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...

Parasitic crickets, no larger than a grain of rice, have perfected a way of surviving within the heart of ant colonies. These master infiltrators don't just survive - they thrive in what should be a certain death situation for any unwanted visitor.



Researchers at Nagoya University, led by Ryoya Tanaka, have unveiled the fascinating strategies used by parasitic crickets within ant colonies.



The study, published in the journal Communications Biology, explores the behavioral toolkit of these "ant guests" as they navigate life among potential predators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crickets-the-unwanted-ant-guests">Crickets: The unwanted ant guests</h2>



Some animals, known as "ant guests," live inside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/larger-ant-colonies-drove-the-evolution-of-worker-castes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant colonies</a> to take advantage of the resources there, such as food and shelter. These animals are not part of the ant colony but find ways to survive alongside the ants.



However, this lifestyle is extremely risky. Ants are highly territorial and will aggressively attack and eliminate any intruders they see as a threat to their colony. Living among ants means constantly avoiding their attention in order to survive.



One fascinating example of an ant guest is the&nbsp;Myrmecophilus&nbsp;ant cricket. These guests live within ant colonies and face the constant threat of being attacked or killed by their hosts.



Despite this danger, they have evolved specialized behaviors that help them escape attacks and avoid detection. These survival strategies enable them to coexist with their potentially lethal hosts, making them remarkable examples of adaptation in nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crickets-strategies-inside-ant-colonies">Crickets strategies inside ant colonies</h2>



Tanaka and his team conducted a detailed study on the behavior of&nbsp;Myrmecophilus tetramorii, a type of parasitic cricket that lives inside ant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-work-in-groups-more-successfully-than-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colonies</a>. 



This cricket is classified as a "brood parasite" because it survives by feeding on resources within the colony, such as dead insects and ant larvae. While these crickets benefit from the ants' environment, they must also avoid detection and attacks from their hosts.



The researchers identified two specific escape strategies that these crickets use when threatened by ants.



Using the distancing method, the cricket moves directly away from the approaching ant in a straight line. This strategy allows the cricket to quickly create space between itself and the ant, effectively evading an immediate threat.



The dodging strategy is more complex. The cricket moves in a circular path that positions it behind the ant. By doing so, the cricket avoids the ant's mandibles, which are the primary means of attack.



Dodging is slower and more calculated than distancing, but it allows the cricket to evade the threat without attracting attention from other ants in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-sex-of-an-entire-ant-colony-is-determined-by-the-queen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colony</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-tactics-for-parasitic-crickets">Survival tactics for parasitic crickets</h2>



These two escape tactics are critical for the cricket’s survival as it navigates the hostile environment of an ant colony. Each strategy serves a specific purpose and is deployed depending on the level of threat experienced by the cricket.



“While distancing behavior can quickly get crickets away from the approaching ant, such quick movements may alert surrounding potential enemies to the crickets’ presence, triggering an aggressive chase by another ant," noted Tanaka. 



"Ant crickets benefit from a slow and precise reaction to dodging, which reduces the probability of being attacked by ants."



Interestingly, the team noted that crickets used dodging more frequently, and tended to reserve distancing for high-risk situations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-crickets-avoid-ant-detection">How crickets avoid ant detection</h2>



In addition to their escape tactics, the crickets exhibited strategic positioning within the colony. 



They tended to stay in specific areas, such as corners, debris-filled zones, and locations with wet paper. These spots offered safety and reduced ant encounters.



“Dodging behavior is advantageous for staying in attractive areas while avoiding ants,” Tanaka explained.



“The unique trait of dodging behavior might be a way of effectively staying in a safe location while avoiding a succession of incoming ants, allowing them to reduce the risk of being attacked.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cricket-adaptations-and-nature-s-ingenuity">Cricket adaptations and nature’s ingenuity</h2>



This research sheds light on the incredible adaptability of parasitic crickets. By using precise evasion techniques and choosing their locations carefully, these insects have carved out a niche in a hostile environment.



For Tanaka, the journey into this fascinating behavior began with a single observation. 



“I often stroll around the <a href="https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nagoya University</a> campus to see insects. I still remember when I saw an ant cricket skillfully evading ants despite being surrounded by them,” he recalled. “From that moment on, I was utterly enthralled by this behavior.”



Through their detailed research, Tanaka and his team have revealed the subtle yet remarkable strategies these tiny creatures use to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-destabilizing-ant-plant-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survive</a>. 



The findings not only deepen our understanding of insect behavior but also highlight the extraordinary ways life adapts to thrive against all odds.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-07368-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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Parasitic crickets hide in ant colonies without being caught

Parasitic crickets, no larger than a grain of rice, have...

Blood does more than just carry oxygen and nutrients. Its many “markers,” known as antigens, can trigger unexpected responses. Most folks have heard about the blood groups A, B, and O, and the Rh factor categories, which are crucial for safe blood transfusions.&nbsp;



Yet there are others with unique properties that affect certain patients. On September 16, 2024, researchers revealed a <a href="https://ashpublications.org/blood/article-abstract/144/26/2735/517404/Deletions-in-the-MAL-gene-result-in-loss-of-Mal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new blood group system</a> called MAL. This news has medical experts paying close attention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-system-solves-old-puzzles">New system solves old puzzles</h2>



This recent work addresses an antigen once labeled AnWj. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22233405/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earlier findings</a> had hinted at its importance in certain patients, but its genetic basis was unclear.&nbsp;



“The genetic background of AnWj has been a mystery for more than 50 years, and one which I personally have been trying to resolve for almost 20 years of my career,” explained Dr. Louise Tilley, Senior Research Scientist, IBGRL Red Cell Reference at NHS Blood and Transplant, at the end of a statement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deeper-look-at-how-it-works">A deeper look at how it works</h2>



Scientists discovered that a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protein-that-halts-dna-damage-may-lead-to-cancer-vaccines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">key protein</a>, referred to as Mal, plays a major role in whether a person’s blood cells show AnWj. 



People lacking this protein are said to be AnWj-negative. If they need blood, receiving units from someone with AnWj-positive cells may cause a bad transfusion reaction. 



This risk highlights why researchers across the United Kingdom have been keen to confirm the exact genetic changes that remove the Mal protein from red blood cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-players-in-the-discovery">Key players in the discovery</h2>



“It’s really exciting we were able use our ability to manipulate gene expression in the developing blood cells to help confirm the identity of the AnWj blood group, which has been an outstanding puzzle for half a century,” remarked Professor <a href="https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/persons/ash-m-toye" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashley Toye</a> from the University of Bristol, who leads research in developing blood products. 



Gene manipulation studies have made all the difference. These lab methods helped the team locate the exact spot on the MAL gene that caused some folks’ cells to skip making that protein.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mal-blood-group-is-number-47">MAL blood group is number 47</h2>



This discovery adds MAL to a growing list of recognized blood group systems. Experts have <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2267/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classified</a> it as the 47th system, which shows just how many different markers exist beyond ABO and Rh.



Each new system reveals a hidden detail about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-human-genetics-could-optimize-medical-care/">human genetics</a>. That extra piece of knowledge can guide blood banks when they test donations, ensuring that rare donors and patients are matched more precisely.



“Now genotyping tests can be designed to identify genetically AnWj-negative patients and donors,” said <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nicole-Thornton-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicole Thornton</a> at <a href="https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHS Blood and Transplant</a>.



Such tests allow hospitals to plan for patients with uncommon blood needs. Quick detection might save lives by avoiding adverse reactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exome-sequencing-turns-the-tide">Exome sequencing turns the tide</h2>



The break in this 50-year riddle emerged from a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-genetics-shape-modern-eelgrass-populations/">modern genetic</a> tool called exome sequencing. This approach focuses on the parts of the DNA that build proteins. 



With it, scientists rapidly narrowed down the small area of DNA that carried the faulty code.



Once they homed in on the MAL gene, the missing snippet explained why the Mal protein wasn’t produced. 



The wide availability of exome sequencing in research labs has sped up efforts to sort out other rare blood issues as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-the-mal-blood-group">Discovering the MAL blood group</h2>



The discovery didn’t come easy. Dr. Tim Satchwell at UWE Bristol mentioned how tricky it was to be certain about Mal’s involvement.&nbsp;



“Mal is a very <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-too-much-protein-greatly-increases-heart-disease-risk/">small protein</a> with some interesting properties which made it difficult to identify and meant we needed to pursue multiple lines of investigation to accumulate the proof we needed to establish this blood group system,” said Dr. Satchwell. That perseverance paid off in ways that will aid clinicians and lab workers everywhere.



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



People who lack AnWj are extremely rare, but they require special attention. Simple awareness of MAL alerts medical staff to take extra steps if these patients need blood.&nbsp;



It also means donors with a similar blood type will be more easily found, which reduces the chance of harmful interactions during transfusions.



“It represents a huge achievement, and the culmination of a long team effort, to finally establish this new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-blood-type-determine-your-stroke-risk/">blood group system</a> and be able to offer the best care to rare, but important, patients,” summarized Dr. Tilley.&nbsp;



Hearing that kind of relief underscores the personal stakes. Behind every lab test is someone who depends on correct identification.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mal-blood-group-system-and-human-health">MAL blood group system and human health</h2>



Experts believe that each refined test will empower hospitals and blood services to expand their screenings. 



With advanced methods, the medical community aims to catch all sorts of unusual markers that affect patient care. 



Though the MAL system is new to many, it serves as a sign that diligent research can simplify once-mysterious conditions. The study is published in <a href="https://ashpublications.org/blood/article-abstract/144/26/2735/517404/Deletions-in-the-MAL-gene-result-in-loss-of-Mal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ash Publications</a>.



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Rare genetic mutation has given rise to a new human blood group, identified after 50 years

Blood does more than just carry oxygen and nutrients. Its...

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia), an apex predator native to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is a symbol of ecological resilience and a critical component of its high-altitude environment.&nbsp;



Despite its importance, little is known about the evolutionary history of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-leopards-the-carnivores-that-eat-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elusive species</a> due to the scarcity of fossil records, particularly from the Quaternary period.



A recent study sheds light on the evolutionary adaptations that have allowed snow leopards to thrive in one of the most challenging environments on Earth.&nbsp;



The research was led by an international team of researchers from the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> (CAS) and European institutions.



By analyzing rare fossils and employing advanced modeling techniques, the study reveals the intricate evolutionary journey of the snow leopard and its specialized adaptations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-evolution-of-snow-leopards">Unique evolution of snow leopards</h2>



Until now, our understanding of snow leopards' evolutionary path relied heavily on molecular biology, which links the species closely to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-captive-tigers-help-restore-wild-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tigers</a>. However, the vast ecological and morphological differences between the two suggest that snow leopards followed a unique evolutionary trajectory.



To address this, the research team identified five significant fossil sites across Eurasia: Longdan (Gansu, China), Arago (France), Zhoukoudian Locality 3 (Beijing, China), Manga Larga (Portugal) and Niuyan Cave (Mentougou, Beijing, China).



These fossils provided critical insights into snow leopard lineage. While the specimen from Niuyan Cave closely resembled modern snow leopards, the others displayed unique traits, suggesting they were earlier offshoots from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.&nbsp;



The study concluded that these offshoots likely represent multiple dispersal events out of Tibet over time, providing a timeline for the development of the species’ specialized traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specialized-adaptations-for-survival">Specialized adaptations for survival</h2>



Using cutting-edge techniques like geometric morphometrics, finite element analysis, and anatomy studies, the researchers analyzed how snow leopards evolved to survive in their mountainous habitat. Their findings highlighted several key adaptations:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exceptional-vision">Exceptional vision</h3>



Large eye sockets and highly developed binocular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-camera-technology-lets-us-see-colors-of-the-world-through-the-eyes-of-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vision</a> allow snow leopards to focus on prey with precision in complex, rugged terrain.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-jaws-and-teeth">Powerful jaws and teeth</h3>



Snow leopards have steeply angled jaws and robust canines, enabling them to subdue large prey like mountain goats and sheep. 



Their large premolars and molars help them efficiently consume frozen carcasses before they spoil in cold environments.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-respiratory-efficiency">Enhanced respiratory efficiency</h3>



A well-developed frontal sinus system warms inhaled air, helping snow leopards cope with low temperatures and oxygen levels at high altitudes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heightened-hearing">Heightened hearing</h3>



Their pronounced tympanic bulla enhances sensitivity to low-frequency sounds, allowing them to detect prey over long distances in open terrain.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agile-limbs-for-mountainous-terrain">Agile limbs for mountainous terrain</h3>



With elongated distal limb bones and a smaller scapula, snow leopards are built for agility, enabling them to navigate rocky slopes and leap across large gaps with ease.



These traits not only reflect their adaptation to cold, high-altitude environments but also their reliance on Caprinae prey, which are slow-moving yet highly robust with powerful horns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-milestones-of-snow-leopard-evolution">Milestones of snow leopard evolution</h2>



The researchers discovered that early snow leopard fossils, such as Panthera aff. pyrenaica from Longdan and Arago, displayed some adaptations for mountainous prey but lacked traits seen in modern snow leopards.&nbsp;



For instance, while their mandibles were steeply angled, their cheek teeth were smaller, and there was no evidence of advanced respiratory adaptations.



Later fossils, such as those from Zhoukoudian and Portugal, exhibited traits closely resembling modern snow leopards, including larger cheek teeth and advanced sinus systems. 



However, some features, such as forehead expansion and ectotympanic chamber development, were less pronounced compared to their modern counterparts.



These findings suggest a gradual evolution of snow leopards’ traits, driven by changes in climate and prey availability, particularly during the Middle Pleistocene when ice sheets expanded on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-s-role-in-snow-leopard-distribution">Climate’s role in snow leopard distribution</h2>



The study also explored the ecological adaptations of fossil snow leopards by analyzing the species’ distribution in relation to climate data. Using species distribution modeling (SDM), the researchers examined how snow leopards might have adapted to the Last Glacial Maximum.



The findings revealed that the suitable habitat for snow leopards during this period was far larger than it is today. 



However, areas such as Europe and Beijing were excluded from this range, suggesting that fossil snow leopards in these regions had ecological adaptations distinct from modern populations. 



Most fossil sites were located in mountainous regions, reinforcing the idea that rugged terrain and prey availability played a more critical role in their survival than altitude or oxygen levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interactions-of-leopards-and-snow-leopards-nbsp">Interactions of leopards and snow leopards&nbsp;</h2>



Niuyan Cave is the only known site containing both snow leopard and leopard fossils, offering rare insights into the interactions of these predators.&nbsp;



The overlapping habitats suggest that snow leopards occasionally shared transitional zones near forest edges with leopards, similar to behaviors observed in modern populations.&nbsp;



This discovery provides a glimpse into the complex environmental dynamics of the region during ancient times.



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



The study’s findings hold significant implications for conservation efforts. By understanding the evolutionary history and ecological needs of snow leopards, conservationists can better protect their habitats in the face of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-species-are-pre-adapted-to-tolerate-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and human activity.&nbsp;



The research also highlights the importance of preserving mountainous ecosystems that serve as critical habitats for this species.



This study not only deepens our understanding of snow leopards’ past but also highlights the importance of integrating paleontology, biology, and modern technology to inform the conservation of one of the world’s most iconic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saber-toothed-predators-evolved-the-perfect-fangs-for-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adp5243" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Snow leopards: Tracing the evolution of an apex predator

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia), an apex predator native to...

Ever since scientists discovered DNA's crucial role in life, they've known our cells have built-in repair systems to fix damaged genetic material. But recent research has revealed something unexpected - some types of DNA damage can dodge these repair mechanisms and lurk in our cells for years, creating multiple opportunities for cancer-causing mutations.



The research team, led by Dr. Michael Spencer Chapman from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the Barts Cancer Institute, made this discovery by studying an impressive collection of cellular family trees. 



The findings, published in the journal Nature, challenge long-held beliefs about how DNA damage works.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-dna-damage-lingers-for-years">Some DNA damage lingers for years</h2>



The scientists analyzed family trees of hundreds of single cells from individuals. These trees, pieced together from shared mutation patterns, provide insights into the ancestry of cells.



By examining blood stem cells, bronchial epithelial cells, and liver cells, researchers uncovered unexpected patterns of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-of-microrna-may-change-the-fight-against-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mutation</a> inheritance.



In blood stem cells, up to 20% of mutations arise from specific DNA damage that remains unrepaired for two to three years or longer. 



“With these family trees, we can link the relationships of hundreds of cells... meaning we can track back through the divisions each cell has gone through,” explained Dr. Chapman.



This persistence means damaged DNA can repeatedly introduce mutations during cell division. Each attempt to replicate the damaged DNA risks generating new errors, creating multiple chances for cancer-causing mutations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-mutations-and-structural-alterations">DNA mutations and structural alterations </h2>



DNA damage and mutations are related but distinct concepts. A mutation occurs when one of the DNA bases (A, T, C, or G), which are the "letters" of the genetic code, is in the wrong position. 



This is similar to a typo in a written sentence. For example, replacing a "C" with a "T" changes the meaning of the genetic instruction.



DNA damage, on the other hand, refers to chemical alterations to the DNA's structure itself. Instead of a "wrong letter," it's like a letter being smudged or distorted, making it unreadable. This type of damage can prevent the DNA from being properly copied or understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-damage-and-cancer-risk">DNA damage and cancer risk</h2>



If the cell’s repair mechanisms fail to fix the damage, it can create permanent mutations during cell division. 



When the cell replicates its DNA, it may misinterpret or incorrectly copy the damaged section, introducing errors into the genetic code. These errors can accumulate and, over time, contribute to diseases like cancer.



“When exploring family trees of blood stem cells, we found a type of DNA damage that results in around 15 to 20 percent of the mutations and can last for several years,” noted study co-author Emily Mitchell.



This finding raises critical questions: Why does this persistent damage occur in blood stem cells but not other tissues? What is the exact nature of this damage?



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



Persistent DNA damage presents a challenge to what scientists previously believed about how cancer mutations form. Until now, the assumption was that most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecular-fingerprints-could-be-key-to-early-cancer-detection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> damage is either repaired quickly or eliminated, preventing long-term effects. 



However, this study reveals that some types of DNA damage can persist for years without repair, causing mutations each time cells divide. These findings reshape our understanding of how mutations accumulate over time and their role in diseases like cancer.



“These findings don’t fit with what scientists have previously thought. This paradigm shift brings a new dimension to the way we think about mutations,” noted co-author Dr. Peter Campbell.



Understanding why some DNA damage escapes repair and persists for years offers new avenues for cancer prevention and treatment. Intervening to repair or eliminate such damage could significantly reduce mutation rates.



The research also highlights the importance of curiosity in science. “This study is a prime example of exploratory science – you don’t always know what you’re going to find until you look,” Dr. Chapman noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targeting-dna-damage-to-combat-cancer">Targeting DNA damage to combat cancer</h2>



This study from Wellcome Sanger Institute and <a href="https://www.bci.qmul.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barts Cancer Institute</a> changes our understanding of how DNA damage contributes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>. Previously, scientists believed most DNA damage was quickly repaired by the body’s natural mechanisms.



However, the research shows that certain types of damage can persist for years without being fixed. These long-lasting forms of damage can repeatedly introduce mutations every time cells divide, increasing the risk of harmful changes that lead to cancer.



By uncovering this process, scientists have created new opportunities to study and combat cancer. For example, understanding why some DNA damage evades repair may lead to treatments that target and fix these persistent issues, reducing mutation rates and preventing cancer development.



As we learn more about our genome - the complete set of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gene-regulation-controlling-cells-to-improve-medical-treatments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> in our bodies - this study highlights how even tiny, hard-to-detect changes in DNA can have significant impacts on our health. It serves as a reminder that understanding these small changes is key to tackling major diseases like cancer.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08423-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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DNA damage can persist for years, increasing cancer risks

Ever since scientists discovered DNA's crucial role in life, they've...

The humble bumble bee, already battling habitat loss and climate change, faces another invisible enemy that attacks its body from multiple angles. 



A new study reveals that a widely-used agricultural pesticide doesn't just harm bees in one way - it disrupts different body tissues in distinct and concerning patterns, much like a multi-pronged assault on their health.



The research team, led by Professor Yannick Wurm at Queen Mary University of London, used cutting-edge molecular techniques to expose how the neonicotinoid pesticide clothianidin impacts various bee body parts differently.



Their findings paint a troubling picture of widespread disruption throughout the insects' bodies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-pesticides-harm-bumble-bees">How pesticides harm bumble bees</h2>



By exposing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumble bees</a> to field-realistic doses of clothianidin, the researchers discovered that pesticide exposure doesn’t affect all body parts uniformly.



The study showed that&nbsp;82% of gene activity changes caused by pesticides are specific to individual tissues. This specificity disrupts critical functions in the brain, legs, and kidney-like Malpighian tubules.



“Each tissue we examined was severely affected by the pesticide,” said Professor Wurm. “Seeing impacts of pesticide exposure across the body helps to explain the multi-faceted problems that exposed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-bee-day-2024-bee-engaged-with-youth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> have, from impaired movement to reduced learning ability and compromised immunity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-damage-in-different-tissues">Distinct damage in different tissues</h2>



The study from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a> found that neonicotinoid pesticides like clothianidin cause distinct damage to different tissues in bumble bees, each critical for the insect's survival. 



In the brain, genes related to ion transport - essential for learning and memory - were disrupted, potentially impairing cognitive functions needed for navigation and problem-solving.



The hind femurs, vital for movement, showed changes in muscle-specific genes, which could weaken the bees’ ability to forage effectively or escape predators. 



Additionally, the Malpighian tubules, which function similarly to kidneys, experienced reduced activity in detoxification genes. This decline compromises the bees' ability to process and eliminate toxins, further endangering their health.



These molecular disruptions are particularly alarming because they resemble patterns typically associated with aging and even cancer in other organisms. 



This suggests that pesticide exposure could have severe long-term impacts on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-nutrition-is-key-to-honey-bee-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinator populations</a>, threatening their ability to sustain themselves and perform their crucial ecological roles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safety-tests-miss-tissue-specific-damage">Safety tests miss tissue-specific damage</h2>



Neonicotinoid pesticides like clothianidin are widely used in agriculture to protect crops, but their effects on non-target species like pollinators are often underestimated. 



Current pesticide safety assessments rarely account for tissue-specific damage, focusing instead on generalized outcomes. This oversight means they fail to capture the full scope of sub-lethal impacts on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-danger-bees-cant-taste-lethal-pesticides-in-nectar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vital pollinators</a>.



“The findings suggest that traditional pesticide risk assessments, which often overlook tissue-specific damage, do not fully capture the sub-lethal impacts on pollinators,” explained Dr. Federico López-Osorio, co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-bees-form-pesticides">Protecting bees form pesticides</h2>



The research highlights the urgent need to reassess how we test, regulate, and use pesticides. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating crops and maintaining ecosystems, yet the multi-tissue effects of pesticides jeopardize their survival and the biodiversity they support.



“We apply pesticides without fully understanding their effects on beneficial insect pollinators,” said study lead author Dr. Alicja Witwicka.



“Our findings show that every tissue is compromised in ways that undermine its vital role, which is why the effects are so devastating and widespread. This research is a call to action to rethink how we assess, regulate and apply pesticides, not only to protect pollinators but the ecosystems that depend on them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-loss-a-growing-crisis">Biodiversity loss: A growing crisis</h2>



Pollinators, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-face-a-multitude-of-complex-stressors-in-the-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumble bees</a>, play a vital role in global agriculture by enabling the production of many fruits, nuts, and vegetables that make up a substantial portion of the human diet. Their work as pollinators is essential for the reproduction of plants that provide food for people and animals alike.



Beyond agriculture, bumble bees are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting ecosystems. They help pollinate wild plants, which in turn sustain various animal species and preserve the balance of natural habitats. 



However, the increasing loss of biodiversity has become a growing concern worldwide. Governments and citizens are striving to set ambitious goals to reverse these declines and restore ecosystems to health.



This research on bumble bees provides a compelling reason to rethink how we use pesticides. The health of pollinators - and the ecosystems they sustain - depends on it.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724084201?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a>.



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Pesticides attack bees in multiple ways throughout the body

The humble bumble bee, already battling habitat loss and climate...

The quest to reduce our carbon footprint has driven significant efforts toward developing a system to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, at their source.



Carbon emissions from power plants, industrial refineries, cement factories, and other industries have been the primary target. 



These efforts, while impactful, often fall short of addressing the vast amounts of carbon dioxide already present in the atmosphere. 



However, imagine if there was a way to scrub these harmful gases directly from our atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-system-to-capture-carbon-dioxide">System to capture carbon dioxide</h2>



A team of dedicated researchers at the <a href="https://www.uc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cincinnati</a> has been pursuing this seemingly elusive goal. Their mission? To master the art of extracting carbon dioxide straight from the atmosphere.



According to team leader Professor Joo-Youp Lee, accomplishing this would be akin to "trying to remove a handful of red ping-pong balls from a football stadium full of white ones."



The analogy emphasizes the task's complexity, as the concentration of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-weaker-ocean-will-release-more-carbon-into-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide in the atmosphere</a> is remarkably low.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-breakthrough-in-carbon-capture">A breakthrough in carbon capture</h2>



Despite the challenges, Professor Lee and his students have made significant progress. They have designed an efficient system for capturing carbon dioxide from the air at approximately 420 parts per million.



The beauty of this process, which is called "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-control-u-s-will-invest-1-2b-in-direct-air-capture-initiatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">direct air capture</a>," is that it can be implemented virtually anywhere.



Power plants and transportation account for about 53% of all carbon dioxide emissions. The remaining emissions are produced by commercial and residential buildings, industry, agriculture, and other human activities.



“Although industrial decarbonization efforts are underway, it’s really hard to implement carbon capture in the remaining sectors,” said Professor Lee.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-system-works">How the system works</h2>



The system uses electricity to separate carbon dioxide. However, it leans towards the use of hot water instead of electricity or steam, making it more energy-efficient than other carbon-capture systems.



To achieve this, the team established a benchtop model. Ambient air is pumped through a canister, which is filled with a honeycomb-like block wrapped with carbon fiber.



This block, designed and fabricated in Lee's lab, contains individual cells coated with a specially designed adsorbent material that captures carbon dioxide. 



When the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide levels</a> begin to rise at the block's outlet, the team knows it is time to heat the structure, freeing the trapped carbon dioxide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scaling-up-the-process">Scaling up the process </h2>



The Cincinnati team has successfully repeated this process more than 2,000 times without any decline in efficiency or degradation of the materials.



Professor Lee is optimistic that the process can be extended to 10,000 cycles, which would make the system more economically viable.



The ultimate test came when the team scaled up the project. Inside of a climate-controlled chamber, they built a person-sized canister, which also draws outside air but can manage temperature, humidity, and wind speed variances.



With an expanded system, Professor Lee and his team have their sights set on an industrial-size prototype.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-climate-change">Addressing climate change </h2>



Soumitra Payra, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cincinnati, looks forward to a future where this technology will be scrubbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere on a large scale.



“I think it’s a great project. We’re doing some real applications that can help the environment,” said Payra.



Professor Lee noted that these systems could be instrumental in addressing climate change - as the demand for electricity is expected to surge in the years ahead.



“Big tech companies like Google, Microsoft and Amazon are supporting this type of research. They will need a lot of energy to run their data centers,” he said. 



“In the carbon tax credit market, the more electricity you use, the more carbon dioxide you emit. So they’re buying carbon tax credits, which support the development of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-meet-climate-targets-with-carbon-capture-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon-capture technologies</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-progress-in-carbon-capture-technology">Progress in carbon capture technology</h2>



Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the research has made significant strides in advancing carbon capture technology development.



The team's innovative system holds the potential to transform the way we combat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/addressing-climate-change-could-help-reduce-poverty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, offering a scalable and energy-efficient solution to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide.



Professor Lee is hoping the DOE will continue to support his plans to develop an industrial-size prototype.



“Our technology has proven to reduce the heat required for the desorption by 50%. That’s a really big improvement,” said Lee. “By using half of the energy, we can separate out carbon dioxide more efficiently. And we can make the cycle longer and longer.”



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New system captures carbon dioxide directly from air

The quest to reduce our carbon footprint has driven significant...

Mars has never stopped amazing those of us back on Earth. This dusty neighbor has its quiet moments, yet it also gives us reasons to perk up and pay attention. Right now, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-records-a-martian-day-from-dawn-to-dusk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Curiosity rover</a> continues to explore rocky outcrops and prepare its instruments for new discoveries. 



Rover planners have even managed to conduct science on two wintry targets, named Snow Creek and Winter Creek, making the most of a spot that turned out to be prime for drilling and up-close study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curiosity-sees-seasonal-changes">Curiosity sees seasonal changes</h2>



The rover team prioritized remote imaging of formations both near and far. <a href="https://www.msl-chemcam.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ChemCam </a>tested several spots for composition clues, while cameras were fixed on a series of bedrock structures that might hold secrets about Mars’ climate history.&nbsp;



The reason for this focus is clear: clouds and dust storms help shape the planet’s environment. Even NASA’s daily dust-devil surveys reveal how dynamic the skies can be as the seasons change.&nbsp;



"We also see impressive dust clouds that can spread hundreds of kilometers," commented <a href="https://oxfordre.com/planetaryscience/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190647926.001.0001/acrefore-9780190647926-e-114" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Daniela Tirsch</a> from the <a href="https://www.dlr.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">German Aerospace Center</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-cloud-atlas">Mars Cloud Atlas</h2>



Scientists have put together a large map showing how Martian clouds evolve, with thousands of images combined to form what some folks call a “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-mars-clouds-catalogued-in-stunning-new-online-photo-atlas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cloud Atlas</a>.” 



For about two decades, cameras aboard orbiters like <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Mars_Express" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Express</a> have captured passing hazes and wide dust plumes. Specialists then singled out various cloud shapes, many similar to ours but tinted by Mars’ thinner air.&nbsp;



"Clouds on Mars are just as diverse and fascinating as those we see in our skies on Earth," said <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11214-024-01092-z#:~:text=The%20main%20water%20ice%20cloud,2007" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Tirsch</a>, who is a planetary geologist.&nbsp;



It has been a real eye-opener, especially the unique “cloud streets” that resemble endless corridors in the sky.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-altitude-crystals-that-glow-in-twilight">High-altitude crystals that glow in twilight</h2>



Mars has water-ice clouds that can appear at heights up to 60 miles (100 km). These light wisps can look bright in dawn or dusk images, because the sun hits them long after it has slipped below the horizon at ground level. 



Researchers have described them as <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-captures-shining-clouds-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noctilucent clouds</a>, a term borrowed from Earth’s own shimmering twilight shows. 



Some also <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0019103523003548" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contain</a> carbon dioxide crystals, and they often form in exceptionally chilly parts of the upper atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-dust-matters-for-mars-clouds">Why dust matters for Mars' clouds</h2>



In addition to observing clouds, scientists keep tabs on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-can-engulf-the-entire-planet-of-mars-but-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storms</a> because these fine grains can rise high, linger, and affect everything from ground temperatures to orbital views. 



Over the years, orbiters have observed swirling storms that cloak huge areas in a matter of days. 



Some are local. Some can spread enough to blanket an entire hemisphere. If dust lifts into the atmosphere at the right spot, it can spark weather patterns that churn and expand. 



During Mars’ southern autumn and winter, skies often fill with more particles, which feed those dramatic dust curtains that can be seen from orbit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-of-a-martian-cloud">Life of a Martian cloud</h2>



Most clouds on Mars form when trace amounts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-has-magnificent-landforms-created-when-ice-turns-into-gas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vapor</a> (mainly carbon dioxide, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-has-a-water-reservoir-two-miles-deep-enough-to-fill-earths-red-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plus a little water</a>) gather onto dust particles. 



Because Mars holds far less moisture than Earth, ice crystals end up quite thin. Still, they can leave a mark on the planet’s energy balance.



&nbsp;Water-ice clouds can cluster around volcanoes, following gusts and updrafts. Some, like the well-known elongated plume near <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia25649-arsia-mons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arsia Mons</a>, develop and stretch out at surprising speeds, then vanish within a few hours of daylight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rover-perspective-on-hazy-horizons">Rover perspective on hazy horizons</h2>



From the ground, Curiosity catches glimpses of clouds drifting overhead. These vantage points offer vital information that orbiters might miss, such as the speed of passing wisps or the finer textures of dust events swirling near the rover’s route.&nbsp;



Although the planet’s surface is silent compared to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunken-worlds-discovered-under-the-pacific-ocean-in-earths-mantle/">Earth’s</a>, its weather scene is busy above. Dust devils still dance across the crater floor, and new-year clouds gather color at sunrise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fresh-insights-keep-pouring-in">Fresh insights keep pouring in</h2>



Observations of these lofty ice crystals and shifting dust storms continue to guide mission teams. By mapping how clouds shape the seasons, researchers can refine our overall understanding of Martian weather.&nbsp;



Over time, these rovers and orbiters will likely piece together more clues about the interplay between water vapor, dust, and temperature cycles. Each new image or measurement adds to a better picture of conditions that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-white-christmas-australe-scopuli-region-changing-polar-landscape/">shaped Mars</a> through its long history.



The press release was first published by <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/blog/sols-4416-4417-new-year-new-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



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Martian phenomenon causes spectacular glowing clouds on the Red Planet

Mars has never stopped amazing those of us back on...

Researchers around the world have chased the promise of quantum entanglement in a device for years.



The concept, often called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-a-simple-way-to-grasp-this-impossible-concept-carl-kocher/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spooky action at a distance</a>, happens when two particles become linked so intensely that changing the state of one instantly changes the state of the other - even if they sit thousands of miles apart. 



Scientists first discussed the idea as early as 1935, and it sparked passionate <a href="https://journals.aps.org/pr/abstract/10.1103/PhysRev.47.777" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">debate</a> in the physics community.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biggest-issue-for-quantum-devices">Biggest issue for quantum devices</h2>



Classical research methods showed that generating entangled photons often required large crystals and hefty amounts of energy. Smaller, more efficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/google-record-shattering-quantum-ai-chip-accesses-parallel-universes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">systems</a> long stood as a kind of holy grail for quantum device engineers.&nbsp;



Many believed a lighter, more compact approach might offer a real shot at quantum-based telecommunications and computing. 



Yet design challenges kept mounting, and experts struggled to shrink the necessary components enough to fit on a chip.



<a href="https://www.me.columbia.edu/faculty/p-james-schuck" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">P. James Schuck</a>, associate professor of mechanical engineering at <a href="https://www.engineering.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia Engineering</a>, helped guide a fresh effort to overcome these hurdles. 



He and his collaborators created a new entangled photon-pair source that is more efficient than previous models while requiring far less space. 



Their paper, published in Nature Photonics, showcases a method that reduces energy use while squeezing everything into a device that is just 3.4 micrometers thick.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-van-der-waals-materials">A closer look at van der Waals materials</h2>



The breakthrough quantum device hinges on a stack of six ultra-thin crystal pieces made from <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/molybdenum-disulfide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molybdenum disulfide</a>. Researchers rotated each piece 180 degrees relative to the layer above and below.&nbsp;



They employed an approach called <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53472-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quasi-phase-matching</a>, which alters the properties of light in a way that allows for the creation of paired photons.&nbsp;



Scientists have used quasi-phase-matching for years, but turning to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468023022006307" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">van der Waals semiconductors</a> for this process was a bold move because these materials can pack impressive optical capabilities in an extremely tight space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quashing-interference-in-tiny-layers">Quashing interference in tiny layers</h2>



Periodically flipping each crystal slice solves a classic interference problem. 



When light waves travel in uniform directions within certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-teleportation-communication-achieved-on-regular-internet-cables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">materials</a>, they start canceling one another, which limits performance. 



This periodic flipping trick keeps the waves in check and preserves the desired signals. 



“This work represents the embodiment of the long-sought goal of bridging macroscopic and microscopic nonlinear and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/negative-time-observed-measured-tangible-in-new-quantum-experiments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> optics,” said Schuck.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-entanglement-device">Quantum entanglement device</h2>



<a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.49.1804" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Entangled-photon pairs</a> form a fundamental building block of many quantum systems. 



Engineers count on them for encryption, sensing applications, and the creation of qubits for quantum computing. Smaller generators that use less power could mean more compact setups. 



“These innovations will have an immediate impact in diverse areas including satellite-based distribution and mobile phone <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-quantum-computers-just-got-easier-with-new-technique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum communication</a>,” said Schuck. He and his team anticipate wide-ranging possibilities.



Simple devices that generate entangled photons at telecom wavelengths stand to revolutionize encryption, teleconferencing, and large-scale data transfer. Quantum key distribution could become less expensive and more secure.



Some sensor arrays might gain speed and sensitivity if entangled pairs arrive faster and consume less battery power. 



The team’s research shows that a van der Waals system can handle these demands without the size or energy constraints of older setups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-step-toward-on-chip-integration">One step toward on-chip integration</h2>



Bringing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-smallest-quantum-light-detector-now-fits-on-silicon-chip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum light sources</a> onto a silicon chip like Google’s Quantum chip, <a href="https://blog.google/technology/research/google-willow-quantum-chip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Willow</a>, could change the face of computing and telecommunications. This new device hints at the potential for integrated circuits that handle quantum <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electrons-can-follow-neat-paths-even-in-chaotic-quantum-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signals</a>. 



“It provides the foundation for scalable, highly efficient on-chip integrable devices such as tunable microscopic entangled-photon-pair generators,” stated Schuck at the end of a recent announcement. 



Making everything smaller and more efficient sets the stage for eventual commercial designs, including portable quantum devices.



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



There is a growing drive to develop on-chip quantum elements that do more than just produce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-teleportation-communication-achieved-on-regular-internet-cables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photon pairs</a>. In the future, integrated setups might include photon detectors, modulators, and memory elements. 



At that point, systems could become easier to mass-produce. Different industries might adapt them for network security, advanced diagnostics, or near-instant long-distance communication. 



With this step, researchers encourage the idea that quantum architectures can finally go mainstream.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simpler-portable-quantum-chip-devices">Simpler, portable quantum chip devices</h2>



The race is on to convert big, clunky research tools into simple, reliable instruments. 



In time, groups outside specialized labs may deploy quantum sensors for medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and more.&nbsp;



The engineering behind these stacked crystals is still new, but early results are setting optimistic expectations. By sidestepping older size and energy limits, the team has charted a path that many others might soon follow.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41566-024-01602-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Photonics</a>.



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New quantum device uses crystal layers to generate entangled photons

Researchers around the world have chased the promise of quantum...

For decades, we've known that eating too much red meat isn't great for our hearts. Now, recent research on red meat shows it might not be doing our brains any favors either. 



A large-scale study has uncovered a troubling connection between red meat consumption and increased risk of dementia - but there's good news too. The research suggests we can significantly lower our risk by making simple swaps in our daily diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-processed-red-meat-and-brain-health">Processed red meat and brain health </h2>



Researchers from <a href="https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mass General Brigham</a>, <a href="https://hsph.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health</a>, and the <a href="https://www.broadinstitute.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broad Institute</a> conducted a long-term study. They analyzed health and dietary data from 133,771 participants over several decades. During the study, 11,173 participants developed dementia.



A significant finding was that individuals consuming one-quarter or more of a daily serving of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diseases-linked-to-processed-meat-could-easily-be-prevented/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">processed red meats</a>, such as bacon or hot dogs, had a 13% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those consuming minimal amounts.



Similarly, eating unprocessed red meat daily, like beef or pork, was linked to a 16% increased risk of subjective cognitive decline (SCD). The researchers also observed accelerated cognitive aging, equivalent to 1.6 years, for those consuming processed meats daily. 



On the other hand, substituting processed meat with healthier protein sources like nuts, legumes, or fish may reduce dementia risk by 20 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-red-meat-harms-the-brain">Why red meat harms the brain</h2>



The experts investigated why red meat consumption might increase the risk of dementia, focusing on biological processes in the gut.



When we eat red meat, bacteria in our digestive system break it down and produce a chemical called&nbsp;trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). 



TMAO is believed to play a role in brain problems because it can promote the accumulation of certain proteins,&nbsp;amyloid and tau, in the brain. These proteins are known to be key contributors to Alzheimer’s disease, as they interfere with normal brain function and cause damage over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saturated-fats-in-red-meat">Saturated fats in red meat</h2>



In addition to TMAO, red meat is high in&nbsp;saturated fats&nbsp;and&nbsp;salt, both of which can negatively impact brain health. 



Saturated fats may disrupt the function of brain cells, while excessive salt can affect blood pressure and circulation, potentially reducing the brain's access to oxygen and nutrients. Together, these factors create a combination of risks that might contribute to cognitive decline and dementia.



“Large, long-term cohort studies are essential for investigating conditions like dementia, which can develop over decades,” said study co-author Dr. Daniel Wang.



“We are continuing to piece together this story to understand the mechanisms causing dementia and cognitive decline.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skipping-red-meat-to-lower-dementia-risk">Skipping red meat to lower dementia risk</h2>



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reduce-your-risk-of-dementia-by-cutting-out-this-type-of-meat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a> rates rise with the aging U.S. population, this research calls for urgent changes in dietary guidelines. 



Current guidelines prioritize reducing risks of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. However, cognitive health remains less discussed, despite its connection to these conditions.



“We hope our results encourage greater consideration of the connection between diet and brain health,” said Dr. Wang.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-recommendations-for-cognitive-health">Practical recommendations for cognitive health</h2>



To lower the risk of dementia, the study emphasizes the importance of making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diet-shifts-the-hidden-costs-of-what-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thoughtful dietary changes</a>. 



One key recommendation is to limit the intake of red meat, particularly processed varieties like bacon, hot dogs, and similar products, as they have been strongly associated with increased dementia risk. Instead, individuals are encouraged to substitute red meat with healthier protein alternatives. 



Foods such as nuts, fish, and legumes provide high-quality protein that supports brain health without the harmful effects linked to red meat.



Additionally, adopting a well-rounded diet that is rich in plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can further support brain health and overall well-being. These changes not only reduce the risk of dementia but also promote a healthier lifestyle overall.



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



When it comes to protecting our brain health, this research suggests that small changes in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-diets-can-reduce-environmental-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a> could make a big difference. 



It's not about completely eliminating foods we enjoy, but rather about making informed choices about how often we eat them.



And while processed meats might be convenient, perhaps it's worth considering whether that convenience comes at too high of a cost to our long-term cognitive health.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000210286" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>.



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Eating red meat may be putting your brain at risk

For decades, we've known that eating too much red meat...

Quasars have long served as celestial beacons, guiding humanity’s exploration of the universe. These incredibly luminous objects are powered by supermassive black holes at the centers of distant galaxies. 



Surrounded by glowing discs of swirling gas, quasars emit immense light that can be seen across vast cosmic distances. 



They also eject powerful jets of material, shaping their host galaxies and influencing the surrounding intergalactic environment, much like cosmic lighthouses illuminating the dark reaches of space.



The study of quasars has provided astronomers with crucial insights into the early universe, including the formation of galaxies and the behavior of matter under extreme gravitational forces.



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



In a breakthrough discovery in 2020, newborn jets were found in a number of quasars.



One particular quasar that captured the attention of scientists was Quasar J0742+2704. It is located in an unusual galaxy studied by aspiring naval officer Olivia Achenbach of the <a href="https://www.usna.edu/homepage.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United States Naval Academy</a> during an intensive research internship.



Using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, Achenbach uncovered some surprising attributes of this quasar, including its rare spiral structure and the presence of young jets. These features shed light on the dynamic processes at play within its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">host galaxy</a>.



“The biggest surprise was seeing the distinct spiral shape in the Hubble Space Telescope images. At first, I was worried I had made an error," said Achenbach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-and-exciting-discovery">Rare and exciting discovery </h2>



Kristina Nyland is a renowned astronomer at the Naval Research Laboratory who served as Achenbach's advisor.



“We typically see quasars as older galaxies that have grown very massive, along with their central <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-massive-early-universe-black-hole-stuns-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>, after going through messy mergers and have come out with an elliptical shape,” explained Nyland.



"It's extremely rare and exciting to find a quasar-hosting galaxy with spiral arms and a black hole that is more than 400 million times the mass of the Sun - which is pretty big - plus young jets that weren't detectable 20 years ago."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasar-jets-and-galaxy-evolution">Quasar jets and galaxy evolution</h2>



Quasar jets have captivated researchers with their complexity and far-reaching implications. However, the triggers of quasar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-jets-are-like-million-light-year-long-jedi-lightsabers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jets</a> have long been debated within the astronomy community.



These jets, which can stretch for thousands of light-years, play a crucial role in the evolution of galaxies as they can curtail star formation by expelling the gas and dust necessary for star creation.



Some theories suggest that major galaxy mergers - where two or more galaxies collide and their central black holes merge - lead to the inception of quasar jets, driven by the gravitational chaos of such interactions.



However, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seismic-ripples-observed-in-the-oldest-known-spiral-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiral galaxy</a> quasars like J0742+2704 retain their organized structure. This indicates that other causes, such as gravitational interactions with nearby galaxies or internal instabilities, might also be responsible for triggering these extraordinary phenomena.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-a-unique-quasar">Secrets of a unique quasar </h2>



Although Quasar J0742+2704 has retained its spiral shape, intriguing signs of its potential interaction with other galaxies are evident. 



“Clearly there is something interesting going on. While the quasar has not experienced a major disruptive merger, it may be interacting with another galaxy, which is gravitationally tugging at its spiral arm," explained Nyland.



One nearby galaxy displayed a unique ring structure, which is thought to occur after a smaller galaxy breaches the center of a spiral galaxy. The unusual shape could provide a clue to the events unfolding in this system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-of-exploration-continues">The journey of exploration continues</h2>



According to Achenbach and Nyland, this captivating discovery signifies a fresh juncture.



Additional multi-wavelength analysis of J0742+2704 will be conducted soon, using data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile.



Achenbach encourages us all to keep exploring. "If we looked at this galaxy 20 years, or maybe even a decade ago, we would have seen a fairly average quasar and never known it would eventually be home to newborn jets," said Achenbach. 



"It goes to show that if you keep searching, you can find something remarkable that you never expected, and it can send you in a whole new direction of discovery."



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, Kristina Nyland (U.S. Naval Research Laboratory); Image Processing: Joseph DePasquale (STScI)



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Spiral galaxy with quasar jet surprises astronomers

Quasars have long served as celestial beacons, guiding humanity’s exploration...

A cutting-edge satellite no larger than a five-liter water bottle, HYPSO-2, is moving around Earth at an astonishing speed of 7.5 kilometers per second.&nbsp;



This innovative satellite, equipped with two advanced cameras, is providing researchers with unparalleled data on ocean phenomena, particularly algae blooms. These blooms can wreak havoc on aquatic ecosystems, poison drinking water, and cause mass fish deaths.



“The new satellite means about a 10-fold increase in the capacity to monitor water quality, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-caused-toxic-algae-blooms-since-the-bronze-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae blooms</a>, and other important ocean phenomena,” said Bjørn Egil Asbjørnslett, professor and director of <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian University of Science and Technology</a> (NTNU)’s Ocean and Coast strategic research area.&nbsp;



Additionally, the satellite reduces the need for emissions-heavy research vessels, offering a more sustainable approach to marine monitoring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-imaging-in-a-small-satellite">Advanced imaging in a small satellite</h2>



One of HYPSO-2’s cameras is hyperspectral, capable of detecting 120 shades of visible light - far beyond the red, green, and blue seen by human eyes or standard cameras. This technology enables the satellite to capture detailed images spanning up to 25,000 square kilometers of Earth’s surface in a single shot.



Geir Johnsen, professor at NTNU’s Department of Biology, highlighted the practical advantages of this amazing feature.



“The fact that we can now determine exactly where they can make observations is completely new, and worth their weight in gold,” said Johnsen.&nbsp;



“Since the satellites can pass over the same fjord up to three times in the same day, we can plan our surveys much more thoroughly. If we are in the Arctic, for example, we have information about whether there is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-sea-ice-what-record-lows-tell-us-about-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a> in the fjord or not.”



Johnsen has also been involved in NTNU AMOS’s observation pyramid, an initiative integrating data from satellites, drones, and unmanned vessels to provide a comprehensive environmental overview.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-satellites-monitoring-ocean-conditions">Small satellites monitoring ocean conditions</h2>



HYPSO-2 delivers sharper images than its predecessor, HYPSO-1, launched in January 2022. Together, the two satellites allow researchers to gather up to 10 times more data than before.&nbsp;



“Better quality of the images also means that we can discover several new things of interest, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-at-risk-global-warming-threatens-the-oceans-lifeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plankton</a> algae, organic material, and turbid water from river runoff,” Johnsen explained.



These satellites have been instrumental in monitoring sea ice conditions, providing critical insights for planning Arctic operations, including determining suitable vehicles and vessels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-launch-and-seamless-operation">Successful launch and seamless operation</h2>



On August 16, 2024, HYPSO-2 was launched into space alongside over 100 other small satellites aboard Elon Musk’s Falcon 9 rocket. Researchers at NTNU were thrilled when they established contact with the satellite less than half an hour after deployment.&nbsp;



“We got a great hyperspectral image already in the test. And the quality of the images continues to be great,” said operations manager and PhD student Simen Berg.



Currently orbiting Earth at an altitude of approximately 580 kilometers, HYPSO-2 passes over the North Pole 14 times a day, transmitting high-quality data to NTNU’s ground crew. The team monitors its telemetry regularly, ensuring the satellite's health and performance remain optimal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-instruments-of-hypso-3">Advanced instruments of HYPSO-3</h2>



Following the success of HYPSO-1 and HYPSO-2, NTNU researchers are already working on HYPSO-3, which will feature advanced instruments, a more powerful computer, and additional cameras.&nbsp;



HYPSO-3 is expected to provide even more detailed observations, focusing on lakes, rivers, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-impacts-on-waterways-contribute-to-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waterways</a>. A prototype for its instruments could be ready by spring 2025, though its launch timeline depends on funding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-for-norway-s-space-industry">New era for Norway’s space industry</h2>



Norway has ambitious plans for small satellite technology, and NTNU is playing a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s position in the burgeoning space industry.&nbsp;



According to satellite expert Roger Birkeland, Norwegian companies have traditionally served as subcontractors for large international projects, but there is a growing trend toward independent initiatives.&nbsp;



“We at NTNU are trying to figure out how we fit in with these players,” he said. “The most obvious thing is that our students can go into jobs in this industry. But we are also trying to find out how we can collaborate more with the industry on research that drives technology forward.”



Through the HYPSO series of satellites, NTNU is not only contributing to vital environmental research but also fostering innovation and collaboration that may shape the future of the global space industry.



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Small satellites are monitoring ocean conditions from space

A cutting-edge satellite no larger than a five-liter water bottle,...

Older adults face a range of challenges that can affect their daily lives, including changes in mobility and potential shifts in memory or problem-solving abilities. A recent study adds another factor into the mix by suggesting that home indoor temperatures could play a role in how seniors focus on day-to-day tasks.



It highlights a new angle on how climate conditions might influence aging populations, especially those with limited resources for controlling indoor environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-home-temperatures-for-seniors">Home temperatures for seniors</h2>



The study observed 47 adults aged 65 and older over 12 months in Boston, Massachusetts. Researchers tracked indoor temperatures in each participant’s home and noted self-reported difficulties with maintaining attention.&nbsp;



The analysis pointed to an interesting pattern: participants were less likely to report lapses in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/optimistic-people-experience-less-stress-and-healthier-old-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">focus</a> when their homes stayed between 68 and 75 °F (20 and 24 °C).



A difference of about 7 °F (3.8 °C) above or below this window, however, seemed linked with double the odds of having attention-related concerns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-environmental-factors">Understanding environmental factors</h2>



The investigation, published in the Journals of Gerontology Series A, was led by several experts from the <a href="https://www.marcusinstituteforaging.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research</a>, a research arm of <a href="https://www.hebrewseniorlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew SeniorLife</a>, which is an affiliate of <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a>. 



One of the researchers was <a href="https://www.marcusinstituteforaging.org/who-we-are/profiles/amir-baniassadi-phd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amir Baniassadi, PhD</a>, who is recognized for his focus on how climate changes affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/old-and-wise-animals-are-essential-for-the-survival-of-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older adults</a>.



“Our findings underscore the importance of understanding how environmental factors, like indoor temperature, impact cognitive health in aging populations,” said Dr. Baniassadi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-impacts-seniors-attention">Temperature impacts seniors’ attention</h2>



This project builds on a line of research that includes an earlier study on the connection between room temperature and older adults’ sleep patterns. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-triggers-loneliness-in-old-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Older individuals</a> often experience changes in how their bodies regulate heat.&nbsp;



Some may also face financial barriers that limit air conditioning use in hotter months or adequate heating in colder seasons. 



In this new research, many reported that sustaining attention was trickier when their living spaces trended too warm or too chilly.&nbsp;



That link could highlight why public health policies might prioritize temperature control measures in senior housing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-influences-and-everyday-routines">Environmental influences and everyday routines</h2>



Even mild discomfort can make concentrating a bit harder. 



If an older person feels overheated or cold, routine activities may seem more taxing. Over time, these daily struggles could accumulate, especially for those who spend long hours indoors.&nbsp;



The new findings also raise concerns about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indoor-heating-and-cooling-systems-affect-city-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate patterns</a> might change in the coming years. More heatwaves or sudden cold snaps could magnify the risks. In communities with fewer options for climate control, seniors might have to endure these extremes more often. 



This highlights a need to consider upgrades to housing infrastructure and ways to offer cost-effective temperature management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-support-healthy-home-environments">How to support healthy home environments</h2>



Smart thermostats and efficient insulation can create steady indoor conditions, and these options may reduce sudden temperature shifts that might disrupt attention.&nbsp;



Programs that help seniors maintain safe home temperatures (whether through energy subsidies or community outreach) could have wider health benefits. There is also a push for interdisciplinary work that combines gerontology and environmental science.&nbsp;



Researchers are hoping that efforts in this area can expand our understanding of how energy usage, housing design, and local climate all connect to an older adult’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-flies-by-much-faster-as-we-get-older-human-perception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sense of well-being</a>. 



The study’s supporters have called attention to how this line of inquiry might inspire practical solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-considerations-for-future-planning">Key considerations for future planning</h2>



Policymakers and nonprofit organizations may consider incorporating temperature guidelines into building codes and social programs that aid seniors.&nbsp;



Small steps, such as encouraging better ventilation, installing reflective window films, or providing emergency air-cooling devices in older homes, could prove vital. 



While personal comfort varies from person to person, the specific band of 68 to 75 °F (20 to 24 °C) could serve as a broad reference for maintaining focus. 



When<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/public-perception-of-old-age-has-shifted-to-later-in-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> older individuals</a> have trouble paying attention, it may not always be due to health conditions alone. The physical environment may also play a part, and a plan to address this might be just as important as a medical intervention. The study is published in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39656181/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journals of Gerontology Series A</a>.



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Is the temperature inside your home safe for seniors? A new study offers details

Older adults face a range of challenges that can affect...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



-----



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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