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...

Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a rapidly growing problem. Each year, the world generates approximately 50 million tons of this type of waste.



It's alarming to note that only 20% of e-waste is recycled, while the rest finds its way to landfills or incineration - both of which contribute to environmental pollution.



However, scientists have found a shining opportunity amid this grim reality, proving that every cloud truly has a silver (or gold) lining.



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



As technology advances quickly, people upgrade their gadgets, leaving behind old devices that often end up in landfills. 



Unfortunately, e-waste can be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-waste-is-growing-five-times-faster-than-recycling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harmful to the environment</a> because many electronic items contain hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. 



These toxic substances can leach into the soil and water, polluting ecosystems and posing health risks to both humans and wildlife.



Many parts of electronic devices, like metals, plastics, and glass, can be reused in the manufacturing of new products. Proper recycling of e-waste not only helps reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-zero-waste-a-global-commitment-to-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental pollution</a> but also conserves valuable resources.



However, recycling e-waste requires specialized processes to safely extract these materials, and not all recycling centers are equipped to handle it.



Scientists are hoping that this new discovery will make the recycling process much more profitable for centers, encouraging more of them to help the world tackle this e-waste problem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-e-waste-into-gold">Transforming e-waste into gold</h2>



The idea of extracting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supergiant-gold-deposit-find-claims-to-be-the-worlds-largest-discovery-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gold</a> from electronic waste is not new. It is estimated that a ton of electronic waste contains at least 10 times more gold than a ton of regular ore from which gold is mined.



But the devil is in the detail, or in this case, in the gold extraction process. Traditional techniques involve using harsh toxins like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cyanide-may-have-contributed-to-the-emergence-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyanide</a>, which pose major environmental risks.



Yet, scientists at the <a href="https://cals.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell</a> have devised an ingenious solution that is eco-friendly and doubly beneficial.



The new method does not just extract gold from e-waste, it also uses the precious metal to convert carbon dioxide (CO2), a key greenhouse gas, into useful chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extracting-gold-with-precision">Extracting gold with precision </h2>



The research, led by postdoc researcher Amin Zadehnazari, is rooted in the creation of vinyl-linked covalent organic frameworks (VCOFs).



These VCOFs are designed to pick out gold ions and nanoparticles from the intricate circuit boards found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-e-waste-millions-of-tons-discarded-in-the-us-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discarded electronic devices</a>, and they do so with remarkable precision and efficiency.



One of the VCOFs was found to capture a whopping 99.9% of the gold, leaving behind other metals like nickel and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/copper-industry-of-king-solomons-era-didnt-harm-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">copper</a>.



“We can then use the gold-loaded COFs to convert CO2 into useful chemicals,” noted Zadehnazari. “By transforming &nbsp;CO2 into value-added materials, we not only reduce waste disposal demands, we also provide both environmental and practical benefits. It’s kind of a win-win for the environment.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-greener-future">Building a greener future</h2>



The unique properties of the VCOFs lie in their building blocks - tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and tetraphenylethylene (TPE). 



Tetrathiafulvalene is rich in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sulfur-may-have-played-key-role-origin-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sulfur</a>, which makes it a natural magnet for gold. TTF also demonstrated an amazing endurance, withstanding 16 washings and reuses without showing significant loss of adsorption efficiency.



Another fascinating aspect of this method is its ability to convert CO2 into organic matter under ambient CO2 pressure at 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), a result of carboxylation.



This process doubles the benefit of the technique, as it is not just extracting precious metal but also reducing the levels of a potent greenhouse gas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-selectively-capturing-gold-from-e-waste">Selectively capturing gold from e-waste </h2>



Study co-author Alireza Abbaspourrad, a professor of food chemistry and ingredient technology, emphasized the importance of this selective recovery.



“Knowing how much gold and other precious metals go into these types of electronics devices, being able to recover them in a way where you can selectively capture the metal you want - in this case, gold - is very important,” said Abbaspourrad.



As we face a future burdened with 80 million metric tons of e-waste by 2030, it has become more crucial than ever to find sustainable ways of dealing with this issue.



The method developed by the Cornell team provides us with a glimmer of hope - a vision of a future where waste becomes wealth, and where our technological habits serve nature rather than harm it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-growing-challenge-of-e-waste">The growing challenge of e-waste</h2>



E-waste is more than just an environmental problem; it’s a global crisis. Rapid technological advances and shorter product lifespans have fueled an unprecedented rise in discarded electronics.



Most of the waste comes from high-income countries, but its disposal disproportionately affects lower-income countries, where lax regulations result in unsafe recycling practices.



E-waste is manually dismantled in informal sectors in many regions, often exposing workers to hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and brominated flame retardants. 



These toxic chemicals not only harm human health but also leach into soil and water, posing long-term ecological risks.



The new VCOF technology developed at Cornell is a critical step forward in addressing the growing challenges of e-waste.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-55156-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Electronic waste can literally be turned into gold with new recycling process

Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a rapidly growing problem. Each...

A recent study from Washington State University (WSU) reveals that climate change poses significant challenges to apple orchards in some of the most productive regions of the United States.



The researchers conducted an extensive study that included over four decades of climate data. They analyzed how varying weather conditions influence the critical growth stages of apple trees.



These stages include bud break, flowering, fruit development, maturation, and color development - all of which are crucial for healthy yields and high-quality apples.



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



The study revealed alarming trends, particularly for the three most productive apple-growing counties in the United States:&nbsp;Yakima County in Washington,&nbsp;Kent County in Michigan, and&nbsp;Wayne County in New York. 



Among these,&nbsp;Yakima County - a powerhouse with over 48,800 acres of apple orchards - was found to be the most severely affected.



Yakima County exhibited harmful trends in five out of the six <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-added-41-extra-days-of-dangerous-heat-in-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> metrics studied, indicating the region's heightened vulnerability. These metrics include factors like extreme heat, warm nights, reduced cold periods, and shifting frost dates, all of which disrupt the delicate balance needed for apple growth. 



The findings highlight the region’s significant exposure to the negative impacts of climate change, which could challenge its status as a leading apple producer in the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-metrics-and-apple-production">Climate metrics and apple production</h2>



Apple production relies on specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-confirmed-as-earths-hottest-year-in-recorded-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate conditions</a> to ensure healthy growth, high yields, and good fruit quality. However, shifts in these conditions pose significant challenges:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-heat-days">Extreme heat days</h3>



When temperatures exceed 93°F, apple trees face stress that can lead to sunburn on the fruit, reducing apple quality and marketability. Prolonged exposure to such heat can also impair tree health and productivity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warm-nights">Warm nights</h3>



Nighttime temperatures above&nbsp;59°F&nbsp;interfere with apple coloration. Proper color development is essential for market appeal, as it affects both the visual and perceived quality of the fruit.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-days-and-chill-portions">Cold days and chill portions</h3>



Apple trees need a specific number of cold hours (known as&nbsp;chill portions) during dormancy to reset their growth cycle. A reduction in these cold periods can lead to irregular flowering and lower yields.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spring-frost-timing">Spring frost timing</h3>



Changes in the timing of the last spring frost disrupt the blooming process. Late frosts can damage blossoms, leading to fewer fruit or misshapen apples.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-degree-days">Growing degree days</h3>



Warmer overall temperatures accelerate the growth process, potentially causing premature fruit development. This can affect the size, flavor, and storability of apples.



These changing climate conditions <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-struggling-to-breathe-store-co2-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">upset the delicate balance</a> required for consistent and high-quality apple production. The western U.S., a major apple-producing region, has experienced the most pronounced negative trends in these metrics. 



This raises concerns not just for regional growers but for the entire U.S. apple industry, as these changes threaten both the quantity and quality of the fruit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compounding-threats-of-climate-change">Compounding threats of climate change </h2>



“We shouldn’t take the delicious apples we love to consume for granted,” said Deepti Singh, <a href="https://wsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WSU</a> climate scientist and the study’s corresponding author. 



“Changing climate conditions over multiple parts of the growth cycle pose potentially compounding threats to the production and quality of apples.”



This complexity stems from the perennial nature of apple trees. “What goes on in different seasons can affect long-term health as well as the performance and productivity of the apple tree during that specific season,” explained Lee Kalcsits, a WSU tree physiologist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-apples-from-climate-change">Protecting apples from climate change</h2>



Apple growers in Washington state are implementing adaptive measures to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-we-cut-down-all-oak-trees-isoprene-emissions-air-pollution-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">combat the effects of extreme heat </a>on their crops. 



Techniques like netting, which reduces direct sunlight to prevent sunburn, and evaporative cooling, which uses water misting systems to lower orchard temperatures, are helping protect fruit quality and tree health. 



These adaptations highlight both the resilience of the apple industry and the urgency of addressing climate change challenges. To support growers further, WSU researchers are working on large-scale solutions. 



Led by Lee Kalcsits, a $6.75 million USDA-funded project aims to mitigate the impact of extreme climate events on apple and pear crops. 



This collaborative, multi-institution effort seeks to develop strategies that growers across the nation can use to sustain production in an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-have-an-amazing-ability-to-adapt-to-new-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increasingly volatile climate</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-blueprint-for-the-future">A blueprint for the future</h2>



“Washington is a great place to start to talk about adaptation,” said Kirti Rajagopalan, a WSU biological systems engineer and study co-author. 



If successful, the strategies tested here could serve as a blueprint for apple-growing regions nationwide.



As climate change risks grow, the apple industry’s ability to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adapt</a> will be crucial. With ongoing research and innovative solutions, there’s hope that the apples we cherish can continue to thrive in a changing world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad90f4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Apple orchards face compounding threats from climate change

A recent study from Washington State University (WSU) reveals that...

Canada lynx are elusive predators, uniquely adapted to the harsh conditions of the Rockies. They can traverse deep snow with ease and spot prey in the darkness from up to 250 feet away. Their keen senses make them formidable hunters, but tracking these cats offers a rare glimpse into their lives, habitats, and the challenges they face.



Researchers have used GPS data and advanced habitat modeling to map and study lynx habitats, focusing on the southern Rocky Mountains in western Colorado, southern Wyoming, and northern New Mexico.



This region marks the southernmost edge of their range. The findings reveal critical insights into the lynx’s habitat needs and conservation priorities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-lynx-habitat-a-conservation-tool">Mapping lynx habitat: A conservation tool</h2>



Updated habitat maps reveal that more than half of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canada-lynxs-historic-range-points-to-a-promising-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canada lynx</a>'s range in the southern Rockies lies within protected areas, such as wilderness zones and national parks. 



While this is a positive finding, the maps also highlight challenges: lynx habitat in this region is highly fragmented and exists in small, disconnected patches. This fragmentation is due to Colorado's complex mountainous terrain, which restricts suitable lynx habitat to narrow, scattered bands.



These maps serve a critical role in conservation efforts. They identify key wildlife corridors - pathways that lynx use to move between habitat patches. Maintaining these corridors is essential for ensuring habitat connectivity, which helps lynx populations thrive by allowing them to find food, mates, and shelter.



Additionally, the maps help conservation managers pinpoint areas where human activities, wildfires, or forest insect outbreaks may disrupt lynx habitats, allowing for targeted efforts to address these threats and promote habitat preservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-habitat-characteristics">Key habitat characteristics</h2>



Lynx thrive in high-elevation spruce-fir forests with dense horizontal cover provided by low-hanging tree branches. This environment supports snowshoe hares, which form up to 90% of their winter diet. 



Reintroduced to the southern Rockies over 20 years ago, lynx <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-conservation-day-2024-saving-species-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a> have since rebounded, with several generations successfully establishing themselves.



To refine their understanding of lynx habitats, the researchers analyzed GPS tracking data alongside over 40 environmental factors, including precipitation, vegetation, road density, and slope.



The models identified areas with high probabilities of lynx occupancy, breeding, and raising young - offering vital guidance for conservation efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-lynx-habitat">Threats to lynx habitat</h2>



The study also explored how disturbances - such as wildfires, insect outbreaks, and human activity - overlap with lynx habitats. While insect outbreaks affected 31% of likely habitat, their impact is relatively minor.



“We know that lynx continue to occupy areas after insects kill the overstory trees during spruce-beetle outbreaks,” explained Dr. John Squires, principal investigator. Young conifer growth and surviving trees often sustain hares, mitigating the impact of these outbreaks.



Wildfires, however, present a more significant threat. Lynx tend to avoid fire-impacted areas until the understory regrows, which can take over 50 years. 



Though wildfires overlapped only 5% of lynx habitat from 1990–2022, high-severity fires are a growing risk due to climate change and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-2024-a-call-for-land-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increased forest vulnerability</a>.



“Frequent, high-severity fire is the main risk to lynx in high-elevation forests moving forward,” Squires noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impacts-temporary-vs-permanent-changes">Human impacts: Temporary vs. permanent changes</h2>



Human activities, such as timber harvesting and prescribed burns, impact a smaller portion of lynx habitat compared to other disturbances. These activities typically result in temporary changes to the forest, as the vegetation eventually regrows and the habitat can recover over time.



In contrast, urban development and the expansion of ski resorts lead to permanent habitat loss. These activities replace natural landscapes with buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, making it impossible for the affected areas to return to their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canada-lynx-survival-linked-to-life-cycle-of-snowshoe-hares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">original state</a>. 



As a result, urbanization and ski resort expansion pose a more significant, long-term threat to lynx conservation than temporary changes caused by forest management practices.



“We were surprised at how little lynx habitat overlapped areas of managed forest and human development,” said Dr. Lucretia Olson, a co-author of the study. “We hope our work will reach managers who make complex decisions about land uses.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-conservation-efforts">Collaborative conservation efforts</h2>



The success of this research highlights the importance of partnerships between agencies and organizations. 



“Close collaboration across state and federal agencies in terms of data sharing, logistical support, and added expertise made this research possible,” said Squires.



By combining cutting-edge tools with collaborative efforts, this research provides a robust foundation for conserving Canada lynx in the southern Rockies. Protecting these majestic cats requires continued vigilance, strategic land management, and a commitment to maintaining their delicate mountain habitats.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10531-024-02978-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biodiversity and Conservation</a>.



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Protecting lynx habitat in a shifting landscape

Canada lynx are elusive predators, uniquely adapted to the harsh...

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize the world of art, uncovering details that are invisible to the human eye. 



In a fascinating revelation, an AI neural network has unearthed a long-debated truth about Raphael’s&nbsp;Madonna della Rosa, a painting historically attributed to this Italian Renaissance master.



According to the study, not every brushstroke in the masterpiece is Raphael's.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-is-raphael">Who is Raphael?</h2>



Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino was one of the most famous artists of the Renaissance. Born on April 6, 1483, in Urbino, Italy, he became known for his beautiful paintings and frescoes. Sadly, he passed away on his 37th birthday, April 6, 1520.



He’s best remembered for works like "The School of Athens," a stunning fresco in the Vatican, "Madonna della Rosa," as discussed here, and "The Transfiguration," which is often seen as his final masterpiece. 



Raphael was known for creating art that felt balanced, clear, and full of beauty, blending emotion with graceful figures. 



He was able to mix the emotional depth of artists like Leonardo da Vinci with the elegant compositions of artists like Michelangelo.



Besides painting, Raphael was also a talented architect. He worked on the design of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and later became the chief architect there. 



His influence shaped both art and architecture during the Renaissance, and he’s still considered one of the greats, alongside Leonardo and Michelangelo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-masterpiece-madonna-della-rosa">The masterpiece: Madonna della Rosa</h2>



Madonna della Rosa&nbsp;is a Renaissance painting that was created during the late period of Raphael's career. The artwork portrays the Madonna and Child alongside St. Joseph and St. John, reflecting themes of familial unity and sacred devotion. 



The painting is notable for its vibrant color palette, soft rendering of figures, and the delicate interplay of light and shadow - all of which are hallmarks of Raphael's mature style.



Currently housed in the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, the painting has undergone various restoration efforts over centuries to preserve its details and hues. 



Its title,&nbsp;Madonna della Rosa&nbsp;("Madonna of the Rose"), comes from the symbolic rose depicted in the scene, which has often been interpreted as a reference to the Virgin Mary's purity and suffering.



The painting represents a transitional moment in art history, blending elements of High Renaissance ideals with emerging Mannerist influences. 



Its history is intertwined with debates over authorship and the collaborative nature of Renaissance workshops, which were common at the time.



This has made&nbsp;Madonna della Rosa&nbsp;a subject of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-cave-painting-discovered-in-indonesia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fascination for art historians</a> and enthusiasts alike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-st-joseph-s-face-in-madonna-della-rosa">St. Joseph’s face in Madonna della Rosa</h2>



The face of St. Joseph, featured in the top-left corner of the famous painting, has sparked centuries of speculation.



While the painting’s authenticity as a Raphael original has been questioned since the mid-1800s, recent AI-powered analysis points to a significant conclusion: St. Joseph’s face was likely painted by another artist.



"Using deep feature analysis, we used pictures of authenticated Raphael paintings to train the computer to recognize his style to a very detailed degree, from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/acoustic-echoes-may-have-inspired-prehistoric-rock-art/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brushstrokes</a>, the color palette, the shading, and every aspect of the work," explained Hassan Ugail, mathematician and computer scientist from the <a href="https://www.bradford.ac.uk/external/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bradford</a>.



"The computer sees far more deeply than the human eye, to microscopic level."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-ai-to-analyze-the-painting">Using AI to analyze the painting</h2>



The researchers designed a specialized algorithm to compare <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rock-art-reveals-early-human-ties-with-amazon-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elements of the painting</a> to those found in verified Raphael works. 



This AI analysis, grounded in Microsoft’s ResNet50 framework and enhanced with a Support Vector Machine technique, could discern nuances at a microscopic level. The technology had previously demonstrated 98% accuracy in identifying Raphael’s works.



For this study, the team took the innovative step of analyzing individual faces within the painting. While the Madonna, the Child, and St. John showed clear signs of Raphael’s style, St. Joseph’s face stood out as inconsistent.



"When we tested the&nbsp;della Rosa&nbsp;as a whole, the results were not conclusive," said Ugail. "So, then we tested the individual parts and while the rest of the picture was confirmed as Raphael, Joseph's face came up as most likely not Raphael."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-is-the-mystery-artist">Who is the mystery artist?</h2>



Historical evidence suggests Giulio Romano, one of Raphael’s most talented pupils, may have contributed to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-neanderthals-mastered-adhesive-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">painting</a>. 



Art critics have long noted St. Joseph’s face appears less refined compared to the other figures. While the AI analysis strengthens this theory, it does not definitively confirm the identity of the artist responsible for painting St. Joseph.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-ai-in-art-authentication">Role of AI in art authentication</h2>



This revelation demonstrates the potential of AI to complement, not replace, human expertise in art authentication. 



AI’s ability to analyze brushstrokes, shading, and color palette at an unparalleled level provides a new dimension to evaluating artwork.



"This is not a case of AI taking people's jobs," said Ugail. "The process of authenticating a work of art involves looking at many aspects, from its provenance, pigments, condition of the work, and so on."



"However, this sort of software can be used as one tool to assist in the process."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-masterpiece-with-a-modern-twist">A masterpiece with a modern twist</h2>



Madonna della Rosa, painted between 1518 and 1520, remains a captivating masterpiece. Yet, its history grows richer with this discovery, adding another layer to the narrative of Renaissance art. 



As AI continues to advance, it holds promise for uncovering hidden secrets in centuries-old works, and for enhancing our understanding of artistic legacies while preserving their mystique.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://heritagesciencejournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40494-023-01094-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heritage Science</a>.



Image Credit: Museo Nacional del Prado



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AI identifies surprising details about one of the most famous paintings in the world

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize the world of art,...

The sixth extinction, also known as the Anthropocene extinction, refers to the ongoing, unprecedented loss of species. Unlike previous mass extinction events in Earth's history, which were driven by natural phenomena such as massive volcanic eruptions, the current extinction crisis is largely attributed to human activities.



In a recent study, a team of Irish researchers set out to examine how the public reacts to hearing the news of a species extinction. 



The analysis revealed that while social media users show an initial surge of sympathy, the sentiment fades quickly. This fleeting engagement raises questions about how deeply people connect with conservation issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-reaction-to-species-extinction">Public reaction to species extinction</h2>



The study was led by researchers from the University of Galway, <a href="https://www.ucd.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College Dublin</a>, and <a href="https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maynooth University</a>. The goal was to examine how people react to the extinction of different species.



The researchers focused on eight species, including the famous Lonesome George - the last known Pinta Island tortoise who became a symbol of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-conservation-day-2024-saving-species-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>.



They also studied lesser-known species, such as Captain Cook's bean snail and the Rabbs fringe-limbed treefrog, which have similarly disappeared from the planet.



To gather insights, the team used a method called "culturomics." This approach involves analyzing digital data to track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-how-and-when-humans-and-mammals-will-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultural trends</a> and public interest. 



By studying online activity, the researchers analyzed over two million <a href="https://www.wikipedia.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wikipedia</a> page visits and more than 100,000 tweets and retweets from 2007 to 2023. 



This data helped them understand how people react online to extinction news, revealing patterns of interest, mourning, and engagement across different platforms.



“In our study, we tracked changes in tweets and Wikipedia page visits before and after the extinction of eight species ranging from Lonesome George to more obscure species such as the bean snail,” explained Dr. Kevin Healy of the <a href="https://www.universityofgalway.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Galway</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-spike-in-interest-then-silence">A spike in interest, then silence</h2>



The findings revealed that public interest in extinction news spikes dramatically on social media immediately after a species is declared extinct. 



“Overall, it does look like people care and are saddened by the news of extinction. We see words like 'RIP' and 'lost' commonly appear, and that the location of tweets expands from close to the species range to across the globe after extinction,” noted Dr. Susan Canavan, the study’s lead author.



The researchers found that while social media platforms see a short-lived surge in activity following news of a species' extinction, Wikipedia exhibits a different pattern. Wikipedia page visits remained steady over time, showing sustained interest in learning about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-was-the-cause-of-earths-largest-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinct species</a>.



This suggests that people turn to Wikipedia for deeper, long-term exploration of the topic, whereas social media reactions are often immediate and brief. 



The contrast highlights how different platforms serve distinct purposes: social media captures initial emotional responses and fleeting discussions, while Wikipedia supports extended engagement and information-seeking behavior. 



This difference signifies the varied ways people process and interact with extinction news depending on the platform they use.



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



The study highlights the potential power of public engagement in conservation. 



“People’s engagement with conservation issues, such as extinction, does matter, as it can drive funding, or add support for conservation policy and even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-cheetah-day-2024-racing-against-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influence conversations</a> on controversial topics such as attempting to bring species back from extinction using biotechnology,” Dr. Healy emphasized.



The passing of Lonesome George in 2012 captured worldwide attention. His death symbolized the vulnerability of species and highlighted the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect endangered animals.



Similarly, the extinction of other species, such as the Bramble Cay mosaic-tailed rat - the first mammal believed to have gone extinct due to climate change - and the West African black rhinoceros, sparked global discussions.



These events not only raised awareness about the threats facing wildlife but also ignited conversations on the broader impact of human activities on biodiversity. 



Each extinction served as a poignant reminder of the importance of conservation and the irreversible loss caused by species disappearing forever.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mourning-species-extinction-in-the-digital-age">Mourning species extinction in the digital age</h2>



The research reveals a bittersweet reality: while people momentarily mourn extinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-one-third-of-the-worlds-trees-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>, the depth of engagement often doesn't last. 



The rise in global conversations about extinction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) shows that people care, but the fleeting nature of this concern highlights the challenges conservation efforts face in maintaining momentum.



Ultimately, this study offers valuable insights into how the public connects with conservation issues. It also raises a crucial question: how can we transform brief moments of mourning into lasting action to prevent further losses?



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Public concern over species extinctions fades quickly

The sixth extinction, also known as the Anthropocene extinction, refers...

The idea of life continuing on Earth without humans has a way of catching our attention. Our species has spread across land and sea, altering the planet in countless ways.



Still, Earth’s history shows that no species lasts forever. It can be sobering to consider a future without us, but it also sparks plenty of curiosity about what might follow in our absence.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-discovery-anadoluvius-turkae-suggests-humans-originated-in-europe-not-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human beings</a> have been at the center of ecological change on Earth for thousands of years. Our inventions and communities have reshaped forests, oceans, and even the atmosphere. 



Yet many researchers say nature will adapt once we are gone. This leads to questions about who - or what - would occupy our spot.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-after-humans">Earth after humans</h2>



<a href="https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/tim-coulson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Tim Coulson</a> from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> has spent years studying biology and evolution. He believes our disappearance could open the door to surprising new species that take over Earth’s ecological roles.



In his book, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/459065/the-universal-history-of-us-by-coulson-tim/9780241662304" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Universal History of Us</a>, he traces life’s entire history and zeroes in on a single, striking prediction about what might come next.



One of his main themes involves evolution, which he describes as the “gradual change in living organisms over time as they better adapt to their environments.”



He emphasizes that “most mutations are harmful, but a few provide a survival or reproductive advantage.” Because genes are heritable, these beneficial mutations become more common over generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-selection-and-change">Natural selection and change</h2>



Mutations, in Coulson’s view, drive life forward despite the risks. Yet he reminds readers that no species is permanent.



“Extinction is the fate of all species, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-how-and-when-humans-and-mammals-will-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">including humans</a>, although let’s hope our demise is far in the future.” 



That message can feel unsettling. But it also serves as a reminder that every life form, no matter how successful, eventually faces an endpoint.



Coulson’s outlook stems from years of research into how species emerge, survive, and sometimes vanish. “I started to wonder what species might take our place if humans, and our close great ape relatives, were to die out,” he says.



Once humans are removed from the picture, Earth's ecosystems could find balance again, which might allow new creatures to fill the empty slots.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-forms-of-intelligence-emerge">New forms of intelligence emerge</h2>



Nobody knows if the next ruling life form would mirror humanity. Coulson proposes that “new forms of intelligence and complexity could emerge in unexpected ways.”



This opens the possibility that a future species might come up with solutions and technologies unlike any we can picture right now.



Some believe that primates are the likeliest successors, but Coulson raises doubts.



“Primates depend heavily on strong social networks,” he explains, along with the idea that “they engage in activities like hunting, grooming, and defense, which are essential for their survival. These constraints might help them struggle to adjust to a world undergoing dramatic ecological shifts.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-successor-to-humans-on-earth">Potential successor to humans on Earth</h2>



In place of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-group-cohesion-common-enemy-effect-do-not-kill-inside-their-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primate relatives</a>, Coulson offers a contender that many might find startling: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-octopus-day-the-intelligent-creatures-of-the-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the octopus</a>. He points to their cleverness and adaptability.



“Their ability to solve complex problems, communicate with one another in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-ringed-octopus-a-master-of-deception-inspires-new-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flashes of color</a>, and manipulate objects suggests that, given the right <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turquets-octopus-dna-tells-scientists-that-west-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse-is-close/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental conditions</a>, they could evolve into a civilization-building species.”



He adds, “their advanced neural structure, decentralized nervous system, and remarkable problem-solving skills make several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-dumbo-octopus-captured-on-film-and-video-in-hawaii/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species of octopus</a> well suited for an unpredictable world.”



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-seas-impair-octopus-vision-to-a-critical-extent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Octopuses</a> already have a reputation for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-octopus-has-mastered-the-art-of-multispecies-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">being creative</a> and a bit mischievous. 



“Some individuals even escape from their tanks at night in some research centers, visiting those of their neighbors, believe it or not,” Coulson says. They are known to use tools, open jars, and display signs of curiosity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-underwater">Life underwater</h2>



If humans were gone, oceans might become even more central to Earth’s future. Though land-based creatures have typically held top positions on the food chain, Coulson notes a critical challenge for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-octopuses-dream-a-recent-study-shows-octopuses-sleep-is-very-similar-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopuses</a>.



“Octopuses are unlikely to adapt to life on land due to their lack of a skeleton, which makes swift and agile movement out of water challenging,” he explained.



"With evolutionary advances, it is possible, if not probable, that they might develop ways to breathe outside of water and eventually hunt terrestrial animals like deer, sheep, and other mammals - assuming they have survived the catastrophic event that drove humans extinct."



That sounds extreme. Yet Coulson is simply highlighting how evolution can lead life down paths that seem impossible at first.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-would-octopus-earth-look-like">What would octopus-Earth look like?</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopuses-adapt-to-seasonal-temperatures-by-rewiring-their-brains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Octopuses</a> might build underwater habitats, find new ways to interact with their surroundings, and even reach beyond the waves one day.



“Would octopuses build vast underwater cities and come onto land wearing breathing apparatus to shoot a deer? We’ve no way of knowing,” he says.



No one predicted that ancient primates would slowly turn into bipedal humans with advanced technology.



Coulson believes that “random mutations, unforeseen extinction events, and population bottlenecks can all significantly influence the trajectory of evolution.” This means the future is wide open, shaped by countless variables that scientists can’t fully predict.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impossible-to-know-fun-to-think-about">Impossible to know, fun to think about</h2>



“The future of life on Earth is shaped by countless variables,” he points out. The path of evolution might take strange turns. Some scenarios might never pan out. Others could surprise us by unfolding in real time.



“But could <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopus-and-squid-senses-linked-to-human-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopuses replace humans</a> - and potentially also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primates-face-an-uncertain-future-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primates</a> - if they were to die out? Absolutely. They could become the brains of the sea.”



For now, it remains an intriguing thought experiment to imagine aquatic invertebrates overseeing a planet once dominated by upright mammals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imagining-earth-without-humans">Imagining Earth without humans</h2>



Coulson does not claim that this outcome is inevitable. Instead, he suggests it as a lesson in how nature might rearrange itself without us. 



Earth’s past is packed with examples of life enduring massive upheavals. It’s possible that intelligence, in some form, might spring up long after humans are gone.



His book underscores evolution’s capacity to produce forms and behaviors that seem strange from our perspective.



This speculation encourages us to think about the delicate nature of our own hold on the planet. Our species is part of a story that began ages ago, and life will keep moving forward, one step at a time.



The full interview was published in <a href="https://the-european.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The European</a>.



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Which animal will replace humans as Earth's dominant species? This scientist has an idea

The idea of life continuing on Earth without humans has...

Plants constantly juggle their energy between growth and defense against harmful bacteria. While the specifics of how they maintain this balance have long been unclear, researchers at Princeton University have discovered that certain soil bacteria play a crucial role in modulating plant immune responses, and allowing them to grow more efficiently.



“This is trying to get at a really big biological question where there are not good answers - about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiomes</a> interface with host immune systems,” said Jonathan Conway, senior author of the study and an assistant professor of chemical and biological engineering at <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University</a>.&nbsp;



The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2024.115063" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Reports</a>, highlights how specific microbes produce enzymes that can suppress plant immune activity, thus enabling healthier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/autophagy-what-makes-plant-roots-grow-faster-stronger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">root growth</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-immune-responses-with-model-plants">Testing immune responses with model plants</h2>



To investigate the interaction between plants and microbes, the researchers focused on Arabidopsis, a small plant commonly used in scientific studies. They genetically engineered Arabidopsis plants to have heightened immune sensitivity to flagellin, a bacterial protein that triggers immune responses.&nbsp;



This modification caused the plant’s roots to grow shorter, as its energy was diverted to immune defenses rather than root development.



The team introduced 165 bacterial species isolated from soil-grown Arabidopsis to the plants. Remarkably, 68 of these isolates, or about 41%, reduced the stunted root growth by suppressing the plant’s immune response.&nbsp;



One standout species, Dyella japonica, demonstrated exceptional ability in allowing the roots to grow longer by modulating immune activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-role-of-a-key-enzyme">Unveiling the role of a key enzyme</h2>



Further investigation into D. japonica revealed a gene encoding a subtilase enzyme. This enzyme had the potential to degrade the specific part of flagellin responsible for triggering the plant’s immune response.&nbsp;



Using genetic and biochemical tools, the researchers confirmed that the subtilase enzyme effectively broke down the flagellin fragment, thereby reducing the immune response and promoting root growth.



However, purifying the subtilase enzyme presented significant challenges. During a conference, postdoctoral researcher and co-first author Samuel Eastman connected with <a href="https://www.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Agriculture</a> chemist Todd Naumann, who suggested purifying the enzyme using yeast cells instead of bacteria.&nbsp;



Within months, Naumann successfully purified the enzyme and sent it to Princeton. “Now we can do chemistry with it, and we can actually look at this in vitro,” Eastman explained. This collaboration allowed the team to conduct more detailed studies of the enzyme’s function.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-study-of-plants-and-soil-bacteria">Extensive study of plants and soil bacteria </h2>



The study was a team effort involving contributions from several researchers and students. Screening 165 bacterial isolates and verifying their immune-modulating effects required extensive work.&nbsp;



“We’re able to achieve a level of investigation into this protein that wouldn’t have been possible without that collaboration,” said Eastman.



Students played a significant role in the project, including Princeton graduate Britley Jones, who contributed to screening the bacterial isolates for her senior thesis.&nbsp;



Co-first author Kaeli Ficco, now a Ph.D. student at Cornell University, engineered mutant bacterial strains to confirm the genetic requirement of the subtilase gene for immune suppression.&nbsp;



“I really liked how discovery-based the project was,” Ficco said, reflecting on how the work influenced her research trajectory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-for-plant-immune-health">Broader implications for plant immune health </h2>



Beyond studying the subtilase enzyme in D. japonica, the researchers identified similar genes in many other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-bacteria-help-plants-balance-growth-and-immunity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil bacteria</a>. Their assays showed that dozens of bacterial isolates could suppress flagellin-induced immunity in plants. This suggests that this mechanism may be widespread in the plant microbiome.



The team is now exploring why this enzyme may benefit both plants and bacteria. One hypothesis is that degrading pathogenic flagella reduces the ability of harmful bacteria to invade plant roots.&nbsp;



“So, in that way it could be suppressing pathogens as well as the plant immune system,” said Eastman. Alternatively, the enzyme might allow certain bacteria to bypass plant defenses, potentially making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diseases-flourish-in-city-landscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> more vulnerable to disease.



This dual possibility raises questions about applying these findings in agriculture.&nbsp;



“We don’t want to compromise the immune system, but we also want plants to save that immune response for when it matters,” Eastman emphasized.&nbsp;



The ultimate goal is to help plants “keep calm and keep growing.”



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



Further studies are needed to understand better how these enzymes can be leveraged in agricultural settings without increasing the plants’ susceptibility to pathogens.&nbsp;



By elucidating the relationship between soil microbes and plant immunity, this research offers promising avenues for optimizing crop growth while maintaining disease resistance.



This work marks a significant step toward uncovering the intricate dynamics between plant hosts and their microbiomes, and sheds light on how these interactions can be harnessed to support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-footprint-a-new-frontier-in-sustainable-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable agriculture</a>.



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Soil bacteria help plants stay calm and keep growing

Plants constantly juggle their energy between growth and defense against...

In 2024, global warming propelled Earth to its hottest year on record. This is not just another statistic; it marks a defining moment in our struggle to curb rising temperatures.



This turning point, confirmed by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, signals the first time the world has breached the 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 F) warming limit established by the 2015 Paris Agreement.



The global treaty seeks to curb the escalating impacts of climate change, but nature seems to be racing ahead and ignoring our best-laid plans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2024-continues-the-warming-trend">2024 continues the warming trend</h2>



The year 2023 was already somewhat hotter - by about 0.3 degrees Celsius to be precise - than its predecessor, 2022.



"And 2024 continued that trend of being warmer than the previous year," said Kevin Grise, associate professor of environmental sciences at the <a href="https://www.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a>,



Professor Grise teaches courses such as Atmosphere and Weather, Introduction to Climatology, and Atmospheric Dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-future-weather-events">Predicting future weather events</h2>



Professor Grise's research is fueled by an ambitious goal – to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predict future weather</a> events with greater precision.



This pursuit involves the use of intricate computer models that are designed to project the track of climate change based on current estimations. These models hold a mirror to the future, and reflect the potential consequences of a warming planet.



"A key focus is trying to understand whether we can confidently say these models are capturing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-influences-us-weather-patterns-ai-machine-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather pattern</a> changes experts say are going to happen in our changing climate," noted Professor Grise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-relief-from-heat-at-night">Less relief from heat at night</h2>



Over his 11-year tenure at UVA, Grise has witnessed the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-global-temperature-exceeded-2c-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperature</a> tick upwards by approximately 0.5 degrees Celsius or about 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit.



His research highlights a shift in atmospheric dynamics and wind circulation patterns, altered by natural cycles and climate change.



For Virginia, the future may hold more heat waves as the climate continues its relentless change.



Professor Grise pointed out an often overlooked aspect of global warming - the nights are not as cool as they used to be.



"If people don't have access to air conditioning, it becomes even harder for them to cool off on very warm nights," he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chaotic-symphony-of-weather-patterns">Chaotic symphony of weather patterns</h2>



The global warming footprint is manifested in the rise of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-causes-the-rapid-intensification-of-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stronger hurricanes</a>, extreme rainfall events, and fluctuating weather patterns.



For instance, Hurricane Beryl emerged as the earliest Category 5 storm in Atlantic history and the strongest to develop in June. 



Meanwhile, the U.S. city of Phoenix endured 113 consecutive days with a temperature hovering at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.



The year 2024 was also marked by 24 weather/climate disasters in the U.S., each causing losses exceeding $1 billion. 



This calamitous lineup included 17 severe storms, four tropical cyclones, one wildfire, and two winter storms - which collectively caused at least 418 deaths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-heat-waves-and-coastal-challenges">Ocean heat waves and coastal challenges </h2>



Professor Grise has been keeping an eye on another side effect of climate change as well - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-heat-waves-are-persisting-in-the-u-s-even-in-winter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean heat waves</a>. These anomalies are disrupting marine habitats and fueling extreme weather events with unparalleled intensity.



"We've seen some unusual events that have huge impacts on ecosystems in the ocean and tropical systems. We saw the first ever Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic basin in June, and we saw [Hurricane] Milton hit Florida, which rapidly intensified within 24 hours - an almost 95 mph intensification," said Professor Grise. 



In coastal regions like Hampton Roads, rising sea levels and the potential for stronger hurricanes remain pressing concerns. 



"The hurricanes that do form have the potential to get stronger than we would expect because the water temperature is warmer," said Professor Grise. "The warmer air can have more water vapor in it, more humidity, and create even more extreme rainfall events."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-a-warmer-world">Consequences of a warmer world</h2>



Warmer temperatures and standing water also create ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed, potentially expanding habitats for insect-borne diseases.



This could lead to the spread of illnesses such as malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya into new areas.



This year's United Nations Climate Change Conference, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November, focused heavily on climate finance. 



Developed nations pledged to mobilize at least $300 billion per year by 2035, tripling the previous goal of $100 billion.



"From a policy perspective, the choices now are to focus climate mitigation and working to stop the emissions that are causing climate change or developing ways to adapt to a warmer world. Or a combination of the two," concluded Professor Grise.



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2024 confirmed as Earth's hottest year in recorded history

In 2024, global warming propelled Earth to its hottest year...

Every person has a story to tell. Whether it's a daily mishap at the grocery store or a life-changing adventure abroad, our experiences shape the narratives we share. 



But here's the fascinating part - the way we engage in storytelling might actually influence how meaningful and fulfilling our lives feel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storytelling-and-a-person-s-quality-of-life">Storytelling and a person's quality of life</h2>



A remarkable study, published in&nbsp;The Journal of Positive Psychology, reveals a direct link between storytelling ability and a person’s sense of purpose, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experiences-not-things-are-key-to-deeper-social-connection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality of life</a>, and capacity to see the bigger picture. 



Conducted in Israel and the United States, the research evaluated participants’ storytelling abilities through self-assessments, peer feedback, stranger ratings, and expert analysis of story recordings.



The findings? Better storytelling skills predict a stronger sense of meaning, a clearer understanding of life’s direction, and an enhanced ability to see beyond details.



This connection holds true even after accounting for personality traits, with introverts particularly benefiting from storytelling as a means of self-expression and personal growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storytelling-key-to-personal-fulfillment">Storytelling: Key to personal fulfillment</h2>



The study confirms that storytelling isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a gateway to a more fulfilling life. Those who excel at storytelling report <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-rejection-teaches-us-valuable-lessons-about-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greater life satisfaction</a> and clarity.



“The ability to tell a story effectively and compellingly allows people to enjoy a more fulfilling life,” noted Professor Ron Shachar from <a href="https://www.runi.ac.il/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reichman University</a>.



Introverts, often perceived as reserved, benefit in particular from honing their storytelling skills. Through storytelling, they gain confidence, express themselves more effectively, and connect with others on a deeper level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storytelling-at-work-the-secret-to-success">Storytelling at work: The secret to success</h2>



The implications of this study extend beyond the realms of personal growth.



In today’s fast-paced workplace, storytelling is a powerful tool for promoting engagement, collaboration, and innovation. Managers and organizations can leverage storytelling to:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>build stronger teams,</li>



<li>enhance communication, and</li>



<li>cultivate a culture of purpose and inclusion.</li>
</ul>



Storytelling workshops and training programs can unlock creativity and productivity. They also empower employees - especially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-isolation-and-loneliness-trigger-changes-in-blood-proteins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">introverts</a> - to express their unique strengths, thus contributing to a more cohesive and innovative work environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-strategic-edge-of-storytelling-for-life">A strategic edge of storytelling for life</h2>



As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, uniquely human skills like storytelling grow in value. The ability to craft compelling narratives is closely tied to strategic thinking and vision - qualities essential for leaders and employees alike.



By investing in storytelling training, organizations equip their teams to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.



“Storytelling is not only a tool for personal improvement but also a key to organizational success,” Professor Shachar emphasized.



From enhancing individual well-being to promoting a sense of inclusion and belonging, storytelling has the power to transform lives and workplaces alike.



In a world increasingly driven by data and technology, storytelling reminds us of what makes us human: our ability to connect, inspire, and find meaning in the stories we share.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-to-improve-your-storytelling-skills">Tips to improve your storytelling skills</h2>



Mastering storytelling takes time, but the following steps will make your stories more engaging and memorable:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Know your audience Tailor your story to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-friendships-improve-your-health-as-you-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">people</a> listening. Consider their interests, values, and what will resonate most with them. </li>



<li>Start strong Grab attention from the beginning with a compelling hook. Start with a surprising fact, a vivid description, or a relatable anecdote to draw listeners in. </li>



<li>Be clear and concise Keep your story focused. Avoid unnecessary details that might confuse or bore your audience. Stick to the core message you want to convey. </li>



<li>Use emotion Great stories make people feel something. Whether it’s humor, suspense, or inspiration, emotions create a connection with your audience. </li>



<li>Structure matters Follow a simple structure: beginning, middle, and end. Introduce the characters, set up the conflict, and provide a satisfying resolution. </li>



<li>Practice active voice Speak or write directly. Active voice makes your storytelling vivid and engaging. </li>



<li>Incorporate personal elements Share personal experiences or observations to make your story authentic and relatable. </li>



<li>Practice regularly Like any life skill, storytelling improves with practice. Share stories in casual settings to build confidence. </li>



<li>Observe great storytellers Learn from books, podcasts, or speakers. Analyze how they capture and hold attention. </li>



<li>Engage your audience Ask questions or pause for reactions. This interaction makes your storytelling more engaging and brings life to your narrative.</li>
</ol>



The study is published in <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17439760.2024.2431684" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journal of Positive Psychology</a>.



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Want a happier life? Improving this particular skillset can help

Every person has a story to tell. Whether it's a...

The question of how to handle wastewater has been an environmental concern for several decades. Yearly, billions of gallons of untreated or inadequately treated wastewater are released into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This water contaminates ecosystems and severely endangers public health.



Traditional methods of wastewater treatment usually involve energy-intensive processes and chemical additions, which are neither environmentally sustainable nor economically viable in the long run.



These issues are even more severe in arid regions, where limited water resources compound the difficulty of treating and reusing wastewater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-based-solution-for-wastewater-management">Nature-based solution for wastewater management</h2>



Reed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wetlands-are-caught-in-a-battle-between-co2-and-rising-seas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wetlands</a>, or sludge treatment reed beds (STRBs), offer a breakthrough alternative. By leveraging nature to treat wastewater, STRBs minimize environmental harm while maximizing efficiency.



In a recent study, experts have investigated this promising solution. The team demonstrated that reed beds use natural processes to degrade pollutants and reduce sludge - a hazardous byproduct of conventional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteriophages-could-revolutionize-fracking-wastewater-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wastewater treatment</a>.



As nations grapple with increasing water and climate challenges, STRBs represent a critical step toward achieving global sustainability goals.



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



The research was conducted by scientists at <a href="https://www.squ.edu.om/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sultan Qaboos University</a> and published in the journal Soil &amp; Environmental Health.



The experts have made progress in fine-tuning solutions for sludge management, particularly for arid climates.



The team utilized advanced 16S rRNA sequencing to identify the microbial players responsible for nutrient removal and organic matter stabilization.



Pilot-scale reed beds were tested under varying sludge loading rates. While the higher sludge loads led to increased bacterial diversity, they also resulted in lower community evenness.



Reeds, which are vital to the process, help shape microbial populations and promote the growth of nitrifying bacteria and methanogens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-reed-beds">The science behind reed beds</h2>



Several bacteria were found to have prominent roles in the process. Proteobacteria were the main drivers of critical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sequestering-carbon-in-soil-is-dependent-upon-microbes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> and nitrogen cycles. 



Meanwhile, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria played significant roles in organic matter degradation and nutrient removal.



Reeds planted in the sludge created aerobic niches and released root exudates, which enhanced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-activities-underground-revealed-by-new-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial activity</a> and promoted the development of specialized rhizosphere communities.



With their contribution, STRBs achieved an impressive 98% reduction in sludge volume. The optimal performance for this was observed at a sludge loading rate of 100 kg/m2/year.



"These findings highlight the transformative potential of STRBs in sustainable wastewater management. By leveraging natural processes, STRBs offer an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods," noted Daniel Menezes Blackburn, the study's lead researcher.



"By harnessing natural processes, STRBs provide an effective, eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods, offering valuable insights for real-world applications."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionizing-wastewater-management">Revolutionizing wastewater management</h2>



As it stands, reed beds have proven to be a viable solution for sustainable sludge management. Through minimizing chemical and energy use, these systems contribute to climate resilience and environmental conservation.



The next stage of research will explore diversifying plant species, optimizing sludge load capacities, and assessing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.



The breakthrough findings of this study highlight the potential of reed beds to revolutionize wastewater management.



By marrying ecological integrity with practical wastewater treatment solutions, STRBs are paving the way to global sustainability targets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovations-in-wastewater-reuse">Innovations in wastewater reuse</h2>



Whereas the treatment of wastewater is important, finding ways to reuse treated water sustainably is equally crucial - especially in regions that face scarcity of water.



Recent advances in wastewater reuse technologies have opened up new avenues to tackle this challenge.



One promising approach involves coupling sludge treatment reed beds (STRBs) with advanced filtration systems. The goal is to further purify treated water for non-potable applications such as irrigation, industrial cooling, and groundwater recharge.



This integrated method not only reduces the strain on freshwater resources but also provides an eco-friendly way to manage water cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-resilient-water-management-systems">Building resilient water management systems</h2>



Additionally, emerging membrane technologies, such as forward osmosis and nanofiltration, are being explored to enhance the quality of treated wastewater. 



These systems can remove residual contaminants that traditional treatments might leave behind, ensuring that reused water meets the strictest safety standards.



As global water demand continues to rise, innovations in wastewater reuse will be crucial for building resilient and sustainable water management systems. 



Technologies such as STRBs can offer a solution that is in line with these new ways of thinking about the treatment and utilization of wastewater, thus turning a pressing challenge into an opportunity for conservation and sustainability.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949919424000268?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soil &amp; Environmental Health</a>.



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Reed beds: A sustainable revolution in wastewater management

The question of how to handle wastewater has been an...

A new report has revealed that 2024 was yet another year of record-breaking temperatures, which are driving the global water cycle to unprecedented climate extremes and are contributing to massive floods and crippling droughts.&nbsp;



According to the experts, this intense warming is pushing worldwide water systems to their limits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformations-in-the-global-water-cycle">Transformations in the global water cycle</h2>



According to the 2024 Global Water Monitor Report, an international collaboration led by <a href="http://anu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ANU</a> Professor Albert van Dijk, rising temperatures are significantly changing the way water moves around the planet, “wreaking havoc” on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distress-signals-earths-water-cycle-is-becoming-more-erratic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water cycle</a>. 



With the planet growing steadily hotter, water evaporates more quickly, amplifying severe events like storms and droughts.



“Rising sea surface temperatures intensified tropical cyclones and droughts in the Amazon Basin and southern Africa. Global warming also contributed to heavier downpours and slower-moving storms, as evidenced by deadly flash floods in Europe, Asia and Brazil,” reported van Dijk.&nbsp;



The report notes that, in 2024, about four billion people across 111 countries experienced their hottest year to date, and that air temperatures over land have climbed 1.2 degrees Celsius since the start of the 21st century, roughly 2.2 degrees Celsius higher than the pre-industrial era.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harsh-water-related-disasters">Harsh water-related disasters</h2>



“In 2024, Earth experienced its hottest year on record, for the fourth year in a row. Water systems across the globe bore the brunt,” van Dijk said.



He emphasized that 2024 was a year of extremes but was not an isolated occurrence. “It is part of a worsening trend of more intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">floods</a>, prolonged droughts, and record-breaking extremes.”



Major water-driven calamities - flash floods, river floods, droughts, tropical cyclones, and landslides - resulted in more than 8,700 deaths and displaced 40 million people worldwide, incurring economic losses exceeding US $550 billion.&nbsp;



“From historic droughts to catastrophic floods, these extreme events impact lives, livelihoods, and entire ecosystems. Separate, heavy rainfall events caused widespread flash flooding in Afghanistan and Pakistan, killing more than 1,000 people,” van Dijk said.&nbsp;



“Catastrophic flooding in Brazil caused more than 80 deaths, with the region recording more than 300 millimetres of rainfall.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intensified-rainfall-extremes-and-flash-floods">Intensified rainfall extremes and flash floods</h2>



One of the report’s key findings is the increased frequency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-increases-as-a-direct-result-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme rainfall</a>. 



“We found rainfall records are being broken with increasing regularity,” said van Dijk.



“For example, record-high monthly rainfall totals were achieved 27 percent more frequently in 2024 than at the start of this century, whereas daily rainfall records were achieved 52 percent more frequently. Record-lows were 38 percent more frequent, so we are seeing worse extremes on both sides.”



Van Dijk noted that in southern China, the Yangtze and Pearl Rivers flooded cities and towns, displacing tens of thousands of people and causing hundreds of millions of dollars in crop damages. In August, heavy monsoon rains and dam releases in Bangladesh caused widespread river flooding.&nbsp;



“More than 5.8 million people were affected and at least one million tons of rice was destroyed. In Spain, more than 500 millimetres of rain fell within eight hours in late October, causing deadly flash floods,” said van Dijk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-droughts-a-parallel-threat">Droughts: A parallel threat</h2>



While many regions contended with floods, others faced punishing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">droughts</a>. 



“In the Amazon Basin, one of the Earth’s most important ecosystems, record low river levels cut off transport routes and disrupted hydropower generation.”&nbsp;



“Wildfires driven by the hot and dry weather burned through more than 52,000 square kilometres in September alone, releasing vast amounts of greenhouse gases,” van Dijk added.



“In southern Africa, a severe drought reduced maize production by more than 50 percent, leaving 30 million people facing food shortages. Farmers were forced to cull livestock as pastures dried up. The drought also reduced hydropower output, leading to widespread blackouts.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-more-extreme-events">Preparing for more extreme events</h2>



Van Dijk warned of the growing necessity to prepare for more intense extremes.&nbsp;



“We need to prepare and adapt to inevitably more severe extreme events. That can mean stronger flood defences, developing more drought-resilient food production and water supplies, and better early warning systems.”&nbsp;



“Water is our most critical resource, and its extremes - both floods and droughts - are among the greatest threats we face.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warmer-conditions-and-a-turbulent-water-cycle">Warmer conditions and a turbulent water cycle</h2>



The research team gathered data from ground stations and satellites to track variables such as rainfall, soil moisture, and river flows. This extensive data collection offers near real-time insights into water-related disasters, clarifying how climatic shifts and water events intertwine on a global scale.



The 2024 findings confirm that warmer conditions push the water cycle into turbulent territory, with extreme rainfall and severe droughts becoming more frequent and intense.&nbsp;



In facing these challenges, the combination of well-informed science and rapid adaptation strategies will be key to safeguarding communities and ecosystems for years to come.



The report can be found <a href="https://www.globalwater.online/globalwater.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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Rising temperatures are ‘wreaking havoc’ on the global water cycle

A new report has revealed that 2024 was yet another...

The skies above America's heartland have been getting increasingly volatile. Massive thunderstorms and extreme summer rainfalls have been dumping unprecedented amounts of rain across the central and eastern United States.



Backed by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), recent research sheds light on the link between prolonged thunderstorms and these intense downpours. The study offers critical insights into one of the most dangerous weather phenomena: flooding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patterns-of-extreme-summer-rainfall">Patterns of extreme summer rainfall</h2>



A team led by meteorologist Jason Chiappa analyzed high-resolution rain data that spanned 21 years, from 2003 to 2023.



The researchers identified instances where the rainfall within 12 hours exceeded the 10-year average for the area. The scientists termed these occurrences "extreme events." 



The analysis revealed a clear pattern: thunderstorms that linger for hours over the same region tend to produce extreme rainfall events that are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forecasting-the-floods-new-clues-about-extreme-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">responsible for many floods</a>.



“This research will help improve daily and seasonal forecasts to help us understand health and safety concerns related to one of the deadliest consequences from extreme rainfall events - flooding,” said Chungu Lu, an <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a> program manager who supported the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-of-long-term-rainfall-patterns">Complexity of long-term rainfall patterns </h2>



Chiappa’s analysis showed that while extreme rainfall events have generally increased over the years, they also exhibit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-increases-as-a-direct-result-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">annual variations</a>.



"It is important for us to identify changes in the nature and frequency of these events and explore why some years have so many more extreme events than others," Chiappa explained. This variability adds complexity to understanding long-term patterns and preparing for future risks.



Thunderstorms at the heart of these extreme rainfalls don’t follow a simple playbook. These storms often unleash their fury at night, a time when weather models struggle to predict them accurately. Convective rainfall, marked by its sudden and localized nature, poses a particular challenge. 



Current global weather and climate models lack the resolution and timing precision to capture reliably such small-scale but high-impact events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-prediction-of-extreme-rainfall">Challenges in prediction of extreme rainfall</h2>



Nighttime thunderstorms are a meteorological puzzle. Weather models, which excel during the day, falter when predicting nocturnal convective storms. 



This limitation hampers our ability to forecast extreme rainfall events effectively. Understanding the mechanisms behind these storms and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improving model accuracy</a> remain key areas for future research.



The study doesn’t just stop at understanding the past; it opens doors to a safer future. By identifying trends and patterns in extreme rainfall, the findings can help enhance weather forecasting tools. 



Accurate predictions can mitigate the devastating effects of flooding, and provide communities with the information they need to prepare and respond.



Flooding, already one of the deadliest consequences of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-gets-an-unpredictable-boost-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a>, could become more frequent and severe in a warming climate. The implications of the study extend beyond meteorology to public safety, infrastructure planning, and emergency response.



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



While the study offers valuable insights, it also raises important questions. Why do some years witness significantly more extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall events</a> than others? What roles do broader climate patterns play in shaping these variations? Chiappa and his team hope future research will uncover these answers.



As the climate continues to change, understanding localized extreme weather events becomes increasingly important. 



The relationship between global warming and extreme rainfall isn’t straightforward, but studies like this one highlight the urgent need to explore these connections further.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foundation-for-meaningful-action">Foundation for meaningful action</h2>



Extreme rainfall isn’t just a weather story - it’s a societal challenge. Floods devastate communities, disrupt lives, and strain infrastructure.



Recognizing trends and patterns in these events can provide policymakers and planners with the tools to build more resilient communities.



By improving our understanding of the forces that drive these storms, we can better prepare for what lies ahead. Whether through more accurate weather forecasts, improved infrastructure, or public awareness campaigns, this research provides a foundation for meaningful action.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-wake-up-call">A wake up call</h2>



The increase in extreme summer rainfalls over the past 21 years is a wake-up call. As scientists like Jason Chiappa and programs like the NSF continue to examine these phenomena, they remind us of the power of knowledge in facing the challenges of a changing climate.



The next time thunderclouds gather on the horizon, consider the layers of science and effort behind predicting their behavior. 



While we can’t control the weather, understanding it better brings us one step closer to safeguarding our communities from its most extreme expressions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL110424" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Extreme summer rainfall events have increased in the U.S.

The skies above America's heartland have been getting increasingly volatile....

<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.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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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



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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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