dust-behaves-in-hh-30">How dust behaves in HH 30 </h2>



The recent Webb observations were part of the Webb GO program <a href="https://www.stsci.edu/jwst/science-execution/program-information?id=2562" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#2562</a>, led by astronomers F. Ménard and K. Stapelfeldt. The researchers set out to investigate how dust evolves within edge-on discs like HH 30, and to collect valuable data about the early stages of planetary <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/stellar-nursery-ngc-1333-shines-in-the-perseus-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">development</a>.



ALMA’s radio data confirmed that larger dust grains do not remain scattered throughout the disc but instead migrate and settle into a narrow, compact layer.



This process is essential for planet formation, as concentrated dust regions provide the necessary conditions for particles to collide and stick together. Over time, these grains grow into pebbles, then boulders, and eventually planets.



Understanding how dust behaves in HH 30 helps refine theories about planet formation in other star systems. 



By identifying where and how dust settles, scientists gain deeper insights into the forces that shape emerging planets and determine their compositions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-environment-of-hh-30">Dynamic environment of HH 30</h2>



Beyond dust evolution, data from Webb, Hubble, and ALMA revealed a fascinating interplay of structures within HH 30.



At the heart of the system, a high-speed jet of gas shoots out perpendicular to the narrow central disc. This jet is surrounded by a wider, cone-shaped outflow of material, adding to the complexity of the scene.



Further outward, a broad nebula reflects the light from the young, hidden star. This reflected glow provides a rare glimpse into the conditions surrounding a forming planetary system. The interactions between the jet, outflow, and nebula illustrate the turbulence of early planet-forming environments.



These findings confirm that HH 30 is far from static. Instead, it is an evolving, active region where gas, dust, and radiation interact in ways that ultimately shape the formation of planets. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-origins-of-the-universe">Planetary origins of the universe </h2>



The study of HH 30 goes beyond understanding a single disc. It serves as a crucial reference for scientists investigating planetary formation across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/messier-78-young-stars-carve-cavities-in-the-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>. 



Webb’s latest images, combined with decades of research from Hubble and ALMA, paint a vivid picture of a process that has shaped the development of countless planetary systems - including our own.



The discovery of how dust migrates, settles, and clumps together in HH 30 provides key evidence for how planets emerge from protoplanetary discs.



As Webb continues to explore the cosmos, astronomers will have even more opportunities to study systems like HH 30 in greater depth. 



The insights gained from these observations bring us one step closer to answering some of the biggest questions about our place in the universe and the origins of planetary systems beyond our own.



The study is published in <a href="https://arxiv.org/pdf/2412.07523" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arXiv</a>. 



Image Credit: ESA



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How dust becomes planets in the shadows of HH 30

The mysteries of the universe continue to unfold as the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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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



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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



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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

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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

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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



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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

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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