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...

As landscapes shift around the world, changes in wildlife habitats often bring animals into closer contact with human populations. Such is the case in the American West, where certain populations of grizzly bears (also known as brown bears) are moving onto the prairie following successful conservation initiatives.&nbsp;



While the recovery of these formidable carnivores has been hailed as a significant victory, it has also triggered new challenges, as people grow wary of sharing the land with such large and powerful predators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-return-of-grizzlies-to-the-great-plains">Return of grizzlies to the Great Plains</h2>



In the contiguous United States, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grizzly-bear-conservation-must-focus-on-habitat-quality-and-mortality-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grizzly bears</a> have been classified as a protected species since the 1970s. Over several decades, conservation efforts and legal safeguards have allowed them to expand and reclaim parts of their historical range.&nbsp;



In areas like the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and Glacier National Park, populations have rebounded so effectively that grizzlies have migrated out from the mountains and onto the flat, open prairie.



Such reoccupation of ancient habitats can create conflicts where human settlement and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/">agriculture</a> now dominate. 



These bears, weighing up to 751 kilograms (1,656 pounds) and possessing claws 15 centimeters (6 inches) long, can indeed pose risks - though their diet is often omnivorous and plant-based, they remain powerful predators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-public-concerns-and-fears">Addressing public concerns and fears</h2>



As grizzlies re-enter the plains, many local residents find themselves living alongside an animal that can kill livestock, cause property damage, and - though rarely - pose a threat to people.&nbsp;



Recognizing these community concerns, <a href="https://fwp.mt.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks</a> and the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service</a> responded by assigning a specialized bear manager, Wesley Sarmento from the <a href="https://www.umt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Montana</a>, to handle issues of human-bear conflict.



Sarmento held a series of public meetings to gather input. Residents voiced their main request: keep grizzlies out of towns, away from homes, and prevent them from preying on livestock.&nbsp;



Sarmento committed to addressing these requests by hazing bears - using methods intended to chase and deter bears from undesirable behaviors without harming them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hazing-in-wildlife-management-nbsp">Hazing in wildlife management&nbsp;</h2>



Although hazing is commonly mentioned in wildlife management, few studies have formally tested its efficacy.&nbsp;



Seeking to fill that gap, Sarmento decided to record data on how well hazing succeeded in moving bears from problem areas and whether it instilled a lasting aversion in the animals, a concept known as “aversive conditioning.”



Initially, he used standard tools: a truck and a shotgun loaded with non-lethal ammunition, such as cracker shells and rubber rounds, designed to discourage bears without causing permanent injury.&nbsp;



In one instance, encountering a large, agitated male grizzly in a soggy field, Sarmento found it impossible to drive close. Approaching on foot, the bear charged - but a timely cracker shell deterred it. This dramatic experience led to interest in a new tool: “bear dogs.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-and-drones-tools-for-hazing-bears">Dogs and drones: Tools for hazing bears</h2>



Sarmento acquired two adult Airedale Terriers, known locally as a favored breed, hoping they would help locate and chase off grizzlies. Some residents supported the idea, while others doubted the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-suffer-from-the-january-blues-just-like-humans/">dogs</a>’ effectiveness. 



In practice, the dogs were inconsistent at detecting bears, often chasing other animals, such as feral cats or porcupines instead. Repeated training efforts yielded limited results.



Given the dogs’ shortcomings, the manager then turned to technology: a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drones-reveal-hidden-biodiversity-in-rainforest-canopies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drone</a>. Equipped with a thermal camera, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) could be flown over fences, canals, and uneven terrain.&nbsp;



Operators could remain safely in a vehicle while piloting the drone to harass and direct grizzlies away from sensitive areas like homes, towns, and livestock pastures - day or night.



This method proved highly effective. Bears could be steered exactly where Sarmento wanted, and the drone’s distinctive buzzing sound was enough to startle them into moving away quickly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drones-teach-bears-to-avoid-humans">Drones teach bears to avoid humans</h2>



Over time, data showed that older bears needed fewer drone interventions, suggesting they learned to avoid humans and their properties after repeated negative encounters. 



Additionally, the annual number of hazing events declined, an indicator of successful aversive conditioning.&nbsp;



This outcome benefitted both communities and wildlife: fewer conflicts meant fewer reasons for authorities to consider lethal or other severe control measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-risks-for-bears-and-people">Reducing risks for bears and people</h2>



While success with drones and non-lethal deterrence methods is promising, the rate at which grizzlies are returning to the plains continues to raise concerns. Bears can remain at least partially drawn to the same foods and resources humans also value, increasing the likelihood of conflict.&nbsp;



Moreover, with climate change and other ecological pressures, maintaining safe coexistence between humans and grizzlies will require ongoing innovation and engagement with local communities.



Ultimately, the experiences in Montana demonstrate that even formidable predators like the grizzly bear can be deterred and taught to steer clear of human properties.&nbsp;



By combining aversive conditioning with new technologies, wildlife managers can reduce risks to both bears and people, preserving a conservation success story while addressing the inevitable challenges of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-wildlife-overlap-is-rapidly-rising-across-the-globe/">human-wildlife</a> coexistence.



More details can be found in Sarmento’s article, published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/conservation-science/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2024.1478450/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Conservation Sciences</a>.



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Keeping the peace: How drones can help humans and bears coexist

As landscapes shift around the world, changes in wildlife habitats...

Gene,Therapy,For,Cancer,Treatment,Concept,Cancer,Therapy,With,T-cell

What if your risk of developing cancer was already determined before your birth? While scientists have long believed cancer results primarily from genetic mutations and environmental exposures, a recent study suggests a different possibility.



Researchers at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vai.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Van&nbsp;Andel&nbsp;Institute</a>&nbsp;have discovered that cancer susceptibility may be programmed in the womb, influenced by epigenetic states formed during early development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-development-and-cancer-risk">Early development and cancer risk</h2>



“Because most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancers</a> occur later in life and are understood as diseases of mutation, or genetics, there hasn’t been a deep focus on how development might shape cancer risk," noted J. Andrew Pospisilik, Ph.D., chair of Van Andel Institute’s Department of Epigenetics.



"Our findings change that. Our identification of these two epigenetically different states open the door to an entirely new world of study into the underpinnings of cancer,” 



A study published in the journal Nature Cancer has identified two distinct epigenetic states that emerge during development. 



One of these states corresponds with a lower lifetime cancer risk, while the other is associated with a significantly higher risk.



These findings suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-discovery-about-cell-migration-will-help-defeat-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> risk isn’t just a matter of bad luck or lifestyle choices but may be set in motion before birth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-epigenetics-in-cancer-risk">Epigenetics in cancer risk</h2>



Epigenetics governs how and when genes are expressed, influencing cell function without altering DNA sequences. 



Unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-games-could-accelerate-discoveries-in-cancer-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic mutations</a>, which permanently change DNA, epigenetic modifications are reversible and influenced by environmental factors. 



Errors in these processes can weaken the body’s ability to regulate cell growth and division, potentially increasing cancer susceptibility.



The study highlights how developmental epigenetic differences contribute to cancer risk. If cancer arises in the lower-risk state, it tends to manifest as a liquid tumor, such as leukemia or lymphoma. 



Conversely, individuals in the higher-risk state are more prone to solid tumors, including lung and prostate cancer. 



These findings suggest that cancer susceptibility is shaped by biological processes that occur before birth, rather than being entirely the result of mutations acquired over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-genetic-patterns">Distinct genetic patterns </h2>



The researchers focused on the gene&nbsp;Trim28, which plays a key role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-cancer-cell-death-may-transform-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintaining epigenetic stability</a>. They found that mice with reduced levels of&nbsp;Trim28&nbsp;exhibited one of two distinct epigenetic patterns on cancer-related genes. 



These patterns, established during development, influence an individual’s likelihood of developing cancer later in life.



“Everyone has some level of risk but, when cancer does arise, we tend to think of it just as bad luck,” said Dr. Ilaria Panzeri, a research scientist in the Pospisilik Lab and the study’s first author.



“However, bad luck doesn’t fully explain why some people develop cancer and others don’t. Most importantly, bad luck cannot be targeted for treatment. Epigenetics, on the other hand, can be targeted. Our findings show that cancer’s roots may start during the sensitive period of development, offering a new perspective to study the disease and potential new options for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-damage-can-persist-for-years-increasing-cancer-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diagnosis and treatment</a>.”



These results challenge conventional perspectives on cancer development. Traditionally, cancer is considered a disease of accumulated mutations and DNA damage. 



However, this study indicates that epigenetic mechanisms set in motion before birth may influence cancer risk decades later. The findings open new avenues for research into cancer prevention and early diagnosis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifelong-impact-of-epigenetic-states">Lifelong impact of epigenetic states</h2>



The study found evidence of these two epigenetic states across various tissues in the body. This suggests that developmental epigenetic risk may not be limited to one type of cancer but could apply to multiple forms of the disease. 



The presence of these epigenetic markers across different organs implies a systemic impact, possibly affecting cancer risk throughout the entire body.



Cancer risk increases as individuals age, primarily due to the accumulation of DNA damage and exposure to environmental factors. 



However, not every abnormal cell progresses into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ketogenic-diet-may-help-the-body-kill-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>. This study highlights how epigenetic processes established early in life may influence whether or not precancerous cells become malignant. Understanding these early changes provides a valuable opportunity for intervention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-directions-for-cancer-research">New directions for cancer research</h2>



The research team plans to investigate how these two epigenetic states affect specific types of cancer in future studies. 



By identifying the molecular pathways that distinguish high-risk and low-risk epigenetic states, scientists could develop strategies to shift individuals toward the lower-risk state. 



This could lead to potential new treatments aimed at modifying epigenetic patterns before cancer develops.



Future research will explore whether external factors, such as diet, stress, or environmental toxins, influence these epigenetic states. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-prevention-strategies">Cancer prevention strategies </h2>



If researchers can identify ways to alter these genetic patterns, it may be possible to reduce cancer risk through targeted interventions. 



Understanding the mechanisms behind these developmental states could lead to breakthroughs in cancer prevention and early detection.



By shifting the focus from genetic mutations to developmental epigenetics, this research challenges existing models of cancer formation. 



The findings suggest that cancer prevention strategies could extend beyond traditional approaches, incorporating insights into early developmental processes.



The study provides a foundation for future investigations into how epigenetic states influence cancer risk and offers new hope for early diagnosis and targeted treatments.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43018-024-00900-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Cancer</a>.



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Our lifetime cancer risk may be established before we are born

What if your risk of developing cancer was already determined...

Climate change is rapidly altering the health landscape across Europe, with extreme heat emerging as a growing threat. 



A new study by the Environment &amp; Health Modelling (<a href="https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/research/centres-projects-groups/ehm-lab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EHM</a>) Lab at the London School of Hygiene &amp; Tropical Medicine projects that over 2.3 million additional deaths could occur in 854 European cities by 2099 if urgent action is not taken to curb carbon emissions.



These findings indicate that rising temperatures will lead to a significant increase in mortality, surpassing any reduction in cold-related deaths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-mitigation-and-adaptation">Climate change mitigation and adaptation</h2>



The research highlights the pressing need for both climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Even with high levels of adaptation, heat-related health risks will continue to escalate, particularly in regions most vulnerable to rising temperatures. 



The Mediterranean, Central Europe, and the Balkans are expected to experience the most severe consequences, with extreme heat events <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-fear-climate-change-will-end-the-world-during-their-lifetime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">becoming more frequent and deadly</a>.



“Our results stress the urgent need to aggressively pursue both climate change mitigation and adaptation to increased heat,” noted study lead author Dr. Pierre Masselot of the EHM-Lab.



“This is especially critical in the Mediterranean area where, if nothing is done, consequences could be dire. But, by following a more sustainable pathway, we could avoid millions of deaths before the end of the century.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-heat-related-deaths">Predicting heat-related deaths </h2>



The study identifies key European cities that will be disproportionately affected by rising temperatures, with major urban centers in Spain, Italy, and Greece bearing the highest burden. 



The research suggests that Barcelona, Rome, Naples, and Madrid will see the most significant increases in heat-related deaths by the end of the century. Milan, Athens, and Valencia are also expected to witness substantial mortality spikes due to prolonged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cities-are-largely-unprepared-for-the-effects-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exposure to extreme heat</a>.



Large Mediterranean cities will be particularly vulnerable, but the crisis is not confined to these areas alone. Many smaller urban centers in Malta, Spain, and Italy will also experience alarmingly high death rates. The pattern of risk highlights the urgent need for targeted climate action to protect populations living in these high-exposure regions.



Some cities in the British Isles and Scandinavia may experience a net decrease in temperature-related deaths. London, for instance, is projected to see a decrease of 27,455 deaths. 



However, these reductions will be vastly outweighed by the surge in mortality across the continent. The study concludes that without aggressive intervention, the European death toll from climate change will continue to rise, leaving millions of lives at risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptation-alone-will-not-be-enough">Adaptation alone will not be enough</h2>



The findings make it clear that adaptation efforts alone will not be sufficient to counteract the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-summer-more-than-61000-deaths-linked-to-europes-2022-heatwaves/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increasing mortality risks</a> associated with heat exposure. 



Even if cities invest heavily in climate-resilient infrastructure, improved healthcare responses, and urban cooling measures, these strategies will not fully offset the dangers posed by rising global temperatures.



The experts report that only significant cuts to carbon emissions can effectively limit the number of heat-related deaths.



Without decisive action, even the most advanced adaptation strategies will struggle to protect vulnerable populations from the escalating effects of extreme heat. The Mediterranean region, in particular, faces an existential challenge, with soaring temperatures posing a direct threat to public health.



“This study provides compelling evidence that the steep rise in heat-related deaths will far exceed any drop related to cold, resulting in a net increase in mortality across Europe," noted Professor Antonio Gasparrini, senior author and lead of the EHM-Lab.



"These results debunk proposed theories of ‘beneficial’ effects of climate change, often proposed in opposition to vital mitigation policies that should be implemented as soon as possible." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deadly-impacts-of-climate-change">Deadly impacts of climate change</h2>



To reach these alarming conclusions, the researchers analyzed temperature-related mortality risks in cities across Europe. 



The study incorporated a range of data, including local adaptation patterns, population demographics, and climate projections from the&nbsp;Intergovernmental&nbsp;Panel&nbsp;on&nbsp;Climate&nbsp;Change&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a>)&nbsp;Sixth&nbsp;Assessment&nbsp;Report. 



By examining various climate and epidemiological simulations, the team assessed the uncertainty surrounding their estimates and identified the most probable outcomes.



The research used risk functions of temperature to estimate expected mortality rates attributed to changing climate conditions. By factoring in population growth, temperature trends, and death rates, the study provides a comprehensive picture of the future health risks posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-action-and-biodiversity-striking-the-right-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>.



However, the study does not account for specific weather phenomena such as prolonged heatwaves, extreme nighttime temperatures, and humidity variations, all of which could further amplify the estimated death toll. 



This suggests that the true impact of climate change on mortality rates may be even more severe than currently projected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-climate-action">Urgent need for climate action</h2>



The implications of this research are clear: immediate action is required to reduce carbon emissions and protect public health. 



Governments must prioritize aggressive climate policies that cut greenhouse gas emissions while also strengthening adaptation measures to minimize harm in the most vulnerable areas. 



Without decisive intervention, Europe faces a grim future in which millions more people will suffer and die from climate-induced heat exposure.



This study serves as a stark reminder that the consequences of climate inaction will be far-reaching and devastating. The challenge ahead is immense, but with urgent and coordinated efforts, it is still possible to prevent the worst outcomes and safeguard lives across Europe.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03452-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>.



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Without climate action, heat will cause millions of deaths by 2099

Climate change is rapidly altering the health landscape across Europe,...

On the barrier islands of Miami, a troubling phenomenon is unfolding. Since 2016, construction has contributed to subsidence, causing 35 high-rise buildings, including Trump Tower III, to sink as much as eight centimeters into the ground.



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.uh.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Houston</a> have played a central role in identifying the cause: urban development is exerting immense pressure on the fragile land beneath these structures.



A recent study published in the journal Earth&nbsp;and&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Science&nbsp;has documented alarming rates of land subsidence between 2016 and 2023. The research highlights that Miami’s coastal skyscrapers, particularly newer constructions, are at significant risk of ground instability.



“About half of the subsiding structures are younger than 2014, and at the majority of them, subsidence decays with time. This correlation suggests that the subsidence is related to construction activities,” the report stated. 



The findings suggest that the weight and vibrations from large-scale developments are pressing into the porous and sandy geology of the region, leading to gradual sinking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-miami-skyscrapers-on-sinking-land">Miami skyscrapers on sinking land</h2>



Subsidence refers to the gradual sinking of land due to natural or human-induced factors. 



In coastal cities like Miami, this issue is particularly concerning because the underlying ground is often composed of loose sediments, limestone, and sand. These materials can compact under the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/construction-materials-could-store-carbon-in-homes-and-buildings-helping-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weight of heavy buildings</a>, leading to ground-level changes over time.



The process is not uniform across all structures. In some cases, the subsidence begins immediately after construction but slows as the ground settles. 



In others, the sinking continues at a steady rate, raising concerns about long-term stability. The research suggests that once the land is compressed beyond a certain threshold, reversing the process becomes nearly impossible.



This slow-moving yet persistent issue raises serious concerns about Miami’s ability to maintain safe infrastructure in the face of both subsidence and rising sea levels. 



The research team at the University of Houston sought to validate these findings using cutting-edge technology capable of detecting minute changes in the Earth’s surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-construction-induced-subsidence">Construction-induced subsidence</h2>



The research was conducted by a team from the University of Houston’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, led by Professor Pietro Milillo.



The team utilized&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/insar-satellite-based-technique-captures-overall-deformation-picture" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">InSAR</a>, or Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, a satellite-based remote sensing method capable of detecting surface changes as small as the thickness of a credit card.



InSAR works by comparing radar signals from two images of the same area taken at different times. Even the most minor deformations of the Earth's surface become visible using this technique, making it an invaluable tool for monitoring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adding-coffee-grounds-during-the-construction-process-could-reinforce-buildings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">land stability</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-heavy-construction">Impact of heavy construction </h2>



“We attribute the sinking ground primarily to the weight and vibrations from high-rise construction,” said Milillo. 



“The phenomenon, described as creep deformation, occurs when sandy layers interbedded within Miami’s porous limestone geology compress under pressure, potentially compromising structural stability." 



"Our work confirmed the spatial and temporal patterns of subsidence in the study. We demonstrated how construction-induced stresses extend well beyond building footprints, revealing risks to surrounding areas up to 320 meters away.”



The study was a collaborative effort involving several leading institutions, including the University&nbsp;of&nbsp;Houston, the University of Miami, the German&nbsp;Aerospace&nbsp;Center, <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">NASA’s&nbsp;Jet&nbsp;Propulsion&nbsp;Laboratory</a>, and the University&nbsp;of&nbsp;Hannover.



A key contributor to the study was Amin Tavakkoliestahbanati, a graduate student working under Milillo’s guidance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dozens-of-buildings-sinking-in-miami">Dozens of buildings sinking in Miami</h2>



The study focused on buildings located in some of Miami’s most densely developed coastal areas, including Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour, and Surfside. 



The researchers found that 35 buildings in these locations showed measurable subsidence, with many newer structures being the most affected.



In many cases, subsidence began immediately after construction and gradually slowed. However, in some instances, the sinking continued at a constant rate, which could indicate an ongoing risk to structural integrity. 



The data also revealed that the impact of subsidence was not limited to individual buildings. Instead, the stress from these structures was transferring to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mycocrete-new-material-made-of-fungi-hopes-to-replace-concrete-in-construction-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surrounding</a> land, affecting areas far beyond the original construction sites.



Sunny Isles Beach exhibited some of the most concerning patterns. Up to 70% of newly built high-rises in this part of Miami showed measurable ground sinking. The region's sandy subsurface geology appears to play a significant role in this phenomenon, as loose sand is more susceptible to compression under heavy loads.



“Our role as a validation partner highlights the importance of geospatial technology in urban risk assessments,” said Milillo. “By confirming these patterns, we’re helping to develop tools for safer urban planning, particularly in geologically sensitive coastal zones.”



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



Miami’s barrier islands are already vulnerable to&nbsp;<a href="https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-level&nbsp;rise</a>, coastal erosion, and extreme weather. The discovery that urban development is contributing to land subsidence adds another layer of complexity to the challenges faced by city planners, engineers, and policymakers.



As the city continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important to incorporate geological data and remote sensing tools like InSAR into urban planning. These technologies can help identify areas at risk before construction even begins, potentially preventing future structural failures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-ground-sinking-in-miami">Consequences of ground sinking in Miami</h2>



Ignoring the risks associated with subsidence could lead to severe consequences. In some cases, prolonged ground sinking can create cracks in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/concrete-becoming-great-carbon-sink-capturing-storing-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building foundations</a>, weaken support structures, and even lead to partial collapses. For a city like Miami, where the demand for high-rise living remains strong, addressing this issue should be a priority.



The research demonstrates the value of scientific collaboration in addressing real-world challenges, particularly in understanding construction-related subsidence.



By combining satellite-based monitoring with on-the-ground engineering expertise, researchers can provide valuable insights that help protect communities and infrastructure in vulnerable coastal regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safer-construction-practices">Safer construction practices</h2>



The study has sparked renewed discussions about how to build safely in coastal areas prone to subsidence. Engineers, city planners, and policymakers must work together to develop strategies that mitigate the risks associated with ground sinking in Miami and beyond.



One potential approach is to implement stricter <a href="https://www.iccsafe.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building codes</a> that require developers to conduct detailed geotechnical assessments before construction begins.



Another possibility is to integrate long-term monitoring programs that track subsidence patterns over time, allowing authorities to intervene before structural issues become critical.



“This work showcases the transformative power of geospatial science to uncover hidden risks beneath the surface,” Milillo said. “It’s a call to action for engineers, planners, and policymakers to work together in creating resilient cities.”



By leveraging scientific advancements and promoting responsible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-plans-to-build-house-on-the-moon-by-2040/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">construction practices</a>, cities like Miami can continue to grow while ensuring the safety and stability of their urban landscapes. 



The findings of this study serve as a critical reminder that what happens beneath the surface can have profound implications for the future of coastal development.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024EA003852" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth and Space Science</a>.



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Dozens of coastal skyscrapers in Miami are sinking

On the barrier islands of Miami, a troubling phenomenon is...

NASA's Artemis program aims to establish a human base on the Moon within the next few decades. However, this endeavor isn't as simple as packing up a spaceship and taking off.



The Moon is not exactly your typical vacation spot - it's an airless, dusty, radiation-charged rock located thousands of miles away from the comforts of Earth.



Yet, despite these harsh conditions, scientists are proving that building a permanent Moon base is not impossible. A lot of careful planning and innovation are required, and this is what's happening right now.



A research paper that comprehensively examines the numerous challenges associated with lunar-based manufacturing and construction, offers an enlightening perspective. 



At the heart of their solutions lie three critical technologies - 3D printing, robotics, and artificial intelligence (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-will-be-a-game-changer-in-weather-forecasting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-sustainable-moon-base">Building a sustainable Moon base</h2>



A sustainable, long-term lunar presence involves more than just setting foot on the Moon.



It requires the ability to produce essential tools, structures, and systems for habitability right there on the Moon.



"A crucial step is to be able to manufacture whatever is needed on site," emphasized Mohammad Azami, a Ph.D. candidate at Concordia University's Aerospace Robotics Lab (<a href="https://users.encs.concordia.ca/~p_aubinf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CUARL</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trio-of-technologies">Trio of technologies</h2>



These on-site production requirements are where 3D printing, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robosapiens-ai-project-making-industrial-robots-more-free-thinking-adaptable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robotics</a>, and AI come to the forefront. 



“These three technologies, operating together, offer versatility,” explained co-author Krzysztof Skonieczny, an associate professor at the Concordia Institute of Aerospace Design and Innovation.



He elaborated that adaptive and flexible solutions are needed to respond to unexpected challenges on the Moon.



Given the unique lunar environment, the equipment required will be equally specialized, often being used for the first time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-moon-dust-for-the-base">Harnessing Moon dust for the base</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turning-moon-soil-lunar-regolith-space-debris-into-building-materials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lunar regolith</a>, a layer of fine yet abrasive dust that envelops the moon’s surface, could considerably reduce the payload from Earth-launched supply missions. 



Azami's research in the Concordia Centre for Composites (<a href="https://www.concordia.ca/research/composites.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CONCOM</a>) and CUARL has shown that this dust could be used in a mobile 3D printing robot for on-demand fabrication of complex structures.



Also, regolith serves as an effective barrier against solar radiation, potentially reducing the need to import similar materials from Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



Moving forward, both the United States and China have plans to establish a long-term base on the Moon by mid-next decade.



While this goal seems achievable for smaller missions, similar to those to the International Space Station or Antarctic research centers, a more extended lunar stay presents new challenges.



Addressing issues like the effects of extended duration on human biology and the legal complications around lunar territorial rights should be a priority.



"These are very important, big-picture challenges. Manufacturing is one piece of a very large puzzle," noted Skonieczny.



As we move forward in our ambitious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lunar-rovers-new-technology-survive-extreme-moon-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lunar exploration</a> goals, every piece of this puzzle will be critical. 



And if the past is any indication, human ingenuity will rise to the challenge and turn these dreams into realities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-moon-as-a-stepping-stone-to-mars">The Moon as a stepping stone to Mars</h2>



Establishing a sustainable presence on the moon is not just an end goal - it’s a crucial step toward deeper <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/civilian-spacewalk-is-a-giant-leap-in-space-exploration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space exploration</a>.



Lessons learned from lunar construction, resource utilization, and long-term human habitation will serve as a blueprint for future missions to Mars and beyond. 



The moon’s lower gravity and proximity to Earth make it an ideal testing ground for advanced life support systems, autonomous robotics, and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technologies.



Moreover, a permanent lunar base could act as a launch hub for deep space missions, which would reduce the need for costly, Earth-based launches.



With infrastructure in place on the Moon, astronauts could prepare for longer missions, refining their ability to work in extreme environments and paving the way for humanity’s next giant leap - setting foot on the Red Planet.



As nations and private companies collaborate to push the boundaries of space exploration, the moon offers a unique opportunity to test and perfect the technologies that will one day carry humans across the solar system. 



The journey to Mars starts with building a strong base on the Moon, and the innovations being developed today will be instrumental in achieving this ambitious goal.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S037604212400071X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Progress in Aerospace Sciences</a>.



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NASA plans to build a Moon base using 3D printing and robots

NASA's Artemis program aims to establish a human base on...

In a world where driverless vehicles capture headlines, there’s a quieter shift shaping the future of transportation. 



While many companies focus on ferrying people around busy cities, a growing niche is turning its attention to mundane, repetitive tasks.



These tasks may not grab the spotlight, but they keep logistics, city maintenance, and industrial sites running. Some drivers complain about long hours or hazardous routes, while others quit. 



As a result, new ventures are stepping in to hand these “crappy jobs” over to self-driving workhorses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-interest-in-driverless-utility-vehicles">Growing interest in driverless utility vehicles</h2>



<a href="https://www.infosys.com/insights/ai-automation/autonomous-technologies.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Autonomous technology</a> is often seen as synonymous with <a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/01/03/1108950/robotaxis-driverless-cars-breakthrough-technologies-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robotaxis</a> or passenger shuttles. 



However, engineers are finding that commercial and industrial settings provide more predictable environments for the operation of driverless vehicles.



Warehouses, mining sites, and city service jobs can be streamlined through driverless vehicles that do chores no one else wants to tackle. Businesses see these specialized vehicles as a way to speed up operations, keep workers out of harm’s way, and cut costs.



They also hope to reduce human error, which is often a factor in minor mishaps and lost productivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-background-a-surge-in-local-expertise">Background: A surge in local expertise</h2>



When Australia’s once-famous car manufacturing sector <a href="https://www.swinburne.edu.au/news/2016/10/collapse-of-australian-car-manufacturing-industry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collapsed</a> in the mid-2010s, many talented engineers and technicians found themselves jobless. That wave of skill and experience sparked fresh ideas for emerging companies.



One such venture is <a href="https://www.appliedev.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied EV</a>, co-founded by General Motors veteran <a href="https://www.automobil-elektronik-kongress.de/hosts-speakers/detail/veranstaltung/2024/sprecher/julian-broadbent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Julian Broadbent</a>, Chief Executive Officer at Applied EV. 



The automotive shakeup pushed him and his team to tackle unappealing but necessary tasks by using robotic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-future-is-electric-epa-sets-strictest-ever-vehicle-emission-rules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicles</a>. Their approach is gaining attention from global partners.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-path-to-autonomy">One path to autonomy</h2>



Broadbent believes that focusing on less glamorous work is an easier strategy than chasing the hype around driverless taxis.



“Making robot taxis requires huge investment. We found an easier road to market by looking at all the crappy jobs. The dull and dangerous jobs that drivers don’t want to do, the monotonous work,” said Broadbent in an interview.



He sees applications everywhere, from running deliveries in large warehouses to taking on roadside cleaning duties. He also noted that local talent was abundant after major carmakers left Australia.



“We looked out the window and realized we could pick up a lot of talent. Ford, GM, Nissan all left in a hurry,” the chief executive said.



This mindset shaped Applied EV’s focus on tasks that do not require the complex decision-making of urban passenger travel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worker-shortages-and-driverless-utility-vehicles">Worker shortages and driverless utility vehicles</h2>



Driver shortages in various regions have sparked fresh thinking. The <a href="https://www.trucking.org/news-insights/ata-chief-economist-pegs-driver-shortage-historic-high" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Trucking Associations</a> reported a shortfall of about 80,000 truck drivers in 2021.&nbsp;



Employers are juggling high turnover and rising wages. Many routes are unappealing, and some companies struggle to retain staff who face monotonous tasks.



Autonomous utility vehicles promise to cover these jobs without risking human safety. Broadbent highlighted how this creates practical solutions for multiple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/direct-evidence-electric-vehicles-measurably-reduce-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">industries</a>.



“The public will feel comfortable with this - we’re solving real human problems,” commented Broadbent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-suzuki-invests-in-autonomous-vehicles">Suzuki invests in autonomous vehicles</h2>



Applied EV’s specialized software, designed to power various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-electric-car-battery-charges-in-just-4-5-minutes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">commercial vehicles</a>, caught the attention of Japan’s Suzuki. 



The giant automaker took a stake in the company with the aim of rolling out driverless solutions that handle chores in places like retail complexes and manufacturing plants.



Instead of competing with larger, self-driving taxi projects, Suzuki and Applied EV hope to build simpler units that move cargo and maintain facilities. 



Their vision is to help businesses allocate people to tasks that require a personal touch, while letting robots handle repetitive driving jobs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-australia-s-contribution-to-the-ev-supply-chain">Australia’s contribution to the ev supply chain</h2>



Beyond the engineering talent, Australia supplies critical materials for electric vehicles. According to <a href="https://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/minerals/mineral-resources-and-advice/australian-resource-reviews/lithium" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geoscience Australia</a>, the country holds around 6.3 million tons (5.7 million metric tons) of lithium resources.



This mineral is essential for most modern EV batteries. With manufacturers around the globe looking for battery metals, Australia is stepping up as a source of lithium, <a href="https://reneweconomy.com.au/greener-steel-lithium-and-graphite-the-focus-in-new-state-government-funding-round/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">graphite</a>, and other key elements.



That strengthens its position as a valuable player in the broader electric vehicle market, alongside companies like Applied EV.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-driverless-vehicles-promise-to-reshape-industries">Driverless vehicles promise to reshape industries</h2>



There’s a sense of optimism in this corner of the transportation world. More companies are likely to adopt driverless vehicles to manage jobs that typically see high turnover or safety risks.



Mitsubishi has also taken notice of Australian tech expertise by investing about £26 million in Canberra-based <a href="https://www.autoworldjournal.com/mitsubishi-electric-joins-seeing-machines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seeing Machines</a>, which specializes in driver-monitoring systems. Such deals hint at an appetite for creative solutions that avoid the fiercely competitive space of passenger autonomy.



Rather than aiming for congested roads, outfits like Applied EV look set to reshape behind-the-scenes operations across different industries. They don’t promise futuristic rides or fancy perks.



Instead, they target everyday chores that rarely excite people but are essential for maintaining cities, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-directly-observes-carbon-factories-milky-way-galaxy-wolf-rayet-140/">factories</a>, and farms. With a focus on these overlooked areas, autonomous technology may make life easier for workers while boosting efficiency.



By staying under the radar, these vehicles quietly prove that technology can step in where drivers would rather not tread.



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Driverless utility vehicles are taking over boring and risky jobs

In a world where driverless vehicles capture headlines, there’s a...

If we could turn back time to between 45,000 and 29,000 years ago, we would find that the planet was a vastly different place from how it is currently. Early humans were just beginning to establish their presence beyond the African continent, and they may unwittingly have caused a seismic shift in the local ecology.



But how did their arrival impact the delicate balance of the animal kingdom? A recent study offers fresh insights into this ancient relationship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-scavenger-human-relationship">The scavenger-human relationship</h2>



"Early humans, more than 30,000 years ago, did not live in isolation from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealth-inequality-exists-in-the-animal-kingdom-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal world</a>; they were integrated into a network of relationships with scavengers," explained Dr. Chris Baumann, one of the key scientists behind the research.



This complex web of interactions, where humans and scavenger animals influenced each other, is often challenging to understand from our modern perspective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-data-unearthing-the-past">The power of data: Unearthing the past</h2>



Uncovering insights from the depths of history is no simple task. However, researchers from the <a href="https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tübingen</a> and the University of Cologne achieved this by leveraging the extensive ROAD database from the ROCEEH research center. 



This database encompasses information from 2,400 prehistoric sites across Europe, Africa, and Asia.



By focusing on zooarchaeological data from European sites once inhabited by humans, the team unearthed intriguing patterns of behavior that had long disappeared into the past.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-effect-on-scavengers">The human effect on scavengers</h2>



Dr. Baumann and his colleagues hypothesize that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ancient-humans-hunted-elephants-with-stone-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient humans</a> may have hunted and killed more animals than they could consume, thereby increasing the availability of carrion.



At first, this may have been a boon for sizable scavenger animals. "Initially, this benefited large scavengers," noted Baumann.



However, humans soon began to manage their surroundings more carefully, ensuring that large predators were kept at a distance from their settlements.



On the other hand, unthreatening small scavengers like foxes, ravens, or crows were likely tolerated - much like we tolerate urban foxes and raccoons today.



Baumann believes this dynamic resulted in a significant shift in the relationship between humans and scavengers between 45,000 and 29,000 years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-carnivores-were-displaced">Large carnivores were displaced </h2>



"During this period, the late Pleistocene, the large scavengers began to be displaced in favor of smaller species, some of which even benefited from living with humans," noted Dr. Shumon T. Hussain. 



This shift was likely driven, in part, by the arrival of modern humans (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-homo-sapiens-living-spaces-organized-similarly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Homo sapiens</a>) in Europe and the displacement of the region's last Neanderthals.



"Humans further developed their skills and hunted so many animals that significantly more energy became available in the food web," noted Baumann.



This influx of energy resulted in behavioral adaptations and evolutionary changes in scavenging animals, while humans developed new ways of colonizing the landscape. 



In effect, humans played a significant role in shaping ecosystems - which may have also influenced human evolution itself.



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



The changes induced by early humans didn’t just alter the dynamics between scavengers and their environment in the short term. These changes triggered a cascade of ecological consequences that echoed through generations.



As large scavengers were gradually pushed away and smaller ones thrived in human-dominated spaces, the ecosystem itself adapted in response. 



This shift likely influenced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/danger-zones-climate-change-is-altering-predator-prey-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator-prey</a> relationships, competition for resources, and even the genetic evolution of scavenger species over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domestication-of-animals">Domestication of animals</h2>



Researchers believe that this transition may have contributed to the domestication process, with some animals gradually adapting to human presence and food sources. 



The tolerance for smaller scavengers like foxes and birds may have been an early stepping stone to the complex relationships humans share with domesticated animals today.



Furthermore, this adaptation highlights how human activity can leave an enduring mark on biodiversity - whether intentional or not.



Understanding these ancient ecological shifts provides valuable lessons for modern conservation efforts. 



The study highlights the importance of considering how human interventions, both past and present, can disrupt or reshape natural ecosystems. The research offers insights into how we might promote more sustainable coexistence with wildlife in the future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277379124006504?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quaternary Science Reviews</a>.



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How early humans and small scavengers benefited each other

If we could turn back time to between 45,000 and...

For millennia, the Arctic-boreal zone (ABZ) has acted as a critical carbon reservoir, locking away vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in its frozen soils. Unfortunately, this seems to no longer be true.



A new study confirms that this vital role is rapidly eroding due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising temperatures</a>, increased microbial activity, and intensifying wildfires. 



The research, led by the <a href="https://www.woodwellclimate.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woodwell Climate Research Center</a>, shows that one-third of the ABZ is now emitting more carbon than it absorbs, with this figure rising to 40% when emissions from fires are factored in.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-carbon-balance-in-the-arctic">Shifting carbon balance in the Arctic</h2>



The Arctic-boreal zone encompasses tundra, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boreal forests</a>, and wetlands across Earth's northernmost regions.&nbsp;



Historically, the ABZ has acted as a net carbon sink, absorbing more CO₂ through plant photosynthesis than it released via microbial and plant respiration. 



However, the study highlights how this delicate balance is shifting, driven by climate change and a surge in wildfires.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/arctic-boreal-zone_abz_study-zone-area_map_credit-WCRC_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/arctic-boreal-zone_abz_study-zone-area_map_credit-WCRC_1s.webp" alt="Map of Arctic-boreal zone study area depicting boreal forests, tundra, and permafrost region. Credit: Greg Fiske / Woodwell Climate Research Center" class="wp-image-1958071"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Map of Arctic-boreal zone study area depicting boreal forests, tundra, and permafrost region. Credit: Greg Fiske / Woodwell Climate Research Center</figcaption></figure>



“We wanted to develop the most current and comprehensive picture of carbon in the north, and to do that, we knew we needed to account for fire’s growing carbon footprint in this region,” said lead author Anna Virkkala, a research scientist at Woodwell Climate.&nbsp;



“While we found many northern ecosystems are still acting as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountains-both-carbon-sinks-and-carbon-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide sinks</a>, source regions and fires are now canceling out much of that net uptake and reversing long-standing trends.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-behind-the-findings">Data behind the findings</h2>



To assess the ABZ’s changing carbon dynamics, the research team compiled three decades of CO₂ data (1990–2020) from 200 monitoring sites. 



The data were drawn from flux towers and chambers that measure gas exchanges between the land and the atmosphere. 



These site-level observations were integrated with climate, soil, and vegetation data into the “<a href="https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/14/179/2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ABC Flux</a>” database, which Virkkala oversees.



The process of “upscaling” these data created detailed, high-resolution maps (1km x 1km) of carbon fluxes across the region. This level of detail allowed researchers to pinpoint specific areas where carbon trends are shifting.



“The high resolution of these data means that we can now see how variable the Arctic is when it comes to carbon,” said Sue Natali, lead of the Permafrost Pathways initiative at Woodwell Climate and a co-author of the study.&nbsp;



“The Arctic isn’t one single place - it’s a massive area with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-action-and-biodiversity-striking-the-right-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse ecosystems</a> and climatic conditions. And now we have the capability to track and map carbon processes at a spatial resolution that can reveal what’s happening on the ground.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summer-greening-vs-winter-emissions">Summer greening vs. winter emissions</h2>



The study provides key insights into the factors driving the ABZ’s changing carbon balance. 



While longer growing seasons and increased vegetation in some areas have boosted summer carbon uptake, these gains are overshadowed by increased emissions during the non-growing season. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/permafrost-is-no-longer-permanent-arctic-communities-in-danger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thawing permafrost</a> releases stored carbon, and microbial activity during warmer winters accelerates the release of greenhouse gases.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/arctic-boreal-zone_abz_average-co2-balance_2001-2020_map_credit-WCRC_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/arctic-boreal-zone_abz_average-co2-balance_2001-2020_map_credit-WCRC_1s.webp" alt="Average terrestrial CO2 balance from 2001–2020 based on a synthesis of field measurements and machine learning models. Credit: Greg Fiske / Woodwell Climate Research Center" class="wp-image-1958065"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Average terrestrial CO2 balance from 2001–2020 based on a synthesis of field measurements and machine learning models. Credit: Greg Fiske / Woodwell Climate Research Center</figcaption></figure>



“We are seeing that longer growing seasons and more microbial activity in winter are gradually shifting carbon trajectories,” explained Marguerite Mauritz, an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.utep.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas-El Paso</a> and co-author of the study.



The research also challenges the assumption that a “greener” Arctic will lead to greater carbon storage. While nearly half (49%) of the ABZ showed signs of greening, only 12% of those areas demonstrated an annual net increase in CO₂ uptake.&nbsp;



Warmer conditions often mean more carbon released from permafrost thaw and more biomass available to burn during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-wildfires-are-gaining-even-more-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>, further contributing to emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fires-amplify-arctic-carbon-loss">Fires amplify Arctic carbon loss</h2>



Wildfires, a growing threat in the ABZ, exacerbate the region’s carbon release. Adding fire emissions to the carbon balance analysis raised the percentage of the ABZ acting as a carbon source from 34% to 40%.&nbsp;



These fires are fueled by increased vegetation and drier conditions, creating a feedback loop that accelerates carbon loss.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/arctic-boreal-zone_abz_average-co2-balance_2001-2020_map2_credit-WCRC_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/arctic-boreal-zone_abz_average-co2-balance_2001-2020_map2_credit-WCRC_1s.webp" alt="Average terrestrial CO2 balance from 2001–2020 based on a synthesis of field measurements and machine learning models. Credit: Greg Fiske / Woodwell Climate Research Center" class="wp-image-1958068"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Average terrestrial CO2 balance from 2001–2020 based on a synthesis of field measurements and machine learning models. Credit: Greg Fiske / Woodwell Climate Research Center</figcaption></figure>



The study highlights the need for more robust monitoring of the ABZ to better understand and mitigate the impacts of these changes.



“Highly collaborative efforts like this are critical for understanding how shifting seasonal dynamics and disturbance patterns can have regional and even global impacts,” Mauritz said.



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



The findings are consistent with a growing body of research indicating that the Arctic is transitioning from a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-carbon-sinks-are-being-pushed-to-their-limits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sink</a> to a carbon source. 



Studies including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-previously-unknown-sources-of-methane-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane (CH₄) emissions</a> from lakes, rivers, and wetlands reinforce this troubling trend. 



A warmer Arctic may no longer serve as a reliable buffer against global carbon emissions but instead act as a significant contributor.



“This study may act as a warning sign of bigger changes ahead, and offers a map of places we’ll need to better monitor in the coming decades,” Virkkala said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-warming-and-carbon-dynamics">Arctic warming and carbon dynamics </h2>



The researchers emphasize that understanding these changes is essential for predicting their long-term impact on the global carbon cycle. 



The detailed, high-resolution maps created by this study can guide future monitoring efforts and inform climate policy.



By illustrating how and where carbon dynamics are shifting, this research provides critical tools for scientists and policymakers to address the challenges posed by a warming Arctic.&nbsp;



As the study shows, the region’s role in regulating Earth’s carbon balance is changing rapidly - and the consequences may reverberate far beyond the northern latitudes.



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Earth's Arctic region has flipped and now emits more carbon than it stores

For millennia, the Arctic-boreal zone (ABZ) has acted as a...

In 2022, the Great Salt Lake - celebrated as the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere - dropped to unprecedented low levels.&nbsp;



This alarming decline has triggered widespread concerns in Utah regarding the lake’s economic value, ecological significance, and potential threats to public health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guiding-decisions-about-great-salt-lake">Guiding decisions about Great Salt Lake </h2>



A new study from <a href="https://www.pdx.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland State University</a> (PSU) represents the first peer-reviewed effort to quantitatively assess the contributing factors behind Great Salt Lake's record-low water volume. 



According to the researchers, this detailed analysis is critical for predicting and guiding future decisions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-salt-lake-agriculture-is-draining-a-natural-wonder/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake management</a>.



“The lake has a lot of social and economic relevance for the region and Utah,” said Siiri Bigalke, the lead author of the study and a PhD candidate in PSU’s Earth, Environment and Society program.&nbsp;



Bigalke's research builds upon earlier work conducted during her master’s studies at <a href="https://www.usu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah State University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-importance-of-great-salt-lake">Far-reaching importance of Great Salt Lake </h2>



Bigalke highlighted the multifaceted significance of the Great Salt Lake. “It provides over $1.9 billion in annual economic revenue, serves as a vital feeding ground for millions of migratory birds and enhances snowfall over the Wasatch Mountain Range.” 



The Wasatch Range hosts 11 ski resorts, and the Winter Olympics will return to Salt Lake City in 2034. The lake influences weather patterns that sustain this recreation and tourism. A compromised lake could have extensive repercussions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yearly-changes-in-lake-volume">Yearly changes in lake volume</h2>



Bigalke collaborated with co-authors Paul Loikith, an associate professor of geography and director of PSU’s Climate Science Lab, and Nick Siler, an associate professor in <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a>’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences.



The team developed a model to track the lake’s annual water volume fluctuations. This model incorporated water inputs - primarily from streamflow and precipitation - as well as water loss from evaporation.



“We developed a model that created alternate scenarios where only one of the input or output variables changed as observed in order to isolate the relative contributions of streamflow, precipitation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-can-vaporize-water-cause-evaporation-without-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evaporation</a> to the record low volume in 2022,” Bigalke explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes-of-the-lake-s-decline">Causes of the lake's decline</h2>



The commonly cited cause of the lake’s decline is reduced streamflows in its three major tributaries, driven by a combination of drought, water diversions, and climate change.&nbsp;



While the PSU study confirmed that shrinking streamflows accounted for about two-thirds of the total water volume drop, it also identified another critical factor: increased evaporation resulting from rising temperatures.



Warmer conditions intensify the rate at which water evaporates off the lake’s surface. This effect, already significant, is likely to worsen over time if temperatures continue to climb.



“As the climate is warming, evaporation off the lake increases, so the contribution from warming to the evaporation is significant,” Loikith said.&nbsp;



“Without the warming trend, 2022 wouldn't have been a record low. Even though streamflow is dominant, the increase in evaporation was necessary to reach the record low.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-term-rebound-vs-long-term-pressures">Short-term rebound vs. long-term pressures</h2>



Although boosting streamflows through measures like water conservation could temporarily help the lake recover some of its lost volume, the longer-term picture is more troubling.&nbsp;



The escalating heat linked to climate change is expected to further intensify evaporation, potentially outpacing any near-term improvements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-of-a-shrinking-lake">Health risks of a shrinking lake</h2>



Beyond economic and ecological losses, a shrinking Great Salt Lake also poses serious health concerns for the roughly 1.2 million residents in the Salt Lake City metro region.&nbsp;



As more lakebed is exposed, dust events could become more frequent, degrading air quality and carrying toxic particles.



“As the lake shrinks, it's exposing this dry lakebed that could possibly increase dust events into the metropolitan area, affecting the air quality for nearby residents,” Bigalke noted.



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



The study authors call for further research to determine precisely how much each factor - rising evaporation, shifting precipitation, and human-driven water diversions - impacts the flow of water into the lake. 



This knowledge is pivotal for crafting policies that effectively address the lake’s ongoing decline.



The PSU-led team believes that understanding these variables can help officials plan for a range of scenarios. This is especially crucial in regions susceptible to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> and extreme weather events, where the lake’s status could shift rapidly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-a-critical-resource">Managing a critical resource</h2>



The Great Salt Lake’s record low in 2022 stands as a stark reminder of how climate change and resource management decisions intersect.&nbsp;



Policymakers, conservationists, and local stakeholders must collaborate to safeguard the lake for future generations, balancing economic demands with ecological sustainability.



Ultimately, the lake’s future hinges on measures that address <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-the-worlds-climate-driven-water-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water scarcity</a>, curtail water diversions, and mitigate the effects of global warming. The research highlights the urgency of these efforts and the consequences if they are delayed.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL112154" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Great Salt Lake is rapidly shrinking, and experts say that they finally know why

In 2022, the Great Salt Lake - celebrated as the...

In the worldwide push to reduce carbon emissions, land-based mitigation strategies (LBMS) - such as planting forests and growing biofuels - are an increasingly popular solution.&nbsp;



However, a new study cautions that while these efforts can help tackle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, they may also threaten wildlife if not implemented with care. Overall, the study finds that restoring forests has the most positive effect on biodiversity, but warns of unintended consequences from other approaches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aligning-climate-goals-with-biodiversity">Aligning climate goals with biodiversity</h2>



A team of researchers,&nbsp; including Dr. Evelyn Beaury of the <a href="https://www.nybg.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Botanical Garden</a> (NYBG), argues that policymakers must weigh the ecological impacts of land-based mitigation strategies as they strive to meet climate targets.



“As efforts to address climate change accelerate, it is urgent to ensure that in deploying LBMS we do not inadvertently imperil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>,” the researchers wrote.



Beaury is an assistant curator at NYBG’s Center for Conservation and Restoration Ecology. This initiative is dedicated to advancing collaborations with global conservation programs, training future biodiversity leaders, and promoting the sustainable use of plant resources at both local and international levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-based-mitigation-strategies">Land-based mitigation strategies</h2>



Countries worldwide, from Austria to Zimbabwe, have committed to adopting LBMS over millions of acres to curb carbon outputs and achieve climate objectives. The principal strategies include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/success-story-reforestation-has-helped-keep-the-eastern-us-relatively-cool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reforestation</a>: Reintroducing forests in areas where they once existed.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-too-many-trees-could-spoil-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Afforestation</a>: Establishing forests on lands such as savannahs and grasslands that have historically been treeless.</li>



<li>Bioenergy Cropping: Cultivating fast-growing plants like switchgrass to generate renewable energy.</li>
</ul>



Although these measures have gained momentum, comprehensively predicting their effects on biodiversity has been challenging, since different ecosystems and species respond in complex ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-mitigation-strategies-and-biodiversity">Climate mitigation strategies and biodiversity </h2>



The study is the first to systematically evaluate how reforestation, afforestation, and bioenergy cropping might affect biodiversity on a global scale.&nbsp;



Led by Dr. Jeffrey Smith, an associate research scholar at <a href="https://environment.princeton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University’s High Meadows Environmental Institute</a>, the research team modeled how over 14,000 animal species could be impacted by these climate mitigation methods - encompassing creatures from tiny mice to large moose.



“Plant-based mitigation strategies do not have the same effect on the climate or on biodiversity everywhere they are deployed. Our research suggests that we cannot assume plant-based solutions always indirectly reduce the biodiversity crisis,” said Dr. Beaury.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reforestation-a-win-win-for-wildlife">Reforestation: A “win-win” for wildlife</h2>



The study highlights reforestation as the approach most likely to deliver mutual advantages for both climate and biodiversity. By bringing back forests to places where they naturally existed, habitats improve for many species, and carbon sequestration rises, helping mitigate global warming.&nbsp;



Animals such as spotted salamanders, red-bellied woodpeckers, and even jaguars can benefit from the added forest cover.



“Reforestation is an obvious ‘win-win’ for biodiversity,” said Dr. Beaury. “Restoring lost forest provides habitat as well as reduces the impacts of climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks-from-afforestation-and-bioenergy">Risks from afforestation and bioenergy</h2>



Although afforestation and bioenergy cropping can curb climate threats, they pose direct hazards for wildlife. Afforestation usually means planting trees in savannahs and grasslands, fundamentally altering habitats that support unique species.&nbsp;



Ostriches, lions, elk, and grouse are among the animals at risk if these natural ecosystems become uniform forests or bioenergy plantations.



While such transformations may counteract warming and climate pressures, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a> they cause can overshadow any biodiversity gains.&nbsp;



The study concludes that immediate declines in habitat overshadow the positive climate effects, making these tactics less favorable for preserving wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observed-declines-in-resilient-species">Observed declines in “resilient” species</h2>



Even species known to tolerate a range of environmental stresses have suffered under afforestation or intense bioenergy cropping.&nbsp;



The study is one of the first to provide quantitative, global evidence of this impact, confirming ecologists’ long-standing concern that large-scale modifications to ecosystems might do more harm than good in certain contexts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-way-forward-careful-deployment">The way forward: Careful deployment</h2>



As national climate strategies intensify, these findings emphasize the importance of carefully matching LBMS to local conditions to avoid harming biodiversity. 



Where ecosystems naturally support forests, reforestation stands out as a solution that harmonizes climate gains with ecological health. 



Conversely, converting grasslands and savannahs to forest or monoculture plantations demands careful evaluation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-necessary-balancing-act">A necessary balancing act</h2>



As climate change progresses, governments worldwide are deploying LBMS on an unprecedented scale. The researchers argue that these strategies must address both carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation to be truly sustainable.&nbsp;



Rather than assuming plant-based solutions will inherently benefit wildlife, policymakers should base decisions on detailed ecological assessments, ensuring that the drive to mitigate climate change does not inadvertently intensify the biodiversity crisis.



By integrating local ecological knowledge with climate targets, decision-makers can adopt balanced solutions that foster both a stable climate and thriving ecosystems - a critical step toward a healthier planet for both people and wildlife.



The research team included Dr. Jonathan Levine, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Princeton, and Dr. Susan C. Cook-Patton, senior forest restoration scientist at <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nature Conservancy</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adm9485" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Climate action and biodiversity: Striking the right balance

In the worldwide push to reduce carbon emissions, land-based mitigation...

Golden,Trevally,Swim,With,A,Whale,Shark,In,Cenderawasih,Bay,

Massive whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, are engaging in unexpected behavior. According to a new study, whale sharks use oil platforms as migratory stopover sites during their expansive journeys across the globe.



These spotted behemoths don't just randomly cruise the seas - they follow a network of natural and human-made structures that dot their underwater highways.



These observations come from a long-term tracking study conducted by Ben D'Antonio and his colleagues at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (<a href="https://www.aims.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIMS</a>) and The University of Western Australia (<a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UWA</a>).



The findings paint a fascinating picture of how these enormous fish navigate the vast expanses of our oceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-whale-sharks-across-the-ocean">Tracking whale sharks across the ocean</h2>



The study involved analyzing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-shark-mating-behaviors-observed-for-the-first-time-in-the-wild/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellite tracking</a> data from 78 whale sharks over a span of 14 years. The researchers focused on whale sharks that had been tagged at Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay - two critical habitats along the Western Australian coast.



According to lead author Ben D’Antonio, a Ph.D. candidate from the AIMS@UWA program, the study provides crucial insights into how these massive creatures navigate the ocean.



"We mapped their movements across the eastern Indian Ocean and the North West Shelf. The latter area in particular features a number of oil and gas platforms and associated infrastructure," D’Antonio said.



The researchers found that whale sharks use natural underwater formations, such as seamounts, pinnacles, and canyons as navigational aids.



These structures, shaped by ocean currents, act as hotspots for plankton and other small organisms, which provide a reliable food source for the filter-feeding giants.



"Whale sharks travel huge distances across the oceans, and our study illustrates that they tend to use undersea pinnacles and seamounts as stepping stones on these journeys because the currents that flow around these features help to enhance food availability like plankton," said D'Antonio.



Interestingly, the researchers also found that artificial structures, such as offshore oil and gas platforms, may play a similar role in facilitating whale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-move-into-dangerous-territory-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shark migration</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-sharks-like-oil-and-gas-platforms">Whale sharks like oil and gas platforms</h2>



While seamounts and pinnacles can span tens of kilometers, oil and gas platforms are relatively small. Yet, they seem to offer a comparable level of food availability. 



Researchers believe this may be due to the way industrial infrastructure affects surrounding marine ecosystems.



"The same is true for the industrial infrastructure found off the north-west coast of Australia," D’Antonio explained.



There is evidence, for example, that plankton are attracted by the artificial lights on these platforms. This discovery suggests that oil and gas platforms may unintentionally benefit marine life by attracting prey species.



However, the role of oil and gas platforms as migratory stepping stones also raises new questions about how their eventual removal could affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-face-deadly-threats-in-shipping-lanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale shark</a> movement patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-oil-platform-removal">Impact of oil platform removal </h2>



As oil and gas platforms reach the end of their operational lives, many are scheduled for decommissioning. 



The study’s findings suggest that removing these structures could disrupt whale shark migration.



"The removal of platforms at the end of their productive life may change seascape connectivity by removing migratory stepping stones that link important habitats for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-has-caused-a-50-decline-in-sharks-and-rays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale sharks</a>," D’Antonio said.



Understanding the extent to which whale sharks depend on these artificial structures is now a priority.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter? </h2>



Researchers need to determine how frequently the sharks visit platforms and whether they rely on them for sustenance or merely use them as occasional stopovers.



"There is still a need to understand the detail in the relationships between whale sharks and individual oil and gas platforms, like how often and for how long they visit," noted D’Antonio.



These insights are crucial for conservation and management strategies, particularly when planning marine protected areas (MPAs) and making decisions about decommissioning offshore infrastructures.



Policymakers must carefully weigh the ecological consequences before dismantling platforms that may serve an unexpected but important role in whale shark migration.



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



While the presence of oil and gas platforms may provide benefits for whale sharks, they also introduce significant risks. Ship strikes from service vessels are a major concern, particularly in areas with heavy industrial activity.



<a href="https://www.aims.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIMS</a> scientist and co-author Dr. Luciana Ferreira pointed out the dangers posed by vessel interactions.



"There are records of fatal interactions between whale sharks and vessels, and a considerable portion of the whale shark population at Ningaloo Reef have scars attributed to vessel strikes," she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-sharks-offshore-oil-and-pollution">Whale sharks, offshore oil, and pollution</h2>



Pollution is another pressing issue. Discharges, spills, and other contaminants associated with industrial operations can pose serious threats to marine life. 



Even subtle environmental changes caused by industrial infrastructure may have unintended consequences for whale shark behavior.



"The presence of the platforms may also have indirect implications by altering migration patterns and disrupting the movements of whale sharks between natural features," explained Dr. Ferreira.



Despite these concerns, whale sharks face threats across their entire distribution. Fishing bycatch, entanglement, and ship strikes are all significant dangers that affect populations globally.



To protect whale sharks effectively, conservationists must take a holistic approach that accounts for both natural and artificial influences on their movements.



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



This study highlights the complexity of whale shark conservation. While natural features remain the primary drivers of migration, artificial structures appear to play a growing role in shaping their movement patterns. 



Experts must now investigate whether these structures act as temporary refuges, long-term feeding grounds, or accidental hazards.



More broadly, the study highlights the importance of integrating industrial considerations into marine conservation planning. With careful management, it may be possible to mitigate risks while preserving the unexpected benefits that artificial structures provide.



As decisions about decommissioning offshore platforms loom, scientists and policymakers must work together to ensure that conservation efforts align with the realities of an ever-changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-move-into-dangerous-territory-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine environment</a>. 



The future of whale sharks depends on understanding how both natural and human-made factors, such as oil and gas platforms, shape their world - and ensuring that their migratory pathways remain intact for generations to come.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.13950" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diversity and Distributions</a>.



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Whale sharks use offshore oil rigs as food stops during migration, harming conservation efforts

Massive whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, are...

For the first time, researchers have measured the shape of an electron as it moves through a solid. This achievement could open a new way of looking at how electrons behave inside different materials. 



Their discovery highlights many effects that could be relevant to everything from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transmitting-quantum-information-using-electron-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum information</a> science to electronics manufacturing.



Those findings come from a team led by physicist <a href="https://physics.mit.edu/faculty/riccardo-comin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Riccardo Comin</a>, MIT’s Class of 1947 Career Development Associate Professor of Physics and leader of the work, in collaboration with other institutions. 



“We’ve essentially developed a blueprint for obtaining some completely new information that couldn’t be obtained before,” says Comin. His colleague and co-author, <a href="https://www.lassp.cornell.edu/people/mingu-kang" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mingu Kang</a>, performed much of this research at MIT before continuing at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-angles-on-electron-shape">New angles on electron shape</h2>



Physicists have examined electrons for decades, but the wave-like aspect of these particles brings extra complexity. Electrons can be described not just as small points, but also as “wave functions.”&nbsp;



These wave functions look like shapes or surfaces in higher-dimensional spaces. Sometimes these shapes are relatively simple. Other times, they’re tangled and tricky to measure.&nbsp;



By using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, or <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43586-022-00133-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ARPES</a>, the team recorded details about how electrons behaved as light hit them. 



ARPES helped them pin down a previously elusive property of electrons that holds the key to better understanding their geometry.



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



In usual settings, we talk about an electron’s energy or velocity. Those are familiar concepts. Geometry, on the other hand, points to the patterns or forms that electron waves can take when arranged in a solid.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graviton-like-particle-observed-in-quantum-material-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum geometry</a> affects how these particles interact, pair up, and even give rise to unusual behaviors. One example is superconductivity, where electrons zip along a material without resistance. 



Another is when electrons form orderly patterns, a bit like a collection of synchronized dancers. Observing geometry could help scientists design new materials with novel electronic traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-kagome-connection">The kagome connection</h2>



The team measured this geometric effect in a class of materials called <a href="https://www.bnl.gov/newsroom/news.php?a=221687" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kagome metals</a>. Kagome metals are named for a repeating pattern of atoms that resembles a series of interlocking triangles. This lattice structure can influence how electrons navigate and share energy.&nbsp;



Physicists have long found kagome metals interesting because they host special behaviors that aren’t common in many other materials. 



Observing the geometry inside them could explain why electrons in these metals sometimes align in peculiar ways that set off advanced superconductivity or other strange effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arpes-and-quantum-shapes">ARPES and quantum shapes</h2>



During ARPES experiments, researchers shine a beam of photons on a crystal. The light pushes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/watching-electrons-move-1-quintillionth-of-second-attoseconds-attomicroscopy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electrons</a> out of the material, allowing scientists to measure those electrons’ angles and spins. 



By gathering that data, they reconstruct how electrons inside the crystal are moving and what shapes they form. 



This method is demanding because it requires intricate equipment and specialized facilities. Yet it gives a unique window into what happens on distances smaller than a billionth of an inch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-and-potential-benefits">Applications and potential benefits</h2>



A precise measurement of quantum geometry can lead to progress in areas that rely on electron control. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/schrodingers-cat-put-into-silicon-chip-may-be-holy-grail-for-error-proof-quantum-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum computing</a>, for instance, depends on maintaining stable electronic states while performing computations. 



Researchers want materials that can reliably keep these states without unwanted disruptions. If scientists understand and possibly design the geometry of electrons, they might improve superconductors or even develop electronic devices that lose very little energy through heat. 



With energy efficiency becoming ever more critical, there’s real value in controlling electron flow on such tiny scales.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-global-teamwork">Insights from global teamwork</h2>



This <a href="https://mrl.mit.edu/index.php/articles/physicists_measure_quantum_geometry_for_the_first_time" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> was a partnership among institutions spanning different parts of the world. Collaborators brought together theoretical and experimental backgrounds. 



Their collective expertise made it possible to design, synthesize, and measure the electronic structure of a kagome metal. 



The pandemic forced some members to work remotely, but it also enabled other team members to take on new roles in labs that were partially shut down. 



That unexpected shift helped push the work forward and demonstrated how closely linked theory and experiment must be when tackling high-precision measurements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-electron-shape-many-possibilities">One electron shape, many possibilities</h2>



Quantum geometry is far richer than standard geometry we learn in everyday math. The shape of an electron’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bose-einstein-condensate-bec-rare-form-quantum-matter-created-with-molecules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wave function</a> isn’t like a typical circle or a neat sphere. It can take on forms that twist and loop in higher dimensions. 



Observing that shape in a real material confirms predictions that theorists have pursued for a long time. It means those theoretical constructs describing wave functions have real, measurable consequences. 



And now, there is a proven route to measure them, so future studies might target <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/edge-state-atoms-how-electrons-find-their-groove-in-frictionless-flow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exotic materials</a> that exhibit other patterns or new behaviors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



Scientists plan to refine techniques like ARPES and adapt them to explore a range of materials. They hope to see how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graviton-like-particle-observed-in-quantum-material-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum geometry</a> influences conductivity, magnetism, and other conditions that matter for practical applications. 



Physicists also see promise in discovering how manipulating geometry might encourage electrons to swap their usual habits for more synchronized, cooperative behavior. 



That synchronization is important for technologies that rely on controlling multiple electrons at once, such as quantum sensors or memory elements.



Experts say these findings will likely inspire more ambitious experiments to uncover aspects of quantum geometry we haven’t been able to measure before.&nbsp;



With each new result, materials researchers step closer to engineering designs for the electronic components of tomorrow. The electron might be tiny, but it’s revealing secrets about shaping the future of technology.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-024-02678-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Physics</a>.



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Shape of electrons is revealed for the first time through big advance in quantum physics

For the first time, researchers have measured the shape of...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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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

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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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"

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

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