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...

A spacecraft named BepiColombo is currently zipping by planet Mercury, making a very close flyby and snapping incredible high-definition photos of our scorching hot solar system companion.



Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/layer-diamonds-nine-miles-thick-discovered-on-planet-mercury-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smallest in our solar system</a>, packing some pretty extreme features into its tiny frame. It zips around the Sun in just 88 Earth days, making its year the shortest of all the planets. 



Despite being so close to the Sun, Mercury has a surprisingly large core made mostly of iron, which creates a strong magnetic field. 



The surface is covered in craters, similar to our Moon, because it doesn't have much of an atmosphere to protect it from meteoroids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bepicolombo-makes-another-close-mercury-flyby">BepiColombo makes another close Mercury flyby</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-there-life-on-mercury-possibly-in-the-planets-craters-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercury’s stark landscape</a> received another visitor on January 8, 2025. The ESA/JAXA BepiColombo spacecraft, on its sixth flyby of the planet, swept just a few hundred miles above the north pole, capturing fresh glimpses of the cratered terrain. 



Morning light soon bathed Mercury’s northern plains, revealing icy floors in areas that never see the Sun. Scientists hope these newly gathered snapshots will shed more light on the composition of this rocky body.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/01/Mercury_s_sunlit_north_viewed_by_M-CAM_1_with_labels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mercury_sunlit-north-pole_M-CAM_BepiColombo_ESA_1s.webp" alt="BepiColombo Monitoring camera 1 (M-CAM 1) took this photo at 07:12 CET, when the spacecraft was about 1427 km from the planet’s surface. The spacecraft’s closest approach of 295 km took place on the planet's night side at 06:59 CET. The image shows that large regions of Mercury's heavily cratered surface are smoothed over by lava from volcanic eruptions. This smoothing over is visible inside the 290 km-wide crater at the right of the image, called Mendelssohn. While its outer rim is still visible, it has been largely filled by the same smooth material that makes up the surrounding plains. Smaller, more recent impact craters dot the otherwise smooth crater. Credit: ESA/JAXA" class="wp-image-1956588"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">BepiColombo Monitoring camera 1 (M-CAM 1) took this photo at 07:12 CET, when the spacecraft was about 1427 km from the planet’s surface. Credit: ESA/JAXA</figcaption></figure>



The maneuver was the last in a series of gravity assists that will help BepiColombo enter orbit around Mercury in late 2026. At 06:59 CET, the craft skimmed just 295 miles above the surface on the planet’s night side. 



Around seven minutes later, it passed above the pole and caught remarkable views of the sunlit north. Shortly after this milestone, Frank Budnik, <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/BepiColombo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BepiColombo</a> Flight Dynamics Manager, underlined the success of the operation.



“This is the first time that we performed two flyby campaigns back-to-back. This flyby happens a bit more than a month after the previous one. Based on our preliminary assessment, everything proceeded smoothly and flawlessly," Budnik explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bepicolombo-sees-mercury-s-polar-shadows">BepiColombo sees Mercury’s polar shadows</h2>



Scientists were excited to see evidence of chilly, forever-shadowed craters near the north pole. These cavities, including Prokofiev, Kandinsky, Tolkien, and Gordimer, are among the coldest places in the Solar System. 



Despite Mercury’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-mercury-is-still-shrinking-and-now-has-more-wrinkles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proximity to the Sun</a>, the crater floors remain dark and frigid. Some studies have suggested the presence of frozen water in these regions. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/01/Mercury_s_shadowy_north_pole_revealed_by_M-CAM_1_with_labels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mercury_shadowy-north-pole_M-Cam_BepiColombo_ESA_1s.webp" alt="BepiColombo's M-CAM 1 took this long-exposure photograph of Mercury's north pole at 07:07 CET, when the spacecraft was about 787 km from the planet’s surface. The spacecraft’s closest approach of 295 km took place on the planet's night side at 06:59 CET. In this view, Mercury’s terminator, the boundary between day and night, divides the planet in two. Along the terminator, just to the left of the solar array, the sunlit rims of craters Prokofiev, Kandinsky, Tolkien and Gordimer can be seen, including some of their central peaks. Credit: ESA/JAXA" class="wp-image-1956586"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">BepiColombo's M-CAM 1 took this long-exposure photograph of Mercury's north pole at 07:07 CET, when the spacecraft was about 787 km from the planet’s surface. </figcaption></figure>



BepiColombo will investigate whether that possibility holds true once it settles into its final orbit.



Nearby stretches of volcanic plains called Borealis Planitia captured attention in one of the monitoring camera (M-CAM) images. 



Extensive lava flows roughly 3.7 billion years ago paved this part of Mercury’s crust, burying older impact features like the Henri and Lismer craters. Wrinkles scattered across the plains likely formed as the interior cooled over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-memories-and-ancient-impacts">Volcanic memories and ancient impacts</h2>



Another close-up featured the Mendelssohn crater. Its outer rim is barely visible because past volcanic floods leveled the surface <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bepicolombo-spacecraft-reveals-mercurys-magnetic-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">over countless millennia</a>. Just a handful of smaller, younger craters break up the otherwise smooth ground.



Farther along, the Rustaveli crater appears to have undergone a similar process, joining a long list of aged and partially filled depressions. 



The towering Caloris basin also makes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bepicolombo-mission-captures-mercury-in-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a striking appearance</a>. Spanning more than 900 miles, it is the largest known impact site on Mercury. 



Lines stretching away from the basin mark the impact’s immense influence on the planet’s crust. A bright patch of lava seems to link with a trough below it, prompting questions about the direction of that molten flow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-surface-bright-surprises">Dark surface, bright surprises</h2>



Mercury is much darker than our Moon. Its surface reflects less light, which makes bright patches on fresh craters and volcanic deposits stand out. 



Those more radiant regions often connect to younger events, such as volcanic eruptions or recent impacts.



A camera shot taken by <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2018/10/BepiColombo_monitoring_cameras" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">M-CAM 2</a> highlights the Nathair Facula, an expansive fallout deposit from Mercury’s most powerful recorded volcanic explosion. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/01/Lava_and_debris_brighten_Mercury_s_surface_with_labels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mercury_lava-north-pole_M-Cam_BepiColombo_ESA_1s.webp" alt="BepiColombo Spacecraft sees bright patch near Mercury's upper edge in this image is the Nathair Facula, the aftermath of the largest volcanic explosion on Mercury. At its centre is a volcanic vent of around 40 km across that has been the site of at least three major eruptions. The explosive volcanic deposit is at least 300 km in diameter. Credit: ESA/JAXA" class="wp-image-1956584"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">BepiColombo Spacecraft sees bright patch near Mercury's upper edge in this image is the Nathair Facula, the aftermath of the largest volcanic explosion on Mercury. Credit: ESA/JAXA</figcaption></figure>



In the middle is a vent around 25 miles across. Scientists believe at least three large eruptions shaped this blast zone, which stretches about 186 miles across. 



Nearby is the Fonteyn crater, formed a few hundred million years ago. Its youth becomes obvious from the pale debris that fans out in all directions.



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



European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>) Director General Josef Aschbacher revealed the first image during his Annual Press Briefing on January 9, 2025. 



Once BepiColombo starts orbiting Mercury, mission teams aim to use data from multiple instruments to zero in on how these features formed. 



Analysts want to determine if water ice truly exists in the polar shadows and figure out whether the big lava flows advanced into Caloris basin or spread out of it.



The quest to understand Mercury’s makeup includes measuring old and new surface areas with advanced spectrometers. 



Team members look forward to breaking down mineral clues about how the planet cooled and contracted over billions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-countdown-to-orbit">Final countdown to orbit</h2>



Observers see this recent pass as the final time BepiColombo’s monitoring cameras will capture such close-range shots. After all, the modules that house these cameras will separate from the main orbiters by late 2026. 



The ESA’s <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/BepiColombo/Mercury_Planetary_Orbiter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercury Planetary Orbiter</a> and the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/BepiColombo/Mercury_Magnetospheric_Orbiter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAXA Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter</a> will then begin their core studies. That work will include collecting data on the planet’s magnetic field, geology, and surface chemistry.



“BepiColombo's main mission phase may only start two years from now, but all six of its flybys of Mercury have given us invaluable new information about the little-explored planet," explains Geraint Jones, BepiColombo's Project Scientist at ESA.



"In the next few weeks, the BepiColombo team will work hard to unravel as many of Mercury's mysteries with the data from this flyby as we can,” Jones concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-mercury-and-bepicolombo-matter">Why Mercury and BepiColombo matter</h2>



Scientists look ahead to those orbits with great anticipation. They want to put to rest a few long-held questions about Mercury’s hidden polar ices, puzzling volcanic traces, and unexpectedly dark crust. 



The spacecraft’s results should give researchers a better sense of how the planet formed and evolved. All eyes remain on the little world with big questions waiting to be answered.



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Spacecraft captures high-def images of Mercury during very close flyby

A spacecraft named BepiColombo is currently zipping by planet Mercury,...

From coastlines to capital cities, healthcare workers are warning about the immediate need for a treaty to end plastic pollution.



The danger of a global health disaster is at its highest level as United Nations-led negotiations to form a plastic treaty continue to remain dead-locked due to ongoing disputes.



Plastic pollution not only endangers human health, but threatens to harm our planet itself. Without decisive action, the consequences could be irreversible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-treaty-negotiations">Plastic treaty negotiations</h2>



At the forefront of this urgent plea for action are researchers from the Revolution Plastics Institute at the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a>.



The experts recently spotlighted the matter in an article published by the British Medical Journal, following their participation in the plastic treaty negotiations in Busan last December.



The negotiations concluded without any agreement being reached, and this pushed further discussions into 2025.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skyrocketing-plastic-production">Skyrocketing plastic production</h2>



With global annual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic production</a> currently at an alarming 400 million tonnes and expected to double by 2040, the scientists see health care professionals playing an increasingly crucial role.



The need of the hour, they say, is for more robust scientific evidence showing the impact of plastic pollution on human health. 



Such data will fortify the treaty process and guide the creation of targeted policies to reduce human exposure to plastic pollution.



"The treaty to end plastic pollution represents a historic opportunity to protect human health. If the treaty is to meet this challenge, its text must include specific measures to mitigate the health effects of plastic pollution, human health targets and metrics to measure progress towards improved health outcomes," noted Professor Steve Fletcher, the director of the Revolution Plastics Institute.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-health-versus-plastic-pollution">Human health versus plastic pollution</h2>



The article focuses on two critical health concerns linked to plastic pollution. 



First, there are the omnipresent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-infiltrating-the-human-body-even-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> - tiny particles found in the air we breathe, waterways, polar ice, soil, and in our food.



Humans are constantly ingesting, inhaling, and absorbing these particles. They have been detected in numerous organs and tissues, from the brain and blood to the placenta and liver. Microplastics have even been found in breast milk and semen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-open-burning-of-plastic-waste">Open burning of plastic waste</h2>



The other critical issue is the harmful health effects of inhaled <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-can-make-other-pollutants-more-toxic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxic pollutants</a> that are released from the open burning of plastic waste. This danger is particularly acute in areas with deficient waste management systems.



The emissions from such open burns, which are loaded with toxic chemicals, particulate matter, and microplastics, are associated with serious health conditions. These include respiratory infections, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/steep-rise-in-cardiovascular-disease-expected-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular diseases</a>, and chronic conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).



Dr. Cressida Bowyer, the Deputy Director of the Revolution Plastics Institute, has extensively studied the perils of open burning of plastic waste. 



"With 16% of global municipal waste burned openly, rising to 40–65% in low-and middle-income countries, vulnerable populations bear the brunt of this crisis. The toxic fumes from burning plastic are a silent but deadly contributor to global health burdens. Urgent action is needed to eliminate this dangerous practice and protect public health," she warned.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerable-populations-are-affected-the-most">Vulnerable populations are affected the most</h2>



The longer the world waits to finalize a binding plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-plastics-treaty-countries-with-nothing-to-lose-delayed-progress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treaty</a>, the more devastating the health impacts of plastic pollution will become.



Studies show that vulnerable populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are disproportionately exposed to the harmful effects of plastics. 



This disparity is most apparent in regions with inadequate waste management systems, where open burning of plastic waste is rampant and environmental contamination intensifies daily.



Beyond its environmental toll, plastic pollution worsens global health inequalities. Microplastics and toxic chemicals from mismanaged plastic waste seep into the food chain, water sources, and also into the air.



Toxic emissions, especially in urban areas, have been linked to respiratory diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treaty-needed-to-end-plastic-pollution">Treaty needed to end plastic pollution</h2>



Health experts warn that without the necessary steps of action, these health crises will intensify and spread aggressively, straining health systems and threatening the health of future generations.



But dealing with plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue; it is an important step to ensuring the global public's health.



The message is clear. As responsible stewards of the planet and protectors of human health, it's time for all health professionals to take a determined stand against the harms of plastic pollution.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/388/bmj.q2890" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Medical Journal</a>.



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Plastic treaty is a 'historic opportunity' to stop a human health crisis

From coastlines to capital cities, healthcare workers are warning about...

Glaciers, often associated with the vast sheets of melting ice in Antarctica and Greenland, are far more widespread and diverse than commonly understood. With over 200,000 glaciers outside the polar regions, these icy giants are key players in shaping Earth's terrain and regulating ecosystems. 



However, the rapid pace of melting glaciers, accelerated by human-induced climate change, is causing profound environmental and geopolitical changes. 



Researchers Elzė Buslavičiūtė and Dr. Laurynas Jukna from Vilnius University’s <a href="https://www.chgf.vu.lt/en/about/structure/institute-of-geosciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Geosciences</a> have investigated these transformations, and shown how satellite observations are revealing the scale of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-half-of-the-worlds-glaciers-could-disappear-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> loss and its far-reaching implications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-glaciers-the-basics">Understanding glaciers - the basics</h2>



In addition to shaping global landscapes and borders, glaciers act as the planet's natural air conditioners, playing a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate. 



These massive ice formations store about 75% of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world’s fresh water</a> and act as giant reservoirs that release water slowly into rivers and lakes, ensuring a steady supply even during dry seasons. 



Additionally, they reflect sunlight back into space, which helps keep our planet cool. Without glaciers, many ecosystems would struggle to survive, and countless communities that rely on <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/retreating-glaciers-and-expanding-meltwater-lakes-in-alaska/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacial meltwater</a> for drinking, agriculture, and hydropower would face serious water shortages.



As glaciers shrink, sea levels rise, which can lead to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal flooding</a>, erosion, and the displacement of millions of people living in low-lying areas.



Moreover, melting glaciers contribute to the warming of oceans, which can harm marine life and disrupt global weather patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-glaciers-of-modern-europe">Melting glaciers of modern Europe</h2>



During the last Ice Age, roughly 20,000-22,000 years ago, glaciers from Scandinavia sculpted much of Europe’s landscape, leaving behind features that define the continent’s geography today. 



These glaciers, though diminished, continue to play a vital role by storing freshwater, sustaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-disrupting-the-seasonal-flow-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> and lakes, and regulating water flow and temperatures.



Modern Europe’s glaciers are predominantly concentrated in regions such as the Alps, Svalbard, Iceland, and the Pyrenees.&nbsp;



Unlike their colossal polar counterparts, these smaller glaciers - classified as valley glaciers, ice caps, and hanging glaciers - are nestled in mountainous terrains. They form when snow accumulation surpasses ablation, eventually compacting into dense glacier ice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-glacier-melt-with-space-technology">Tracking glacier melt with space technology</h2>



While the Alps’ glaciers have been retreating since the Ice Age, their melting has significantly accelerated in recent decades. 



The <a href="https://www.glamos.ch/en/#/E23-16" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glacier Monitoring in Switzerland</a> (GLAMOS) program reveals a stark decline in glacial area within the Swiss Alps, where ice cover has shrunk from 1,311 km² (500 mi2) in 1973 to 961 km² (371 mi2) by 2016 - a loss of nearly 350 km² (130 mi2) in under 50 years.



This data is primarily derived from archival aerial and satellite imagery, such as NASA’s Landsat mission, which has been operational since 1972.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/melting-glaciers_rhone-glacier_timelapse_Landsat_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/melting-glaciers_rhone-glacier_timelapse_Landsat_NASA_1s.webp" alt="The Rhône Glacier in Switzerland in August 2001 and August 2024, based on false-color imagery from the Landsat 7 and 8 satellites. Credit: Vilnius University" class="wp-image-1956575"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Rhône Glacier in Switzerland in August 2001 and August 2024, based on false-color imagery from the Landsat 7 and 8 satellites. Credit: Vilnius University</figcaption></figure>



By analyzing false-color satellite images, scientists can monitor glacial retreat, changes in glacier height, and volume shifts. 



For instance, Landsat imagery of the Rhône Glacier in Switzerland shows dramatic reductions in ice cover between August 2001 and August 2024.



Moreover, advanced sensors like IceSAT-2/GLAS and radars aboard Sentinel-1 satellites are employed to detect glacier movement and mass changes. 



These tools allow researchers to quantify the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-fear-climate-change-will-end-the-world-during-their-lifetime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> on glaciers with unprecedented accuracy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-glaciers-shift-national-borders">Melting glaciers shift national borders</h2>



The ecological impacts of glacier melt are well-documented, but its geopolitical ramifications are equally significant. In Europe, where many national borders align with watershed lines along high mountain ridges, shifting glaciers are redrawing maps.



One notable example involves the borders between Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. As glaciers recede or peaks collapse, these natural boundaries shift. 



In 2006, Italy and Austria preemptively signed an agreement to accommodate potential border changes. Similarly, the Matterhorn Glacier’s retreat in 2024 slightly expanded Switzerland’s territory by shifting the mountain’s highest point closer to Italy.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/melting-glaciers_switzerland_time-lapse_Landsat_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/melting-glaciers_switzerland_time-lapse_Landsat_NASA_1s.webp" alt="Glacier melting from 1850 to 2016 in southwestern Switzerland based on GLAMOS aerial and satellite observations. On the right is a false-color Landsat 8 satellite image from 2 October 2016, with lines indicating the distribution of glaciers during different periods. Credit: Vilnius University" class="wp-image-1956577"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Glacier melting from 1850 to 2016 in southwestern Switzerland based on GLAMOS aerial and satellite observations. On the right is a false-color Landsat 8 satellite image from 2 October 2016, with lines indicating the distribution of glaciers during different periods. Credit: Vilnius University</figcaption></figure>



These shifting boundaries are more than technicalities. They affect economic and cultural ties, as well as tourism and resource management. 



The Alps, for instance, sustain major rivers like the Rhône and the Rhine, which are critical for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-supply-from-icy-mountains-will-become-less-reliable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water supply</a> and agriculture across multiple nations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tourism-and-local-adaptations-in-the-alps">Tourism and local adaptations in the Alps</h2>



In Switzerland, villages near glaciers depend heavily on tourism, which is closely tied to these natural wonders. 



Visitors flock to witness these majestic ice formations, thus fueling local economies. However, as glaciers shrink, these communities face economic uncertainty.



Some regions have resorted to innovative measures to slow glacial melting, such as covering glaciers with reflective geotextiles to reduce heat absorption. 



While effective in the short term, such localized efforts are insufficient to counter the broader trends of global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-retreat-of-europe-s-glaciers">The retreat of Europe's glaciers </h2>



The rapid melting of glaciers highlights the urgency of coordinated global efforts to combat climate change. The retreat of Europe’s glaciers affects everything from freshwater resources to national borders and economic stability. 



As Buslavičiūtė and Jukna from <a href="https://www.vu.lt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vilnius University</a> emphasize, addressing these challenges requires long-term, global strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change’s impact on vulnerable regions like the Alps.



In the face of these monumental changes, space-based technology offers hope by providing accurate data to inform policies and strategies. 



However, without immediate and sustained international action, the landscapes and borders shaped by glaciers over millennia may become unrecognizable within our lifetime.



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Melting glaciers are reshaping landscapes and national borders around the world

Glaciers, often associated with the vast sheets of melting ice...

A team of researchers have recently witnessed behavior in the wild that could offer critical clues about how the endangered whale shark reproduces.&nbsp;



This surprising discovery, made by a research team off northwestern Australia, could be pivotal for the species’ conservation.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-move-into-dangerous-territory-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whale sharks</a>, recognized as the world’s largest fish, have long posed a challenge for scientists who strive to understand the details of their life cycles - particularly their mating rituals.&nbsp;



Given that whale sharks are currently listed as endangered, every insight into their reproductive strategies is essential for crafting effective measures to protect them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collecting-data-on-whale-shark-behavior">Collecting data on whale shark behavior </h2>



At Ningaloo Reef, a <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a> on the northwestern coast of Western Australia, annual expeditions have taken place each May from 2009 to 2024. This specific timeframe captures the peak period when whale sharks migrate to the region and aggregate in considerable numbers.&nbsp;



Scientists have used these field seasons to observe and collect data on the behaviors of whale sharks, hoping to uncover patterns that would illuminate everything from feeding habits to potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fascinating-mating-behaviors-of-leopard-seals-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mating rituals</a>.



During the 2024 expedition, a research team documented a mature male whale shark engaging in what appeared to be following and biting behaviors toward a smaller female shark.&nbsp;



Although it remains unclear if this encounter culminated in mating, the new observations provide a rare glimpse into the courtship interactions of these elusive giants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-hand-accounts-of-unusual-behavior">First-hand accounts of unusual behavior</h2>



“Following and biting are common copulation behaviours in other species within the subclass of cartilaginous fish that the whale shark belongs to,” explained PhD candidate Christine Barry, a member of <a href="https://www.murdoch.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Murdoch University</a>’s Harry Butler Institute and the <a href="https://www.aims.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Institute of Marine Science</a>.&nbsp;



Barry and her colleagues noted that these behaviors have been observed in several other cartilaginous fish, including various shark species. Such actions typically denote an attempt by the male to stabilize or secure the female’s position during mating.



“This is also consistent with previous reports by fishers recounting behaviours they’d observed out on the water of sexually mature males towards females at different aggregation sites,” Barry added.&nbsp;



These anecdotes, now supported by direct evidence, add weight to the idea that whale sharks’ mating rituals may mirror those of other large sharks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piecing-together-mating-clues">Piecing together mating clues</h2>



The research team, led by Barry alongside Dr. Mark Meekan of the University of Western Australia, published their conclusions in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1507072/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Marine Science</a>.&nbsp;



According to Barry, it is unlikely that the encounter during this expedition resulted in a successful mating event. Nonetheless, the instance of following and biting strongly suggests that whale shark mating behavior follows a pattern akin to many other shark species.



By placing these newly documented behaviors in the broader context of whale shark biology, scientists can form hypotheses regarding the mating process of the species.&nbsp;



Additionally, the research group underscores that knowledge of how whale sharks court and reproduce can significantly boost conservation efforts, particularly as populations remain vulnerable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avoidance-behavior-by-female-whale-sharks">Avoidance behavior by female whale sharks </h2>



Whale sharks, which can grow up to 12 meters or more in length, have a global distribution in warm temperate and tropical waters. Despite their widespread presence, many aggregation sites show an overwhelming number of males.&nbsp;



“At Ningaloo Reef, and many aggregation sites around the world, males outnumber females with a ratio of one female to three males,” Barry said. The reasons behind this imbalance have puzzled scientists for years.



“This could explain why female whale sharks may be avoiding aggregation sites. Particularly for juvenile female sharks, the energetic costs of unwanted attention from males could imply a reason for strong male biases,” Barry added.&nbsp;



Female whale sharks, particularly younger ones, might seek refuge in areas with fewer adult males to steer clear of the stress and energy demands associated with repeated courtship attempts.&nbsp;



This avoidance behavior could be a crucial factor influencing whale shark population structures at various aggregation points.



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



One pressing question is what these findings mean for managing whale shark populations worldwide. As an endangered species, whale sharks already face numerous challenges, including interactions with fisheries, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/basking-sharks-are-exceptionally-vulnerable-to-ship-strikes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vessel strikes</a>, and habitat degradation.&nbsp;



Understanding their mating behavior, including how males and females interact at aggregation sites, can aid biologists and policymakers in deciding how to protect critical habitats - such as identifying areas where females can avoid male-dominated gatherings.



The annual expeditions at Ningaloo Reef also serve as a model for studying whale sharks in their natural environment without relying on anecdotal sightings.&nbsp;



By systematically gathering data and applying scientific methods, researchers can more accurately identify patterns and track changes in whale shark behavior over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuation-of-whale-shark-research">Continuation of whale shark research</h2>



This new information about potential mating interactions is just the latest in a series of findings by Christine Barry, Dr. Meekan, and other scientists at Murdoch University’s School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences and partner institutions.&nbsp;



Their previous studies have covered topics ranging from the impact of tourism on whale shark well-being to prey dynamics in waters frequented by these fish.



Moving forward, the researchers intend to broaden their focus to include additional observational and genetic studies, in hopes of confirming how often such pre-mating behaviors occur and what leads to successful reproduction.&nbsp;



In this way, the data gleaned at Ningaloo Reef and other aggregation sites may help scientists develop clearer conservation strategies tailored to the unique reproductive needs of whale sharks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-the-largest-fish-in-the-sea">Saving the largest fish in the sea</h2>



The newly documented behaviors at Ningaloo Reef represent a pivotal step in unraveling one of the great mysteries of marine biology: how whale sharks reproduce.&nbsp;



While much remains to be learned about courtship and mating in these gentle ocean giants, the direct observations of following and biting offer valuable context for a species that has long eluded scientific understanding.



With further research, scientists hope to clarify whether female whale sharks avoid highly male-dominated sites as a means to reduce the stress and energy costs of unwanted attention.&nbsp;



Such knowledge could shape guidelines for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-marine-protected-areas-boost-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine protected areas</a> and responsible ecotourism that minimize disturbances to whale shark breeding practices.&nbsp;



Ultimately, uncovering the nuances of whale shark mating is a vital piece of the puzzle in ensuring the survival of these endangered animals for generations to come.



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Whale shark mating behaviors observed for the first time in the wild

A team of researchers have recently witnessed behavior in the...

A recent study reveals that Americans who are 55 years of age and older now face an estimated 42% lifetime risk of developing dementia, surpassing older estimates by more than double.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preventing-dementia-scientists-say-three-factors-matter-most/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dementia</a>, which involves progressive declines in memory, concentration, and judgment, is expected to result in roughly 500,000 new cases in 2025, a figure set to climb to one million cases a year by 2060.&nbsp;



Researchers explain that this rise is closely linked to the aging U.S. population, along with additional risk factors such as genetic predisposition, high rates of hypertension and diabetes, obesity, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and mental health challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-previous-estimates-were-lower">Why previous estimates were lower</h2>



Researchers attribute prior underestimations to inconsistent documentation of dementia in health records and death certificates, inadequate monitoring of early-stage cases, and the underreporting of cases among racial minorities, who are disproportionately affected by the condition.



The findings stem from a large collaborative study funded by the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institutes of Health,</a> conducted by <a href="https://nyulangone.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU Langone Health</a>, with contributions from <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> and other institutions.&nbsp;



The research utilized data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study (ARIC-NCS), which has been tracking the vascular and cognitive health of nearly 16,000 participants since 1987. ARIC-NCS is noted for being the longest research effort focusing on cognition and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-environments-and-sidewalks-improve-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart health</a> in African-Americans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-and-racial-disparities">Gender and racial disparities</h2>



The study’s findings, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03340-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>, detail 3,252 dementia diagnoses among participants from 1987 to 2020, translating to a lifetime risk of 42% for middle-aged Americans. 



The results indicate that men face a 35% risk, whereas women face a 48% risk - a difference primarily due to women’s longer average life expectancy. 



The research also pinpoints higher dementia susceptibility among Black adults and among carriers of a particular APOE4 gene variant, recognized as a chief genetic risk factor for late-onset <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-a-brain-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s disease</a>.



"The relative growth in new dementia cases was especially pronounced for Black adults. These results highlight the urgent need for policies that enhance healthy aging, with a focus on health equity," noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-rise-in-dementia-risk">Dramatic rise in dementia risk</h2>



“Our study results forecast a dramatic rise in the burden from dementia in the United States over the coming decades, with one in two Americans expected to experience cognitive difficulties after age 55,” said Josef Coresh, who served as senior investigator on the research and is the founding director of the <a href="https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/optimal-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Optimal Aging Institute</a> at NYU Langone.&nbsp;



Coresh noted that the increase in cases is partly tied to brain function decline starting in middle age, a growing number of Americans over 65, and longer average lifespans among women.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-concerns-linked-to-dementia-risk">Health concerns linked to dementia risk </h2>



The study also reveals that the lifetime risk of dementia surpasses 50% for those reaching age 75. However, previous findings suggest that strategies for preventing heart disease - such as blood pressure control and diabetes prevention - could similarly help reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recreational-cannabis-use-protects-against-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive decline</a>.



“The pending population boom in dementia cases poses significant challenges for health policymakers, in particular, who must refocus their efforts on strategies to minimize the severity of dementia cases, as well as plans to provide more health care services for those with dementia,” Coresh said.



Hearing loss is another critical concern tied to dementia risk, yet only about a third of older Americans experiencing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hearing-loss-linked-to-a-greater-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hearing loss</a> use hearing aids. Coresh advocates greater monitoring, expanded testing, and more affordable hearing aids to alleviate this issue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-racial-disparities-and-broader-recommendations">Racial disparities and broader recommendations</h2>



According to Coresh, far more resources are needed to address racial inequities in health care, noting that while dementia numbers among Caucasian individuals are expected to double over the next four decades, rates among Black individuals are expected to triple. 



Health policies should heighten efforts in Black communities to improve childhood education and nutrition, which research has shown to be beneficial for delaying cognitive decline later in life.



Ultimately, these findings highlight the daunting challenges posed by dementia as Americans age, but they also suggest paths for intervention - through robust healthcare systems, preventative heart health measures, support for hearing care, and programs targeted at reducing social and racial inequities.



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Risk of dementia is much higher than previously thought

A recent study reveals that Americans who are 55 years...

Smoking,In,Pregnancy.,Bad,Pregnant,Mother,Holds,Cigarette,In,Hand.

Smoking remains one of the most challenging habits to overcome, but new research suggests that rewards and incentives can provide the motivation needed to quit. 



A recent study reveals that offering incentives not only helps individuals quit smoking but also sustains the results long after the rewards are no longer provided.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quitting-smoking-using-incentives">Quitting smoking using incentives</h2>



The study was spearheaded by researchers from the University of East Anglia (<a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UEA</a>), a respected academic institution with a keen interest in public health.



The research team decided to explore whether incentives could aid not just anyone, but specifically pregnant women in their journey to quit smoking.



Previous studies had hinted at the moderate efficacy of rewards in encouraging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-exposure-is-increasing-among-pregnant-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pregnant women</a> to part with their smoking habits. 



However, this fresh piece of research indicates a stronger correlation.



According to the research, there’s now “high certainty evidence” that incentive programs can indeed be successful for pregnant women aiming to give up smoking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewards-a-powerful-ally-against-smoking">Rewards: A powerful ally against smoking</h2>



Professor Caitlin Notley, of UEA’s <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/norwich-medical-school" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwich Medical School</a>, shares that smoking is globally recognized as a leading preventable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quitting-smoking-greatly-reduces-the-risk-of-deadly-cancers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cause of illness</a> and premature death.



“We wanted to find out if giving people rewards helps them to quit smoking in the long term,” she states.



“We are now very confident that incentives help people, and pregnant people, to quit smoking better than not offering incentives. The evidence also demonstrates that the effectiveness of incentives lasts even after rewards have stopped.”



The incentives in question include financial rewards such as cash, vouchers, or deposits given as encouragement and a reward for maintaining a smoke-free lifestyle.



Various initiatives implement these incentive schemes, from workplace programs to community organizations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-success-in-quitting-smoking">Long-term success in quitting smoking</h2>



The broader research encompassed 48 studies and over 21,900 participants; all the research explored different reward schemes designed to help smokers quit.



The results, even after filtering out the lowest-quality trials, indicated that participants who received <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-the-brain-identify-rewards-and-punishments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rewards</a> were more likely to maintain their smoke-free status six months or more into the trial.



For every 100 smokers who received a financial reward to quit, ten were likely to be successful and remain successful for six months or longer. 



This contrasted with only seven successful quitters out of 100 people who didn't receive financial incentives. The success rate even extended beyond the time when the rewards had ceased.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extra-effective-for-pregnant-women">Extra effective for pregnant women</h2>



When it came to pregnant women, the rewards scheme showed even more promising results. 



Women who were pregnant and received rewards had a higher likelihood of quitting smoking than those who didn’t. 



This was observed both at the end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-and-nicotine-use-during-pregnancy-linked-to-infant-mortality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pregnancy</a> and post-birth.



For every 100 pregnant women who received financial incentives, 13 were likely to successfully quit smoking for six months or longer. In comparison, only six out of 100 were successful if no financial incentive was given. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incentive-size-has-little-impact-on-quitting-smoking">Incentive size has little impact on quitting smoking</h2>



Interestingly, the amount of reward didn't seem to make a substantial difference. 



The studies showed no noticeable variation between those that offered smaller amounts (less than 100 U.S. dollars) and those that offered larger ones (more than 700 US dollars).



However, the researchers noted that a fair comparison is difficult to make due to cultural differences in the value placed on money, as the studies were conducted in many different countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoking-during-pregnancy-a-double-edged-sword">Smoking during pregnancy: A double-edged sword</h2>



Highlighting the importance of this study, Professor Linda Bauld, Director of the <a href="https://spectrum.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SPECTRUM Research Consortium</a>, Co-Chair of the <a href="https://ash.org.uk/about/who-we-work-with/smoking-in-pregnancy-challenge-group" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group</a>, and study co-author, states that smoking during pregnancy is one of the leading causes of poor birth outcomes, including stillbirth and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-increases-miscarriage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">miscarriage</a>.



"These findings show that financial incentives during pregnancy can more than double the chances of quitting smoking and that incentives are also effective for preventing women from relapsing to smoking postnatally," she notes.



Her sentiments are echoed by co-author Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, assistant professor of health policy and promotion from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a>.



He emphasized the reluctance of people to use pharmacological interventions during pregnancy, thereby making alternative strategies such as incentives even more critical.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quitting-smoking-with-incentives">Quitting smoking with incentives</h2>



Looking to the future, research will likely focus more on exploring the differences between trials offering low or high cash incentives and self-incentives, within a variety of smoking populations, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of tobacco use remains high.



This compelling study was carried out collaboratively between UEA and esteemed institutions such as the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh</a>, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.



The result? A breath of fresh air in the ongoing struggle against smoking.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004307.pub7/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cochrane Review</a>.



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Incentives help pregnant women quit smoking

Smoking remains one of the most challenging habits to overcome,...

We all know processed food isn't the best thing on the plate. But how do we navigate the confusing language of food labeling? A remarkable tool now helps consumers and policymakers understand the processing levels of over 50,000 different items.



Researchers from Mass General Brigham created this public database to promote informed food choices and advocate for better food regulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-processed-foods-the-basics">Understanding processed foods - the basics</h2>



Processed foods are those that have been altered from their natural state in some way, usually to make them last longer or taste better. 



This includes things like freezing vegetables, canning beans, or adding salt and sugar to bread. These changes can be pretty simple and often retain most of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-baby-food-isnt-nutritious-despite-what-the-label-says/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">original nutrients</a>. 



For example, a jar of tomato sauce or a bag of roasted nuts are considered processed foods because they've been prepared or packaged, but they still contain ingredients you’d recognize and are generally healthy when eaten in moderation.



On the other hand, ultra-processed foods go through much more extensive manufacturing and contain ingredients you wouldn’t normally find in a home kitchen. 



These foods often include artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and other additives designed to enhance taste, texture, and shelf life. 



Think of things like sugary cereals, sodas, packaged snacks, instant noodles, and frozen dinners. Ultra-processed foods are usually higher in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diets-cause-high-anxiety-through-changes-in-gut-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unhealthy fats</a>, sugars, and salt, and they tend to be lower in essential nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-processed-foods-dominate-grocery-shelves">Processed foods dominate grocery shelves</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-make-our-bodies-age-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highly and ultra-processed foods</a> make up a significant portion of what is available in most grocery stores.



While they may be convenient or taste appealing, research has linked diets high in these types of foods to serious health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.



Despite growing awareness about the risks associated with these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-ultra-processed-foods-makes-your-muscles-weaker-and-more-fragile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a>, many shoppers struggle to determine how processed a particular food item is. 



Ingredient labels and nutritional information can be overwhelming or unclear, making it difficult for the average consumer to make informed choices.



“There are a lot of mixed messages about what a person should eat. Our work aims to create a sort of translator to help people look at food information in a more digestible way,” said Dr. Giulia Menichetti, a lead researcher at <a href="https://www.brighamandwomens.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brigham and Women’s Hospital</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grocerydb-simplifies-healthy-eating">GroceryDB simplifies healthy eating</h2>



To address the challenge of understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/minimally-processed-foods-cost-more-offer-no-extra-nutrition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food processing levels</a>, researchers applied machine learning to analyze detailed data from three major grocery retailers: <a href="https://www.target.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Target</a>, Whole Foods, and Walmart. 



They examined ingredient lists, nutritional information, and pricing data to create a clear picture of the processing levels of various food items.



This effort led to the development of <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11177926/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GroceryDB</a>, a comprehensive database tool designed to empower consumers with easy-to-understand information about processed food ingredients.



GroceryDB provides each food item with a "processing score," which indicates the degree of processing involved in the production of the food.



The database is accessible to the public through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.truefood.tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TrueFood</a>&nbsp;website, where users can explore essential details such as processing scores, ingredient breakdowns, and complete nutritional facts. 



This innovative tool simplifies the often-confusing task of evaluating food processing, making healthier choices more attainable for everyone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-all-grocery-stores-are-the-same">Not all grocery stores are the same</h2>



The researchers employed the FPro algorithm to analyze <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-risks-of-ultra-processed-foods-revealed-in-30-year-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food processing</a> levels across products from the three major grocery retailers. Their findings revealed that the majority of items available in these stores were classified as ultra-processed.



While <a href="https://www.wholefoodsmarket.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whole Foods</a> stood out for offering a broader selection of minimally processed foods, Walmart and Target provided fewer options in this category. 



For example, cereals at Whole Foods showed a wide range, spanning from minimally to ultra-processed. In contrast, all cereals available at <a href="https://www.walmart.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Walmart</a> and Target were categorized as highly processed.



This pattern extended beyond cereals to other product categories, including soups, milk substitutes, and cookies. Despite the apparent variety of brands and products on store shelves, the processing options remained strikingly limited. 



These findings highlight the challenge consumers face when trying to access healthier, less-processed food options, even in stores that appear to offer significant variety.



“When people hear about the dangers of ultra-processed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-are-harmful-to-nearly-every-part-of-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a>, they ask, ‘OK, what are the rules? How can we apply this knowledge?’” said Menichetti. “We are building tools to help people implement changes to their diet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-enters-the-fight-against-processed-foods">AI enters the fight against processed foods</h2>



This initiative demonstrates how artificial intelligence (AI) can play a transformative role in advancing public health. 



By leveraging AI and data science, the research team created a scalable system for analyzing and categorizing the processing levels of food items.



The team plans to enhance this database further by incorporating geolocation data and temporal monitoring. 



This expansion would provide insights into regional differences in food availability and how these variations influence social determinants of health, such as access to nutritious options.



“Most research activities in nutrition still depend on manual curation, but our study shows that artificial intelligence and data science can be used to scale up,” Menichetti emphasized. 



The ultimate goal is to make this an internationally comparable, open-access resource to advance global nutrition security.



With the TrueFood database, consumers now have the tools to make better informed food choices and push for healthier options in their communities.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-024-01095-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Food</a>.



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New tool lets you check how processed and unhealthy your food is

We all know processed food isn't the best thing on...

Astronomers have taken another step forward in their search for the universe’s most elusive titans: supermassive black holes. 



Using multiple NASA telescopes, scientists have found a better estimate for the ratio of hidden to visible black holes, thus shedding more light on the enigmatic structures that lie at the heart of most galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-supermassive-black-holes">Searching for supermassive black holes</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-black-holes-become-supermassive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Supermassive</a> black holes can weigh billions of times more than the Sun. However, many of these cosmic giants are hidden behind dense clouds of gas and dust, making them difficult to detect. 



Researchers estimate that every large galaxy harbors a supermassive black hole at its center.



Yet, identifying the total population of these behemoths is challenging. Instead, scientists study smaller samples and extrapolate to the larger population.



The latest study, published in the Astrophysical Journal, revealed that about 35% of supermassive black holes are obscured by dense gas and dust that blocks even low-energy X-ray light.



This contrasts with earlier surveys that identified less than 15% as obscured. Scientists believe the true ratio may approach 50/50, a finding that could reshape theories about how galaxies and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-magnetic-fields-may-be-key-features-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> grow together.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bright-monsters-in-the-dark">Bright monsters in the dark</h2>



Supermassive black <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fastest-feeding-black-hole-found-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">holes</a> are completely dark because no light can escape their immense gravitational pull. However, the matter swirling around a black hole glows intensely.



As gas spirals closer to the black hole, the huge gravitational force heats it to extremely high temperatures. This causes the gas to shine so brightly that it can outshine all the stars in the galaxy.



Despite this brightness, the glow can be hidden if the black hole is surrounded by a thick ring of gas and dust, called a "torus." 



The torus resembles a doughnut, with the bright center at its core. Whether we can see the black hole or not depends on the angle of this torus.



If we are looking straight into the doughnut hole, the bright emissions are visible. If we see it edge-on, the torus blocks most of the light, which means that the black hole is hidden. 



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="pHhHzAqFJG-4222335-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-infrared-and-x-ray-telescopes">Infrared and X-ray telescopes</h2>



To study these hidden black holes, NASA used data collected in 1983 by the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/infrared-astronomical-satellite-iras/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IRAS</a>). The IRAS detected infrared light, which is emitted by the heated gas in the torus, even when the black hole itself was obscured.



NASA’s <a href="https://www.nustar.caltech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NuSTAR</a> telescope complemented this data by detecting high-energy X-rays that can penetrate the dense gas and dust.



Combining data from both telescopes allowed scientists to locate and study hidden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-finds-a-surge-of-black-holes-after-the-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> with much greater precision, and offered a clearer understanding of these cosmic giants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-holes-and-galactic-evolution">Black holes and galactic evolution</h2>



Supermassive black holes play a huge role in shaping how galaxies grow and change over time. When matter gets too close to a supermassive black hole, it spirals in and heats up, creating bright energy emissions that can influence the entire galaxy. 



This intense energy can regulate the formation of new stars by either triggering it through shockwaves or suppressing it by blowing away the gas needed for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pillars-of-creation-new-3d-video-nasa-created-as-never-seen-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star creation</a>. 



Essentially, the black hole acts like a cosmic governor, controlling how busy or quiet the galaxy is in terms of star production.



Beyond just star formation, supermassive black holes also help shape the overall structure and behavior of their host galaxies. 



They can launch <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-jets-are-like-million-light-year-long-jedi-lightsabers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">powerful jets of particles and radiation</a> that stretch far beyond the galaxy’s core, impacting the surrounding environment. 



These jets can heat up the gas in the galaxy, preventing it from cooling down and forming new stars, which influences the galaxy’s size and brightness. 



Additionally, the interaction between the black hole and the galaxy can lead to the growth of the galaxy’s central bulge, making it more rounded and stable.



“If we didn’t have black holes, galaxies would be much larger,” noted <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/people/5xd2nb/professor-poshak-gandhi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Poshak Gandhi</a>, a coauthor of the study. “Without a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-suggests-that-dark-energy-comes-from-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> in the Milky Way, there might be many more stars in the sky.”



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



This study demonstrates the lasting importance of data collected by telescopes, even decades after their initial operation. 



By combining observations from multiple instruments that work across different wavelengths of light, scientists can uncover details that a single telescope alone might miss.



“It amazes me how useful IRAS and NuSTAR were for this project, especially despite IRAS being operational over 40 years ago,” said study lead author Peter Boorman of <a href="https://www.caltech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caltech</a>.



The IRAS provided critical infrared data, while the more modern NuSTAR telescope added complementary X-ray observations. Together, these tools created a fuller picture of hidden supermassive black holes.



This study is not just about uncovering hidden black holes; it’s a testament to the ingenuity and innovation that drive astronomical research. 



By leveraging these tools and techniques, scientists gain deeper insights into how hidden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-massive-early-universe-black-hole-stuns-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> influence the growth of galaxies and, ultimately, into the universe’s structure.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad8236" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Astrophysical Journal</a>.&nbsp; 



Video Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech



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Many supermassive black holes can't be seen with current technology

Astronomers have taken another step forward in their search for...

A nationwide survey has shed light on how illness impacts the winter experiences of Americans. Conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by Zipfizz, the survey reveals a striking truth: most Americans spend less than half of their winter days feeling truly healthy.



The average winter month leaves many feeling unwell for the majority of the time. Respondents report being 100% fit for only 16 days each month. The study paints a clear picture of how winter's chilly grip affects both individual health and relationships.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illness-and-health-struggles-in-winter-months">Illness and health struggles in winter months</h2>



The survey uncovered that a lack of energy is the most widespread complaint during the winter months. It affects 58% of participants. Common cold symptoms follow, with 42% reporting coughing, 40% struggling with sore throats, and 38% battling congestion.



For many, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-infectious-disease-landscape-is-changing-and-we-must-prepare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ailments</a> are more than just physical inconveniences. They disrupt daily life, impacting work and social interactions.



“Winter’s a tough time of year and often busy, so feeling off-form can really hamper us,” said Marcela Kanalos, a spokesperson for Zipfizz. 



“The results show many people are feeling less than their best for half of the season, and that takes its toll on our moods, energy, and overall enjoyment of life.”



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



The survey also reveals how winter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-isolation-and-loneliness-trigger-changes-in-blood-proteins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">illness</a> affects relationships, particularly among couples. When one partner gets sick, it often leads to noticeable changes in behavior.



About one-third of respondents described their sick partner as "a baby," which suggests that some people might act needy or dramatic when unwell.



Other behaviors that annoyed respondents included stubbornness (25%), where the sick partner refuses to follow advice, and acting overly dramatic (23%) about their symptoms. Additionally, 22% of people reported that their partner completely denies being sick, ignoring their illness altogether.



The survey also pointed out that illness doesn't only affect the sick person. Partners and loved ones notice it too. Nearly one-third (29%) of people said they mix up the days of the week when sick. 



Others (21%) reported getting into arguments with their partners or family members. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-odd-behaviors-when-sick">Odd behaviors when sick</h2>



The survey on winter illnesses also revealed some unexpected behaviors from participants when they were sick. 



Here are 12 unusual actions respondents said they’ve done:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Put shoes in the refrigerator</li>



<li>Can’t remember their own name</li>



<li>Forgot to make coffee</li>



<li>Put on two different high heels (same color) in a rush</li>



<li>Forgot to pick up the kid from school</li>



<li>Drove with pizza on the roof of the car</li>



<li>Left groceries on the bus</li>



<li>Forgot why they left the house</li>



<li>Went to work on a day off</li>



<li>Forgot an important doctor’s appointment</li>



<li>Left wallet/purse with ID at home</li>



<li>Accidentally threw phone away with trash</li>
</ol>



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



The survey also examined how Americans manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-threats-of-climate-change-have-hit-record-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">illness</a> and take proactive steps to prevent it. 



The most common preventive measure is staying hydrated, with 80% of respondents emphasizing its importance. Other top strategies include taking vitamins and supplements (77%) and getting adequate rest (75%).



Once illness strikes, most Americans focus on recovery by prioritizing rest (61%), hydration (58%), and medication (46%).



“Taking little steps ahead of feeling sick in order to set yourself up well from a health perspective can make all the difference,” Kanalos said. “Just simply staying on top of your hydration can make or break your winter season.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-winter-illnesses">Preventing winter illnesses</h2>



Winter health struggles are common for many Americans, as the colder months often bring a variety of physical ailments, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-flu-emerges-as-a-public-health-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colds</a> and fatigue. 



The survey highlights the impact these health issues have on both the body and personal relationships. Illness can make it harder to stay active and engaged, which affects daily routines and interactions with family or partners.



The good news is that there are steps people can take to manage their health better during winter. Simple measures like staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and maintaining good nutrition can help reduce the effects of illness and make winter a little easier to handle. 



By being proactive, people can keep themselves healthier, both physically and emotionally, throughout the season.



The study, conducted by <a href="https://talkerresearch.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Talker Research</a> and involving 2,000 Americans, sheds light on these common health challenges. It specifically examined the difficulties people face during the winter months and how they cope with them. 



Of the participants, 951 were individuals living with a partner. The research was commissioned by Zipfizz, a company focused on wellness, to understand the most common health struggles and how people manage them.



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Winter illness: Americans feel sick for more than half the season

A nationwide survey has shed light on how illness impacts...

"Windows to the soul" - a phrase often used to describe the eyes - takes on new significance with a recent study. The research reveals that the pupil and iris, essential parts of the eye, play a crucial role in influencing how others perceive us.



The team behind this discovery was led by Juan Olvido Perea-Garcia at <a href="https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leiden University</a>. The researchers found that our eyes have a profound influence over how our attractiveness and generosity are perceived. 



It's not all about eye color, though. In fact, pupil size and iris brightness are pivotal contributors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subtle-eye-features-shape-impressions">Subtle eye features shape impressions</h2>



While eye color is often the most noticeable feature of the eyes, this study focuses on two other important aspects:&nbsp;pupil size&nbsp;and&nbsp;iris brightness. 



These features, though less discussed, have a significant impact on how others perceive a person’s personality and appearance. 



The researchers discovered that larger pupils and brighter irises can make individuals appear friendlier, more attractive, and even influence the level of generosity they inspire in others. 



These subtle traits go beyond eye color in shaping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survival-of-the-friendliest-social-animals-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social impressions</a> and emotional responses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-changes-in-eye-morphology">Small changes in eye morphology </h2>



In the study, participants looked at photos of non-human primates whose eyes had been digitally modified. Some images showed primates with brighter irises and larger pupils. 



These primates were consistently rated as more attractive and friendly compared to those with smaller pupils or less bright irises. 



Additionally, primates with larger pupils inspired participants to donate more money, highlighting how even small changes in eye appearance can influence human behavior.



“Our results demonstrate that small changes in perceived eye morphology impact behavior and affective responses,” the researchers explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-larger-pupils-make-us-seem-friendlier">Larger pupils make us seem friendlier</h2>



The researchers conducted two experiments on irises and pupil size. In the first experiment, participants were shown photos of 32 different primate species. 



The researchers digitally adjusted the pupil sizes in these images, making some pupils larger and others smaller.



The results revealed that primates with&nbsp;larger pupils&nbsp;were consistently rated higher for qualities like cuteness, friendliness, and attractiveness. This showed that pupil size alone has a strong influence on how appealing or approachable the animals appeared.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bright-irises-and-large-pupils">Bright irises and large pupils</h2>



In the second experiment, the researchers examined the combined effects of&nbsp;iris brightness&nbsp;and&nbsp;pupil size. They modified both features in the images. 



The experts noted that bright irises enhanced the animals’ attractiveness and friendliness ratings, but only when the pupils were dilated (larger).



When paired with small pupils, the positive effects of bright irises were diminished. This highlighted the importance of the interaction between these two eye features in shaping perceptions.



These experiments demonstrate how subtle changes in eye appearance - like the size of the pupils and the brightness of the irises - can significantly impact how others perceive traits such as friendliness, cuteness, and attractiveness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eye-features-and-emotional-responses">Eye features and emotional responses</h2>



The study’s findings uncover a fascinating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ai-could-protect-millions-of-people-from-vision-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">connection</a> between the physical features of eyes and the emotional responses they evoke.



According to the researchers, both cuteness and&nbsp;friendliness&nbsp;ratings closely followed the same trend, suggesting that&nbsp;pupil size&nbsp;plays the most significant role in shaping these perceptions.



When irises were&nbsp;bright, they made the animals appear much cuter - but only if their pupils were&nbsp;large&nbsp;(dilated).



Conversely, when the same bright irises were paired with&nbsp;constricted&nbsp;(smaller) pupils, the perceived cuteness dropped noticeably. This indicates that the combination of bright irises and large pupils creates the strongest positive emotional response.



On the other hand,&nbsp;dark irises, which tend to make it harder to distinguish pupil size, produced more neutral reactions. 



This suggests that the visibility of the pupil is crucial in influencing how others perceive traits like friendliness and cuteness. The findings emphasize how even small changes in eye morphology can significantly affect emotional and social judgments.



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



Although this study was focused on non-human primates, its implications extend to humans. Our eyes play a pivotal role in social interactions, subtly shaping how others judge us.



Whether through a kind gaze or bright, welcoming irises, our eyes might convey more than we realize.



As science uncovers these hidden dynamics, it becomes clear that the eyes truly are a powerful tool for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-power-are-more-likely-to-cheat-on-their-partners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">connection</a>.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a class="" href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02699931.2024.2427340#abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cognition and Emotion</a>.



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Specific eye features influence how others perceive us

"Windows to the soul" - a phrase often used to...

When people think about glowing mushrooms, like the newly discovered species Mycena crocata, they often imagine tropical rainforests where such exotic wonders may be more commonly found. 



However, bioluminescent fungi are not limited to tropical regions - they also live in unexpected places.



In Zurich, artists Heidy Baggenstos and Andreas Rudolf have dedicated more than ten years to studying and showcasing these glowing organisms. 



Their work highlights the beauty and presence of bioluminescent fungi close to home, and proves that extraordinary natural phenomena can be found even in familiar surroundings.



"We want to show that these bioluminescent mushrooms are present in Swiss forests and that we do not have to travel far to find them," said Baggenstos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mycena-crocata-glowing-mushrooms">Mycena crocata - glowing mushrooms</h2>



One evening, while exploring a forest in Zurich’s Albisrieden neighborhood, the duo spotted green light through their camera. 



"Nowadays we always have our mobile phones or a flashlight, but to see bioluminescence in the forest, it has to be pitch black," Rudolf explained.



Initially, they believed the glowing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> to be Mycena haematopus. Upon closer investigation in their studio, however, they identified it as Mycena crocata, the saffron drop bonnet mushroom. 



This species, known for its saffron-colored milk, had never been described as bioluminescent before.



The artists documented their findings with photographs and light measurements, uncovering this hidden brilliance. 



In darkness, the mycelium - the underground network of the mushroom - emits a green glow that even causes decaying wood to light up.



Under ideal conditions, their cultivated mycelia glowed for 164 days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crossing-art-and-science">Crossing art and science</h2>



Collaborating with mycologist Renate Heinzelmann from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (<a href="https://www.wsl.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WSL</a>), the artists published their discovery in&nbsp;Mycoscience. 



"Most of the experiments were conducted by the artists. They collected the samples, took the photographs, and made the light measurements," Heinzelmann said, praising their dedication.



Through their research, the artists discovered that the fruiting body (the mushroom itself) of Mycena crocata emits little to no light. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/glowing-mushroom-species_Mycena-crocata_bioluminescence_credit-Baggenstos-Rudolf_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/glowing-mushroom-species_Mycena-crocata_bioluminescence_credit-Baggenstos-Rudolf_1s.webp" alt="Mycena crocata in the light (left) and in darkness (right). The bioluminescence from the mycelium makes the wood glow. Credit: Baggenstos/Rudolf" class="wp-image-1956533"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mycena crocata in the light (left) and in darkness (right). The bioluminescence from the mycelium makes the wood glow. Credit: Baggenstos/Rudolf</figcaption></figure>



Instead, the underground mycelium - the root-like network of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-all-fungi-matter-not-just-mushrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungus</a> - is the primary source of its bioluminescence.



This glowing mycelium is capable of lighting up the decaying wood it grows on. When the wood is split open in the dark, it emits a green glow, which can last for up to four hours before gradually fading as the wood dries. 



This fascinating discovery highlights how the less-visible parts of fungi can hold some of their most extraordinary features.



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



Bioluminescence in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-and-fungi-communicate-using-a-silent-language/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> happens because of a chemical reaction. A substance called&nbsp;luciferin&nbsp;reacts with an enzyme called&nbsp;luciferase. 



This reaction creates an unstable product that gives off energy as light, allowing the fungi to glow. Unlike other glowing effects like fluorescence, this process doesn’t need light or energy from outside sources; it happens naturally within the fungi.



Although scientists know how this reaction works, they are still unsure why fungi glow. One idea is that the light attracts insects, which might help spread the fungal spores.



However, this doesn’t fully explain the glow of the mycelium, which is hidden underground and doesn’t interact with insects. This mystery suggests there might be another, as yet unknown reason for fungal bioluminescence.



"It seems that bioluminescence has been maintained for a long time, so we assume it has some function," Heinzelmann says. "But it's still a mystery."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mycena-crocata-and-swiss-forests">Mycena crocata and Swiss forests</h2>



The discovery of&nbsp;Mycena crocata&nbsp;as a glowing, bioluminescent fungus highlights how much we still don’t know about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural world</a> around us. Local ecosystems hold countless secrets waiting to be explored. 



Bioluminescent fungi, for instance, have fascinated humans for thousands of years. Aristotle described their glow as a “cold fire” over 2,000 years ago, and even now, their mysteries continue to intrigue scientists.



According to mycologist <a href="https://www.wsl.ch/en/staff/heinzelm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Renate Heinzelmann</a>, the field of bioluminescence is still in its early stages. She believes that as more people study fungi, more glowing species will be uncovered. "Bioluminescence is under-researched, and the more people look, the more they will find," she states.



The collaborative work of artists Heidy Baggenstos and Andreas Rudolf with scientists demonstrates how blending art and science can reveal nature’s hidden marvels. 



Their discovery serves as a powerful reminder that extraordinary phenomena aren’t always far away - they might be right in our local forests, waiting for someone curious enough to notice them.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/mycosci/65/4/65_MYC633/_article" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mycoscience</a>.



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New species of glowing mushrooms discovered

When people think about glowing mushrooms, like the newly discovered...

Polyphenols are natural compounds found abundantly in fruits, vegetables, tea, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adding-coffee-grounds-during-the-construction-process-could-reinforce-buildings/">coffee</a>, and other plant-based foods. They have gained increased recognition in the recent past for their potential health benefits.&nbsp;



These vibrant plant chemicals are thought to support heart health, enhance metabolism, and sharpen cognitive function, making them an intriguing area of research for those seeking ways to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/morning-coffee-drinkers-have-a-lower-risk-of-heart-disease-and-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintain overall wellness</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broad-range-of-benefits-from-polyphenols">Broad range of benefits from polyphenols</h2>



Polyphenols have been explored for their potential to enhance health in numerous ways, yet much about them remains to be discovered. “Green tea and its bioactive components, especially polyphenols, possess many health-promoting and disease-preventing benefits … [but] have not been well studied,” as one <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8234133/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> noted. 



Despite these gaps in understanding, researchers are increasingly intrigued by their possibilities. Studies suggest that polyphenols could play a role in supporting healthy blood pressure, improving skin health, and even aiding in waist size management.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/f.amati" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Federica Amati</a> from the School of Public Health at <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/school-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a>, these compounds go beyond traditional nutrients like fiber and vitamins, and offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex chemistry of the plants we eat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-and-tastes">Colors and tastes</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/">Plant foods</a> vary in appearance. Some have bright or deep pigments, while others boast a bitter flavor or a peppery kick. That color or pungent quality sometimes indicates a higher presence of polyphenols.&nbsp;



Black olives, deep purple eggplants, and richly colored spinach are believed to contain helpful substances. Tea, coffee, and dark chocolate are also recognized for contributing certain polyphenols, though they shouldn’t be seen as cure-alls.



Polyphenols are a subset of <a href="https://www.nal.usda.gov/human-nutrition-and-food-safety/food-composition/phytonutrients#:~:text=What%20are%20Phytonutrients%3F,other%20types%20of%20phytonutrients%20below." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytonutrients</a>. This wide-ranging family of molecules includes flavonoids, flavanones, lignans, and more. 



Some research highlights the potential of specific varieties, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-every-day-proven-to-delay-biological-aging-in-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green tea</a> polyphenols, resveratrol in red wine, catechins in tea, and ellagic acid in walnuts. Scientists are still mapping how each type interacts with the body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metabolic-and-heart-support">Metabolic and heart support</h2>



Several studies have examined whether consuming more polyphenols aligns with measurements tied to heart wellness, weight control, and broader metabolic function.&nbsp;



One <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8401650/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">review</a> found that foods containing green tea polyphenols might help sustain immune function and manage inflammatory activity. Such findings have led many people to embrace green tea in their daily routine.



Although caution is wise, especially when interpreting any single study, experts agree on the value of a balanced approach. 



The array of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-found-in-cannabis-plants-can-actually-reduce-cannabis-induced-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant chemicals</a> in items like blackberries, apples, walnuts, and spinach appears to do more than deliver vitamins or fiber. 



There’s an ongoing conversation about how these interactions may help with general health maintenance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polyphenols-skin-and-healthy-aging">Polyphenols, skin and healthy aging</h2>



The possibility of smooth, glowing skin catches everyone’s attention. Polyphenols have drawn the attention of the anti-aging research community over the past decade. 



The science behind this is still emerging, but one <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3583891/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> suggested that these compounds may support the body’s natural defense processes in response to everyday stressors that contribute to aging.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthier-chocolate-created-by-using-the-entire-cocoa-fruit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dark chocolate</a>, green tea, and certain berries might be especially appealing in this regard. Each offers unique polyphenols that researchers are eager to examine further. 



Daily habits matter, of course, so variety in your diet helps spread out the range of phytonutrients you take in.



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



<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8747136/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> often connect polyphenols with gut microbes. Plant molecules can get modified in the intestines, which may amplify or change their effects. 



Some speculate that the interplay between these molecules and our gut environment could be a big factor in everything from mental clarity to how we break down food.



Experts stress that we’re just beginning to understand how these compounds work once they’re exposed to digestive juices and gut bacteria. 



The best advice? Enjoy a diverse menu full of colorful produce, herbs, spices, nuts, and seeds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensible-approaches-to-daily-life">Sensible approaches to daily life</h2>



Again, many professionals suggest that variety is key. People who regularly reach for a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes stand to reap wider benefits from the synergy of different nutrients. Relying on any one food is not recommended.



Lifestyle factors like moderate exercise, stress management, and avoiding excessive processed fare remain fundamental. It’s no secret that good health often hinges on consistent, balanced efforts rather than any one miracle source.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foods-that-contain-polyphenols">Foods that contain polyphenols</h2>



Deeply hued fruits like blackberries, blueberries, and plums are believed to hold an array of plant compounds. 



Dark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/keeping-leafy-green-vegetables-safe-until-ready-to-eat/">green vegetables</a> and legumes bring color and variety to the plate. Spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and oregano are often praised for their robust polyphenol content. Dark chocolate and coffee remain popular picks, but they should be enjoyed in moderation.



Anyone concerned about medical conditions should consult a qualified practitioner before adjusting their diet. If you get the green light, sprinkling extra herbs on your soup or adding a handful of bright vegetables to your lunch bowl may be a simple start.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polyphenols-and-human-health">Polyphenols and human health</h2>



Polyphenols offer a fresh perspective on why color, aroma, and taste in nature’s foods might matter more than we ever realized. 



From green tea to bright spices, there is a growing curiosity about how these substances could contribute to long-term well-being. 



A plate that’s bursting with color might not just be pleasing to the eye - it might be quietly working to support overall health, one forkful at a time.



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How polyphenols promote heart health, youthful skin and a healthy waistline

Polyphenols are natural compounds found abundantly in fruits, vegetables, tea,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



<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

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



---



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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