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...

Yerba mate is an herbal tea that ranks among the world’s most popular caffeinated beverages. Beloved in South America for its invigorating properties, this versatile plant contains an abundance of bioactive compounds known to promote various health benefits.&nbsp;



Recently, an international research team achieved a significant milestone: they successfully mapped the yerba mate genome. The study is shedding new light on how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-caffeine-levels-reduce-the-risk-of-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caffeine</a> is synthesized in this plant and opening avenues for developing enhanced varieties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-caffeine-in-yerba-mate">Evolution of caffeine in yerba mate</h2>



The project was led by the <a href="https://www.uba.ar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Buenos Aires</a>, with participation from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Hamburg and other institutions in Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. 



Through genome analysis, the scientists uncovered surprising insights into yerba mate’s evolutionary history - particularly its pathway for producing caffeine.



“I discovered that an ancestor of yerba had duplicated its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-genome-size-impact-evolutionary-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> approximately 50 million years ago,” said Federico Vignale, the study’s first author and an EMBL Hamburg postdoctoral fellow.&nbsp;



“This ancestral duplication may have been key in the evolution of its metabolic complexity, allowing it to synthesize a wide range of bioactive compounds, such as terpenes, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flavonol-rich-foods-reduce-the-risk-of-developing-frailty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flavonoids</a>, phenols, and xanthines, known for their antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and nervous system stimulant properties. Of all these compounds, my interest focused on caffeine.”



Although caffeine appears in multiple unrelated plant species such as yerba mate and coffee, the researchers discovered that the genes behind its production do not share a single evolutionary origin.



Adrián Turjanski, the project leader, is a researcher at the Institute of Biological Chemistry in the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires.



“We came to understand in detail that the genes do not have a common ancestor, but come from separate origins, and that both yerba mate and coffee came to have caffeine biosynthesis by evolving along convergent pathways,” said Turjanski.&nbsp;



Because yerba mate and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-flavor-can-be-improved-with-a-simple-trick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a> independently evolved to produce caffeine, scientists suspect that this compound plays a crucial protective role, potentially defending these plants against insects or other threats.



Through in-depth structural, experimental, and bioinformatic work, the team also showed how yerba mate’s specific route to caffeine biosynthesis sets it apart from coffee.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-insights-into-yerba-mate">Genetic insights into yerba mate</h2>



This genomic breakthrough not only illuminates yerba mate’s past but also hints at a future of optimized cultivation. Armed with precise genetic insights, researchers can now create decaffeinated strains, boost desirable health-promoting compounds, or breed plants adapted to a broader range of environments.



“By reading the genome you would know how to intervene and modify the plant,” Turjanski said. “One could propose making it richer in certain characteristics, for example, a decaffeinated yerba mate, or one that is better adapted to other lands, and thus expand its cultivation.”



These findings establish a foundation for subsequent research efforts, enabling breeders and industry specialists to refine the plant to meet emerging consumer preferences and agricultural demands.



A cultural touchstone



For Vignale, the personal resonance of sequencing yerba mate’s genome runs deep. Beyond the scientific intrigue, yerba mate stands as a defining element of South American life.



“Yerba mate, for me, represents the most beautiful thing about the culture of my home country, Argentina - a drink that unites us, accompanies us, and is present in every moment of our lives,” said Vignale.&nbsp;



“That's why I didn't hesitate for a second to accept the challenge. Sequencing the yerba mate genome felt, in a way, like sequencing Messi's genome.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaboration-across-continents">Collaboration across continents</h2>



Under the direction of the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires, the project integrated expertise from the U.S., Europe, and South America.



To clarify how caffeine biosynthesis differs in yerba mate, EMBL Hamburg contributed structural modeling and molecular docking insights.&nbsp;



Vignale, alongside colleague Lucas Defelipe of EMBL Hamburg’s García Alai Team, played a key role in unraveling the molecular steps in this specialized pathway.



“This experience taught me the true value of interdisciplinary work and to grow together with scientists from different specialties,” Vignale said.



Vignale initially connected with EMBL through <a href="https://www.cabana.online/index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the CABANA project</a>, an initiative coordinated by Latin American organizations and EMBL-EBI. Funded by the <a href="https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/browse-our-areas-of-investment-and-support/global-challenges-research-fund/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund</a>, CABANA focuses on enhancing bioinformatics capacity across Latin America to tackle challenges in communicable diseases, sustainable food production, and biodiversity.



“The CABANA project has not only strengthened my bioinformatics skills, which were essential for carrying out this research, but it also provided the necessary funding to complete the study,” Vignale added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-yerba-mate">The future of yerba mate</h2>



With its genome now comprehensively mapped, yerba mate stands at the threshold of a new era in cultivation and consumption.&nbsp;



From potential decaffeination to region-specific breeding, the ability to hone the plant’s genetic traits heralds promising developments in agriculture and industry.&nbsp;



As research continues, both farmers and consumers can look forward to innovative strains that retain yerba mate’s cherished cultural significance while expanding its global reach.



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Caffeine evolution in plants: The surprising story of yerba mate 

Yerba mate is an herbal tea that ranks among the...

Cannabidiol (CBD) is emerging as the future of medicinal cannabis, as new research uncovers how it works with brain receptors to affect anxiety and pain management.



Unlike its psychoactive cousin, THC, cannabidiol has the potential for therapy without the high.



Scientists have long hypothesized about CBD's functional mechanisms, but a recent breakthrough has provided new insight into how it fine-tunes key biological processes.



While research on cannabis has intensified recently, there is still much to understand regarding the ways in which the plant components interact in the body.



In a significant advance, researchers have now looked more closely at what is being characterized as a highly complex interplay between CBD and THC that opens new avenues for using the benefits with fewer of the negatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-introducing-the-power-of-cbd-and-thc">Introducing the power of CBD and THC</h2>



A team of researchers from the <a href="https://olemiss.edu/departments/pharmacy/natural-products-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Mississippi's</a> National Center for Natural Products Research has investigated the complex relationship between cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.



Their study sheds new light on how these compounds interact with the body's cellular receptors, potentially revolutionizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-women-experience-more-chronic-pain-than-men/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-found-in-cannabis-plants-can-actually-reduce-cannabis-induced-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a> treatments.



As demand for CBD products surges in the U.S., following hemp’s decriminalization by the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, it as become critical to understand these interactions.



"The 2018 Farm Bill passage effectively opened a Pandora's box of research challenges," said Amar Chittiboyina, principal scientist and associate director of the Center.



"CBD's use proliferated across a wide spectrum, from pain management and recreational purposes to seemingly endless other applications. However, the fundamental question lies in understanding how CBD works on various targets and exerts its perceived effects at the molecular level," commented Chittiboyina.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-magic-key-cb1-receptor">The magic key: CB1 receptor</h2>



At the core of the study is cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), a protein that is found throughout the body and regulates pain, mood, appetite, metabolism, and memory.



Both CBD and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prenatal-thc-exposure-linked-to-life-long-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THC</a> interact with this receptor, but they do so in distinctly different ways.



When THC binds to CB1, it acts like an "off switch" for pain, providing relief but often leading to side effects such as memory loss, nausea, and addiction.



CBD, on the other hand, behaves more like a dimmer switch, as it delicately modulates the receptor’s function.



This newfound understanding paves the way for future research aimed at harnessing the benefits of THC while minimizing its drawbacks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-cannabis-research">The future of cannabis research</h2>



"Often, to mitigate pain, patients combine opiates with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recreational-cannabis-use-protects-against-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a>, kratom, and other substances. Is this approach beneficial or detrimental?" asked Chittiboyina, highlighting the many research opportunities that lie ahead.



The findings could even pave the way for the development of a more efficient, synthetic form of CBD that is designed to optimize receptor interactions while reducing unwanted effects.



This research goes beyond viewing cannabis merely as a drug - it positions the substance as a "treasure chest" of medicinal advances.



"We're trying to pull out the benefits and leave the harms behind," said Robert Laprairie, an associate professor at the <a href="https://www.usask.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Saskatchewan</a>, and co-author of the study.



One of the next research frontiers involves investigating whether CBD interferes with opioids like morphine. 



If CBD negatively interacts with opioid receptors, it could reduce the efficacy of opioids, which is a potential concern for individuals who rely on opioids for pain relief.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cbd-research-s-promising-path">CBD research’s promising path</h2>



While these findings provide a foundation for understanding CBD’s therapeutic potential, the researchers emphasize that further studies are necessary before drawing definitive conclusions.



"But, if we can pinpoint how CBD interacts with multiple targets on a molecular level, we will be in a stronger scientific position to develop solutions that are relevant to public health," the team concluded.



Their discoveries not only deepen our understanding of cannabis compounds but also open doors for targeted drug development aimed at reducing the risks associated with THC and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-discovery-offers-hope-for-tackling-opioid-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opioids</a>. 



The study marks an important step toward safer and more effective treatment options for those suffering pain and struggling with mood disorders. 



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The research was supported by grants from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, the National Science Foundation XSEDE Bridges, and the Mississippi State-sponsored National Center for Cannabis Research and Education.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00343" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Chemical Neuroscience</a>.



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CBD can help ease chronic pain, anxiety, and mood disorders

Cannabidiol (CBD) is emerging as the future of medicinal cannabis,...

Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a unique group of neurons in the mouse brain that command the animal to stop eating.&nbsp;



While many brain circuits monitor food intake, these neurons - located in the brainstem, one of the oldest regions of the vertebrate brain - appear to make the final decision to end a meal. This breakthrough finding may open new avenues for developing obesity treatments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neurons-sense-eating-behavior-nbsp">Neurons sense eating behavior&nbsp;</h2>



Alexander Nectow is a physician-scientist at <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a> Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, who led the research with Srikanta Chowdhury, an associate research scientist in the Nectow lab.



“These neurons are unlike any other neuron involved in regulating satiation,” said Nectow.&nbsp;



“Other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/binge-eating-linked-to-a-specific-set-of-brain-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurons</a> in the brain are usually restricted to sensing food put into our mouth, or how food fills the gut, or the nutrition obtained from food. The neurons we found are special in that they seem to integrate all these different pieces of information and more.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-final-step-in-meal-termination">The final step in meal termination</h2>



The process of ending a meal is something everyone experiences - at some point during eating, a signal builds, and we decide, “That’s enough.”&nbsp;



While previous studies have pinpointed brain circuits that monitor various aspects of food intake, they did not identify the specific cells responsible for actually stopping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-ultra-processed-foods-makes-your-muscles-weaker-and-more-fragile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating</a> process. 



Previous leads had traced this decision-making capability to the brainstem, but the precise neurons remained unidentified until now.



Nectow and his team employed advanced single-cell techniques that enable researchers to distinguish between cell types in complex brain regions. This method, called spatially resolved molecular profiling, allowed them to observe cells in their native environment and determine their molecular makeup.



“This technique - spatially resolved molecular profiling - allows you to see cells where they are in the brainstem and what their molecular composition looks like,” Nectow explained.



During their detailed examination of a brainstem region known for processing complex signals, the team discovered a set of cells with characteristics resembling other appetite-regulating neurons. But what do these neurons actually do?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-neurons-control-eating-behavior-nbsp">How neurons control eating behavior&nbsp;</h2>



To investigate the role of these neurons in controlling food intake, the researchers used optogenetics - a method that allows cells to be activated or deactivated by light.&nbsp;



When these newly discovered neurons were stimulated with light, the mice responded by eating significantly smaller meals.&nbsp;



Moreover, the degree of light activation determined how quickly the mice reduced their food intake, suggesting that these neurons not only signal an immediate stop but also help modulate the pace at which eating slows down.



“Interestingly, these neurons don’t just signal an immediate stop; they help the mice to slow down their eating gradually,” Chowdhury said.



The experiments revealed that these cells track every bite the mice take by integrating sensory cues from the mouth, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunger-hormones-in-the-gut-can-change-our-eating-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut</a>, and even visual signals of food. Their coordinated activity underlies the decision-making process that eventually leads to satiety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interactions-with-other-neural-signals">Interactions with other neural signals</h2>



The researchers also probed how these neurons interact with other known components of feeding regulation. They found that the neurons are silenced by a hormone that increases appetite, and conversely, they are activated by GLP-1 agonists - a class of drugs that is increasingly used for treating obesity and diabetes.&nbsp;



These observations indicate that the neurons respond to a broad range of signals, effectively “sensing” food through multiple channels and integrating this information to decide when enough food has been consumed.



“Essentially these neurons can smell food, see food, feel food in the mouth and in the gut, and interpret all the gut hormones that are released in response to eating,” Nectow said. “And ultimately, they leverage all of this information to decide when enough is enough.”



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



Although these specialized neurons were discovered in mice, their location in the brainstem - an area highly conserved among vertebrates - strongly suggests that humans possess similar cells.&nbsp;



This finding represents a major new entry point for understanding satiety and could lead to innovative therapies for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-obesity-rates-are-surging-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a> by targeting the neural circuitry responsible for stopping food intake.



“We think it's a major new entry point to understanding what it means to be full, how that comes about, and how that is leveraged to end a meal,” Nectow added. “And we hope that it could be used for obesity therapies down the road.”



By identifying and characterizing these neurons, Columbia scientists have taken a significant step toward unraveling the complex neural mechanisms underlying hunger and satiety.&nbsp;



As further research is conducted to explore these pathways in humans, new treatments for obesity and related disorders may emerge, offering hope for those struggling with excessive food intake.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0092867425000479" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>.



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Neurons discovered that tell us when to stop eating

Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a unique group of...

Turmeric,Powder,And,Turmeric,Root,On,Wood,,turmeric,Is,Herb.

Turmeric is a flowering plant that is a member of the ginger family. It is well known for its bright yellow color and has long been associated with various perceived health benefits.



Curcumin is the major active ingredient in turmeric, and is responsible for the yellow color of the spice, which is commonly used in Asian cuisine, such as curries, to give a characteristic aroma and rich flavor to the food. 



Apart from its culinary virtues, turmeric has gained popularity for its use in herbal supplements, cosmetics, dyes and food colorants. It is also used worldwide and for its promising wellness attributes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-curcumin">The power of curcumin</h2>



Turmeric owes much of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-coffee-is-missing-these-five-brain-boosting-spices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health-promoting</a> reputation to the presence of the polyphenol known as curcumin.



This bioactive ingredient is responsible for the spice’s distinctive golden hue and is at the heart of its renowned healing properties. 



For centuries, curcumin has been a cornerstone of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/korean-red-ginseng-may-alleviate-alcohol-addiction-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian traditional medicine</a>, where it has been used to alleviate inflammation, promote digestion, and support overall well-being.



In the modern era, scientists have taken a keen interest in unlocking the full potential of curcumin. 



Extensive research has revealed its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities, which may contribute to a range of health benefits, from supporting immune function to aiding in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-meditation-is-a-powerful-weapon-against-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain management</a>.



Its possible uses extend to chronic disease prevention, cognitive health, and even athletic performance, making curcumin one of the most studied natural compounds today.



Despite its promise, researchers continue to explore how best to enhance curcumin’s bioavailability to maximize its effectiveness in the human body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curcumin-turmeric-and-muscles">Curcumin, turmeric, and muscles</h2>



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uoc.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universitat Oberta de Catalunya</a> (UOC), particularly the Epi4Health group, have made exciting strides in investigating the effects of curcumin.



They suggest that curcumin could play a vital role in aiding muscle recovery and minimizing pain after an intense bout of physical activity.



“Both pre- and post-exercise curcumin consumption are associated with better outcomes in terms of muscle recovery, reduced pain, and improved antioxidant capacity,” said Daniel Vasile Popescu-Radu, a scholar at UOC.



It appears that our musculoskeletal system might just have found a new ally in curcumin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faster-recovery-for-athletes">Faster recovery for athletes</h2>



The new research from UOC has introduced the idea that curcumin use may even be beneficial for recovering athletes. 



From reducing muscle damage to easing pain and enhancing antioxidant capacity, curcumin shows potential as a promising ally for sportsmen and women.



The crucial factor, as emphasized by the UOC research team, is getting the dosage, bioavailability, and consumption timing right. 



A daily intake of 1-4 grams of curcumin, particularly after an exercise session, is suggested to aid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ginseng-improves-exercise-performance-and-helps-body-quickly-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muscle recovery</a>. However, expert advice is recommended for optimal results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-one-size-fits-all-solution">A one-size-fits-all solution? </h2>



While curcumin's potential is undeniably enthralling, the researchers caution against universal application. 



Factors such as an individual's unique metabolism, hormonal effects, intake time, and formulation can influence the effectiveness of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-delays-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polyphenol substance</a>.



Its absorption and bioavailability can be impacted by other substances present in the blood, or by the type of formulation used.



It's also challenging to extrapolate the findings to specific demographics, like female athletes or individuals undergoing perimenopause and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-health-after-menopause-what-every-woman-should-know/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">menopause</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-the-full-potential">Unlocking the full potential</h2>



The UOC researchers believe more work is required to consolidate their findings, especially through studies with larger sample sizes. 



Despite the need for more research, they conclude positively about curcumin's potential role in improving the well-being of regular fitness enthusiasts.



Curcumin might just be set to make a grand entrance into the world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sport-improves-childrens-concentration-and-quality-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sports</a> and fitness, with its promise to reduce inflammation and boost antioxidant capacity, among other potential benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turmeric-curcumin-and-future-health">Turmeric, curcumin, and future health</h2>



While curcumin's role in muscle recovery is gaining attention, its potential use goes far beyond the boosting of athletic performance.



Research is continually uncovering its applications in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-mushrooms-contain-substances-that-improve-sleep-mood-and-cognitive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive health</a>, immune support, and even chronic disease management.



Some studies suggest that curcumin may help regulate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grapes-provide-a-dietary-shield-to-protect-eye-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxidative stress</a>, support heart health, and even play a role in neuroprotection, offering potential benefits for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.



Furthermore, researchers in other fields, such as arthritis treatment and gut health, are beginning to show interest in the potential positive effects of taking curcumin supplements. 



As scientists are refining our understanding of this potent compound, curcumin is set to remain a key player in natural wellness solutions for many years to come.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15502783.2024.2434217" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition</a>.



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Turmeric supplements provide yet another health benefit, according to study

Turmeric is a flowering plant that is a member of...

Chlorella vulgaris is a small species of microalga that is rapidly becoming the new champion in superfoods. It combines high nutritional power with sustainable production methods and may represent a game-changer in terms of global food security.



Could this little green powerhouse be the future of sustainable nutrition? Science is starting to say yes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chlorella-vulgaris-is-a-nutritional-powerhouse">Chlorella vulgaris is a nutritional powerhouse</h2>



This tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-microalgae-show-photosynthesis-is-possible-in-near-darkness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microalga</a> is abundant in freshwater habitats and uses sunlight and carbon dioxide to manufacture its own food, even though its entire body consists of only a single cell. 



Previous <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/3106856?origin=crossref">research</a> has found that Chlorella vulgaris cells contain almost 50% protein, along with a healthy supply of fats, carbohydrates, and various vitamins and minerals.



This makes algae a go-to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/algae-may-be-the-future-of-sustainable-superfoods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superfood</a> for our increasingly health-conscious society. Not only is it rich in nutrients, but its cultivation requires minimal land and water use. 



Thus, it is a way to reduce our environmental footprint while eating without concerns about animal cruelty or damage to the planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthy-for-body-and-environment">Healthy for body and environment</h2>



Its environmental friendliness is not the end of its superpowers - it also has antioxidant properties and supports immune function, making it an attractive, nutrient-dense addition to food products.



It is currently marketed on a small scale in tablet and powder form, as a food supplement.



In this current wave of health and eco-conscious awakening, a team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a> have investigated the potential of Chlorella vulgaris as a large-scale source of nutrients for humans.



“Chlorella vulgaris could be one of the superfoods that redefine the future of food innovation,” they state. However, they caution that realizing this potential food revolution will not be without hurdles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-challenges-for-widespread-adoption">Overcoming challenges for widespread adoption</h2>



The researchers acknowledge the need for further development in various areas. 



From refining cultivation techniques to processing methods that can enhance its appeal to the average consumer's palate, the future is ripe with opportunities for growth. 



“Our study underscores the critical role of applied research in addressing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaccinating-plants-could-boost-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global food security</a> challenges while promoting environmental sustainability,” shared Dr. Helen Onyeaka, a co-author of the study.



The bright future of this microalga is dependent on continued technological advances, which can improve the efficiency of production and broaden its adoption among food producers.



The researchers note that the key to success involves enhancing strains of C. vulgaris using genetic modification and improving cultivation systems. They propose that the development of new culture systems could increase yields and cut costs.



Furthermore, they recommend the use of diverse bioreactors that allow for the tweaking of light and nutrient parameters in order to maximize yield in sterile conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovations-for-a-better-future">Innovations for a better future</h2>



In order to unlock the full potential of Chlorella vulgaris as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-confirms-that-broccoli-is-a-superfood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mainstream superfood</a>, significant advances in processing and cultivation are essential.



Various techniques, such as mechanical milling and ultrasonication, can significantly increase nutrient accessibility, making this micro-organism's rich protein and vitamin content more bioavailable.



Additionally, advanced techniques such as pulsed electric fields can improve digestibility while retaining the production costs within economically acceptable limits. 



Sensory evaluations and consumer testing play a crucial role in refining the taste and texture of the final products, so that it is palatable and appealing to a wide audience.



As scientists continue to refine these processes, Chlorella vulgaris is poised to transition from a niche supplement to a widely accepted dietary staple that merges nutrition, sustainability, and food security into a single, green solution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chlorella-vulgaris-a-superfood-with-far-reaching-benefits">Chlorella vulgaris: A superfood with far-reaching benefits</h2>



Chlorella vulgaris is not only a promising addition to the food industry but also a powerful tool in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-extinction-threatens-the-future-of-medicine-and-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medicine</a> and environmental sustainability.



Studies suggest it may aid in cholesterol reduction, cancer prevention, and neuroprotection against some diseases, including Alzheimer’s.



Its antioxidant and immune-boosting properties make it a compelling candidate for future medical research.



Additionally, this microalga contributes to sustainability by absorbing carbon dioxide, supporting carbon sequestration, and helping to purify wastewater through its ability to remove heavy metals and toxins. 



With continued research and technological advances, Chlorella vulgaris could become a cornerstone of health, industry, and environmental solutions, paving the way for a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-inspires-solutions-for-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable future</a>.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://research.birmingham.ac.uk/en/publications/ichlorella-vulgarisi-as-a-food-substitute-applications-and-benefi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Food Science</a>.



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This unlikely hero is shaping up to be the next big 'superfood'

Chlorella vulgaris is a small species of microalga that is...

In 2020, as human activity came to a standstill, something remarkable happened. Cities fell silent, roads emptied, and industries slowed. While people stayed indoors, Earth’s vegetation took center stage. 



A recent study revealed that 2020 was the greenest year recorded by modern satellite observations from 2001 to 2020. This surge in greenery was particularly evident in northern and temperate regions, while tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-green-spaces-are-urgently-needed-across-the-global-south/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a> experienced a brief but noticeable growth period.



The findings raise an intriguing question: Did the pandemic, with its lockdowns and reduced pollution, allow nature to reclaim lost ground? Or were other forces at play?



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



Plants do far more than cover the land with greenery. They are central to life on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-fear-climate-change-will-end-the-world-during-their-lifetime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, regulating carbon and water cycles, producing oxygen, and sustaining countless organisms. Vegetation also plays a key role in reducing the impact of fossil fuel emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide.



Monitoring global greening trends helps scientists understand how ecosystems respond to environmental changes. This knowledge can shape conservation strategies and inform efforts to combat climate warming. 



The 2020 green surge provided a unique opportunity to analyze the forces driving Earth's vegetation growth on a global scale.



The study was led by Yulong Zhang, a research scientist in the Division of Earth and Climate Science at Duke University’s <a href="https://nicholas.duke.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicholas School of the Environment</a>. 



“Terrestrial vegetation, like trees and shrubs, take up carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, so they can offer a natural climate-warming solution,” said Zhang.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes-of-2020-s-unusual-earth-s-greening">Causes of 2020’s unusual Earth's greening</h2>



To investigate the phenomenon, researchers analyzed two decades of satellite data, focusing on vegetation density, plant health, and overall structural changes. While the data showed fluctuations in global greening over the years, 2020 stood out as an anomaly.



The researchers considered whether pandemic-related reductions in human activity were responsible. Lockdowns significantly lowered pollution levels, leading to clearer skies and increased sunlight. With fewer industrial emissions and less human disturbance, plants may have received a temporary boost.



However, further analysis showed that lockdowns had only a limited impact on the surge in greenery.



“Although short-term air quality improvements and reduced disturbances slightly boosted greenness in lockdown regions, these effects faded quickly and were further counteracted by natural climate variability as the year progressed,” Zhang explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drivers-of-earth-s-greening">Drivers of Earth's greening</h2>



Instead of lockdowns, the study pointed to broader <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-environments-and-sidewalks-improve-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental factors</a> driving the record-breaking greening. Rising carbon dioxide levels, increasing global temperatures, and reforestation efforts played the most significant roles in the 2020 green surge.



The effect of climate warming was particularly noticeable in temperate and colder regions. In boreal forests, rising temperatures extended the growing season, allowing vegetation to flourish for longer periods. Warmer conditions in these cooler areas provided plants with the opportunity to expand.



Another key factor was large-scale tree planting and land restoration projects. These efforts were especially impactful in China and India, where aggressive afforestation programs contributed to significant greening.



“China and India were massive green hotspots, thanks to tree planting, land restoration and agricultural management efforts,” noted co-author Tong Qiu of the Nicholas School. 



“High rainfall in 2019-2020 also boosted vegetation growth in the tropics, likely linked with climate oscillations, or patterns, such as La Niña and the Indian Ocean Dipole.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-resilience-and-greening-trend">Earth’s resilience and greening trend</h2>



The study highlights Earth’s ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Despite human activity and climate challenges, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-must-reconnect-with-nature-now-to-save-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a> continues to find ways to thrive. However, this greening trend is not a guarantee of long-term environmental health.



While increased vegetation can help slow climate warming, scientists warn that extreme climate events, water shortages, wildfires, and human pressures could reverse these gains. Greener landscapes today do not necessarily mean a more stable future.



“Climate extremes, water scarcity, wildfire risk and increased human pressures could potentially slow down or even reverse these gains under a warming climate,” said co-author Wenhong Li of the Nicholas School. 



“If that happens, we may see an acceleration of the ongoing climate warming.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-continued-monitoring">Need for continued monitoring</h2>



As climate change accelerates, scientists stress the importance of continuous monitoring. Understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-must-live-in-harmony-with-nature-to-create-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a> responds to shifting conditions will be crucial in predicting future environmental changes. 



Advanced models and enhanced satellite data collection will be essential in tracking trends and developing strategies to protect global ecosystems.



The 2020 green surge was a striking reminder of Earth's complexity. While it may have been influenced by multiple factors, the findings reinforce the need for sustainable land management and conservation efforts. 



The future of the planet depends not just on how much greenery we gain, but on how well we maintain the delicate balance between nature and human activity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0034425724005200?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Remote Sensing of Environment</a>.



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2020 was Earth’s greenest year in two decades - here's why

In 2020, as human activity came to a standstill, something...

Many people have never heard of lutein, yet it has a notable presence in vegetables, fruits, and even egg yolks. This pigmented compound offers multiple health advantages, particularly for vision, though it can play a role in other areas of the body too.



Dr. Karen Robinson, with support from the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences, led a detailed analysis on the health benefits of lutein.



“Our review was the first to evaluate the effects of both dietary and supplemental sources of lutein on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-pistachios-daily-proven-to-boost-eyes-vision-and-overall-health/">healthy eyes</a>,” explained Dr. Robinson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lutein-may-safeguard-eye-health">Lutein may safeguard eye health</h2>



Lutein is classified as a <a href="https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/carotenoids" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carotenoid</a> with antioxidant properties. It cannot be made by the human body, so it must come from food sources like spinach, kale, and corn.



Experts note that it is found in certain dietary supplements for those who struggle to get enough from meals. Evidence suggests that regular intake might help safeguard eyesight over the long haul.



"Two tissues of the eye that play a key role in the vision process are the macula and the lens. Of all the carotenoids present in the human diet and serum, only two, lutein and zeaxanthin, are present in these two important tissues," researchers noted in the current <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8874683/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-lutein-supports-eye-health">How lutein supports eye health</h2>



Some research indicates that lutein can help people who have difficulty seeing in low light. This guidance aligns with observations of improved night vision once the nutrient becomes a staple in the diet.



Evidence has also <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/6/1721" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shown</a> possible benefits in reducing the likelihood of cataracts by shielding delicate eye tissues from ultraviolet light. It appears to act as a protective layer in the <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23185-macula" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">macula</a>, which is key for healthy sight.



“Daily lutein supplements of 10 mg or more increased macular pigment after 3 months,” said Dr. Robinson. 



Daily amounts of 10 mg or more may support macular pigment in adults who have normal eyes, according to some meta-analyses.&nbsp;



Researchers have also associated lutein intake with a lower risk of glaucoma, which often arises from increased eye pressure. 



The nutrient’s antioxidant role is potentially very important in lowering the stress that harms the optic nerve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-and-cognitive-function">Skin and cognitive function</h2>



Lutein’s antioxidant action has been observed in the upper layers of the skin. It may ease harmful changes caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/main-cause-of-sunburn-finally-identified-is-rna-damage-not-dna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultraviolet exposure</a> and preserve the skin’s appearance over time.



There have been intriguing discussions of lutein’s <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6164534/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effect</a> on memory in both younger and older adults. Although research is ongoing, some studies suggest that lutein intake is associated with improved cognitive function. 



The idea of a single compound benefiting both vision and brain health has sparked interest among researchers



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recommended-intake-and-usage">Recommended intake and usage</h2>



Nutrition specialists generally suggest taking between 10 mg and 20 mg of lutein per day, if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbal-supplements-often-contain-hidden-ingredients/">supplements</a> are used. 



Most recommend pairing it with a meal that includes some healthy fat, like olive oil or nuts, since fats help the body absorb carotenoids.



Exact doses can vary, based on individual health goals, so a professional opinion is wise before starting a supplement routine. 



Some individuals prefer getting lutein from spinach, squash, and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/keeping-leafy-green-vegetables-safe-until-ready-to-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colorful produce</a>, but it can also be found in capsules for convenience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-beyond-eye-health">Benefits beyond eye health</h2>



A growing number of researchers see potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-dietary-changes-are-best-for-cancer-prevention/">cancer-preventive</a> links for lutein. Its antioxidant activity helps manage free radicals in cells, which can otherwise damage DNA over time.



Though it is not a cure-all, it often appears in broader discussions about immune function. Experts believe that a balanced diet featuring lutein gives the body a valuable tool in overall wellness.



Including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/keeping-leafy-green-vegetables-safe-until-ready-to-eat/">leafy greens</a>, corn, and egg yolks in meals can boost lutein intake without too much effort. Many of these options also offer protein, fiber, and other nutrients that support holistic health.



Some people wonder about the best time to take a lutein supplement. Professionals often say it’s ideal alongside the biggest meal of the day, especially when that meal contains unsaturated fats.



Lutein is important for supporting normal vision, but it seems to have extra perks for the skin and perhaps the brain. Anyone eager to include it in a daily routine should think about combining dietary and supplemental sources for the best effect.



The study is published in <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8874683/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advances in Nutrition</a>.



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Vitamin helps prevent cataracts and maintain eye health

Many people have never heard of lutein, yet it has...

Self-deception plays a bigger role in our lives than we might realize - especially when it comes to assessing our own achievements and skills.



A recent study exposed the fascinating tendency that humans have to cheat and then inflate their own sense of success, while genuinely believing in their abilities.



In a twist of irony, this self-deception goes even further - it actually makes people feel smarter and more accomplished.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-puzzle-of-self-deception">The puzzle of self-deception</h2>



Dr. Sara Dommer, an assistant professor of marketing at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a>, set out to explore why people cheat on tasks that offer purely intrinsic rewards, such as the satisfaction of solving crossword puzzles or counting calories accurately.



“I found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-power-are-more-likely-to-cheat-on-their-partners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">people do cheat</a> when there are no extrinsic incentives, like money or prizes, but [only] intrinsic rewards, like feeling better about yourself," said Dr. Dommer.



Intriguingly, the feel-good factor only worked when individuals engaged in what Dr. Dommer refers to as "diagnostic self-deception." 



In simpler terms, the participants had to convince themselves that they weren't cheating. "Doing so allows me to feel smarter, more accomplished or healthier," explained Dommer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cheating-to-feel-healthy">Cheating to feel healthy</h2>



To understand this phenomenon, Dommer conducted four distinct studies. In the first, undergraduate students from Penn State were asked to input calorie counts into a food tracking app. 



The study revealed that students without specific calorie information tended to enter fewer calories than those with complete information.



One possible explanation? They were <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-motivates-students-to-cheat-in-online-exams/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cheating</a> themselves to feel healthier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-deception-and-perception">Self-deception and perception</h2>



A similar pattern emerged in the second study, which involved an online IQ test.



Participants who were allowed to cheat reported higher IQ scores. Furthermore, they genuinely believed their performance was due to their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humor-is-a-clear-sign-of-intelligence-among-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intelligence</a> - not to the fact that they had cheated.



A third test, which was based on a word unscrambling task, further reinforced the self-deception phenomenon.



The participants who cheated not only reported unscrambling more words but were also more convinced that their performance was a true reflection of their intelligence.



“The thinking goes, ‘I’m performing well because I’m smart, not because the task allowed me to cheat,'” said Dr. Dommer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-introducing-uncertainty-to-curb-cheating">Introducing uncertainty to curb cheating</h2>



A fourth experiment aimed to see if increased uncertainty about one's financial literacy skills would deter participants from cheating. 



Indeed, when faced with the sobering fact that most American adults cannot pass a basic financial literacy test, participants were less likely to inflate their scores. 



“How do we stop people from engaging in diagnostic self-deception and get a more accurate representation of who they are? One way is to draw their attention to uncertainty around the trait itself. This seems to mitigate the effect," noted Dr. Dommer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-many-faces-of-cheating">The many faces of cheating</h2>



The assumption that cheating is always a strategic and intentional act is not entirely accurate. As Dommer's research highlights, cheating can occur unconsciously as a means to boost one's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-digital-technology-influence-our-sense-of-self/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-perception</a>.



However, it's essential to recognize the potential harm of these "illusory self-beliefs," especially when they affect crucial aspects like financial or physical health. 



"When a person engages in diagnostic self-deception, they may underuse products and services designed to help them. This is why it’s important to be aware of illusory beliefs and strive to seek accurate self-assessments," said Dr. Dommer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-the-illusion-striking-a-balance">Beyond the illusion: Striking a balance</h2>



While self-deception can offer a temporary confidence boost, it raises an important question - how can individuals balance healthy self-perception with an honest evaluation of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/boredom-can-make-children-more-creative-and-teach-new-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skills</a>?



Recognizing when self-deception is at play is the first step. Encouraging self-reflection, seeking objective feedback, and relying on concrete data rather than gut feelings can help counteract misleading self-beliefs.



Moreover, the findings highlight the broader implications of diagnostic self-deception beyond personal assessments.



From workplace performance to health management and financial planning, an inflated sense of ability can make a person overlook weaknesses and miss opportunities for growth.



Understanding this subtle but powerful psychological tendency might just be the key to fostering greater self-awareness - and ultimately, making more informed decisions in everyday life.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/732915" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the Association for Consumer Research</a>.



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Humans and self-deception: How cheating ourselves can make us feel smarter

Self-deception plays a bigger role in our lives than we...

They start their journey on sandy shores, scuttling toward the waves at barely a few inches long. Some people assume these little sea turtles vanish after that, drifting in the open water for years without actively swimming or controlling where they go.



In a recent <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2013.3039" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> led by Kate Mansfield from the University of Central Florida, researchers have pieced together what happens during the early, lesser-known part of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-turtles-show-signs-of-recovery-but-conservation-issues-remain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtles’ lives</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-baby-turtles-is-difficult">Tracking baby turtles is difficult</h2>



Researchers recently uncovered the whereabouts of young sea turtles by using carefully designed satellite trackers. They found that tiny turtles show more control over their movement than once believed.



“We’ve had massive data gaps about the early baby to toddler life stages of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-sea-turtle-day-celebrating-100-million-years-of-majesty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea</a> turtles,” said Mansfield. She explained that this phase was rarely observed in detail.



"Known as the sea turtle ‘lost years,' few data exist on the in-water behavior of young, oceanic-stage sea turtles," wrote the researchers.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-impacts-the-size-of-sea-turtle-hatchlings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Young</a> turtles shed their outer shell layers quickly. This makes it tough to secure tracking devices long enough to gather good data.



Engineers refined lightweight solar-powered tags for weeks or months of location data without hindering the turtles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-sea-turtles-don-t-just-drift">Young sea turtles don’t just drift</h2>



Scientists once believed baby turtles went with the flow of ocean currents. Field data are now challenging that long-standing notion.



“What we’ve uncovered is that the turtles are actually swimming,” said Nathan Putman, an ecologist at LGL Ecological Research Associates in Texas.



The analysis compared drifting buoys with small turtles and showed that many turtles moved on their own instead of washing ashore.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-baby-turtles-choose-where-to-swim">Baby turtles choose where to swim</h2>



The difference between turtles and free-floating buoys grew clearer over the course of each tracking period. Drifting objects often ended up stuck on beaches, yet many turtles did not.



“This tiny little hatchling is actually making its own decisions about where it wants to go in the ocean and what it wants to avoid,” said Bryan Wallace, a wildlife ecologist at <a href="https://ecolibriumsolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecolibrium in Colorado</a>.



The new findings suggest that turtles choose routes that match their needs for food and safe temperatures.



"The paths of our tracked neonate loggerheads were environmentally constrained. No turtles moved into lethally cold waters," noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-habitats-of-sea-turtles-revealed">Hidden habitats of sea turtles revealed</h2>



Tag data also showed young sea turtles in areas once assumed too close to shore for this stage. Though many do wander across open waters, some appear comfortable dipping into shallower spots.



The researchers noted that such varied paths challenge the old definition of an exclusively oceanic childhood. This highlights the importance of regions near the continental shelf for four types of endangered sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/leatherback-sea-turtles-where-the-worlds-largest-turtles-go-to-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtles</a>.



It took years to refine solar-powered tags that could function on small, rapidly growing shells. Early versions fell off too fast or failed to recharge in ocean conditions.



“For years, the technology couldn’t match the dream,” said Jeffrey Seminoff, a marine biologist at NOAA who was not involved in the study. 



Continued collaboration between ecologists and engineers is bringing once-hidden animal behavior to light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-for-sea-turtles">Conservation efforts for sea turtles </h2>



The findings spotlight part of a creature’s life that was overshadowed for decades by hatchling races to the sea and nesting adults on familiar beaches. 



Young turtles do more than just drift - they swim toward the open ocean, while others linger over the continental shelf.



“It’s not that the sea turtles were ever lost, but that we had lost track of them,” said Jeanette Wyneken at Florida Atlantic University. This deeper understanding may guide conservation efforts in areas where turtles feed or rest before reaching adulthood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-how-baby-turtles-swim">Rethinking how baby turtles swim</h2>



The research suggests that the early life stage of sea turtles is not just a dispersal period. The study captures the reality that little turtles roam widely and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-sea-turtle-day-a-tribute-to-resilience-and-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adapt</a> their routes to changing conditions.



They might spot floating algae to seek shelter, or they might veer away from predator hotspots. Even in vast waters, these hatchlings can find ways to survive on their own terms.



The study is published in <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2013.3039" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B</a>.



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Where young sea turtles spend their early lives has always been a mystery - until now

They start their journey on sandy shores, scuttling toward the...

Life on Earth is complex and ever-changing. Scientists have long relied on ground-based methods to study biodiversity, but these approaches have limits. Observing ecosystems from space provides a new way to monitor biodiversity across vast landscapes and oceans.



Thanks to advances in satellite technology and aerial imaging, researchers can track changes in biodiversity with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-must-reconnect-with-nature-now-to-save-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greater precision</a>.



A multinational team of scientists, led by <a href="https://www.ucmerced.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Merced</a> civil and environmental engineering Professor Erin Hestir, has taken a major step forward in this field. With funding from NASA, the team launched <a href="https://www.bioscape.io/team" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BioSCape</a>, an ambitious research project designed to measure biodiversity from the sky.



The goal is to test new techniques for tracking life on land and in water, using data collected from aircraft and satellites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-technology-to-study-biodiversity">Space technology to study biodiversity</h2>



The BioSCape project brought together experts from different disciplines and countries. 



Hestir led the effort alongside <a href="https://www.buffalo.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Buffalo</a> geography Professor Adam Wilson and Professor Jasper Slingsby from the <a href="https://www.uct.ac.za" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cape Town</a>. 



Over six weeks in late 2024, the team gathered critical data in South Africa’s Greater Cape Floristic Region, one of the most ecologically diverse places on Earth.



“Over just six weeks, more than 160 scientists from around the world came together to collect and analyze data across terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems in one of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world’s biodiversity hotspots</a>,” said Wilson.



The team’s work was not limited to a single approach. They combined data from multiple sources, using both aircraft and on-the-ground research to create a detailed picture of the region’s ecosystems. 



Their efforts have provided new insights into how different species interact, how landscapes change over time, and how environmental factors influence biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-life-from-the-air">Capturing life from the air</h2>



Three aircraft played a crucial role in the BioSCape project. Two NASA planes and one South African aircraft flew over the Greater Cape Floristic Region, capturing a variety of images. 



These included ultraviolet, visual, and thermal data, which allowed researchers to detect patterns that would be impossible to see from the ground.



“This was NASA’s first ever biodiversity-focused campaign,” Hestir said. “We successfully hit all our measurement targets, and the data collected are contributing to novel techniques and methods to be able to monitor biodiversity from space across the globe. It’s a lot of exciting science.”



By using advanced imaging techniques, the experts gained a new perspective on ecosystems. They could see how plant communities were arranged, how species moved across different environments, and how climate changes affected biodiversity.



This method of data collection provided a powerful tool for studying ecosystems on a large scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-airborne-studies">Importance of airborne studies</h2>



Before investing in a new satellite, scientists must be certain that their instruments will work as expected. Airborne studies allow researchers to test their methods before committing to expensive space missions. 



The BioSCape team used this approach to ensure that their biodiversity monitoring techniques could eventually be adapted for satellite use in space.



“It’s very expensive to launch a satellite into space,” Slingsby said. “You have to be certain it will achieve its mission before taking that step." 



"That’s why we begin with airborne studies - they serve as a critical proving ground. If we can successfully gather data from a plane, it brings us one step closer to understanding how to achieve the same from space.”



The data collected during BioSCape showed that these techniques could work. Scientists now have a roadmap for expanding their research beyond South Africa. If these methods prove successful on a larger scale, future satellites could monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-mitigation-strategies-may-be-endangering-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> across the entire planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developing-strategies-to-protect-biodiversity">Developing strategies to protect biodiversity </h2>



The team chose the Greater Cape Floristic Region as it is known for its extraordinary levels of biodiversity, but it also faces significant conservation challenges. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-action-and-biodiversity-striking-the-right-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a>, habitat destruction, and human activity have put many species at risk.



In addition to its ecological importance, the region has a well-developed research community focused on biodiversity conservation. 



By working in this area, the BioSCape team could collaborate with local scientists and build on existing knowledge. The project also contributed valuable data that will support future conservation efforts.



Their findings helped researchers examine changes in species distribution, ecosystem resilience, and the ways in which nature supports human communities. This information is essential for developing effective strategies to protect biodiversity in a rapidly changing world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-access-to-scientific-data">Expanding access to scientific data</h2>



One of the most important aspects of BioSCape is its commitment to sharing information. The team made their data freely available to scientists and the public, ensuring that their findings can be used to support biodiversity research using space-based technology <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-calls-for-global-change-to-stop-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worldwide</a>.



Addressing biodiversity loss requires accurate, up-to-date information. By making their data open-access, the researchers hope to advance conservation efforts and inspire new scientific discoveries. 



The team's methods could lead to better tools for tracking biodiversity, which would help governments, conservation organizations, and communities make informed decisions about protecting the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-missions-to-improve-biodiversity-tracking">Space missions to improve biodiversity tracking</h2>



BioSCape has already led to new insights, but the team believes this is only the beginning. Their work is building scientific capacity in South Africa and beyond, equipping researchers with the tools needed to monitor biodiversity more effectively.



“BioSCape is building technical capacity in South Africa and we hope to prepare the community to take advantage of NASA’s advanced and freely available satellite imagery to improve conservation,” noted Anabelle Cardoso, the science team manager.



“In a year from now we will have new findings and better insights, advancing cutting-edge technology so we can measure life on Earth from space," said Hestir.



The ability to track biodiversity from space could transform the way scientists study ecosystems. By refining these techniques, researchers can improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-tracking-is-crucial-for-preserving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> efforts, detect environmental changes more quickly, and gain a deeper understanding of how life on Earth functions.



With the success of BioSCape, the next steps are clear. Expanding these efforts globally could lead to a new era of biodiversity research - one where space-based observations provide crucial data for protecting life on our planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44185-024-00071-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Biodiversity</a>.



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Changes in Earth’s biodiversity can be tracked from space

Life on Earth is complex and ever-changing. Scientists have long...

A new study has unveiled the far-reaching ecological impact of wolves and other large carnivores in Yellowstone National Park, demonstrating how the reintroduction of predators can trigger dramatic changes in ecosystem dynamics.&nbsp;



By examining 20 years of data (from 2001 to 2020) collected at 25 riparian sites, the research team discovered a staggering 1,500% increase in willow crown volume along streamside areas in northern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-return-of-wolves-in-yellowstone-nbsp">The return of wolves in Yellowstone&nbsp;</h2>



This remarkable recovery is attributed to the cascading effects initiated by the restored large carnivore guild, following the return of wolves in 1995–96, and the subsequent reduction in elk populations that had previously overbrowsed the vegetation.



The study, led by William J. Ripple of <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a> and the <a href="https://consbio.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Biology Institute</a> provides one of the most compelling examples yet of a trophic cascade - a process where predators indirectly influence vegetation by regulating herbivore behavior and abundance.&nbsp;



In this case, the dramatic growth of willows, used as a proxy for aboveground biomass, offers a clear metric of the ecological recovery underway in Yellowstone.



“Our findings emphasize the power of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/apex-predators-can-help-restore-ecosystems-but-not-immediately/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a> as ecosystem architects,” said Ripple. 



“The restoration of wolves and other large predators has transformed parts of Yellowstone, benefiting not only willows but other woody species such as aspen, alder, and berry-producing shrubs. It’s a compelling reminder of how predators, prey, and plants are interconnected in nature.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unleashing-the-trophic-cascade">Unleashing the trophic cascade</h2>



The ecological phenomenon documented in Yellowstone is a textbook example of a trophic cascade. When <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-return-of-the-gray-wolf-triumph-or-tragedy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wolves</a> were extirpated from the park by the 1920s, elk populations surged, leading to overbrowsing and severe degradation of riparian vegetation.&nbsp;



This suppression not only diminished willow growth but also adversely affected other woody plants and the overall habitat quality in these crucial areas.&nbsp;



With the reintroduction of wolves and other large carnivores in the mid-1990s, elk numbers and behaviors were altered, allowing vegetation - especially willows - to rebound dramatically.



Using willow crown volume as a three-dimensional indicator of vegetation recovery, the study quantitatively measured the significant resurgence of riparian habitats.&nbsp;



Notably, the strength of this trophic cascade in Yellowstone is reported to surpass 82% of the strengths observed in a global synthesis of similar studies, highlighting the exceptional nature of the recovery process in this iconic landscape.&nbsp;



Yet, the researchers also noted that recovery varied considerably among sites, reflecting the complexity and spatial heterogeneity of natural systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-riparian-zones-crucial-biodiversity-hotspots">Riparian zones: Crucial biodiversity hotspots</h2>



Although riparian areas comprise only a small fraction of the western United States’ landscape, they are vital for biodiversity. 



These zones offer critical resources and habitat for a wide array of wildlife, linking upland and aquatic ecosystems and supporting a diversity of species that may not thrive elsewhere. 



The resurgence of willow growth is not merely an isolated botanical event; it plays a key role in restoring the integrity of entire riparian ecosystems, thereby benefiting birds, mammals, and other organisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wolves-and-yellowstone-ecosystem-recovery">Wolves and Yellowstone ecosystem recovery</h2>



The study’s robust findings are based on an extensive, multi-decade dataset that captured the gradual but profound changes in riparian vegetation over time.&nbsp;



By employing willow crown volume as a measurable indicator, the researchers were able to directly link the restoration of large carnivores to ecosystem recovery. This method offers a powerful tool for evaluating trophic cascade strength and can potentially be applied to similar ecological studies elsewhere.



“Our analysis of a long-term data set simply confirmed that ecosystem recovery takes time. In the early years of this trophic cascade, plants were only beginning to grow taller after decades of suppression by elk. But the strength of this recovery, as shown by the dramatic increases in willow crown volume, became increasingly apparent in subsequent years,” said Robert Beschta, an emeritus professor at Oregon State University.&nbsp;



“These improving conditions have created vital habitats for birds and other species, while also enhancing other stream-side conditions.”



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



This research not only highlights the importance of predator restoration for revitalizing degraded ecosystems but also provides critical insights for conservation strategies worldwide. 



The dramatic improvement in riparian vegetation in Yellowstone serves as a powerful reminder that restoring natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-predator-prey-feast-ever-seen-in-the-ocean-enormous-quickly-altered-food-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator-prey dynamics</a> can have cascading benefits that extend to every level of the ecosystem.&nbsp;



As the study demonstrates, such processes are integral to maintaining biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and the overall health of our natural landscapes.



By quantifying the recovery of willows, the study paves the way for further exploration into how the reintroduction of large carnivores can be harnessed to promote ecosystem restoration in other parts of the world.&nbsp;



As conservationists and policymakers seek effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of human activities and climate change, Yellowstone’s example offers both hope and a proven roadmap for the transformative power of nature’s own regulatory mechanisms.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03428" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Ecology and Conservation</a>.



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Wolves are rebuilding forests and restoring ecosystem balance in Yellowstone

A new study has unveiled the far-reaching ecological impact of...

The ocean is a world of sound. Beneath the surface, marine life relies on calls, clicks, and songs to navigate, communicate, and survive. For baleen whales, singing songs is essential, but it also comes with risks. 



Killer whales, their primary natural predators, are intelligent and highly skilled hunters. Yet, despite their sharp senses, some baleen whales manage to avoid their attacks.



New research from the University of Washington sheds light on a fascinating survival strategy. Some baleen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/these-marine-mammals-killer-whales-dolphins-permanently-lost-ability-to-ever-walk-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a> call at frequencies so deep that killer whales cannot hear them. 



This unique adaptation influences everything from migration to mating, revealing how fear shapes the behavior of these giants of the sea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fight-or-flight-dilemma-of-whales">Fight or flight dilemma of whales</h2>



Baleen whales, known for their filter-feeding systems, differ from their toothed relatives in behavior and survival strategies. 



Unlike dolphins or sperm whales, which often live in large, social pods, many baleen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-helps-humans-have-20-minute-conversation-with-humpback-whale-named-twain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale species</a> lead more solitary lives. When faced with an attack, they must decide whether to fight or flee.



Some species, like humpbacks and gray whales, choose to stand their ground. They rely on their maneuverability and group defense to deter predators. Others, like blue and fin whales, opt for speed, escaping into the vastness of the open ocean. 



This divide between fight and flight species plays a crucial role in shaping their lifestyles, habitats, and even the way they sing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-whale-songs">Mystery of whale songs</h2>



Whale songs are among the most haunting and complex sounds in nature. Scientists have long studied these vocalizations to understand their purpose. 



While it is well known that whales use songs to attract mates and communicate across great distances, one question remained: why don’t killer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-20-minute-conversation-with-a-humpback-whale-named-twain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a> track these calls to hunt them down?



The answer lies in frequency. Killer whales have a hearing range that starts at 100 hertz, meaning they cannot detect sounds below this threshold. 



Some baleen whales, particularly those in the flight category, have adapted by producing ultra-low-frequency calls that remain completely undetectable to their predators. These deep-voiced species include blue, fin, sei, Bryde’s, and minke whales.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-songs-help-whales-hide">How songs help whales hide</h2>



Trevor Branch, professor of aquatic and fishery sciences at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>, led a study analyzing the relationship between whale songs and predation risk. 



The research combined existing knowledge of killer whale hearing with studies on baleen whale vocalizations. By modeling how sound moves through the ocean, Professor Branch was able to determine which species remain acoustically hidden.



It turns out that the calls of flight species rarely travel more than a kilometer before fading. This means that even if killer whales could hear them, they would still be difficult to track. 



Meanwhile, the fight species - right, bowhead, gray, and humpback whales - produce higher-frequency calls that can be detected from much greater distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whales-survival-strategy-hidden-in-songs">Whales survival strategy hidden in songs</h2>



The idea that baleen whales rely on fight or flight responses is not new, but the role of sound in their survival adds a new layer of understanding. Could these deep songs serve as a defense mechanism? 



This concept, known as "acoustic crypsis," suggests that some whales evolved to sing in a way that keeps them hidden from predators.



“But these super-loud songs could expose them and their mates to killer whale attack. And this is where acoustic crypsis comes in: singing at low frequencies that are impossible, or very difficult, for killer whales to hear,” Branch said.



This survival strategy highlights how even the most massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whale-travels-farther-than-any-mammal-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> on Earth must adapt to threats. By calling at deep frequencies, flight species can continue their essential communication while reducing the risk of drawing unwanted attention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-habitat-influences-defense">How habitat influences defense</h2>



The fight-or-flight divide among baleen whales also affects where they live. Fight species tend to migrate and give birth in coastal areas. 



These shallow waters provide some protection, as they allow group defense strategies to work more effectively. Their slow-swimming bodies may make them vulnerable, but their ability to maneuver quickly gives them an edge when fending off an attack.



In contrast, flight species thrive in the open ocean. Their sleek, powerful bodies allow them to escape quickly when danger approaches. 



These whales spread out over vast distances, making it harder for killer whales to find them. Their survival depends on speed and silence rather than confrontation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trade-offs-in-feeding-and-mating">Trade-offs in feeding and mating</h2>



Choosing where to live comes with trade-offs. Coastal waters offer some protection from predators, but they also provide less food. Fight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ship-routes-overlap-with-92-of-whale-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> must compete for limited resources, while flight species, living in more isolated open waters, have access to greater food supplies.



However, mating presents the opposite challenge. It is much easier for fight species to find partners when gathered in the same location. 



Flight species, scattered across thousands of miles, must rely on their songs to attract mates. This explains why their calls are long and repetitive, increasing the chances of being heard over vast distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-fear-in-whale-behavior">Role of fear in whale behavior</h2>



The findings of this research suggest that fear plays a significant role in shaping whale behavior. Every aspect of their lives, from where they breed to how they communicate, is influenced by the threat of predation.



“It just never occurred to me that some whales sing low to avoid killer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-use-offshore-oil-rigs-as-food-stops-during-migration-harming-conservation-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a>, but the more I looked at this, the more I realized that every aspect of their behavior is influenced by the fear of predation,” said Professor Branch.



This hidden war of sound beneath the waves highlights how even the ocean’s largest creatures must navigate the dangers of their world. By understanding songs of whales, scientists continue to uncover the secrets of survival in the deep.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13228" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Mammal Science</a>.



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Whales have developed an impressive strategy to evade predators

The ocean is a world of sound. Beneath the surface,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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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?

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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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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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