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...

Overfishing, illegal fishing, and the rising market for shark meat are putting over 80 species of sharks and rays in the Mediterranean Sea at serious risk.&nbsp;



A recent study highlights these threats and emphasizes the urgent need for improved strategies to conserve these vulnerable species, known as elasmobranchs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regional-legislation-and-conservation-efforts">Regional legislation and conservation efforts</h2>



Researchers examined existing protective measures for elasmobranchs across 22 Mediterranean coastal states, stretching from Spain and Morocco to Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. They identified more than 200 measures - ranging from national legislation to NGO-led conservation efforts - addressing various aspects of elasmobranch protection.



European Union (EU) countries generally implemented more of these measures than non-EU countries, with Spain having the highest count. The study found that governments were responsible for 63% of these measures, primarily focusing on legal requirements.&nbsp;



However, significant differences were noted in how effectively these laws are monitored, with no single source tracking national progress on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sharks-need-better-protection-to-maintain-functional-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shark</a> conservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-protection-is-needed-for-mediterranean-sharks">More protection is needed for Mediterranean sharks</h2>



Although legislation to protect them exists, sharks are increasingly being caught both intentionally and accidentally, often to meet the growing demand for their products.&nbsp;



The study calls for enhanced monitoring at landing sites and better control measures. It also emphasizes the importance of public education and providing incentives for fishers to use equipment that minimizes harm to shark species.



Lydia Koehler is an associate lecturer at the <a href="https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Plymouth</a> and a member of the <a href="https://iucn.org/our-union/commissions/iucn-world-commission-environmental-law-2021-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;



&nbsp;“Sharks have been part of the marine ecosystem for millions of years with an evolutionary history that predates the dinosaurs. There are over 1,000 species of elasmobranchs worldwide, and they fulfil a variety of ecological roles, whether as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-happens-when-an-apex-predator-goes-missing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apex predators</a> that maintain healthy populations of prey species or a food source for other predators,” said Koehler.&nbsp;



“However, many shark species in the Mediterranean have seen drastic declines in the past few decades with over half of the species being threatened by extinction, largely due to overfishing and related pressures such as bycatch. Finding effective ways to conserve them is, therefore, of critical importance.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-shark-conservation">Challenges in shark conservation</h2>



The study uncovered substantial differences in conservation efforts among Mediterranean countries, which may be influenced by varying resources, expertise, and political will.&nbsp;



“This study has shown substantial differences in countries’ efforts around shark conservation. That may be linked to access to resources, available expertise and capacities, and a general willingness to develop and implement measures in light of other competing pressures,” said Jason Lowther, an associate professor of law at the University of Plymouth.&nbsp;



According to Professor Lowther, achieving positive outcomes for these species requires not only government support but also sustained political will across election periods and a steadfast long-term commitment to driving change.



“It also requires the integration of communities in the Mediterranean region, and our view is that this work presents a starting point in that process.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recommendations-for-protecting-sharks">Recommendations for protecting sharks</h2>



Based on their findings, the researchers have proposed several strategies to better conserve elasmobranch species in the Mediterranean.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Increase transparency: Improve reporting templates to enable detailed tracking of conservation actions and recognize contributions from various stakeholders.</li>



<li>Engage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fishing-communities-cooperate-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing communities</a>: Expand cooperation with local fishers and integrate social science insights to develop effective governance strategies that consider community dependencies.</li>



<li>Extend spatial conservation measures: Enhance management and objectives of existing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-fall-short-on-2030-biodiversity-targets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine protected areas</a> that host sharks to improve conservation outcomes.</li>



<li>Increase compliance to reduce bycatch: Strengthen the enforcement of existing laws to decrease incidental shark captures and improve data on bycatch.</li>



<li>Expand funding: Seek additional funding opportunities, especially for collaborative cross-country initiatives aimed at protecting threatened shark and ray species.</li>



<li>Tailor research to policy needs: Coordinate research across the region to provide robust data for stock assessments and a deeper understanding of population trends, which can inform better regulatory measures.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-toward-a-sustainable-future">Moving toward a sustainable future</h2>



The study calls for concerted efforts to protect sharks and rays, emphasizing that legislative measures alone are insufficient without proper monitoring and community involvement.&nbsp;



By improving transparency, promoting cooperation with the fishing industry, and enhancing enforcement, stakeholders can work towards effective conservation strategies.



Sharks play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, and their decline poses significant risks to ocean health.&nbsp;



This research provides a critical foundation for future efforts to preserve these species, highlighting the importance of sustained political will, interdisciplinary research, and community engagement in safeguarding the Mediterranean's marine biodiversity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2024.110930" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Conservation</a>.



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Mediterranean sharks face growing threats despite conservation efforts

Overfishing, illegal fishing, and the rising market for shark meat...

Evolution is like a grand performance on Earth's stage, with each species taking the spotlight at different moments in time. 



Imagine if there were a record chronicling the grand entrances and exits of these species - not on scrolls or parchments, but etched into the bones and shells of creatures preserved across millennia.



Now, picture a timeline that not only captures the journey of life forms over the last half a billion years but extends back nearly 2 billion years. A team of experts at Virginia Tech have turned this idea into a reality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extending-the-timeline-of-evolution">Extending the timeline of evolution</h2>



The researchers conducted a detailed analysis of ancient life that extends the timeline of evolution to nearly 2 billion years ago.



Shuhai Xiao, a geobiologist at <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a>, along with his team, examined these corridors of time. The research was particularly focused on marine eukaryotes, which are organisms that have cells with a nucleus.



These creatures eventually evolved into multicellular organisms, including animals, plants, and fungi, and set the stage for a whole new chapter of life on Earth.



"This is the most comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of this period to date," said Xiao. "And more importantly, we've used a graphic correlation program that allowed us to achieve greater temporal resolution."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-story-etched-across-ages">A story etched across ages</h2>



The researchers traced life forms back to the Proterozoic Eon, which extends from 2,500 million to 539 million years ago.



This period was characterized by life forms like sea sponges that were generally smaller, squishier, and fewer in number. Most of the organisms hadn't evolved mineral skeletons, meaning that fewer traces were left in the fossil record for us to find today.



Xiao and his team present this journey of life as a dance of species - the choreography of which offers vital insights into the parallel evolutionary paths of life and Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-boring-billion-and-the-ice-ages">The Boring Billion and the ice ages</h2>



One interesting pattern observed in the study was the existence of a rather uneventful period known as the "Boring Billion" (1,800 million to 720 million years ago), during which eukaryotic diversity was thought to remained stable, suggesting a slower pace of evolution.



"Eukaryotic species in the 'boring billion' may have evolved slower and lasted longer than those that came later," noted the researchers.



Then comes a twist in the tale - the cataclysmic Snowball Earth episode that encased the planet in ice at least twice between 720 million and 635 million years ago.



This cold break ushered in an era of accelerated evolutionary activity, which replaced the "boring," sloth-like pace with a gradual increase in species richness.



Xiao credits the ice ages as a major factor that reset the evolutionary path in terms of diversity and dynamics. "We see rapid turnover of eukaryotic species immediately after glaciation. That’s a major finding."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-questions-amid-ancient-revelations">New questions amid ancient revelations</h2>



These patterns stir up several questions for future research. Why was evolution slow during the "Boring Billion"? 



What factors accelerated evolutionary pace after the snowball ice ages? Did changes in the environment, increased levels of atmospheric oxygen or inter-species competition contribute to this evolutionary sprint?



Such questions are crucial to understanding the complex interplay between life on Earth and Earth itself. And with this new study and the extended chart of life, we move closer to unraveling the mysteries of ancient evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-evolution-s-timeline">Broader implications of evolution’s timeline</h2>



This fascinating research not only extends our understanding of evolution but also opens doors to new scientific inquiries.



By mapping nearly 2 billion years of life’s history, scientists can better connect shifts in biodiversity to environmental and geological changes - offering insights into how life adapts to planetary transformations.



Moreover, the detailed timeline provides a framework for exploring the origins of multicellularity, the rise of complex ecosystems, and even the potential for life beyond Earth. 



By understanding how Earth’s life forms evolved under diverse conditions, researchers can refine models for identifying biosignatures on other planets.



As Xiao and his team continue their work, this extended evolutionary chart will serve as a critical resource for future studies, bridging the gap between Earth’s ancient past and its dynamic present. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adm9137" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Timeline of life: Ice ages gave evolution a kick-start

Evolution is like a grand performance on Earth's stage, with...

Picture a charming blueberry farm, where vibrant bushes brim with richly colored fruit and sunlit leaves shimmer in the light. Yet, a change is on the horizon.



Blueberry plants are now under threat, with their vibrant appearance dulled and growth stunted by a powdery white substance. 



The culprit is a fungus called Erysiphe vaccinii, which is responsible for the disease known as powdery mildew.



A recent study from North Carolina State University reveals the alarming global spread of&nbsp;Erysiphe vaccinii in blueberries. 



Powdery mildew reduces yield and increases fungicide reliance. It is currently impacting blueberry production on multiple continents. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-spread-of-fungal-blueberry-disease">Global spread of fungal blueberry disease </h2>



According to the study, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-fungus-found-in-garden-soils-across-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungus</a> has spread globally over the past 12 years, after originating in the eastern United States. 



"We’re watching this global spread happen right now, in real time," said Michael Bradshaw, assistant professor of plant pathology at <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NC State</a>.



The fungus responsible for powdery mildew creates a white, powdery layer on the surface of infected plants. 



This coating not only disrupts the plant’s ability to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis but also steals essential nutrients from the plant’s tissues.



As a result, the plant’s growth is stunted, and its overall health declines - making it weaker and less productive.



"There are other closely related powdery mildews that affect plants like wild berries or eucalyptus, but these are genetically different from the ones spreading across the world on blueberries," noted Bradshaw.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-spread-of-powdery-mildew">Tracking the spread of powdery mildew </h2>



The researchers examined 173 samples of infected blueberry leaves to study the spread of powdery mildew disease. These samples included both historic specimens from herbariums (some collected over 150 years ago) and more recent samples from various countries.



Through genetic testing, the team discovered that the strains causing the current outbreaks are entirely new and different from those found in the older specimens. They identified two distinct introductions of the fungus into the global blueberry-growing regions.



One strain spread to China, Mexico, and California and the other strain was found in Morocco, Peru, and Portugal.



Bradshaw suggested that humans likely played a major role in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diseases-flourish-in-city-landscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spread of the fungus</a> by transporting infected nursery plants across borders.



“If you’re sending plant material across the world, you’re likely spreading this fungus with it,” he stated. This highlights how the global plant trade can inadvertently introduce harmful pathogens to new regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-the-disease-on-blueberries">Impact of the disease on blueberries</h2>



Powdery mildew has a significant economic impact on the blueberry industry, costing between $47 million and $530 million every year. 



These costs stem primarily from the increased use of fungicides needed to prevent or manage the disease, as well as from potential losses in crop yield.



The study also identifies regions like the U.S. Pacific Northwest as being particularly vulnerable to future outbreaks. This area has environmental conditions that are ideal for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease</a> to thrive, such as the right combination of temperature and humidity, yet the fungus has not yet been reported there.



Proactive monitoring and management are urgently needed to prevent the disease from taking hold in such high-risk regions.



Bradshaw noted that agricultural practices could influence disease severity. "Some areas that grow blueberries in tunnels, or enclosed areas, seem to have worse disease outcomes than areas that grow blueberries outdoors without any covering, like in North Carolina," he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-farmers-manage-powdery-mildew">Helping farmers manage powdery mildew </h2>



To help farmers manage powdery mildew more effectively, the researchers developed a public database designed to identify different strains of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungus</a>. Growers can use this tool to input data about the fungus affecting their crops and determine which specific strain is present in their fields. 



This information is crucial because it helps farmers understand the characteristics of the strain they are dealing with, including its level of virulence (how damaging it can be) and whether it is resistant to commonly used fungicides. 



By knowing these details, farmers can make more informed decisions about how to control the disease and protect their crops.



“Understanding the genetics can warn farmers about which strain they have, whether it is resistant to fungicides, and how the disease is spreading,” Bradshaw explained.



This research highlights the urgent need to address powdery mildew’s global spread. By improving monitoring and control strategies, the study offers hope for safeguarding the blueberry industry from this emerging disease.



The research was supported by the National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>) and <a href="https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novo Nordisk Foundation</a>.



The findings are published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/nph.20351" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



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Disease attacking blueberry plants is spreading around the world

Picture a charming blueberry farm, where vibrant bushes brim with...

Ants, often considered simple creatures, have shown a surprising ability to learn from experience. A study led by Dr. Volker Nehring and doctoral student Mélanie Bey from the University of Freiburg reveals that ants can modify their behavior based on past encounters. 



Published in the journal Current Biology, the research sheds new light on how these social insects interact with their environment and competitors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-remember-encounters-with-rivals">Ants remember encounters with rivals</h2>



The researchers from the <a href="https://uni-freiburg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Freiburg</a> studied how ants interacted with members of rival nests. They designed controlled experiments to observe if ants could recall past interactions and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-work-in-groups-more-successfully-than-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adjust their behavior</a> accordingly.



The results revealed that ants could indeed remember their encounters. When ants had faced aggression from members of a particular nest, they displayed heightened aggression toward those nest members in future encounters. 



On the other hand, ants that had only encountered passive members of a nest were noticeably less aggressive toward them later. This shows that the ants' behavior was shaped by their experiences rather than being purely instinctual.



“We often have the idea that insects function like pre-programmed robots,” said Dr. Nehring. “Our study provides new evidence that, on the contrary, ants also learn from their experiences and can hold a grudge.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-identity-rivals-through-scent">Ants identity rivals through scent</h2>



Ants use odors as a key tool to recognize members of their own nest and to distinguish rivals. Each nest has its own unique scent, which helps ants determine whether another ant belongs to their group or is an outsider.



Earlier studies showed that ants tend to act more aggressively toward rival ants from nearby nests compared to those from nests farther away. However, the underlying reason for this pattern wasn’t fully understood.



Dr. Nehring's research uncovered that memory plays an important role in this behavior. Ants don’t just recognize rivals by scent in the moment; they also remember the specific odor of attackers they previously encountered.



If an ant remembers a rival as aggressive, it will respond with heightened aggression when it meets that rival again. This confirms that ants are not just reacting instinctively but are also using past experiences to shape their behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-the-learning-abilities-of-ants">Observing the learning abilities of ants</h2>



The researchers conducted their study in two carefully designed phases to investigate how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-now-using-cars-to-travel-spread-to-new-locations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a> respond to different types of encounters with rivals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-phase">Learning phase</h3>



In this phase, ants were exposed to three distinct groups: ants from their own nest; aggressive ants from a rival nest (Nest A); and aggressive ants from another rival nest (Nest B).



Over five consecutive days, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-fill-a-150-year-gap-in-biodiversity-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a> had one-minute encounters with these groups. These repeated interactions allowed the ants to form specific memories of their experiences with each group.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-phase">Testing phase</h3>



In this phase, the researchers observed how the ants behaved when they encountered rivals from Nest A. The results showed a clear difference in behavior:



Ants that had previously interacted with aggressive rivals from Nest A showed significantly more aggression toward members of Nest A.



Ants that had no prior encounters with Nest A, or those that only interacted with members of their own nest, were much less aggressive.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-second-experiment">Second experiment</h3>



To explore how the nature of encounters influenced ants learning and behavior, the team modified the experiment. They included interactions with passive ants, ensuring passivity by disabling their ability to fight (e.g., by cutting off their antennae).



Ants that had only encountered passive rivals displayed significantly less aggression in later encounters.



These results demonstrated that ants’ behavior is shaped by their specific experiences. Aggressive past interactions led to heightened aggression, while encounters with passive rivals resulted in a calmer response. This highlights the ability of ants to learn and adapt based on their interactions.



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



This discovery challenges long-standing assumptions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-destabilizing-ant-plant-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect behavior</a>. 



The team now plans to explore whether ants adapt their olfactory receptors based on their experiences. Such adaptations could reflect learned behaviors at the sensory level.



Ants, far from being robotic, show an intricate blend of instinct and experience-based learning. This research not only deepens our understanding of ant behavior but also opens doors to exploring learning mechanisms in other social insects.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)01595-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Ants 'hold a grudge' against aggressive rivals

Ants, often considered simple creatures, have shown a surprising ability...

The ocean has always held a special appeal for those fascinated by life’s boundless creativity. Its waters teem with organisms of all shapes and sizes, from delicate plankton to majestic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ship-routes-overlap-with-92-of-whale-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a>.



Every so often, researchers stumble upon a find that prompts fresh questions about how living things adapt to harsh conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-surprising-labyrinth-under-the-crust">A surprising labyrinth under the crust</h2>



A recent expedition discovered giant ocean worms inside hidden underwater cavities in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Pacific_Rise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Pacific Rise</a>, a volcanically active region between tectonic plates. 



These cramped spaces (previously assumed to hold only microorganisms) were investigated during an exploration based from the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research <a href="https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/technology/vessels/falkor/falkor.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vessel Falkor</a>. 



Using a remotely controlled submarine called <a href="https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/technology/subs/subastian/subastian.html#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SuB-astian</a>, the mission lifted pieces of the crust to get a peek at what lies beneath.



Soon after this startling find, Dr. Monika Bright and Dr. Sabine Gollner, who led the research, shared the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52631-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">details of this discovery</a> in the Nature Communications journal. 



Their goal was to illustrate how worms, snails, and chemosynthetic bacteria can live in conditions once believed to be too hostile for such complex life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-worms-and-ocean-vents">Giant worms and ocean vents</h2>



“It was once believed that only microbes and viruses inhabited the subseafloor crust beneath hydrothermal vents. Yet, on the seafloor, animals like the giant tubeworm <a href="https://www.mbari.org/animal/giant-tubeworm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Riftia pachyptila</a> thrive,” noted the study’s abstract.&nbsp;



Geologists have long known that volcanic and tectonic activity shape <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-swot-satellite-mission-maps-earths-ocean-floors-from-space-in-stunning-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean floors</a>, but the idea of animals clustering inside warm pockets below the surface feels like something straight out of a sci-fi plot. 



These tubeworms, which can reach lengths of up to about 1.6 feet (0.5 meters) survive thanks to chemosynthetic bacteria that turn inorganic chemicals into nutrients.



The discovery team found that the creatures use these hidden cavities as natural shelters. Compared to open waters, the temperature there can be surprisingly moderate, estimated at around 75 °F (24 °C). That heat arises from geologic activity, but the conditions still seemed extreme.&nbsp;



“It’s amazing to discover how life finds ways to thrive in such extreme environments,” said <a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9322-9258" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gollner</a> who was a co-author on the publication. 



Researchers had traditionally assumed the animals were restricted to visible <a href="https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691049298/the-ecology-of-deep-sea-hydrothermal-vents?srsltid=AfmBOoq1IcXWc3HDJAMAJM-Z-e6o_KnQr5G9OyXplF0ojn3aS7FhX0gN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">h</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-hydrothermal-vents-provide-clues-about-the-origin-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ydrothermal vents</a>, yet their presence in dark cracks below the ocean floor shows just how resourceful life can be when space and nutrients are available.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surface-and-subsurface-life">Surface and subsurface life</h2>



The recent findings suggest these worms might navigate through subterranean channels, hinting at the idea that there may be a bigger web of life under the seafloor. 



By carefully removing pieces of lava rock, the team found pockets of water that harbored large tubeworms, snails, and other organisms. Bright believes this hidden network is not just a curious footnote; it represents an underexplored ecosystem.&nbsp;



“We must not only protect what is on the surface, but also what lives below, as both are essential to the health of this ecosystem,” said <a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7066-1363" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bright</a>, who is a professor of zoology and marine biology at the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a>.



This new perspective lines up with <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17841485/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">past work</a> showing that hydrothermal vents are more than random hotspots for unique fauna. 



Experts have discovered that vents can host dense bacterial communities, which, in turn, power the growth of specialized animals. 



Tubeworms flourish in these areas, relying on local chemical reactions that produce nutrients, rather than on the photosynthetic activities of plants. 



Now, scientists realize these same processes may extend farther beneath the crust than previously suspected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-ocean-worms-matter">Why ocean worms matter</h2>



One of the biggest lessons from this study is how little we know about life in extreme places. Over the years, seafloor research has uncovered living creatures in hydrothermal vents worldwide.&nbsp;



Evidence of these surprisingly diverse species dates back to initial expeditions in the late 1970s. Yet each new expedition seems to reveal fresh twists. 



The chance to study fauna in cavities hints at possibly larger underground habitats. It also shows that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-mining-forms-dust-clouds-that-devastate-marine-life/">marine life</a> has countless ways to spread, feeding renewed curiosity about how species reach new areas.



Another key point lies in the importance of protecting these sites. When scientists learned about vents and the unique creatures that call them home, it drew attention to how vulnerable deep-sea habitats can be.&nbsp;



Proposals for deep-sea mining, as well as accidental damage to vents during resource extraction, might disrupt these fragile ecosystems.



The hidden communities of ocean worms under the surface may be even more exposed if drilling, dredging, or other activities disturb their environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-our-understanding">Refining our understanding</h2>



The study also provides fresh data to shape broader conversations about conservation. Many scientists have called for careful management of vents, especially as commercial interests in the sea floor continue to grow.&nbsp;



Defenders of these sites note that the full scope of deep-sea biodiversity is unknown. If giant worms and other animals thrive beyond our view, damaging vents could have a ripple effect on organisms we have yet to discover.



A careful balance is needed between scientific exploration and resource extraction. Public interest in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/">giant worms</a> might sound like a novelty, but the broader significance is about how life adapts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-worms-and-future-research">Ocean worms and future research</h2>



It’s no longer safe to assume that darkness and pressure in the depths of the ocean shut the door on bigger forms of life. 



In truth, the ocean has proven time and again that it can host creatures in the most unlikely nooks and crannies.



Ongoing research will likely target more hidden pockets beneath vent systems. Improved submersibles and advanced sensor technology will help detect additional unseen communities.&nbsp;



Marine biologists, chemists, and geologists are eager to see how these organisms function within their habitats and whether similar setups exist in other regions with volcanic activity. 



This new area of exploration could pave the way for a deeper appreciation of life’s capacity to adapt, even in seemingly impossible conditions.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-floor-harbors-up-to-11-million-tons-of-plastic-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean’s depths</a> have always kept their secrets well, and these recent findings open up new questions about what lies under the seafloor. 



Scientists will continue to follow these clues, driven by a desire to learn how nature always seems to push the boundaries of survival



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52631-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Giant marine worms found living under the ocean floor

The ocean has always held a special appeal for those...

Birds sing, call, and chirp for various reasons - finding mates, fending off predators, or simply enjoying their melodies. But what shapes the diversity of bird sounds remains a fascinating mystery.



Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison set out to unravel this enigma. Their study is shedding light on why birds produce specific sounds and at what frequencies.



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



Birds produce a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-songs-human-speech-common-vocal-genetic-origin-syrinx/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wide variety of sounds</a>, each serving distinct purposes in their daily lives. Songs, often complex and melodic, are primarily used by male birds during mating seasons to attract mates or establish territory. 



Calls, simpler and shorter than songs, help with everyday communication, like warning of predators or coordinating with flock members. Some species use mimicry, imitating sounds from their environment or other animals to confuse threats or attract mates. 



Others, like woodpeckers, create drumming sounds by pecking on surfaces to signal territory. This diversity in sounds reflects birds’ adaptability and creativity in navigating their environments and interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-first-in-bird-sound-research">A global first in bird sound research</h2>



The study was led by doctoral student H.S. Sathya Chandra Sagar and Professor Zuzana Buřivalová. The team analyzed over 100,000 bird audio recordings from xeno-canto, a global bird-watching repository.



The recordings represented 77% of known bird species, making this research the most comprehensive exploration of bird acoustics to date.



The findings, published in&nbsp;the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, revealed key insights into how habitat, geography, body size, and beak shape influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-turn-bird-dreams-into-captivating-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> sounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-shapes-bird-sounds">What shapes bird sounds?</h2>



The study highlighted several important patterns:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-influences-sound-frequency">Habitat influences sound frequency</h3>



Birds adapt their calls to ensure they are audible in different environments. For instance, in areas with rushing water, the constant sound creates low-frequency background noise that could drown out their calls. 



To overcome this, birds sing at higher frequencies, which stand out against the lower-pitched noise of the water. This adaptation helps them effectively communicate with other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-species-extinctions-are-far-more-impactful-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> despite the challenging acoustic environment.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geography-shapes-sound-similarities">Geography shapes sound similarities</h3>



Birds living in similar geographic regions, such as those at the same latitudes, often produce comparable sounds. This pattern indicates that environmental factors specific to these areas - like climate, vegetation, or available food - influence how birds develop and use their calls.



These similarities provide valuable insights into the evolutionary processes that shape bird communication, showing how their sounds adapt to the unique challenges and opportunities of their habitats. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-size-and-beak-shape">Body size and beak shape</h3>



Smaller birds make higher-pitched sounds, while larger birds produce lower ones. Interestingly, small birds can also make a wider range of sounds, using high-pitched calls to communicate and low-pitched ones to confuse predators about their actual size. 



For example, canaries and wrens use high-pitched calls for communication, while owls and crows produce low-pitched sounds for territory and long-distance signaling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soundscapes-and-conservation">Soundscapes and conservation</h2>



This research not only improves our understanding of bird communication but also broadens insights into&nbsp;soundscapes - the combination of all sounds in a specific environment, including bird calls, water, and wind.



Soundscapes are valuable tools in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-behavior-productivity-being-directly-impacted-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> because they reflect the health and biodiversity of ecosystems.



“There’s very little that we know about the forces that govern soundscapes,” noted Sagar. By identifying missing low-frequency sounds, researchers could infer human impacts, such as hunting, on larger bird populations.



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



Sagar plans to build on his research by analyzing 24-hour soundscape recordings to study how birds adapt the timing of their songs in noisy environments. This approach could reveal how birds navigate communication challenges in habitats filled with competing sounds.



Citizen scientists and birdwatchers play a key role by contributing recordings to platforms like xeno-canto, expanding the global data available for analysis. 



Sagar also emphasized the connection between bird calls and human impacts. In regions like the tropics, where larger birds are often hunted for meat, the absence of low-frequency calls - typical of larger birds - could indicate increased hunting activity.



This research not only lays the groundwork for future studies but also provides a novel way to monitor ecosystem health through soundscapes. 



By understanding the patterns in bird sounds, scientists can gain deeper insights into biodiversity, conservation, and the pressures affecting wildlife. Every recorded bird call brings us closer to uncovering the secrets of the natural world's complex soundscape.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1908" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Habitat and evolution shape the unique sounds of birds

Birds sing, call, and chirp for various reasons - finding...

When we think about the food habits of our prehistoric ancestors, our minds often wander to a time filled with animal hunts, meat-rich meals, and little thought given to plant-based foods.



Collectively, we’ve bought into the narrative that the diet of early humans was primarily carnivorous.



However, new research is causing us to reconsider this long-held belief, revealing that plant-based foods played a far more significant role in our ancestors’ diets than previously thought.



On the fertile banks of the Jordan River, south of northern Israel’s Hula Valley, a profound archaeological discovery was made. It challenges the common conception of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-our-stomach-microbes-reveal-about-ancient-human-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric human diets</a>, painting a distinctly different picture of our ancestors’ eating habits.



The archaeological study suggests that early hominids didn’t just rely on animal protein; they were voracious consumers of a range of plant-based foods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-a-major-energy-source-for-early-humans">Plants: A major energy source for early humans</h2>



The discovery of ancient starch grains was the study's primary focus. These grains, believed to be approximately 780,000 years old, were found on basalt stone tools at an old settlement site near Gesher Benot Ya’akov.



This significant location, positioned on the shores of the historic Hula Lake, is a treasure trove for archaeologists. It offers countless layers of settlements, alongside fossilized animal remains and plant remnants like seeds and fruits.



The findings provide crucial evidence of early humans’ extensive use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-based-food-production-would-have-extremely-positive-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based</a> resources for sustenance.



By analyzing the preserved starch grains, the researchers have identified a broad spectrum of plant species that were processed and consumed by ancient hominids.



The results of the study highlight the adaptability of early humans in utilizing their environment to meet dietary needs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-plant-based-foods-in-early-diets">Role of plant-based foods in early diets</h2>



The study essentially debunks the widely accepted notion that the diet of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-diets-early-humans-richer-berries-nuts-plants-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient humans</a> relied on animal protein - a belief often encouraged by the popular "paleo" diet interpretations.



Considering the rarity of plant-based food remains in archaeological sites and the frequency of animal bone findings, this assumption is understandable. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/plant-based-diet_early-humans_discovery_credit-Melamed_Ahituv_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/plant-based-diet_early-humans_discovery_credit-Melamed_Ahituv_1s.webp" alt="Examples of some of the plants recovered from Gesher Benot Ya'akov percussive tools, including both the whole plant, the edible part, and the characteristic starch grains. From left to right: oak, yellow water lily, and common oat (scale is 20 µm). Credit: Dr. Hadar Ahituv and Dr. Yoel Melamed" class="wp-image-1956094"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Examples of some of the plants recovered from Gesher Benot Ya'akov percussive tools, including both the whole plant, the edible part, and the characteristic starch grains. From left to right: oak, yellow water lily, and common oat (scale is 20 µm). Credit: Dr. Hadar Ahituv and Dr. Yoel Melamed</figcaption></figure>



Nevertheless, the presence of starch grains on prehistoric tools offers fresh insights into the crucial role of plant-based foods in ancient diets.



These foods - particularly starchy tubers, nuts, and roots - are carbohydrate powerhouses that are vital to fuel the energy demands of the human brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-connection-to-plant-based-foods">Deep connection to plant-based foods</h2>



Beyond offering an alternative perspective on hominids' dietary habits, the study also highlights their advanced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-humans-used-ancient-plant-fiber-technology-to-make-tools-39000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-processing methods</a>. The findings shed light on the adaptability and ingenuity of early humans.



The research was conducted as part of Dr. Hadar Ahituv's doctoral thesis at <a href="https://www.biu.ac.il/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bar-Ilan University</a>’s Martin (Szusz) Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology. 



Dr. Ahituv is now at the Laboratory for Ancient Food Processing Technologies (<a href="https://arch.haifa.ac.il/2013/12/25/laboratory-for-groundstone-research/#:~:text=The%20Laboratory%20for%20Ancient%20Food,associated%20graduate%20and%20undergraduate%20students." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LAFPT</a>) at Haifa University’s Zinman Institute of Archaeology.



The researchers found starch grains on basalt maces and anvils - tools associated with cracking and crushing plant foods.



These tools provided clear evidence of plant processing, demonstrating that early humans prepared a diverse array of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based foods</a>. These included acorns, cereals, legumes, and aquatic plants.



"This discovery underscores the significance of plant foods in our ancestors' evolution," noted Dr. Ahituv. 



"We now recognize that early hominids gathered a range of plants year-round and processed them using basalt tools, opening a new chapter in the understanding of early human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-environmental-impacts-of-various-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a> and their deep connection to plant-based foods."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-evolution-and-complex-social-societies">Human evolution and complex social societies</h2>



The ancient artifacts also offer insights into the prehistoric hominids' social and cognitive behaviors.



The systematic tools used for plant processing hint at an elevated level of cooperation and social structure, with these early humans likely operating within larger social groups. 



Their ability to utilize a diverse array of resources from both water and land-based environments showcases an intimate knowledge of their surrounding environment that was similar to the human connection with nature today.



This research builds on revolutionary discoveries, providing valuable insights into the dietary habits of our ancient ancestors, while offering a fresh perspective on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-flint-discovery-challenges-theory-of-human-cultural-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human evolution</a> and the emergence of complex societies.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2418661121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Early humans thrived on plant-based diets, not just meat, over 780,000 year ago

When we think about the food habits of our prehistoric...

Close your eyes and imagine this -- a loud thunder clap during a storm; birds chirping as the sun rises; or the harmony of musical sounds coming from a stage as your favorite band performs.



Now, imagine if you tried to recreate these sounds in your mind, but weren't able to do so. 



This is a condition called "anauralia," where an individual doesn't have an auditory imagination -- it simply doesn’t exist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-silent-inner-world">A silent inner world</h2>



Anauralia, a condition characterized by a "silent mind," challenges the way we understand inner experiences.



For individuals with anauralia, this silent inner world is their reality -- a mind devoid of inner voices or imagined sounds.



This enigmatic, fascinating condition was labeled "anauralia" in 2021 by researchers at the <a href="https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/international-students.html?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiApY-7BhBjEiwAQMrrEZwa5iBk0LrUGX4_NfS3Univ3Y78659XeqNippJupxVNlwXf7TCQNhoCewkQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Auckland</a>.



As the world becomes more aware of anauralia, the <a href="https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/undergraduate-study-options/waipapa-taumata-rau-course.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waipapa Taumata Rau</a> has taken the lead in organizing a global conference, "Mind’s Ear and Inner Voice." 



The goal is to investigate the enigma of sounds imagined in the mind.



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



Imagination starts in your mind when your brain pieces together past experiences, learned knowledge, and sensory information to form <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-that-rats-have-an-imagination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new mental images</a>. 



Essentially, your brain grabs familiar concepts and mashes them up with fresh possibilities. This process engages various regions, including the frontal cortex responsible for planning and creativity, and the hippocampus that stores memories.



Your imagination can also spark emotional responses, which amplifies or colors your mental scenes. This might explain why you feel energized when picturing future goals or get goosebumps during a daydream about a haunting scenario. 



In many ways, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aphantasia-research-results-people-who-cant-visualize-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imagination is your personal playground</a> for ideas, where logic, memory, and emotion mingle to shape new visions and possibilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-art-and-the-silent-mind">Science, art, and the silent mind</h2>



The conference, which will take place in April 2025, will bring together scientists, philosophers, musicians, poets, and writers. 



These diverse professionals will offer distinct perspectives, providing a holistic view of how the mind creates imaginary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-that-sense-the-world-through-sound-are-more-human-like/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sounds</a>.



"Scientists are fascinated by how the brain makes – or doesn’t make – imaginary sounds such as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anendophasia-absence-inner-voice-difficulty-forming-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inner voice</a>. But for writers, musicians, and poets, it can be a key part of the creative process, so they have insights to share, too,” said Professor Tony Lambert from Auckland's School of Psychology.



Notable authors like Charles Dickens and Alice Walker claimed to hear their characters' voices, while some readers create distinctive voices for characters in their minds.



For individuals like University of Auckland student Sang Hyun Kim, who has a silent mind, the concept of others hearing imaginary voices seems “freaky.”



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



The brain's ability to create auditory imagery ranges from people who can reproduce intricate symphonies in their minds to those who have weaker or no auditory imagery.



The "silent mind" can be a perplexing condition, especially when a musician is involved. How can one perform without the ability to summon sounds in one's mind?



"I don’t understand this either," said Professor Lambert. He noted that such musicians might have non-sensory representations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-causes-similar-emotional-experiences-and-sensations-in-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>, akin to the difference between hearing music and seeing it represented as a score.



The research indicates that around one percent of New Zealand's population experiences anauralia, which is often accompanied by a lack of visual imagination - a condition termed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-the-minds-eye-is-blind-what-causes-aphantasia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aphantasia</a>.



Interestingly, recent studies suggest that a silent mind may have an upside: improved attention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anauralia-and-auditory-imagery">Anauralia and auditory imagery</h2>



"As compared to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aphantasia-research-results-people-who-cant-visualize-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visual imagery</a>, auditory imagery has attracted far less research attention," said Professor Lambert.



By focusing on this unexplored area through an interdisciplinary approach, the conference promises to offer unique insights.



Professor Lambert became interested in this topic after meeting Adam Zeman, who coined the term "aphantasia." 



There are still many unanswered questions about anauralia. 



How many people in the world are unable to imagine voices, music, or other sounds? In other words, how common is this? What are the psychological implications of experiencing a silent inner world?



“We now have good answers to the first two questions. The last question is a much larger one, but I believe we have made strong progress,” said Professor Lambert.



With the University's Anauralia Lab and a grant from the Marsden Fund, the ongoing research includes a neuroimaging study encompassing high-density EEG, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and electromyography of activity in muscles used for speech.



Featuring keynote speakers from around the globe, the <a href="https://www.anauralia.com/conference">conference</a> will shed light on auditory verbal hallucinations and cognitive literary studies, contributing significantly to understanding the silent realm of the human mind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anauralia-s-impact-on-daily-life">Anauralia's impact on daily life</h2>



The silent mind of an individual with anauralia presents unique challenges and opportunities, particularly in creative and professional fields.



While some might wonder how musicians or writers without auditory imagination navigate their work, researchers suggest that alternative cognitive strategies may play a key role. 



For example, these individuals might rely more heavily on logical patterns, visual cues, or tactile feedback to achieve their goals.



Interestingly, the absence of inner sounds doesn’t necessarily hinder creativity. 



Some artists and musicians with anauralia report that their silent minds allow them to approach projects without the distractions of unwanted mental noise, enabling sharper focus and unconventional methods of expression.



Similarly, in daily life, individuals with anauralia may find it easier to maintain attention and remain present because they are free from the mental echoes of conversations or repetitive tunes.



As research continues to uncover more about this condition, it challenges traditional notions of imagination and creativity, offering valuable insights into the diversity of human cognition and its adaptability.



Information about the 2025 Anauralia Conference can be found <a href="https://www.anauralia.com/conference">here</a>.



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Some people can't hear "inner voices" and are unable to imagine common sounds

Close your eyes and imagine this -- a loud thunder...

In today's world, "forever chemicals," scientifically known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are virtually ubiquitous. Found in water, soil, and even the deepest regions of the human brain, their persistent presence raises significant concern. But what exactly do these chemicals do to our brain?



Typically safeguarded by the blood-brain barrier, the brain appears unusually susceptible to these persistent chemicals. Investigating this perplexing vulnerability, a team of researchers from the University at Buffalo has uncovered a vital piece of the puzzle.



"Our findings indicate these genes may be markers to detect and monitor PFAS-induced neurotoxicity in the future," explained study co-author Dr. G. Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen.



The research, published in the journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience, represents a critical step toward deciphering the mysteries of PFAS-related health effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-response-of-brain-cells-to-forever-chemicals">Response of brain cells to forever chemicals </h2>



The study demonstrates that some genes show consistent changes when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-found-in-tap-and-bottled-water-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exposed to PFAS</a>, regardless of the specific chemical compound. Among these, genes crucial for neuron survival tend to exhibit reduced activity - potentially weakening their protective functions in the brain.



At the same time, genes linked to cell death become more active, which could increase the risk of neuronal damage or dysfunction. This opposing effect highlights how forever chemicals may disrupt essential brain functions and contribute to long-term neurological harm.



While the researchers identified 11 genes with consistent responses, they also found that hundreds of other genes react differently depending on the specific type of PFAS. This variability suggests that each PFAS compound, despite having some shared chemical properties, interacts uniquely with biological systems.



"PFAS, despite sharing certain chemical characteristics, come in different shapes and sizes, leading to variability in their biological effects," noted study co-author Dr. Diana Aga.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfoa-a-notable-offender">PFOA: A notable offender</h2>



Among the six PFAS compounds studied, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) - previously used in nonstick cookware - stood out for its dramatic impact.



PFOA altered the expression of nearly 600 genes, far more than any other compound tested. These changes affected pathways related to oxidative stress, protein synthesis, and neural function.



For instance, PFOA downregulated mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein crucial for neuron survival. At the same time, it up-regulated thioredoxin-interacting protein, which is linked to cell death. 



"Each of these 11 genes exhibited consistent regulation across all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangerous-pfas-forever-chemicals-found-in-the-amazon-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> that we tested," notes Atilla-Gokcumen. 



"This uniform response suggests that they may serve as promising markers for assessing PFAS exposure, but further research is needed to know how these genes respond to other types of PFAS."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forever-chemicals-in-daily-life">Forever chemicals in daily life</h2>



PFAS are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-found-in-fitness-trackers-and-smartwatch-bands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nearly everywhere</a> - in food packaging, firefighting foams, and even semiconductors. The widespread use of forever chemicals highlights the challenge of mitigating their impact on both the environment and brain health while maintaining their utility.



Short-chain PFAS, considered less persistent in the environment, show promise as alternatives. However, these substitutes may come with their own set of health risks and reduced effectiveness.



"If we understand why some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-source-water-exceeds-safe-drinking-limits-of-pfas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> are more harmful than others, we can prioritize phasing out the worst offenders while seeking safer substitutes," noted Dr. Atilla-Gokcumen. This nuanced approach could help balance industrial needs with environmental and human safety.



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



This study from the <a href="https://www.buffalo.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University at Buffalo</a> provides crucial insights into how forever chemicals disrupt brain function, offering a foundation for future research. 



By identifying the genes consistently impacted by these chemicals, researchers have opened new doors for detection, monitoring, and the eventual development of safer alternatives.



"Knowledge on how our own biology reacts to the different types of PFAS is of major biomedical relevance," said Dr. Aga. As we learn more about the specific effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strict-pfas-limits-will-make-drinking-water-safer-for-100-million-americans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">various PFAS compounds</a>, we can craft more effective strategies to mitigate their harm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study</h2>



The persistence and pervasiveness of PFAS demand innovative solutions to protect human health and the environment. 



Studies like this not only enhance our understanding of these chemicals but also provide hope for a safer future. 



By prioritizing research and promoting public awareness, we can work toward reducing the impact of these "forever chemicals" while ensuring their essential uses remain sustainable.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00652" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Chemical Neuroscience</a>.



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Forever chemicals alter gene expression in the brain

In today's world, "forever chemicals," scientifically known as per- and...

When it comes to New Year's health resolutions, we often focus on the usual suspects: exercise routines, plant-based diets, better sleep, and stress management. But there's one crucial health habit that often flies under the radar - proper hydration.



While it might not be as trendy as the latest workout program or diet plan, staying well-hydrated is arguably one of the easiest and most impactful changes you can make for your health. 



The benefits are remarkable: improved blood pressure, better diabetes management, enhanced joint health, and even migraine relief, not to mention that coveted skin glow we all desire.



“Staying optimally hydrated is a relatively easy lifestyle modification with potentially significant benefit: a longer disease-free life,” said Natalia Dmitrieva, a research scientist in the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine at the <a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute</a> in Bethesda, Maryland.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-americans-are-chronically-dehydrated">Most Americans are chronically dehydrated</h2>



Here's a sobering fact: more than half of Americans don't meet the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-we-really-need-to-drink-eight-cups-of-water-daily/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recommended daily water intake</a>. Women should aim for 8-10 cups daily, while men need 10-12 cups. 



The problem isn't just about forgetting to drink water – it's that many of us don't actively think about hydration until we're already thirsty.



"Thirst often occurs when we are already under-hydrated, meaning the harmful effects of insufficient hydration may have already begun," noted Dmitrieva.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effortless-hydration-by-habit-stacking">Effortless hydration by habit stacking</h2>



Incorporating more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bottled-water-has-become-a-global-scourge-wreaking-environmental-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> into your day doesn’t need to be difficult. You can use a simple technique called&nbsp;habit stacking. 



This means pairing water consumption with routines you already do every day, making it easy to create a sustainable hydration habit.



Here’s how it works:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Morning coffee ritual: As you wait for your coffee to brew, drink a full glass of water. This jumpstarts your hydration first thing in the morning. </li>



<li>Dog walking: Take a water bottle with you on your walk and aim to finish it by the time you get home. It’s a great way to hydrate while staying active. </li>



<li>Lunch break: Use the time while your food heats up to drink a glass of water. It’s simple and helps you stay consistent. </li>



<li>Desk work: Combine short stretching breaks with a quick glass of water. It refreshes both your body and mind.</li>
</ul>



This approach leverages routines you already follow, making it easier to build a lasting habit of staying hydrated. Small, intentional steps like these can lead to big health benefits over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydration-beyond-plain-water">Hydration beyond plain water</h2>



Meeting your daily hydration needs doesn’t mean you have to stick to the habit of drinking only <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-4-4-billion-people-lack-access-to-safe-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plain water</a>. The&nbsp;CDC recognizes several alternatives&nbsp;that can help you stay hydrated while adding variety to your routine. Here are some options:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Plain coffee or tea: These beverages count toward your hydration goals when consumed without added sugars. </li>



<li>Sparkling water and seltzers: Fizzy drinks can be a refreshing way to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strict-pfas-limits-will-make-drinking-water-safer-for-100-million-americans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrate</a>, especially for those who enjoy carbonation. </li>



<li>Flavored waters (unsweetened): Naturally flavored waters without added sugars or artificial sweeteners offer a tasty twist</li>
</ul>



Even certain foods can contribute to your daily water intake. "Examples include tomatoes, cucumbers, oranges and lettuce, all of which can significantly contribute to your daily water intake," said Dmitrieva.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-strategies-to-build-a-hydration-habit">Simple strategies to build a hydration habit</h2>



Want a practical approach to ensure proper hydration? 



"One effective strategy is to fill a 32-ounce bottle with water in the morning and make sure to drink it throughout the day, in addition to any other beverages consumed during meals or coffee breaks," said Dmitrieva.



"At the end of the day, assess whether you've consumed an additional 4-6 cups of water. If not, refill the bottle and drink more before the day ends."



On days with intense physical activity or prolonged exposure to heat, you'll need to increase this amount accordingly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-increased-water-intake">Benefits of increased water intake</h2>



The habit of proper hydration might not have the same excitement as starting a gym membership or experimenting with trendy superfoods, but it plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. It’s a simple, affordable, and low-effort habit that offers significant benefits for your body and mind.



This year, as you set your health goals, think about prioritizing hydration. By drinking enough water daily, you support vital functions like digestion, joint health, and energy levels. It’s one of the easiest wellness changes you can make and sustain over time.



The best habits are those you can stick with consistently. Staying hydrated doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes, fancy equipment, or extra expenses - just small, consistent efforts.



Making hydration a daily priority is a straightforward way to invest in your long-term health. 



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This is the easiest thing you can do to improve your health and actually live longer

When it comes to New Year's health resolutions, we often...

Training,And,Football,Match,Between,Youth,Soccer,Teams.,Young,Boys

Regular exercise is often hailed as a key to better heart health, but for many children and young athletes, training goes far beyond the usual advice for daily activity. Young competitors can log over ten hours of physical practice in a single week, which is well above the one-hour target that the <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015128" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> recommends for children and adolescents. 



Concerns are growing over whether the intensity of some routines might place immature hearts and blood vessels under too much stress.



In a new <a href="https://www.cjcopen.ca/article/S2589-790X(24)00385-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> called the Munich Cardiovascular Adaptations in Young Athletes Study (<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589790X24003858" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MuCAYAplus</a>), researchers aim to pinpoint where beneficial exercise crosses the line and becomes potentially harmful. This project is led by <a href="https://www.professoren.tum.de/en/oberhoffer-renate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prof. Renate Oberhoffer-Fritz</a> from the <a href="https://www.hs.mh.tum.de/en/praeventive-paediatrie/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Preventive Pediatrics</a> at the Technical University of Munich. 



By observing training and health markers over three years, the team hopes to uncover how extreme weekly activity levels might reshape the cardiovascular system in children as young as ten.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-exercise-matters-for-young-hearts">Why exercise matters for young hearts</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/embracing-stress-mindset-is-actually-a-good-thing-for-athletes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical activity</a> in childhood can support heart health, weight management, and lower the risk of many conditions, including obesity and diabetes. 



Some <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11227978/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> suggests that moderate training builds a stronger heart as this organ is known to adapt over time by enlarging its chambers and occasionally thickening its walls. 



Young athletes typically see improvements in endurance and oxygen utilization, which may lower disease risks in adulthood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-training-intensity-becomes-a-worry">When training intensity becomes a worry</h2>



Even though most sports activities are safe, problems can arise when children train more often than recommended. 



A handful of <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.110.013078" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> suggest that putting young athletes through very long or rigorous exercise sessions could contribute to concerning changes in the heart’s size and function. 



In certain cases, these shifts might lead to an elevated risk of conditions such as <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000192.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypertrophic cardiomyopathy</a>. 



Some <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3538475/">data</a> even suggest that excessive exercise is related to the stiffening of blood vessels and harmful oxidative stress, although these findings are not fully consistent across all age groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-mucayaplus-aims-to-learn">What MuCAYAplus aims to learn</h2>



Rather than focusing solely on heart rate or strength, the MuCAYAplus team is collecting a broad range of measurements. 



These include <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/electrocardiogram" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electrocardiograms</a>, blood pressure checks, ultrasound scans of the heart and carotid artery, blood sampling, and comprehensive fitness testing on a bicycle ergometer. 



By taking annual "snapshots" of each participant in this way, investigators want to see exactly how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-muscles-may-soon-be-able-to-regenerate-like-other-muscles/">heart muscle</a> thickness, blood vessel flexibility, and biochemical factors shift over time. 



They are also exploring how thyroid hormones, leptin, and antioxidant enzymes might factor into heart health for growing kids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrition-and-the-young-heart">Nutrition and the young heart</h2>



Feeding habits could play a role in how the body deals with intense exercise. While some hormones like leptin help control appetite and manage blood vessel tone, inadequate calorie intake might disrupt the thyroid hormones that influence growth and heart development. 



By tracking the diets of young athletes through a questionnaire, the research group intends to find out if high training loads, combined with insufficient fueling, heighten the risk of harmful changes in blood pressure or heart muscle size.



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



Coaches often encourage young competitors to push boundaries, especially when a child shows promise. However, identifying the safe threshold for training is critical. 



If the MuCAYAplus project confirms that high levels of activity lead to unfavorable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/">cardiovascular</a> adaptations, families might need to adjust schedules or diversify sports to reduce prolonged strains on the heart. 



On the other hand, they may find specific markers - like better arterial elasticity and antioxidant levels - that highlight positive responses to balanced workouts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead">Looking ahead</h2>



Early findings from smaller projects have hinted that children can handle a wide range of activity levels, provided they get the right guidance, rest, and nutrition.&nbsp;



The MuCAYAplus study’s unique, three-year window offers a chance to observe how a developing cardiovascular system reacts across growth spurts. 



Its results may eventually help experts create sport-specific guidelines that take into account a child’s age, developmental stage, and weekly exercise intensity. 



By distinguishing between healthy training loads, and patterns that might overtax the heart, this research hopes to strike a balance where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/family-dogs-boost-physical-activity-levels-among-children/">youth sports</a> remain both competitive and safe.



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Are kids' sports putting their hearts in danger?

Regular exercise is often hailed as a key to better...

The global popularity of sugary beverages, coupled with a concerning rise in health complications, prompted scientists to investigate the broader implications of their consumption. The research has revealed an alarming association with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.



The study was conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://nutrition.tufts.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy</a>.



The findings outline a grim pattern. The experts estimate that each year, 2.2 million new cases of type 2 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diabetes-rate-has-doubled-reaching-over-800-million/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a> and 1.2 million new cases of cardiovascular disease can be attributed to the consumption of sugary drinks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developing-countries-under-siege">Developing countries under siege</h2>



The researchers discovered a particularly distressing scenario in developing countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, over 21% of all new diabetes cases are linked to sugary drinks.



Furthermore, Latin America and the Caribbean report that nearly 24% of new diabetes cases and over 11% of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crucial-discoveries-will-improve-cardiovascular-disease-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a> cases are related to sugary beverage consumption.



Countries like Colombia, Mexico, and South Africa bear a major brunt of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistance-could-cause-a-health-crisis-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health crisis</a>, with exceptionally high percentages of novel diabetes and cardiovascular diseases cases linked to sugar-sweetened beverages.



These countries, along with others, are in the throes of a largely avoidable public health crisis unleashed by the soaring consumption of beverages such as carbonated soda, energy drinks, and juices with added sugar. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-impacts-of-sugary-drinks">Health impacts of sugary drinks </h2>



The experts noted that sugar-sweetened beverages, despite their fleeting pleasures, lead to a rapid rise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-tea-extract-lowers-blood-sugar-and-improves-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood sugar</a> levels while offering little nutritional value.



"High doses of rapidly digested glucose also activate insulin and other regulatory pathways, which can result in visceral fat production, hepatic and skeletal muscle insulin resistance and weight gain," noted the researchers.



Excess weight, insulin resistance, and various metabolic issues are the precursors to health problems like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugary-drinks-gaining-more-popularity">Sugary drinks gaining more popularity</h2>



Sadly, these detrimental drinks are fervently marketed and sold in low- and middle-income nations. 



Dariush Mozaffarian, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School, pointed out that these communities aren't just consuming harmful products - they are also less equipped to handle the health fallout.



As countries progress and incomes rise, these sugary drinks gain more popularity, with men and younger adults being at a higher risk compared to women and older adults.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curbing-sugary-drinks-for-global-health">Curbing sugary drinks for global health</h2>



The urgency of the situation isn't lost on Laura Lara-Castor, the lead author of the study. "We need urgent, evidence-based interventions to curb consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages globally, before even more lives are shortened by their effects on diabetes and heart disease."



The team suggests multi-faceted countermeasures, proposing public health campaigns, sugary drink advertising regulations, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sugar-drink-taxes-dramatically-improve-overall-health-in-cities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages</a>. 



There is already a positive precedent set by Mexico, where an implemented tax on sugary beverages seems to be effective in reducing consumption, especially among lower-income individuals.



Yet, as Mozaffarian emphasizes, there is much more to be done. "As a species, we need to address sugar-sweetened beverage consumption," especially in high-consumption regions like Latin America and Africa, where the health consequences are severe.



The global implications of sugary drink consumption loom large, representing a call to action for everyone - from health organizations to individuals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-industry-and-consumer-awareness">The role of industry and consumer awareness</h2>



While sugary drinks are aggressively marketed as lifestyle staples, their hidden health toll demands greater scrutiny. 



The beverage industry spends billions on advertising campaigns that particularly target younger audiences and communities in low- and middle-income nations, where regulations are often lax. 



These promotional efforts have normalized excessive consumption, overshadowing the associated health risks.



Public awareness campaigns, like those warning about the risks of smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, could be key in addressing this issue.



Experts advocate for clearer labeling on sugary beverages to emphasize their impact on health through visual warnings or sugar content limits.



Addressing the health crisis posed by sugary drinks will require a collective effort - one that combines policy reform, industry accountability, and individual awareness - to shift the global narrative.



Consumers need accessible information to make healthier choices and reduce their dependency on sugar-sweetened drinks.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03345-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>.



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Sugary drinks linked to millions of diabetes and heart disease cases

The global popularity of sugary beverages, coupled with a concerning...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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