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...

Carrying too much visible fat around the waist and hips is a well-known health risk. However, unseen fat around the heart also poses significant dangers. 



Scientists at the University of Virginia (UVA) Health System are developing a non-invasive method to assess these risks, potentially transforming how doctors diagnose and treat heart disease.



Led by Dr. Frederick H. Epstein of UVA’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, the researchers are using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to analyze the composition of epicardial adipose tissue - the fat surrounding the heart.



This technique could help doctors pinpoint patients who are at risk for severe heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. It may also help predict patient responses to treatments, which would enhance care strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-progress-in-heart-imaging">Progress in heart imaging</h2>



Initial testing has shown promising results. The new MRI technique offers insights that were previously unavailable.



“Using this new MRI technique, we now for the very first time have the ability to know the composition of the fat that accumulates around the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-patients-have-a-unique-vulnerability-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a>,” said Dr. Amit R. Patel, a cardiologist at <a href="https://uvahealth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UVA Health</a>.



“This is important because, depending on its makeup, the fat which surrounds the heart has the potential to release damaging substances directly into the heart muscle, leading to serious heart problems.”



Dr. Patel noted that the research could enable patients to convert unhealthy fat into healthier forms using lifestyle changes or medications.



“We believe that by doing so, we will be able to reduce some of the complications associated with heart disease,” he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-nature-of-epicardial-fat">Dual nature of epicardial fat</h2>



Epicardial adipose tissue is a type of fat that surrounds the heart. In healthy individuals, this fat plays an important protective role, helping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-more-plant-protein-lowers-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart function</a> properly.



However, in people with conditions like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or unhealthy habits like smoking and poor diets, this fat can accumulate excessively. In this case, it may become inflamed and undergo changes that can harm the heart instead of protecting it.



Scientists can now study the composition of this fat by analyzing the types of fatty acids it contains - saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated.



These insights help doctors identify people at risk of heart disease before symptoms appear. Finding and addressing these risks early can slow down the progression of heart disease, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-the-challenges-of-heart-scans">Tackling the challenges of heart scans</h2>



Capturing clear images of heart fat posed significant technical challenges due to constant heart and lung motion. To overcome this, the team developed advanced computational methods and innovative imaging approaches.



“The ability to make these measurements in epicardial adipose tissue required the use of advanced computational methods that can extract the unique signature of saturated fatty acids from an overall noisy signal,” said Dr. Epstein.



He commended&nbsp;Jack Echols, a biomedical engineering graduate student, for his pivotal contributions.



With these advances, the team can now obtain precise images in a single breath hold, paving the way for real-world applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-findings-from-heart-scans">Early findings from heart scans</h2>



Tests revealed that the fat surrounding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-blood-test-accurately-predicts-cardiovascular-heart-disease-risk-30-years-into-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a> in obese patients with prior heart attacks contained excessive saturated fatty acids. 



This discovery suggests that the new MRI technique could help identify at-risk individuals and improve patient outcomes.



“Being able to see the composition of the fat that surrounds the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-worsens-cardiovascular-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a> will improve our understanding of heart disease and may lead to the development of new treatment strategies in the future,” noted Dr. Patel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-scans-and-early-interventions">Heart scans and early interventions</h2>



The new MRI technique represents a significant leap in heart disease care. 



"Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), the adipose depot positioned between the myocardium and the visceral pericardium, has emerged as an important contributor to cardiovascular disease, particularly in obesity and metabolic heart disease," explained the researchers.



By providing a clearer picture of this fat composition around the heart, the new imaging technique could empower doctors to intervene earlier and more effectively, reducing the burden of heart disease worldwide.



The findings were published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mrm.30285" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magnetic Resonance in Medicine</a>. 



The study received funding from the&nbsp;National Institutes of Health,&nbsp;National Institute on Aging,&nbsp;American Heart Association, and other organizations.



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Simple scan can predict risks of serious heart problems

Carrying too much visible fat around the waist and hips...

New research is offering unprecedented insights into the icy planetesimals of the early solar system, such as trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and centaurs.



Planetesimals are small, celestial objects that form during the early stages of planetary system development. 



They are made up of dust and gas particles that coalesce in a protoplanetary disk surrounding a young star.



The study, which has revealed the distribution and evolution of these intriguing celestial bodies, is giving scientists an entirely new perspective on the formation of the outer solar system.



These new findings enhance our understanding of these distant objects while providing clues about the processes that shaped the solar system's architecture billions of years ago.



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



Trans-Neptunian objects are small bodies that orbit the Sun beyond Neptune, hanging out in regions like the Kuiper Belt and possibly much farther in the Oort Cloud. 



They come in a range of sizes, with some as large as dwarf planets and others no bigger than chunks of rock and ice. 



Pluto, once called the ninth planet, is one of the most famous trans-Neptunian objects, but there are many others like Eris, which is roughly the same size, and Haumea, known for its elongated shape.



These objects often have reddish or darker surfaces because of chemical compounds called tholins, formed when ultraviolet light interacts with their icy makeup. 



Because they’re so far from the Sun, trans-Neptunian objects stay extremely cold and move slowly along their distant orbits.



These icy objects, with orbits comparable to or larger than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-dark-spot-on-neptune-detected-from-earth-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neptune</a>'s, remain untouched by collisions -- preserving vital clues about the solar system's ancient past.



Astronomers value trans-Neptunian objects because they act like time capsules from the Solar System’s early days. Their orbits and compositions can clue us in on how planets and smaller bodies formed billions of years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-groups-of-tnos">Distinct groups of TNOs</h2>



Researchers at the University of Central Florida (<a href="https://www.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCF</a>) conducted comprehensive analyses of trans-Neptunian objects (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-carbon-ices-discovered-objects-beyond-neptune-kuiper-belt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TNOs</a>) and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-objects-called-centaurs-29p-continue-to-perplex-nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">centaurs</a>.



With the help of the James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webbtelescope.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>), the scientists discovered three distinct compositional groups of TNOs. 



These were defined by ice retention lines that existed when the solar system was formed, billions of years ago.



Thanks to the advanced capabilities of the JWST, a clearer, more holistic picture of the solar system's early formation and evolution can be ascertained.



The telescope made it possible to identify the specific molecules responsible for the remarkable variety of spectra, colors, and albedo observed in TNOs. 



The research presents a direct connection between the spectral features of TNOs and their chemical compositions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-and-composition-of-planetesimals">Formation and composition of planetesimals </h2>



The ice retention lines are identified as regions where temperatures were cold enough for specific ices to form and survive within the protoplanetary disk.



These areas, determined by their distance from the sun, serve as markers in the early solar system's temperature gradient, linking the formation conditions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetesimals</a> and their present-day compositions.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/trans-neptunian-object_tno_distribution-map_planetesimals_JWST_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/trans-neptunian-object_tno_distribution-map_planetesimals_JWST_1s.webp" alt="Artistic representation of the distribution of trans-Neptunian objects in the planetesimal disk, with overlaid representative spectra of each compositional group highlighting the dominant molecules on their surfaces. Credit: Graphic art by William D. González Sierra for the Florida Space Institute, University of Central Florida" class="wp-image-1955116"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Artistic representation of the distribution of trans-Neptunian objects in the planetesimal disk, with overlaid representative spectra of each compositional group highlighting the dominant molecules on their surfaces. Credit: Graphic art by William D. González Sierra for the Florida Space Institute, University of Central Florida</figcaption></figure>



One of the major outcomes of the research was the discovery that there is a clear connection between the formation of planetesimals in the protoplanetary disk and their later evolution.



The NTO composition groups are not uniformly scattered among objects with similar orbits. This insight helps explain how today's observed distributions emerged in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-six-planet-star-system-moves-in-strange-perfect-synchrony/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary system</a> shaped by complex, dynamical evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-centaurs-pulled-to-the-inner-solar-system">Centaurs pulled to the inner solar system</h2>



The UCF team didn’t stop with TNOs. They also explored the world of centaurs, which are TNOs that have shifted their orbits into the region of the giant planets following a close gravitational encounter with Neptune.



TNOs transform into centaurs as they warm while approaching the Sun; sometimes they also grow comet-like tails.



Centaurs are often unstable in their current positions and may eventually become comets. They are intriguing objects for studying the transition between the icy bodies of the outer solar system and the more rocky, volatile-depleted bodies closer to the Sun.



Unique spectral signatures were observed from centaurs, revealing the presence of dusty regolith mantles on their surfaces. 



These surfaces showed unique characteristics when compared with the surfaces of TNOs, suggesting that adaptations occurred as a result of their journey into the inner solar system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bodies-of-the-outer-solar-system">Bodies of the outer solar system</h2>



Though considerable progress has been made in understanding TNOs and centaurs, there is always more to learn. 



The researchers identified three distinct groups based on their surface compositions. These groups show properties that hint at the protoplanetary disk's compositional structure.



The research provides a broader understanding of the material that helped form outer solar system bodies like the gas giants, their moons, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pluto-may-not-be-real-planet-but-has-real-big-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pluto</a>.



Consequently, the findings have opened new horizons for further exploration and discovery. Now that scientists have some general information about the identified compositional groups, more detailed investigation will now take place to understand how these groups came into existence.



The future promises even more exciting revelations about TNOs, centaurs, and the roots of our solar system.



The research was supported by a grant from the Space Telescope Science Institute.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02433-2">Nature Astronomy</a>.



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Webb captures best view ever of icy objects from the early solar system

New research is offering unprecedented insights into the icy planetesimals...

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming a severe threat to global health, with potentially catastrophic consequences. 



New research led by Northern Arizona University (NAU) reveals that infection-related deaths could surge due to multidrug-resistant and pan-resistant bacteria. This isn’t a question of if, but when, warns the study’s lead author, Benjamin Koch.



Published in&nbsp;the journal Communications Medicine, the study highlights the growing danger of antibiotic resistance. As antibiotic usage increases worldwide, bacteria are evolving to resist multiple antibiotics, leading to multidrug-resistance.



What's even more troubling is that pan-resistant bacteria could emerge, marking a turning point in global health. Pan-resistant bacteria are immune to all known antibiotics. 



“Multidrug-resistance is bad, but once a pathogen gains resistance to all known antibiotics, known as pan-resistance, a dramatically rapid shift, rather than a gradual rise in public health impacts, can be expected,” said Koch, a senior research scientist at <a href="https://nau.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NAU</a>’s Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (Ecoss).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-antibiotic-resistance">What is antibiotic resistance?</h2>



Antibiotic resistance is when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-plays-an-overlooked-role-in-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria evolve</a> to survive treatments meant to kill them. Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections. Over time, certain bacteria adapt and develop defenses against these drugs.



This resistance often arises from improper or excessive use of antibiotics. For example, taking antibiotics for viral infections, not completing prescribed doses, or overusing them in farming can all contribute. 



When bacteria become resistant, they continue to grow and spread despite antibiotic treatment, making infections harder or even impossible to cure.



This problem isn’t limited to just one country or region. Resistant bacteria can spread globally, threatening public health and making previously treatable illnesses - like pneumonia or urinary tract infections - more dangerous.



To address this, we need better antibiotic use, policies, and the development of new medicines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-when-pan-resistance-strikes">What happens when pan-resistance strikes</h2>



Using hypothetical models, researchers studied the potential impact of a pan-resistant strain of E. coli on sepsis deaths in the United States. By analyzing long-term data on sepsis incidence, mortality rates, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antimicrobial-resistance-could-cause-39-million-deaths-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment outcomes</a>, they found shocking results.



Their models predict that sepsis deaths could increase by 18 to 46 times within just five years after the introduction of a pan-resistant strain. This hypothetical strain doesn’t exist yet, but the rapid evolution of bacteria suggests it may be inevitable.



“With the available data, researchers aren’t able to predict the timing of pan-resistance with any accuracy; it could be in a year, or it could be in a century,” Koch noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-health-equalizer">Global health equalizer</h2>



Antibiotic resistance doesn’t discriminate. Unlike other health crises that disproportionately affect lower-income populations, pan-resistance would erase advantages like access to superior health care or varied <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic options</a>.



People in both high-income and low-income countries would face the same grim outcomes from infections that were once easily treatable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-be-done-about-antibiotic-resistance">What can be done about antibiotic resistance?</h2>



The researchers emphasize that while the threat is grave, steps can be taken to reduce the risk. Governments, industries, and individuals have crucial roles to play.



Governments must enforce stricter policies around the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistance-increasing-enterococci-looming-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a> in both human and veterinary medicine. They must also incentivize the development of new antibiotics - an area of research that has slowed in recent years.



“There are technologies that could monitor the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance,” said Koch. Investments in these innovations could provide early warnings and help contain outbreaks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-responsible-antibiotic-use">Responsible antibiotic use</h2>



On an individual level, the proper use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-increases-threat-antimicrobial-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a> is critical. Koch advises using antibiotics only when prescribed by a health care provider and avoiding unnecessary usage. 



Supporting policies that promote antibiotic stewardship can help curb the spread of resistance.



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



The rise of pan-resistant bacteria could redefine global public health challenges. 



“We must reduce the forces that currently promote the evolution and dissemination of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-livestock-are-major-drivers-of-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic</a>-resistant pathogens. Globally, this means improving antibiotic stewardship in human and veterinary medicine and in food-animal production,” Koch concluded.



The findings highlight the urgency of tackling antibiotic resistance before it spirals out of control. With coordinated action, the global community can slow the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and potentially save millions of lives.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43856-024-00693-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Medicine</a>.



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Antibiotic resistance could cause a global health crisis

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming a severe threat to global health,...

Peeling back the layers of history, we find ourselves in the heart of the ancient copper industry in the time of King Solomon’s mines.



The tale of this legendary biblical king and his mines has been passed down through generations, with many people assuming that the mining process of ancient copper production left rampant pollution and environmental destruction.



But what if that ominous narrative isn't as factual as we’ve been led to believe?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-copper-production">New perspective on copper production </h2>



Researchers from Tel Aviv University (TAU) have recently challenged this story. Their study delivers a new perspective on the industrial history of these legendary mines.



Their findings not only rewrite the story of ancient copper smelting but also invite a reexamination of how we interpret environmental impacts in historical contexts.



The research, published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, reveals that the environmental pollution generated by ancient copper production was far less severe than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surveys-at-copper-production-sites">Surveys at copper production sites</h2>



The study was led by Professor Erez Ben-Yosef, Dr. Omri Yagel, Willy Ondricek, and Dr. Aaron Greener from the Chaim Rosenberg School of Jewish Studies and Archaeology at <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tel Aviv University</a>.



To investigate, the team conducted comprehensive geochemical surveys at copper production sites in the Timna Valley near Eilat, Israel.



The sites dated back to the 10th century BCE - an era that echoes with the names of the biblical Kings David and Solomon.



"We inspected two major copper production sites in the Timna Valley, one from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hazelnut-shells-offer-clues-ancient-landscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iron Age</a> and King Solomon’s era and another nearby that is about 1,500 years older,” said Professor Ben-Yosef.



“Our study was very extensive. We took hundreds of soil samples from both sites for chemical analyses, creating high-resolution maps of heavy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iron-was-lifes-first-essential-metal-and-shaped-early-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metal</a> presence in the region,” he explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extremely-low-pollution-levels">Extremely low pollution levels</h2>



The results of the study were rather surprising. According to Professor Ben-Yosef, the team found that pollution levels at the Timna copper mining sites are extremely low and confined to the locations of the ancient smelting furnaces.



 “For instance, the concentration of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/151-million-americans-have-mental-health-disorders-linked-to-leaded-gasoline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lead</a> - the primary pollutant in metal industries - drops to less than 200 parts per million just a few meters from the furnace," said Professor Ben-Yosef.



"By comparison, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines industrial areas as safe for workers at 1,200 parts per million and residential areas as safe for children at 200 parts per million.”



The experts noted that this finding directly contradicts a series of papers published since the 1990s alleging pollution caused by the ancient copper industry.



"We demonstrate that this is not true. Pollution in Timna is very restricted spatially, and it’s likely that only those working directly at the furnace suffered from inhaling toxic fumes, while just a short distance away, the soil is entirely safe," said the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debunking-old-theories">Debunking old theories </h2>



Seeking to understand the bigger picture, the TAU archaeologists also conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature on ancient industrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-in-six-deaths-in-2019-was-caused-by-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>.



Their review unveiled a recurring assumption: traces of ancient metallurgical activity were labeled as "pollution." 



As a result, the inference was drawn that metal industries, from their earliest beginnings, were <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/car-tires-shed-pollutants-that-are-especially-toxic-for-humans-and-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harmful to humans</a>. This standpoint, the researchers argue, is far from the truth.



"Even when metal production was large-scale, becoming integral to human civilization, it was the toxic lead industry that caused global pollution, not necessarily other metals," the team noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-projecting-our-pollution-problems">Projecting our pollution problems </h2>



The experts emphasized that in dealing with the severe environmental challenges of our time, we must be cautious not to project modern pollution problems onto the past.



“While we might label a few pieces of slag on the ground as 'pollution,' we should not confuse this localized waste with regional or global environmental pollution,” they cautioned.



Taking us on a journey through time, the researchers at TAU help us see the past in a new light - one that challenges our preconceived notions about an ancient copper industry. 



The findings provide a crucial reminder that we need to view the past without the lens of our current environmental anxieties.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-80939-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Copper industry of King Solomon’s era didn't harm the environment

Peeling back the layers of history, we find ourselves in...

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has achieved an incredible feat, venturing closer to the Sun than ever before. On December 24, 2024, the spacecraft made a record-breaking approach, flying just 3.8 million miles from the Sun’s surface.



The probe is the fastest human-made object in history. Its daring journey occurred at an astonishing speed of 430,000 miles per hour.



A beacon tone received on December 26 confirmed the spacecraft’s safety and functionality, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historic-achievement-of-parker-solar-probe">Historic achievement of Parker Solar Probe</h2>



The mission represents humanity’s first attempt to “touch” a star. 



"Flying this close to the Sun is a historic moment in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-parker-solar-probe-reaches-closest-approach-to-the-sun-perihelion-survival-unknown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humanity’s first mission</a> to a star,” said Nicky Fox, Science Mission Directorate leader at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. 



By studying the Sun’s behavior up close, scientists hope to better understand its impact on the solar system, including effects on Earth’s technology and insights into stellar processes across the universe. 



This knowledge could aid in the search for habitable worlds beyond our planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-the-parker-solar-probe">Journey of the Parker Solar Probe</h2>



Launched in 2018, Parker Solar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parker-solar-probe-will-fly-through-suns-atmosphere-tomorrow-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Probe</a> has spent six years preparing for this achievement. Seven Venus flybys adjusted its trajectory, bringing it closer to the Sun with each orbit. The spacecraft reached its optimal orbit after its final Venus flyby on November 6, 2024.



This unique path allows Parker Solar Probe to study the Sun’s enigmatic processes every three months while maintaining a safe distance to avoid excessive heat and radiation. This orbit will remain unchanged for the duration of the mission.



“Parker Solar Probe is braving one of the most extreme environments in space and exceeding all expectations,” said Nour Rawafi, project scientist at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APL</a>). 



“This mission is ushering a new golden era of space exploration, bringing us closer than ever to unlocking the Sun’s deepest and most enduring mysteries.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engineering-marvel-withstanding-extreme-heat">Engineering marvel: Withstanding extreme heat</h2>



Operating in the Sun’s corona, where temperatures exceed 1 million degrees Fahrenheit, Parker Solar Probe relies on a specially designed carbon foam shield. 



This shield endures temperatures up to 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit while keeping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meet-the-fastest-human-made-object-ever-nasas-parker-solar-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft’s</a> instruments at room temperature. 



“It’s monumental to be able to get a spacecraft this close to the Sun,” said John Wirzburger, mission systems engineer at APL. 



Decades of technological advancement made this achievement possible, addressing challenges first identified in 1958.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewriting-the-rules-of-solar-science">Rewriting the rules of solar science</h2>



Parker Solar Probe is rewriting the rules of solar science. By flying through the corona, it collects unprecedented data to answer longstanding questions about solar processes. 



Researchers aim to understand why the corona is so hot, how the solar wind originates, and how particles accelerate to incredible speeds.



“The data is so important for the science community because it gives us another vantage point,” said Kelly Korreck, a heliophysicist at NASA. 



Observations from Parker Solar Probe have already revealed unexpected features like spikes and valleys in the corona’s outer boundary and pinpointed the origins of switchbacks in the solar wind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-discoveries-in-the-solar-system">Broader discoveries in the solar system</h2>



Beyond studying the Sun, Parker Solar Probe has made important discoveries about the inner solar system. It showed that&nbsp;coronal mass ejections (CMEs) - massive eruptions from the Sun - act like giant vacuums, sweeping up dust particles as they move through space.



This process helps scientists understand how solar events influence the environment between planets.



The spacecraft also provided detailed information on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-solar-storm-warning-issued-as-two-cmes-will-hit-earth-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar energetic particles</a>, which are high-energy particles ejected by the Sun. These particles play a critical role in space weather, affecting satellites, astronauts, and even communication systems on Earth.



During its flybys of Venus, Parker Solar Probe made remarkable observations. It detected natural radio emissions from Venus’s atmosphere, providing a better understanding of the planet’s atmospheric conditions.



Additionally, the probe captured the first-ever complete image of Venus’s orbital dust ring - a collection of fine particles that encircle the planet along its orbit. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-data-will-soon-reach-earth">Valuable data will soon reach Earth</h2>



The spacecraft’s recent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-sun-has-officially-reached-its-solar-maximum-period-in-this-solar-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar</a> pass produced valuable data which will soon be transmitted to Earth.



"The data that will come down from the spacecraft will be fresh information about a place that we, as humanity, have never been,” said Joe Westlake, NASA’s Heliophysics Division director.



With upcoming close approaches scheduled for March 22 and June 19, 2025, Parker Solar Probe promises to deepen our understanding of the Sun and its influence on the solar system. 



These efforts mark a significant step forward in humanity’s quest to unlock the secrets of the cosmos.



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Parker Solar Probe completes closest-ever approach to the Sun

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has achieved an incredible feat, venturing...

We’ve come a long way from viewing robots merely as tools. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-enabled robots play increasing roles in human lives - from assisting us in mundane everyday tasks to aiding in complex scientific research.



They’re becoming our partners and social entities, blurring the boundaries between human and machine.



And this transition is not without its pitfalls. This transformation challenges existing legal and ethical frameworks, raising pressing concerns about privacy, safety, and regulation. 



A new publication,&nbsp;The Cambridge Handbook of the Law, Policy, and Regulation for Human-Robot Interaction, addresses these issues. The book provides a roadmap for navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexities-of-human-robot-interactions">Complexities of human-robot interactions </h2>



Edited by Woodrow Barfield, Yueh-Hsuan Weng, and Ugo Pagallo, the handbook gathers insights from social sciences, computer science, and engineering. 



It stands as the first book to focus on the legal, policy, and regulatory aspects of human-robot <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dancing-robots-the-future-of-human-robot-interactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interaction</a>.



“Humanities are crucial to AI development,” said Yueh-Hsuan Weng, an associate professor at <a href="https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyushu University</a> and <a href="https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tohoku University</a>.



“Tech professionals can create cutting-edge systems, but without input from legal and humanities perspectives, these systems may struggle to coexist with humans. We hope this book serves as a compass for developers, ensuring AI systems better benefit our society.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-core-issues-of-human-robot-interaction">Core issues of human-robot interaction </h2>



The handbook’s 46 chapters are organized into four parts, each tackling a critical dimension of human-robot interaction:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Legal and ethical challenges: This section introduces foundational issues like trust in robots and anthropomorphism - where humans attribute emotions or intentions to non-human entities.</li>



<li>Societal impacts: This part explores whether AI entities should have legal personhood and the societal adjustments needed for greater human-robot integration.</li>



<li>Ethical and cultural values: Value alignment between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-can-feel-emotions-for-robots-especially-those-in-distress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI systems and human societies</a> is examined, highlighting regional and cultural differences. Topics include robots in long-term assistance and religious settings.</li>



<li>Legal evolution: The final section delves into how consumer, criminal, and constitutional laws must adapt to accommodate intelligent systems.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-ai-pacing-problem">Addressing the AI pacing problem</h2>



“A major issue I addressed in the book is the AI pacing problem,” noted Professor Weng.



This concept highlights the gap between rapid AI advancements and slower legislative responses. While efforts to regulate AI are underway globally, comprehensive laws often lag behind technological progress.



Professor Weng proposes solutions like global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/digital-deception-how-do-humans-respond-to-lying-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI</a> ethics standards developed by the IEEE, where he leads a working group. 



This initiative aims to modularize core issues and region-specific concerns, helping developers apply ethical guidelines effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-privacy-anthropomorphism-and-boundaries">Privacy, anthropomorphism, and boundaries</h2>



The handbook delves into key issues like anthropomorphism, robots in healthcare, and privacy protection, which are becoming increasingly relevant as robots integrate into human society. 



Anthropomorphism, where robots are designed to exhibit human-like behaviors or emotions, can enhance interaction but raises ethical concerns about trust and potential manipulation. 



In healthcare, robots play vital roles as caregivers, especially for older adults, assisting with tasks like mobility and medication reminders. 



However, these interactions can lead to emotional complexities, as individuals may perceive robotic caregivers as true companions, resulting in dependency or confusion. 



Privacy protection emerges as another critical concern, as robots collect vast amounts of personal data to deliver high-quality services. 



Without proper safeguards, this data could be misused, making robust and innovative regulatory solutions essential to address these challenges responsibly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-perspective-on-human-robot-interaction">Global perspective on human-robot interaction</h2>



The handbook brings together experts from various countries and presents case studies from across the globe, promoting a global dialogue on ethical dilemmas in human-robot <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-humans-react-to-coexisting-with-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interaction</a>. 



“As human-AI interactions become more common, I hope designers, manufacturers, and users of robots will engage with our book. Responsible research and innovation are crucial for the development of AI and robots, and this requires input from people across various societal sectors,” said Professor Weng.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-the-future-of-ai-and-robotics">Shaping the future of AI and robotics</h2>



The Cambridge Handbook of the Law, Policy, and Regulation for Human-Robot Interaction&nbsp;offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the complexities of AI-enabled robots. 



By sparking discussions across disciplines, it aims to guide the responsible integration of robots into society. 



“We warmly invite everyone to explore this book and join us in creating IEEE’s global standards for AI ethics,” said Professor Weng.



The <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-handbook-of-the-law-policy-and-regulation-for-humanrobot-interaction/5740D8AEA42968E6A195BEDF5CBD0E5C" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">book</a> is now available online, providing essential insights for navigating the future of human-robot interaction.



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Human-robot interaction: Are we prepared for the ethical challenges?

We’ve come a long way from viewing robots merely as...

Plans to revisit the Moon by the end of this decade promise an exciting step for space exploration. Experts now caution that our arrival could bring unexpected hazards by creating thin, short-lived, toxic atmospheres made of moon dust right above the lunar surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-footprints-new-frontiers">Human footprints, new frontiers</h2>



Our natural satellite has little more than an extremely sparse layer of gas around it at any given moment, which scientists call an exosphere. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-plans-to-build-house-on-the-moon-by-2040/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In the near future</a>, astronaut activities, mining efforts, and rocket launches may change that fragile environment and kick up large amounts of <a href="https://curator.jsc.nasa.gov/lunar/letss/regolith.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regolith</a> that jeopardize missions and equipment.



<a href="https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/sci/bio/rosemary.killen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rosemary Killen</a>, a planetary scientist at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center</a>, has voiced concerns about tiny dust particles swirling into the air and endangering explorers. “One thing that really worries us is that the dust raised by the explorers and so on will be loaded,” she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-moon-dust-clouds">Tiny moon dust clouds</h2>



Moon dust, or regolith, has formed over billions of years from space rock impacts and solar wind effects. 



The fine grains <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273117724008615" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pose health risks</a> when stirred up by rocket boosters and rovers, and their static-like buildup may affect visibility, respiratory health, and electronic instruments.



Exhaled vapors, leakages from spacecraft, and even little bits of water from life support systems can also add gas to the surrounding area. 



Although these additions may be short-lived, they can spread across miles before settling and freezing in the Moon’s shaded regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lunar-science-at-stake">Lunar science at stake</h2>



Researchers intend to unlock ancient secrets by analyzing pristine ice in permanently shadowed craters, where water may have existed for ages. 



But human-introduced <a href="https://baas.aas.org/pub/2024i009/release/1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water vapor</a> can confuse those findings, since it can freeze in the same dark spots and obscure chemical clues about the Moon’s past.



Many instruments and experiments depend on analyzing dust and gases with as little contamination as possible. 



Equipment set up to measure local atmospheric makeup might be thrown off by unwanted clouds of exhaust or recycling byproducts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spaceships-and-moon-dust-blasts">Spaceships and moon dust blasts</h2>



NASA has partnered with commercial groups to ferry astronauts and cargo to the Moon in an effort often referred to collectively as the Artemis missions (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Artemis</a>). Large vehicles, including Starship variants, might cause forceful landings that fling moon dust up at high altitudes and create brief “atmospheric” pockets of gas and tiny particles.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-nasa-plans-to-keep-people-in-space-after-the-iss-is-gone/">Space agencies</a> say they will try to minimize these effects by choosing suitable landing sites and carefully planning flight paths. 



Yet observers warn that a few seconds of rocket thrust could hurl moon dust long distances and deposit fresh contaminants in remote locations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-moon-dust-causes-concern">Why moon dust causes concern</h2>



Moon dust is not just an irritant: it can damage lungs, scratch surfaces on suits, and clog machinery. 



Some analysts compare it to the harm that soot or coal dust causes to miners if inhaled over time, which might reduce the safety margin for extended <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-new-lunar-fss-mission-will-explore-moon-far-side-moonquakes/">Moon missions</a>.



Astronauts also risk tracking moon dust back inside their living quarters. Dirty suits, tools, and rovers can transport the debris into airlocks and the interiors of space craft, which raises concerns about health impacts and mechanical damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-scientific-treasures">Protecting scientific treasures</h2>



High-priority research targets include regions that have barely changed in billions of years. Certain <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0019103517307340?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shadowy craters</a> may hold ice that could reveal how water arrived on Earth and the Moon, and offer clues about our planet’s beginnings.



Adding even a small amount of new water or gas can make existing data hard to interpret. Some scientists recommend carefully planned operations and restricted zones to preserve these ancient substances until samples can be taken under controlled conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-exploration-with-caution">Balancing exploration with caution</h2>



No one wants to halt progress in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-travel-has-unexpected-effects-on-gut-health/">space travel</a>. But specialists suggest that mindful mission designs, gentle landing technologies, and well-managed mining or drilling are necessary to keep the lunar surface intact.



<a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> aims to collect enough data to separate what is truly native to the Moon from anything brought by humans. 



Such efforts will help us learn the limits of lunar resources, the dangers of moon dust, and the best ways to safeguard explorers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moon-dust-and-lunar-exploration">Moon dust and lunar exploration</h2>



Our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lunar-glass-may-rewrite-the-geological-history-of-the-moon/">renewed presence on the Moon</a> introduces a host of fascinating possibilities. Yet it also places the spotlight on how fragile the lunar environment can be, reminding us that every footprint, launch, or sample has an impact.



From potential dust hazards to artificial atmospheric bursts, new lunar developments call for cooperation among space agencies, scientists, and private companies.&nbsp;



If handled wisely, tomorrow’s Moon missions will open a window to incredible discoveries while preserving our cosmic neighbor for future generations.



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NASA alert: Humans risk creating a toxic atmosphere on the Moon

Plans to revisit the Moon by the end of this...

What if a selfie could tell you something more than just how your hair looks today? What if selfies could reveal your biological age, regardless of the number of candles on your last birthday cake? 



The "face age" test from selfies is a type of AI-powered analysis that estimates a person's age based on facial features in a photo, and it's making waves in the medical community.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-selfies-reveal-your-body-s-true-age">Selfies reveal your body's true age</h2>



"Face age" is more than a novel idea - it’s becoming a tool for making critical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-future-of-ai-enhancing-patient-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medical decisions</a>. In some cases, it has influenced cancer treatment plans and even predicted patient survival rates.



Dr. Raymond Mak, a radiation oncologist at <a href="https://www.brighamandwomens.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brigham and Women’s Hospital</a> in Boston, Massachusetts, recently demonstrated the power of this technology.



Dr. Mak treated Lou Magelaner, a 90-year-old lung cancer patient, who appeared much younger than his age. Relying on his intuition and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI-driven tool</a> FaceAge, Dr. Mak confirmed his assessment.



When he uploaded Magelaner’s photo, the tool estimated his biological age to be 66. This result reinforced Dr. Mak's confidence in pursuing a treatment plan designed for younger patients.



"My gut was like, he’s more like a 70-year-old,” said Dr. Mak. After several weeks of radiation therapy, the treatment proved successful.



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



The FaceAge tool analyzes facial features using an AI model trained on thousands of images. By detecting subtle signs of aging, it offers insights into a person's health. 



Preliminary research suggests cancer patients often look biologically older than their actual age. This "older appearance" might correlate with earlier mortality, helping doctors refine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ai-could-protect-millions-of-people-from-vision-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment decisions</a>.



FaceAge isn't alone in this space. Consumer versions of such tools are already available online. For instance, Novos, a company focused on longevity, provides a free test that examines wrinkles, eye condition, and other facial features to estimate biological age. 



Over 300,000 people have tried it, including Novos CEO Chris Mirabile, who uses it as a motivation for healthier living.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-s-growing-role-in-healthcare">AI's growing role in healthcare</h2>



Artificial intelligence is being steadily integrated into healthcare. Beyond FaceAge, AI tools are detecting conditions like Parkinson’s disease from facial scans and identifying Covid-19 on X-rays.



“These digital tools aim to enhance clinical intuition,” noted Dr. Mak. In his study, FaceAge even outperformed doctors in predicting cancer patient survival rates.



Such advancements could guide treatment decisions or alert patients to seek medical attention. However, these tools remain primarily in research stages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-ethical-concerns">Challenges and ethical concerns</h2>



Despite its promise, face-age technology isn’t perfect. Training datasets often rely on images of wealthy individuals or celebrities, leading to potential biases. 



As a result, the technology may struggle to provide accurate results for underrepresented racial groups. Factors like poor lighting, low image quality, and cosmetic procedures can also skew predictions.



Additionally, ethical concerns surround its use in clinical settings. Patients identified as biologically "older" may face unconscious biases from doctors, potentially impacting their care.



Nicole Martinez-Martin, a bioethics expert at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, warns about these risks. "Patients flagged by these tools might receive less attention," she noted, which could lead to unequal treatment outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-face-age-testing">Future of face age testing</h2>



While the technology is still evolving, the potential of tools like FaceAge is undeniable. Ultimately, these tools could play a crucial role in precision medicine, allowing doctors to make better-informed decisions for individual patients.



Further studies aim to refine the algorithms, ensuring more inclusive and accurate predictions. Researchers like Jing-Dong Jackie Han at <a href="https://english.pku.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peking University</a> are exploring how specific facial changes, such as drooping eyes or shrinking foreheads, correlate with age and health. 



Some studies even suggest that youthful-looking individuals might have younger blood, linking biological age to overall health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tool-for-healthier-living">A tool for healthier living?</h2>



Consumer-friendly tools like those from Novos show how face-age technology could extend beyond clinics. 



By highlighting areas of improvement, these tools could encourage individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles. Mirabile believes this feedback can act as a wake-up call for users. "It’s a great way to measure and motivate change," he said.



As AI continues to evolve, tools like FaceAge may redefine healthcare. They could offer insights into aging, help combat diseases, and support healthier living. 



While challenges remain, the promise of "face age" lies in its ability to merge cutting-edge technology with personal and clinical applications. With further refinement, it might soon become a vital tool in both medicine and everyday life.



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Selfies reveal your 'face age' and subtle signs about your health

What if a selfie could tell you something more than...

Droughts pose an increasing challenge for humans, animals, and plants, particularly in arid regions. Many species have remarkable abilities to adapt to these harsh conditions, but a recent study sheds lights on how a rising number of prolonged droughts may impact wildlife. 



Extended periods of drought are projected to become an alarming reality for a wide range of animal species across the United States in the coming decades, and their ability to adapt will be key to their survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-future-with-frequent-droughts">A future with frequent droughts</h2>



According to the research, many wildlife species in the U.S. will have to endure year-long droughts almost five times as often between 2050 and 2080 compared to the period between 1950 and 2005.



Furthermore, three-year-long droughts could become nearly seven times more frequent. These drastic changes will require serious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-species-are-pre-adapted-to-tolerate-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptations</a> for wildlife to survive.



"The degree of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flash-droughts-are-increasing-around-the-world-due-to-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increased drought</a> exposure for each species in our analysis strongly depends on future greenhouse gas concentrations," noted study lead author Dr. Merijn van den Bosch.



"But even under a lower-concentration scenario, virtually all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/land-vertebrates-are-vanishing-at-an-unprecedented-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vertebrates</a> face increased year-long and multi-year droughts in the second half of this century."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-persistent-droughts">Consequences of persistent droughts</h2>



Understanding the consequences of persistent droughts is challenging and depends on the specific species and the length of the drought.



For instance, the endangered giant kangaroo rat - which is native to arid regions of California - is acclimatized to occasional short droughts.



However, the population can become severely depleted following multi-year droughts, which intensify existing threats to giant kangaroo rats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-biodiversity-areas-at-risk">High-biodiversity areas at risk</h2>



The intent of this study was to pinpoint areas that have both high biodiversity and steep predicted increases in drought.



The objective was to provide data about regions where adaptive water management or habitat restoration might benefit the largest number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-conservation-day-2024-saving-species-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife species</a>.



The researchers used advanced modeling techniques to envision future scenarios based on six different projections of temperature and moisture conditions.



An in-depth comparison was carried out between the frequency of observed and projected drought exposure and the range maps of over 1,200 different species.



After adjusting for land area, the results revealed that the southwestern United States had the greatest number of species. This region also had the highest number of drought-threatened species and the highest predicted change in drought exposure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-facing-increasing-droughts">Wildlife facing increasing droughts</h2>



Dr. Zack Steel, senior author of the study, expressed concerns about the increasing drought and its effects on wildlife.



"Some of the areas expected to see the greatest increase in drought, such as the southwestern U.S., are already quite dry," said Dr. Steel, noting that many species living in these regions are already adapted to periodic droughts.



"But the concern is that if they are already near the limit of what they can tolerate, the large increase in drought we're expecting can have grave consequences for these ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them."



Dr. van den Bosch and Dr. Steel are associated with <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a> and the Rocky Mountain Research Station, where they are responsible for creating a fertile ground for innovative and essential studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-the-impact-of-drought-on-wildlife">Mitigating the impact of drought on wildlife</h2>



As droughts become more frequent and severe, proactive measures are urgently needed to support wildlife resilience.



Conservationists emphasize the importance of habitat restoration, such as enhancing wetland ecosystems and preserving water sources in arid regions. These efforts can provide critical refuges for species struggling with limited water availability.



Additionally, innovative water management strategies, like implementing drought-resistant vegetation and creating artificial water holes, may help sustain vulnerable populations. 



By prioritizing these interventions in high-biodiversity areas, such as the southwestern United States, researchers hope to mitigate the most devastating effects of prolonged droughts on ecosystems.



Collaborative efforts between government agencies, local communities, and scientists will be crucial to address the challenges posed by increasing drought exposure, and to ensure that both wildlife and their habitats have a fighting chance to adapt and thrive in a rapidly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changing climate</a>.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01880-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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How persistent droughts will impact wildlife in the U.S.

Droughts pose an increasing challenge for humans, animals, and plants,...

Ever wondered how insects camouflage themselves so perfectly with their surroundings? How is it that a leaf insect looks so much like a leaf and a stick insect can easily be mistaken for a twig? The answer lies in the fascinating realm of convergent evolution. 



But what's even more interesting is how predictable these camouflage-inspired evolutionary paths appear to be.



A recent study by biologists from Montana and Germany sheds light on the intricate process of convergent evolution in stick and leaf insects. 



The researchers analyzed the body features of 1,359 insects across 212 species, revealing that camouflage-inspired evolution follows strikingly predictable patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-leaf-and-stick-insects">Evolution of leaf and stick insects</h2>



Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worm-youti-yuanshi-lived-520-million-years-ago-explains-insect-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolve similar traits</a> to adapt to comparable environments. 



The team, including Romain Boisseau and Douglas Emlen from the <a href="https://www.umt.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Montana</a>, and Sven Bradler from the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Göttingen</a>, focused on insects that mimic sticks or leaves.



Their findings revealed a fascinating pattern: these insects, regardless of lineage, evolved the same 20 basic body features.



Stick and leaf insects share traits such as twig-like bodies or leaf-like patterns, enabling them to blend into their environment. For instance, stick insects mimic branches, while leaf insects resemble leaves with vein-like textures. This camouflage protects them from predators like birds.



Such traits evolve due to environmental pressures, demonstrating how unrelated species develop similar features to survive. 



For example, flatfish also use camouflage, blending into the seabed to evade predators, highlighting the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural selection</a> on shaping survival strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-evolution-in-modern-insects">Predicting evolution in modern insects</h2>



The study's predictive element is perhaps its most intriguing contribution. By analyzing the environmental factors that influenced past evolutionary changes, the researchers were able to forecast how modern insects might evolve.



Creatures that live in similar environments tend to evolve in similar ways. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbicides-are-disrupting-plant-insect-interactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptations</a>, particularly in camouflage, are often crucial for survival.



Such insights highlight the potential for using environmental cues to predict evolutionary changes in other species, broadening our understanding of how life adapts to dynamic ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insects-with-similar-body-structures">Insects with similar body structures </h2>



This extensive study stands out as the largest investigation of convergent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-are-changing-color-to-adapt-to-human-destruction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> among stick and leaf insects. 



The researchers meticulously accounted for both differences and similarities among species, providing a robust dataset that offers valuable insights into evolutionary biology.



The analysis showed that insects with similar body structures often share a common ancestor, even if their outward appearances vary. For example, two species might have evolved long, slender bodies for camouflage, while one mimics a twig and the other resembles a blade of grass.



This indicates that while the species started from the same ancestral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cicadas-grew-super-wings-to-dodge-ancient-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traits</a>, they followed different evolutionary paths to adapt to their specific environments. These distinct routes led them to develop comparable physical features, driven by similar environmental pressures like the need to avoid predators.



Ultimately, the study demonstrates how shared ancestry and environmental challenges can converge to shape similar adaptations through diverse evolutionary processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-under-similar-pressures">Evolution under similar pressures </h2>



The findings demonstrate that convergent evolution is not random. It's a predictable outcome of similar environmental pressures. 



When species face comparable challenges, they tend to develop analogous traits to address those challenges effectively.



By analyzing the evolutionary strategies of stick and leaf insects, the researchers have uncovered broader biological principles that enhance our understanding of how evolution operates.



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



This study not only enriches the current body of knowledge but also sets a foundation for future research in evolutionary biology.



The ability to anticipate evolutionary changes holds significant potential for biodiversity conservation and provides insights into how species may adapt to shifting environmental conditions. 



Moreover, the research highlights a fundamental truth about nature: it often finds similar solutions to shared problems, even among unrelated species.



This adaptability demonstrates the creative ingenuity of evolution, offering a structured and systematic process through which life evolves to meet its challenges. 



By revealing these patterns, the study provides a framework for understanding how organisms respond to their environments and ensures that future research can build on these insights to address pressing ecological and evolutionary questions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2319485121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Stick and leaf insects have all evolved the same basic body parts

Ever wondered how insects camouflage themselves so perfectly with their...

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently analyzed the first severe human case of bird flu in the United States.



This case, identified in a Louisiana resident over the age of 65, revealed new mutations in the virus that were not found in the infected flock on the patient’s property. These findings have raised critical questions about the virus's behavior and its implications for public health.



Dr. Sarah Jenkins, lead virologist at CDC's Influenza Division, made this discovery with her team while analyzing samples from a Louisiana resident who contracted the virus.



The case marked a significant moment in U.S. public health monitoring, as it represented the first severe human infection of avian influenza in the country.



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



The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDC</a>'s analysis revealed mutations in the hemagglutinin gene - the viral component that acts like a key fitting into a cell's lock. 



These genetic changes hadn't shown up in samples taken from the infected birds on the patient's property, suggesting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-outbreak-in-domestic-cats-raises-new-concerns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virus</a> might have evolved during human infection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patient-profile-and-bird-flu-strain">Patient profile and bird flu strain </h2>



The patient was experiencing severe respiratory symptoms. The variant that infected the patient belongs to the D1.1 genotype - a strain recently spotted in American wild birds and poultry.



This differs from the B3.13 genotype that's been making headlines for infecting dairy cattle across multiple states. The B3.13 genotype is also responsible for some human cases. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-context-and-similar-bird-flu-cases">Global context and similar bird flu cases </h2>



The mutations discovered in this case aren't completely unprecedented. Similar genetic changes have cropped up in other countries, typically in cases where the infection turned severe. 



One particular mutation bears a striking resemblance to a change seen in a severe case in British Columbia, Canada.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-assessment-and-public-health-impact">Risk assessment and public health impact </h2>



The good news is that the CDC has not found any evidence that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/efforts-to-control-bird-flu-are-not-working-are-humans-next/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virus</a> jumped from this patient to anyone else. Despite the mutations, the overall risk to the public remains low - a reassuring constant in this evolving situation.



This case highlights the critical role of genetic surveillance in public health. While bird flu has traditionally struggled to spread efficiently between humans, each case provides valuable information about how the virus might adapt and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/avian-flu-is-now-spreading-from-mammal-to-mammal-alarming-health-officials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolve</a>.



This knowledge is critical for preparing response strategies and protecting public health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-bird-flu">Dynamic nature of bird flu</h2>



This case serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of viral infections. 



Viruses constantly evolve - it's their nature. Our ability to detect and understand these changes represents one of our strongest defenses against potential threats to public health.



The CDC will continue to monitor human infections and investigate cases to assess whether the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-seal-colony-lost-95-of-its-pups-to-bird-flu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virus</a> can spread from person to person, which could signal pandemic potential.



The CDC has contingency plans for bird flu pandemics, which include vaccine development and distribution, antiviral stockpiles, and public health guidelines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward </h2>



The discovery of new bird flu mutations in a human patient highlights the importance of continued vigilance. Understanding these viral changes helps health officials stay one step ahead.



The CDC's quick identification and analysis of these mutations demonstrates the strength of our disease surveillance systems.



For the general public, the message remains straightforward: there is no need for alarm. The discovery of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-bird-flu-manage-to-infect-mammal-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mutations</a>, while scientifically significant, does not yet change the overall risk assessment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-can-you-stay-safe-from-bird-flu">How can you stay safe from bird flu?</h2>



In humans, bird flu infections often result from direct or close contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated environments. 



Severe cases are associated with a high risk of complications, including kidney and respiratory issues and secondary infections. 



Although the risk to the general public is low, the CDC advises taking the following precautions to minimize exposure to bird flu:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Avoid direct contact with birds: Particularly wild birds or those in affected areas.</li>



<li>Practice good hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling birds or their environments.</li>



<li>Cook poultry properly: Ensure all poultry and eggs are fully cooked before consumption.</li>
</ol>



These simple steps can help reduce the risk of exposure to avian influenza and other zoonotic diseases.



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Bird flu mutations found in first severe U.S. human case

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently...

The universe is packed with intricate, carbon-based compounds, including organic molecules, that hold clues about life’s raw materials. Some of these compounds are found in space.



Over the past few years, robotic missions have taken samples from comets and asteroids to learn how these compounds formed and whether our planet might owe its biological chemistry to faraway dust clouds.



The findings hint that organic molecules appear in every corner of space, which suggests that our own evolution may fit into a larger cosmic narrative.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organic-molecules-in-space">Organic molecules in space</h2>



Scientists studying bits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-largest-iceberg-a23a-undergoing-major-erosion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interstellar</a> dust, comets, and asteroids keep finding the same theme: these objects contain a variety of organic molecules. The story began in 1986 when the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Giotto_overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Giotto spacecraft </a>conducted the first in-situ analysis of a comet, <a href="https://www.space.unibe.ch/about_us/personen/dr_haenni_nora/index_eng.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1P/</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eta-aquarids-see-up-to-50-shooting-stars-per-hour-this-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halley</a>, during its apparition (when it was visible from Earth). It revealed an unexpected abundance of organic species in the coma, but their exact origins -- whether from polymeric matter or smaller molecules -- remained unclear. The small spacecraft followed the comet for two years, capturing the dust and gas it shed. Instruments recorded dozens of molecules that contained carbon, leading scientists to look deeper for connections to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-in-submarines-can-help-astronauts-prepare-for-future-space-missions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early solar system</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-past-records-of-organic-molecules-in-space">Past records of organic molecules in space</h2>



The <a href="https://www.swri.org/press-release/rosetta-data-reveals-more-surprises-about-comet-67p">Rosetta</a> spacecraft was the first to orbit and land on a comet, namely 67P. In 2015, it detected simple organic compounds, including <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.1600285">glycine</a>, which is a building block of proteins. This discovery marked the first direct detection of this molecule on a comet. By 2022, researchers analyzing high-resolution mass spectrometry data <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-31346-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">identified</a> 44 organic compounds in just one day’s worth of Rosetta data, with some molecules weighing up to 140 Daltons (Da). “Rosetta really changed the view,” said <a href="https://www.space.unibe.ch/about_us/personen/dr_haenni_nora/index_eng.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Nora Hänni</a>, a chemist at the <a href="https://www.unibe.ch/index_eng.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bern</a>. Soon after this, her team identified dimethyl sulfide, a gas that, on Earth, is generally produced by living organisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asteroids-as-cosmic-sample-returns">Asteroids as cosmic sample returns</h2>



Japan’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hayabusa-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hayabusa2</a> and NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/osiris-rex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSIRIS-REx</a> missions offered a similar look at ancient space rocks. They scooped material from asteroids Ryugu and Bennu and brought the samples back to Earth. Early analyses suggested that both asteroids have a wide range of organics present. <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abn7850" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists</a> studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-ryugu-has-unexpected-family-ties-near-jupiter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryugu</a> found at least 20,000 varieties of carbon-based compounds, including 15 different amino acids. “It’s just everything possible from which life could emerge,” said <a href="https://www.helmholtz-munich.de/en/bgc/pi/philippe-schmitt-kopplin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin</a>, an organic geoscientist at the Technical University of Munich.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-questions-about-planetary-origins">Questions about planetary origins</h2>



Those organic-rich rocks may date back to a time before planets fully formed. Scientists wonder if these compounds started in cold, dark clouds between stars, or if they originated in energetic zones near young suns.&nbsp;



“Those of us interested in searching for life have to understand how planets could acquire organics in the absence of life,” said <a href="https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/directory/glein-christopher/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christopher Glein</a>, a planetary scientist at the Southwest Research Institute. Many experts ask whether the early Earth became <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/expanding-the-search-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable</a> partly because of organic molecules that arrived from space. “I would like to know where we come from as a planetary species,” said <a href="https://astronomy.fas.harvard.edu/people/karin-oberg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karin Öberg</a>, an astrochemist at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-chemistry-across-the-cosmos">Early chemistry across the cosmos</h2>



Astronomers have traced certain hefty carbon structures called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-05998-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PAHs</a>) back to about 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang.



Carbon atoms often form large, sturdy rings and chains in the outflows of dying stars. “It’s actually not too different from combustion as we understand it here on Earth,” said Öberg, referring to the ways these molecules can build up in stellar winds. 



Observations confirm that interstellar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parker-solar-probe-will-fly-through-suns-atmosphere-tomorrow-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a> has more than 200 carbon-containing compounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-icy-labs-in-the-dark">Icy labs in the dark</h2>



In molecular clouds, simple ingredients gather on cold dust grains. Once stuck together, atoms can combine to form key molecules like methane. Over time, ultraviolet radiation and cosmic rays split molecules into radical fragments, which recombine to form something new. Experiments hint that this can produce anything from methanol to glycine “You can build complexity without much going on in just a cold, dark cloud,” said <a href="https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/people/alice-s-booth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alice Booth</a>, an astronomer at Harvard University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-disks-and-newborn-worlds">Planetary disks and newborn worlds</h2>



Observations of protoplanetary disks -- thick, spinning layers of dust and gas around baby stars -- show that methanol and other organics survive the intense heat of stellar births. Recent modeling suggests these compounds may grow into even more sophisticated structures when disk materials cycle between hot surface zones and cooler midplane regions. This process could be one reason comets and asteroids wind up so chemically rich by the time they form. “Comets are, I think, the best that we can do to go back in time,” said Hänni.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-organic-molecules-in-space">Origins of organic molecules in space</h2>



When organic chemicals land on a planet, they might set the stage for the emergence of living systems. A few theories propose that meteorites or comets delivered certain amino acids or <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-03/documents/pahs_factsheet_cdc_2013.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PAHs</a> to early Earth.



Astrobiologists debate about which molecules represent a solid proof of life, and which might be possible false positives. 



The presence of dimethyl sulfide from comet 67P, supports the idea that lifeless processes can make molecules that we tend to associate with living organisms.



In 2016, <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Rosetta" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rosetta</a> concluded its mission with a controlled impact on comet 67P’s surface, which resulted in a rich legacy of data for further analysis.



Since then, scientists have connected these findings to other Solar System reservoirs of organics, such as Saturn’s ring rain and meteoritic material, revealing their shared prestellar origins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-organic-molecules-in-space">Future research on organic molecules in space</h2>



Scientists will continue exploring these mysteries with missions like NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/europa-clipper/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa Clipper</a>, the European Space Agency’s <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Juice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juice</a>, and a future rotorcraft bound for Saturn’s moon Titan.



Researchers hope to spot organic compounds that might give hints about oceans hiding beneath icy crusts. 



Such discoveries could bring us closer to answering one of humanity's oldest questions: are we alone in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/europa-clipper-mission-set-to-search-for-life-on-jupiters-ocean-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>?



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Organic molecules found throughout the universe hint that life began in deep space

The universe is packed with intricate, carbon-based compounds, including organic...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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