Can farms produce enough food to feed us while still leaving space for wildlife? A new proposal says they can.



By setting aside one-fifth of farmland for nature, and tweaking everyday practices on the rest, we can help wildlife recover without sacrificing the food on our tables.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farming-with-wildlife-in-mind">Farming with wildlife in mind</h2>



The plan comes from ecologists at the <a href="https://www.ceh.ac.uk/">UK Centre for Ecology &amp; Hydrology</a> and the University of Alcalá in Spain. Study co-author Professor James Bullock elaborated on the importance of the research.



“Reversing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-calls-for-global-change-to-stop-biodiversity-loss/">biodiversity loss</a> and degradation of ecosystems is essential both for nature as well as long-term global food security. But there is no single silver bullet for nature recovery and so far it has been unclear how to integrate rewilding into agricultural landscapes," said Professor Bullock. 



“Our proposed approach moves beyond land sparing versus land sharing. We believe rewilding can be interwoven into agricultural landscapes and could be key to maintaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-based-food-production-would-have-extremely-positive-impact/">food production</a> in a way that is sustainable in the long term for people and the planet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dedicating-land-to-nature-recovery">Dedicating land to nature recovery</h2>



According to the study, fostering rewilding approaches alongside farming could create agroecological landscapes that accommodate biodiversity while remaining resilient and functionally connected. Certain incentives would encourage farmers to adopt this approach.



“While setting aside land for nature recovery could potentially be made a legal requirement for farmers and landowners, there is more likely to be acceptance and success of rewilding if there are incentives in the form of payments for ecosystem services and tax deductions,” noted Professor José María Rey Benayas, lead author on the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-farming-needs-wildlife">Why farming needs wildlife</h2>



Modern farming has greatly increased food production since the 1940s. But this has often come at the expense of nature. 



Clearing land, using heavy fertilizers and pesticides, and removing natural features like hedgerows have pushed many plant and animal species to the edge.



This loss doesn’t just affect wildlife - it disrupts vital services that farms depend on, such as healthy soil, natural pest control, and water retention. As these services decline, the long-term productivity and resilience of farming systems are put at risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cost-of-declining-wildlife">The cost of declining wildlife</h2>



Across Europe and beyond, once-common species are disappearing from farmland. For example, the U.K. has lost over 40 million birds since 1970, and wild bee populations have declined in more than half of European countries, according to multiple long-term surveys.



These animals aren’t just part of the scenery - they’re key to food production. Birds eat crop pests. Bees and other insects pollinate the flowers that develop into fruits and vegetables. Their loss means greater reliance on artificial fertilisers, pesticides, and expensive manual labour.



Bringing wildlife back isn’t just a conservation goal - it’s a practical step toward more affordable and reliable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-cover-crops-may-be-the-future-of-sustainable-farming/">farming</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steps-to-farming-alongside-wildlife">Steps to farming alongside wildlife </h2>



The researchers suggest a four-part plan that links nature conservation with everyday farming. 



First, they recommend reserving at least 20% of farmland for nature. This space would include large patches of woodland, wetlands, and species-rich grassland to form strong core habitats. 



Second, these patches should be connected by green corridors - such as hedgerows, ponds, and strips of scrubland - that allow wildlife to move, feed, and reproduce.



Third, they propose protecting small hotspots within working fields. This would involve setting aside about 10% of cropped land for flower strips, beetle banks, and bird perches, bringing the total to the 30% global restoration goal. 



Finally, they call for small changes in daily farming practices, like reducing chemical use, planting flowers for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/">pollinators</a>, and letting livestock graze more freely to help spread seeds and support healthy soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewilding-has-benefits-for-farmers">Rewilding has benefits for farmers</h2>



Many European regions cannot host bears or bison. However, smaller species such as lynx, wildcat, or European hare can still boost ecosystem health. Choosing the right mix depends on local conditions.



Helping wildlife can pay off in more ways than one. When farms support natural habitats, they often see practical benefits in return. 



Better soil retains more water and nutrients, which supports stronger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-can-help-make-crops-more-resilient/">crops</a>. Pollinators and natural predators of pests can help increase yields in nearby fields. 



Farmers may also spend less on fertilizers and pesticides, lowering overall input costs. In some places, governments might provide payments or tax breaks to reward efforts that support biodiversity and ecosystem services.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-room-for-wildlife">Making room for wildlife</h2>



Reaching the 20% target may be challenging for small farms, but collective action can make it achievable. At the same time, each region will need to adapt the plan to fit its local conditions. 



Areas with heavily degraded farmland have the most to gain, while places with traditional, low-impact farming may require fewer changes. 



The researchers emphasize that this is just a starting point - but the message is clear: making room for wildlife alongside farming can help secure both indigenous species and food for the future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.2860">Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment</a>.



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Farming for wildlife: How traditional practices can protect nature

Can farms produce enough food to feed us while still leaving space for wildlife? A new proposal says they can. By setting aside one-fifth of farmland for nature, and tweaking everyday practices on the rest, we can help wildlife recover without sacrificing the food on our tables. Farming with wildlife in mind The plan comes from ecologists at the UK Centre for Ecology &amp; Hydrology and the University of Alcalá in Spain. Study co-author Professor James Bullock elaborated on the importance of the research. “Reversing biodiversity loss...

Do you recall who taught you in the second year of school? Some memories last a lifetime, while others are just a fleeting moment.



About 50 years back, a considerable leap was made in cognitive science. Scientists discovered that a particular region of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-brains-create-three-copies-of-every-memory-we-make/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>, the medial temporal lobe (MTL), stood guard over our long-term declarative memories - those of explicit details like names, dates, and events.



When MTL is damaged, these long-term memories get lost, leaving victims living a life of moments, unable to recall information just a minute or two beyond the arena of the present conversation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memories-of-motor-skills">Memories of motor skills</h2>



Interestingly, those very people with a damaged MTL were observed to possess the capability of learning new motor skills, not only learning them but retaining these skills for days, months, or even more. This gave a clear indicator that MTL damage did minimal to no harm to the memories of motor skills.



This discovery prompts an intriguing question: Where in the human brain are these long-term motor skill memories, like riding a bike or tying a shoelace, stored?



Is it so that our brain compartmentalizes short and long-term sensorimotor memories in distinct, specialized regions?



These questions have baffled researchers for years, provoking curiosity and investigations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-motor-skills-and-memory">Mysteries of motor skills and memory</h2>



Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (<a href="https://seas.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SEAS</a>), have found that similar to declarative memories, the memories of short-term and long-term motor skills are also stored in separate regions of our brain. 



The experts determined that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-specialized-regions-develop-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cerebellum</a> is the central hub for the storage of long-term skill memories.



The research, offering new perspectives on the role of the cerebellum in sensorimotor learning, was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).



Maurice Smith is the Gordon McKay Professor of Bioengineering at SEAS and the principal investigator of the study.



“This work advances our understanding of the role of the cerebellum in sensorimotor learning and points towards the role of the cerebellum as a gateway to the formation of stable memories for sensorimotor skills, largely independent of the short-term memory systems,” said Smith.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-motor-memories-and-the-cerebellum">Motor memories and the cerebellum </h2>



Past studies have shown the crucial role the cerebellum plays in motor learning, but how it contributes to the formation of short-term and long-term skill memory was blurry. 



To look deeper into the relationship, Smith and Alkis Hadjiosif, a postdoctoral fellow at SEAS and <a href="https://www.massgeneral.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts General Hospital</a>, reviewed previous studies on motor learning in patients with cerebellar damage.



There were disparities in the severity of motor learning impairments among patients with cerebellar damage across different studies. Smith and Hadjiosif theorized that these discrepancies were due to the subtle differences in the time between trials, the "memory window."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cerebellar-damage-and-motor-memories">Cerebellar damage and motor memories</h2>



The hypothesis was based on the idea that cerebellar damage specifically impairs long-term sensorimotor memory. Therefore, longer memory windows would increase dependency on the impaired long-term memory.



To test their theory, Smith and Hadjiosif explored unreported data from previous studies, specifically the intertrial intervals. They discovered that studies with shorter intertrial intervals reported only minor impairments in learning for patients with severe cerebellar diseases.



Upon further analysis, they found that patients displaying near-normal performance on short interval trials were significantly impaired on long interval trials. This observation held true across the data from different studies.



The finding shed light on the importance of time in understanding the degradation of memory in patients with cerebellar degeneration. This solves the puzzle of varying results across different studies involving cerebellar damage's effects on sensorimotor learning ability.



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



This nuanced understanding of the cerebellum's role in sensorimotor memory formation could have profound implications for rehabilitation strategies in patients suffering from cerebellar damage. 



The research suggests that traditional approaches that do not differentiate between short and long-term memory strategies may need to be reconsidered.



Therapeutic practices could be adapted to prioritize shorter training intervals, leveraging preserved short-term memory capabilities to compensate for long-term memory impairments. 



These adaptive strategies could enhance rehabilitation outcomes, offering a tailored approach designed to exploit the intact facilities of sensorimotor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zombie-neurons-shed-new-light-on-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>.



By focusing on modifying the temporal dynamics of rehabilitation exercises, clinicians might significantly improve motor recovery and skill retention in affected individuals.



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



The discovery opens numerous avenues for future research on motor skill memories, looking beyond traditional paradigms of memory storage and retrieval. One significant pathway involves exploring how neural plasticity can be harnessed to aid long-term skill formation despite cerebellar deficits. 



Additionally, researchers are interested in unraveling how other brain regions might compensate for cerebellar impairments, possibly through the recruitment of alternative neural pathways. 



Moreover, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes could unlock new therapeutic targets to enhance cognitive and motor recovery. 



Finally, interdisciplinary collaborations encompassing neuroscience, bioengineering, and clinical therapy are likely to propel advancements in this field, providing new insights into the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and reorganize itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



“These findings highlight how important time is to understanding memory degradation in patients with cerebellar degeneration and solve the mystery of the trial-to-trial and study-to-study variability in the effects of cerebellar damage on sensorimotor learning ability,” said Smith. 



“Our research usually involves designing new experimental manipulations to acquire novel data sets that can provide insight into the mechanisms for learning and memory, but sometimes simply looking at old data through the right lens can be even more illuminating.”



As we progress in our journey to understand the human brain’s intricate mechanisms, every piece of data counts. Sometimes, a new perspective on old data can lead to breakthroughs in our grasp of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-is-essential-for-memory-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>, motor skills and memory.



Such is the nature of research - a relentless cycle of question and discovery, an eternal quest for understanding.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2411459121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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How do we remember how to ride a bike?

Do you recall who taught you in the second year...

Hunger is a word that resonates with an unfortunate 733 million humans across the globe daily. Food, or the lack of it, is a poignant issue in today's world. In an era where we've got plenty of food to feed every soul on Earth, it seems paradoxical that so many still don't get their share.



How is it possible that despite producing all the food, many cultivators are still left desperate for a meal? We have landed on the moon, yet we can't ensure our fellow humans have a meal on their table. 



This is a grim picture of economic disparity and social inequality that transcends borders and nations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-just-food-but-foods">Not just food, but FOODS</h2>



Three <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">simple things</a> we need to survive - air, water, and food. However, the narrative has shifted towards celebrating FOODS, and not merely food on World Food Day. 



The extra "S" stands for so much more - diversity, nutrition, affordability, accessibility, and safety. 



It is a resounding call to action, urging us all to ensure our plates resemble a vibrant rainbow of nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-food-snapshot">Global food snapshot</h2>



To put it bluntly, a distressing 2.8 billion people worldwide cannot afford a wholesome diet. Unhealthy diets are now a harbinger of malnutrition in all forms – from undernutrition to obesity.&nbsp;



This isn't something relegated to a specific demographic or geographic region; the problem is widespread and carries significant socioeconomic and environmental implications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leading-the-fight-against-hunger">Leading the fight against hunger</h2>



Our current agrifood systems are trapped in a vicious cycle. While they're severely threatened by disasters and crises, they also contribute directly to them.&nbsp;



Agricultural activities lead to pollution, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. What's needed is a transformation - an essential shift to tackle climate change and build resilience.



One such organization leading this fight against hunger is the Food and Agriculture Organization (<a href="https://www.fao.org/home/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FAO</a>). In 2023 alone, their initiatives provided crucial agricultural support to an astounding 57 million people.



From influencing policies and legislation to reshaping agrifood systems in developing nations, FAO has been at the frontlines of this battle.



Achieving a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/futuristic-food-supply-transforming-co2-into-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food-secure world</a> is no small task. It calls for a mammoth effort, and for us, the consumers, to step up. We can contribute by urging actions from our government, making healthier food choices, reducing food waste, and safeguarding our environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-healthy-food-habits">Rethinking healthy food habits</h2>



Healthy diets go beyond just eating. They require balance, variety, and moderation in our dietary habits. It's about time our agrifood systems paved the way for everyone to access such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a>, promising a healthier humanity and a sustainable planet.



In 2024, we commemorate the 20th anniversary of a significant milestone that has guided governments worldwide – “Voluntary Guidelines to Support the Progressive Realization of the Right to Adequate Food in the Context of National Food Security.”



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



The advancement in agritech presents a beacon of hope, promising transformative changes in traditional agricultural practices. 



Cutting-edge technologies such as precision farming, genetic engineering, and smart irrigation systems are revolutionizing how we cultivate crops and manage resources. By utilizing data analytics and remote sensing, precision farming allows farmers to optimize yields and reduce waste. 



Genetic engineering offers the potential to develop crop varieties that are resistant to diseases and better adapted to climate fluctuations. Smart irrigation systems, powered by IoT devices, ensure efficient water use, crucial for areas facing water scarcity. 



The integration of technology in agriculture is crucial for fostering a sustainable future, addressing food security, and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-and-empowerment">Education and empowerment</h2>



Education emerges as a powerful catalyst for driving sustainable change in global food security. By equipping individuals, particularly women and youth, with knowledge and resources, communities can strengthen their resilience against food insecurity.&nbsp;



Educational programs focused on nutrition, sustainable farming practices, and business skills empower people to make informed decisions that enhance systems.&nbsp;



Furthermore, collaborations between governments, educational institutions, and NGOs can amplify the impact, ensuring that education leads to tangible improvements in reducing hunger and promoting a thriving global society.



As we navigate these critical times, what we need is unity of purpose. Our collective steps and voices can make a difference. Let's work together to ensure no one goes hungry, today or tomorrow. 



Let's celebrate FOODS, in all its diversity and goodness. We must remember that it's not just about food - it's about FOODS.



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World Food Day 2024: Fighting global hunger

Hunger is a word that resonates with an unfortunate 733...

For a moment, let's imagine a hectic, pressure-filled day in your life. You're wrestling with a looming deadline, a difficult boss, or perhaps an argument with a friend. Now, imagine experiencing that level of stress constantly, for an extended period. Not a pleasant thought, right? 



Well, it turns out that such chronic stress may have more adverse effects on your health than you might think.



In a game-changing study, a group of researchers have discovered how sustained stress has the potential to upset the balance of gut microbiota, accelerating the progression of a common and dangerous type of cancer - colorectal cancer (CRC).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-gut-bacteria-and-cancer">Stress, gut bacteria, and cancer</h2>



To begin with, we're not alone in our bodies. Our guts are bustling metropolises of bacteria. These microscopic citizens, collectively known as gut microbiota, help steer our immune response, and their imbalance can make us vulnerable to diseases.



Building on this understanding, the recent study unmasked a rather sinister nexus. It revealed how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-thrives-on-human-stress-as-it-spreads-throughout-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic stress</a> can upset the gut microbiota balance and speed up CRC progression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chronic-stress-and-tumor-growth">Chronic stress and tumor growth </h2>



At the center of the stage is Dr. Qing Li, the study's lead researcher from <a href="https://en.scu.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sichuan University</a> of China. With her team, she adopted a hands-on approach to explore the stress-microbiota-CRC relationship. The team started by using antibiotics to dispose of gut microbiota in test subjects. 



“In our study, we used an antibiotic cocktail (vancomycin, ampicillin, neomycin, and metronidazole) to eradicate gut microbiota, followed by faecal microbiota transplantation to investigate whether gut microbiota was necessary for chronic stress to accelerate CRC progression," explained Dr. Li.



The results were startling. The researchers found that chronic stress not only fueled tumor growth but also slashed the number of beneficial gut bacteria, especially the Lactobacillus genus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduction-in-beneficial-gut-bacteria">Reduction in beneficial gut bacteria</h2>



“Stress-related CRC progression can be attributed to a reduction in beneficial gut bacteria, as this weakens the body’s immune response against cancer," noted Dr. Li. 



"Lactobacillus, being sensitive to vancomycin and ampicillin, was depleted in both the control and stress groups by the antibiotic cocktail. This depletion highlights its crucial role in maintaining gut health and its potential association with CRC progression under chronic stress.”



These friendly bacteria play a crucial role in keeping our guts healthy. They are also instrumental in defending our bodies against cancer. However, they are sensitive to antibiotics and can be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ptsd-cancer-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depleted by stress</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-cancer-with-gut-bacteria">Fighting cancer with gut bacteria</h2>



Interestingly, the role of beneficial bacteria doesn't stop there. The researchers found that when they supplemented these bacteria during chronic stress, they observed reduced tumor formation.



"Through faecal analysis, we found that Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) specifically regulated bile acid metabolism and enhanced the function of CD8+ T cells. This indicates how Lactobacillus may enhance anti-tumour immunity," said Dr. Li.



However, there's a twist in the tale. Contrary to their initial hypothesis, the experts found that L. plantarum might not boost the anti-tumor immune function of CD8+ T cells by producing metabolites.



The research offers hope for future treatments, particularly among patients under chronic stress. "Combining traditional anti-tumour drugs with L. plantarum supplementation could be a viable therapeutic strategy for patients with stress-related CRC," said Dr. Li.



It is indeed a significant finding, considering CRC is the second most prevalent cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in Europe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-stress-and-cancer">Beyond stress and cancer</h2>



Eager to build upon their findings, the research team plans to examine fecal and tumour samples from CRC patients. They aim to understand the variations in gut microbiota among individuals exposed to stress and those who aren't.



They intend to verify if L. plantarum is indeed reduced in patients under stress and explore its relationship with anti-tumor immune cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-personalized-medicine">Importance of personalized medicine</h2>



The emerging evidence from this study highlights the importance of personalized medicine in the treatment of CRC. 



Understanding the unique microbiota profile of each patient could pave the way for tailored interventions that specifically target their distinct microbiota alterations. This precision approach could involve customizing probiotic or dietary interventions to enhance gut health and bolster immune responses.



With advances in metagenomics and microbiota analysis, healthcare providers may soon have tools at their disposal to offer bespoke treatments that integrate microbiota modulation as part of a comprehensive cancer care strategy. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-and-anti-tumor-immune-cells">Bacteria and anti-tumor immune cells</h2>



Dr. Li and her team foresee a future where interventions are not only cancer-specific but also aligned with the individual's microbiome composition, maximizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapeutic efficacy</a>.



"Our aim is to verify if L. plantarum is significantly reduced in stressed CRC patients and to explore its relationship with anti-tumor immune cells," noted Dr. Li.



Could a proactive approach to gut health be the next big thing in cancer care and prevention? 



The study was presented at <a href="https://ueg.eu/a/358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UEG Week 2024</a>.



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Chronic stress disrupts gut bacteria and fuels cancer progression

For a moment, let's imagine a hectic, pressure-filled day in...

A new dawn, a fresh perspective, and a revolution in scientific research. That’s what a team of dedicated experts at Newcastle University are bringing to the world of marine biology and coral conservation. 



The researchers have made an exhilarating breakthrough in selective breeding to combat the devastating effects of climate change on coral reefs. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breeding-corals-for-survival">Breeding corals for survival</h2>



The experts have achieved the world's first successful selective breeding of adult corals for enhanced heat tolerance.



The team adjusted the thermostat on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-corals-can-survive-high-ocean-heat-which-could-save-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a>' survival, proving that our marine buddies can acclimatize better to harsh heatwaves, albeit in modest amounts.



However, the researchers emphasize that this victory isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to wiping out the impacts of future marine heatwaves under climate change.



It's a startling wake-up call that we need to slam the brakes on global greenhouse gas emissions. As this research confirms, these harmful emissions are the real villains putting corals on thin ice - or rather, in hot water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maximizing-breeding-outcomes">Maximizing breeding outcomes</h2>



The research is the culmination of a five-year collaboration between the <a href="https://www.uvic.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Victoria</a>, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Palau International Coral Reef Center, <a href="https://www.derby.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Derby</a>, and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.



With funding from the European Research Council, the study was led by Dr. James Guest, an expert in coral reef ecology at Newcastle University’s School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.



“This work shows that selective breeding is feasible but not a silver bullet solution and that more research is needed to maximize breeding outcomes," said study lead author, Liam Lachs, a postdoctoral research associate at <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newcastle University</a>.



“In parallel, rapid reductions of global greenhouse gas emissions are an absolute requirement to mitigate warming and give corals an opportunity to adapt."



Dr. Guest emphasized the challenges that lie ahead - from balancing the needs of wild populations to avoiding dilution of selected traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-breeding-trials">Coral breeding trials</h2>



Going back in time, we find that selective breeding was a strategy adopted by humans thousands of years ago to coax desired characteristics out of animals and plants. Today, it’s playing a pivotal role in saving our precious coral reefs from the wrath of climate change and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-corals-can-help-them-recover-from-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine heatwaves</a>.



The team carried out breeding trials targeting two distinct traits. One focused on tolerance to short, intense heat exposure while the other dealt with a less intense but long-term heatwave exposure.



Both trials showed promise as parent colonies selected for high heat tolerance passed this trait to their offspring, thus offering a glimmer of hope for future generations of corals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



Despite the promising results, the journey is not yet complete. The team discovered no evidence that breeding for short-stress tolerance boosted the offspring's ability to survive long-term heat stress exposure.



This conundrum, coupled with the lack of a genetic correlation, implies that each trait might be independently controlled genetically - a puzzle piece that needs more exploration.



Study lead author Dr. Adriana Humanes highlighted the road ahead, stating that we still have a long way to go before selective breeding can be successfully implemented.



"Considerable work remains before selective breeding can be successfully implemented. A deeper understanding is needed to determine which traits to prioritize and how these traits are genetically correlated,” said Dr. Humanes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-selective-coral-breeding-is-achievable">Selective coral breeding is achievable </h2>



So, where does this leave us? Undoubtedly, the excitement behind breeding of coral reefs is justifiable. This study takes us one step closer towards securing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/60-percent-global-coral-reefs-face-bleaching-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future for coral reefs</a>. 



The work confirms that selective breeding for adult heatwave survival is achievable. However, the researchers are quick to point out there's still a long journey ahead. 



The experts are rallying the troops, asking the global community to invest more in research and development to understand how to effectively implement breeding interventions.



The mission is clear - we must limit levels of global warming, which is achievable through urgent climate action.



After all, in the fight against climate change, every contribution counts - every study, every intervention, and every degree of heat that we manage to prevent.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52895-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Can we save coral reefs with selective breeding?

A new dawn, a fresh perspective, and a revolution in...

For as long as we can remember, a coin toss has been the go-to method for settling disputes, making decisions, or even determining the winner of sports events. 



It's considered a classic example of randomness -- a true 50/50 outcome where heads or tails each have an equal shot. 



But according to a recent study, it might be time to reconsider how random that toss actually is. It turns out, the side facing up before the toss might have a slight advantage.



The study, led by František Bartoš, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.uva.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Amsterdam</a>, challenges our traditional view of coin tosses as pure chance. 



According to his team's findings, there's a small but measurable "same-side bias." 



Essentially, the coin is slightly more likely to land on the same side that was facing up before the toss. So, if you start with heads, there's a slightly better chance you'll end up with heads.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-same-side-bias-explained">"Same-side bias" explained</h2>



For years, we've accepted the idea that a coin toss represents <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-circuit-strength-predicts-math-learning-ability-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">true randomness</a>. But Bartoš and his team set out to test that assumption. 



Their research, which builds on a physics model proposed in 2007 by Persi Diaconis, Susan Holmes, and Richard Montgomery, shows that the side facing up before the toss can influence the result. 



The researchers call this phenomenon the "same-side bias."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-physics-influences-coin-tossing">How physics influences coin tossing</h2>



The research team analyzed the mechanics of coin tossing and found that the way we flip a coin isn't as random as it seems. 



Their model showed that when people toss a coin naturally, the force and spin they apply tend to favor the coin landing on the same side that started face up.



The 2007 model, now known as the D-H-M model, explained that the bias stems from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/manipulating-quantum-dance-of-spinning-electrons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">angular momentum</a> of the coin during the flip. 



Essentially, the coin's spin makes it more likely to return to its starting position. The chance of this happening was estimated at about 51% -- a number eerily close to the 50.8% result found by Bartoš's team in their recent study.



That's not a huge difference, but it's enough to challenge the idea of a coin toss being a purely random event.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-over-350-000-coin-flips">Over 350,000 coin flips</h2>



To test their hypothesis, Bartoš and his team conducted a massive experiment. They gathered a group of 48 people (almost all of whom were co-authors of the study) and asked them to flip coins from 46 different currencies a total of 350,757 times. 



The sheer volume of flips allowed the researchers to observe subtle patterns that would be invisible in smaller experiments.



Their findings were clear: the "same-side bias" holds up across different coin types and human tossers. While the bias is small -- just 0.8% over the expected 50% -- it was consistent enough to suggest that coin tosses aren't as random as we've believed.



Interestingly, the study also revealed that people vary in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quick-decisions-are-often-biased-and-misleading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how much bias</a> they introduce when flipping coins. Some individuals showed a stronger same-side bias than others, suggesting that personal flipping style might also play a role.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-this-mean-for-gambling">What does this mean for gambling?</h2>



This discovery has some interesting implications, particularly for gambling, where even a slight advantage can make a big difference. 



In a series of social media posts, Bartoš pointed out that if you knew the starting position of a coin in 1,000 tosses, betting $1 per toss, you could potentially earn $19 -- more than the casino advantage in six-deck blackjack against an optimal player, which is about $5.



While the bias is small, it's still enough to matter in games of chance. In fact, the study shows that knowing the starting side of a coin can give you an edge that’s greater than most players have in blackjack or even some types of roulette.



However, it’s important to note that this bias won’t drastically change the outcome of casual coin tosses. The difference is small enough that it’s unlikely to affect day-to-day decisions made by flipping a coin --whether you're picking teams or choosing who pays for dinner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coin-tossing-still-a-useful-tool">Coin tossing: Still a useful tool?</h2>



So, should we stop using coin tosses for decisions? Not necessarily. 



While the bias exists, it’s minimal. In practical terms, for the average person, a coin toss remains a fair and simple way to settle disputes. The 50.8% bias is unlikely to significantly sway outcomes in most everyday scenarios.



Still, this research provides a fascinating insight into the mechanics of what we’ve always considered a random process. It shows how even the simplest actions, like flipping a coin, can be influenced by physics. 



And while the bias is small, it serves as a reminder that even when things seem random, there’s often a deeper explanation behind them.



In the end, while your coin toss might not be as random as you thought, it’s still close enough that you can trust it for most decisions. But if you're ever at a casino, you might want to pay attention to which side of the coin is facing up.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.04153" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal arXiv</a>.



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'Flipping a coin' is not a 50/50 random toss up as most people think

For as long as we can remember, a coin toss...

Let's dig into the past, where around two decades ago, a giant fossil skull of an extinct elephant was discovered in the pristine terrains of the northern Indian Kashmir Valley. 



This remarkable finding would soon send shockwaves through scientific communities. It would not just tell us more about this extinct elephant, but would also shine a light on a dimly lit chapter in elephant evolutionary history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-the-elephant-skull">Discovering the elephant skull</h2>



Dr. Ghulam Bhat from the <a href="https://www.jammuuniversity.ac.in" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Jammu</a> led a team of experts in excavating the elephant skull. It was found lying in unison with 87 stone tools, possibly used by prehistoric humans, providing an eerie testimony to human-<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megafauna-extinction-dwarf-elephants-and-hippos-cyprus-directly-linked-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephant</a> interactions of the bygone era.



Recently, scientists from around the globe embarked on a quest to unravel the secrets locked in the Kashmir skull. 



The team included experts from the Florida Museum of Natural History, the British Museum, the University of York, and the Natural History Museum. 



Dr. Steven Zhang, a paleontologist in the Department of Geosciences and Geography at the University of Helsinki, also participated in the study.



"From the general shape of the skull, it's quite apparent that the elephant belonged to Palaeoloxodon, or straight-tusked elephants, among the largest land mammals that ever lived," said Dr. Zhang. "Full-grown adults easily stood around 4m tall at the shoulder and weighed 9-10 tons."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-of-elephant-evolution">Tree of elephant evolution </h2>



However, the skull's lack of a thickened, forward-projecting crest, a feature typical of other Palaeoloxodon skulls found in India, left the scientists intrigued.



In recent times, the extent of this crest's development among different Palaeoloxodon species and their relative position on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-elephants-got-their-incredible-iconic-trunks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephant evolution</a> tree has sparked controversy. 



However, some findings hint at the crest becoming more pronounced with developmental and sexual maturity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-majestic-elephant-skull">Majestic elephant skull</h2>



"From the size, the wisdom teeth and a few other telltale features of the skull, it is evident that the animal was a majestic bull elephant in the prime of its life, but the lack of a well-developed skull crest, particularly in comparison with other mature male skulls from Europe and from India, tells us we have a different species on our hands here," noted Dr. Zhang.



The research team, unperturbed by the lack of the prominent skull crest, turned their attention to an obscure skull discovered in Turkmenistan during the 1950s, which was thought to represent a distinct species, Palaeoloxodon turkmenicus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-species-with-a-broad-distribution">Distinct species with a broad distribution </h2>



"What's always been puzzling about the Turkmen skull is that, besides the lack of a prominent crest at the skull roof, its other features are highly similar to the already well-known European species, P. antiquus," said Dr. Zhang. 



"And this led a number of experts to suggest that the Turkmen specimen is simply an aberrant individual of the European species."



However, when the Kashmir skull was uncovered, the theory of a distinct species with a broad distribution became more plausible.



"But with the Kashmir skull added to the mix, it becomes clear now that the two specimens can be theorized to represent a distinct species that we previously knew very little about, with a broad distribution from Central Asia to the northern Indian Subcontinent," noted Dr. Advait Jukar, the study's lead author who is currently based at the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Museum of Natural History</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dating-the-elephant-skull">Dating the elephant skull</h2>



Using advanced techniques to measure protein decomposition in the tooth enamel of the Kashmir Palaeoloxodon skull, the experts dated the skull to the Middle Pleistocene period, around 300,000–400,000 years ago.



An analysis of the stone tools found alongside the elephant remains further bolstered their conclusion. This age estimate matched that of the Turkmen skull, further strengthening the theory that these two skulls represent a unique species distinct from the other Eurasian Palaeoloxodon.



Deeper investigations revealed that Palaeoloxodon first evolved in Africa about a million years ago, presenting a narrow, convex forehead and slight underdevelopment of the skull crest. 



The later Palaeoloxodon, best known from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gigoutella-mauretanica-best-preserved-trilobite-fossils-ever-found/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> discovered in Europe and India, sported a very wide, flattened forehead often associated with a thick crest that jutted forward from the roof of the skull.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-link-in-elephant-evolution">Missing link in elephant evolution </h2>



The researchers concluded that with a wide, flat forehead and only a faint trace of a skull crest, the P. turkmenicus species might represent a missing link in our understanding of how these enormous prehistoric megaherbivores evolved.



So, there you have it - a thrilling saga of scientific sleuthing and discovery. The story of the mysterious extinct elephant skull unfolds, promising to unlock further secrets and deepen our understanding of the epic journey of elephant evolution.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02724634.2024.2396821" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology</a>. 



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Elephant skull found in India adds a piece to the evolutionary puzzle

Let's dig into the past, where around two decades ago,...

The black widow is one of the most feared spider species, and is widely associated with danger. This eight-legged marvel has earned its terrifying reputation through a venom that's a potent cocktail of seven distinct toxins. 



Each toxin found in black widow venom targets the nervous system in a unique way. Among these substances, α-latrotoxin stands out. It is known to paralyze insects and crustaceans, and is poisonous to humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-widow-s-potent-potion">Black widow's potent potion</h2>



The α-latrotoxin operates by latching onto specific receptors dotted across the synapses. These are the contact points between nerve cells or between nerve cells and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/muscles-defy-aging-with-remarkable-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muscles</a>.



Once attached, it triggers the uncontrollable flow of calcium ions into the presynaptic membranes of the signaling cells. This sets off the release of neurotransmitters and ushers in strong muscle contractions and spasms.



Despite this seemingly straightforward process, what lies beneath is a highly complex mechanism. A team of scientists at the <a href="https://www.uni-muenster.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Münster</a> has now deciphered the structure of α-latrotoxin before and after membrane insertion at near atomic resolution



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-insightful-discovery">An insightful discovery</h2>



The scientific endeavor was led by experts at the Center for Soft Nanoscience, including Professor Christos Gatsogiannis in the Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics and Professor Andreas Heuer in the Institute of Physical Chemistry.



To investigate the the mechanism of calcium influx into the presynaptic membrane, the experts used a combination of high-performance cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and molecular dynamics (MD) <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simulation-hypothesis-are-we-living-in-a-computer-simulation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">computer simulations</a>.



And their finding? The α-latrotoxin, in a fascinating display of transformation, forms a stalk - penetrating the cell membrane akin to a syringe - upon binding to the receptor.



This stalk carves out a small pore that functions as a calcium channel in the membrane. But there's more. MD simulations revealed that calcium ions flow into the cell through a selective gate located right above the pore.



This new understanding of the hidden mechanisms of α-latrotoxin provides profound insights. 



"The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/umbrella-toxin-discovery-may-help-human-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxin</a> mimics the function of the calcium channels of the presynaptic membrane in a highly complex manner, differing completely from all previously known toxins," said Professor Gatsogiannis. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-applications">Practical applications </h2>



Such breakthroughs bring more than just knowledge; they open the door to a host of practical applications. 



Latrotoxins possess considerable biotechnological potential that could support the creation of enhanced antidotes, therapies for paralysis, and novel biopesticides.



The research group led by Professor Gatsogiannis previously cracked the code on the structure of insect-specific latrotoxins in the venom of the black widow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-closer-to-unlocking-the-secrets-of-spider-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> before their insertion into the membrane. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-black-widow-venom">Harnessing black widow venom </h2>



While the venom of the black widow may seem like something to be avoided, its unique properties have captured the interest of scientists looking to harness its power for medical and biotechnological advancements. 



"Taken together, these data give insight into a unique mechanism for membrane insertion and channel formation, characteristic of the LTX family, and provide the necessary framework for advancing novel therapeutics and biotechnological applications," wrote the researchers.



Understanding α-latrotoxin’s structure and function opens doors to different applications that could turn this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-venom-has-hidden-biochemical-value/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">venom</a> from a deadly threat into a potential lifesaver.



One area of potential lies in the development of more efficient antivenoms. Current treatment for black widow bites involves pain relief and supportive care. While antivenoms are available, they are not always effective.



With the knowledge on how α-latrotoxin interacts with human nerve cells, researchers can design targeted antivenoms that neutralize the toxin before it causes damage to the nervous system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-therapeutic-use-of-venom">Potential therapeutic use of venom</h2>



The venom’s ability to selectively bind to certain receptors also suggests potential therapeutic uses. For instance, researchers are exploring how modified versions of α-latrotoxin could treat conditions involving muscle spasms or paralysis by targeting specific neural pathways. 



Additionally, the venom’s pore-forming mechanism could inspire new designs for biopesticides, selectively targeting pests without harming other species.



Research into black widow venom continues to demonstrate that even the most fearsome elements of nature can offer unexpected benefits, transforming something feared into a source of healing and innovation.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52635-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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How black widow venom attacks the nervous system

The black widow is one of the most feared spider...

In the face of relentless environmental shifts, seven of the most prevalent forest trees in Europe have proven their tenacity. They've managed to keep their genetic diversity intact, even as their ranges shrunk and tree numbers plummeted during the ice age cycles. 



This resilience was highlighted in a recent study conducted by a multidisciplinary European consortium. Pascal Milesi is an associate professor of plant ecology and evolution at <a href="https://www.uu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uppsala University</a> and the study's lead author.



"“From a biodiversity perspective, this is very positive because these trees are keystone species on which many other species depend,” said Professor Milesi. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-diversity-of-trees">Genetic diversity of trees</h2>



The research team set out to explore the impact of fierce ice age cycles on the genetic diversity of tree species. Throughout the ages, trees have endured alternating warm and cold periods. 



During the last ice age, around 10,000 years ago, the tree populations were significantly constrained, leading scientists to predict a loss of genetic diversity. 



Yet, surprising as it may be, these species demonstrated immense genetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-darkspots-need-urgent-attention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>, indicating a resilient response to their rapidly evolving habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-their-secret">What's their secret?</h2>



"We believe the reason for this high genetic diversity is related to the way these tree species survived through the ice ages and to fact that tree pollen can travel thousands of kilometres, bringing together trees that grow far apart," said Professor Milesi. 



"This is a welcome sign. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-in-dry-landscapes-have-surprising-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary processes</a> that were at play in the past may also be useful to cope with today’s rapid climate change."



Joining forces with researchers from 22 other European institutions, Professor Milesi examined seven species of forest trees ubiquitous in Europe. 



The team gathered needles and leaves from approximately 3,500 trees from 164 different populations scattered across Europe and proceeded to extract and analyze the DNA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-age-cycles-and-tree-diversity">Ice age cycles and tree diversity</h2>



“Contrary to what was long thought, the ice age cycles had little impact on the genetic diversity of these seven key species. This is mainly explained by a combination of unique characteristics, namely long generation time and the ability of their pollen to spread thousands of kilometers,” said Milesi.



This trait enables <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-shaped-plant-biodiversity-for-thousands-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> separated by vast distances to exchange genetic material, ensuring a broader and more diverse gene pool. As a result, these species can better adapt to changing environmental conditions, maintaining their resilience over centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spotlight-on-sweden">Spotlight on Sweden</h2>



Turning the spotlight on Sweden, the researchers zeroed in on the Norway spruce, Scots pine, and silver birch. Together, these species make up the majority of the Swedish forest, serving as a lifeline for other species. 



They are also a significant contributor to the Swedish economy and society, accounting for the vast majority of timber used in Swedish forestry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrating-the-diversity-of-trees">Celebrating the diversity of trees</h2>



“Due to the sixth mass extinction event and the ongoing biodiversity crisis, people can easily get the feeling that it is too late and be ready to give up," said Professor Milesi. 



"This study sends a positive signal about our forest and provides important information to help manage forest biodiversity in the face of climate change."



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



The future of European forests amid the climate crisis shows promise due to the resilience of key tree species. 



Research highlights that strong genetic diversity can help these trees cope with environmental challenges, but rapid adaptation to changing climates is vital. 



Ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts to preserve genetic diversity are essential for maintaining forest health and supporting both ecosystems and human communities that rely on them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mighty-seven-tree-species">Mighty seven tree species </h2>



The species under study were the European beech (Fagus sylvatica), Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), Sessile oak (Quercus petraea), Silver birch (Betula pendula), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Norway spruce (Picea abies), and Black poplar (Populus nigra).



As we reflect on these findings, we are reminded of the remarkable resilience of nature and the urgent need to respect and protect it. The future of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-rich-tree-diversity-adapt-better-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> hinges on how well we respond to the ongoing challenges.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52612-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Can trees protect their genetic diversity for millions of years?

In the face of relentless environmental shifts, seven of the...

Have you ever wondered why the smell of freshly baked bread or sizzling bacon can pull you out of bed instantly before dawn? Or how we can distinguish between thousands of different odors and smells? The simple answer lies in the incredible and underappreciated power of our olfactory system. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sense-of-smell-and-odor-detection">Sense of smell and odor detection</h2>



Commonly, we think of our sense of smell, or olfaction, as a slow sense. This notion stems from the process through which we perceive odors. 



When we breathe in, airborne chemicals (that gives a substance its distinctive smell) enter our noses, and are subsequently expelled when we exhale. 



A single breath, lasting 3-5 seconds, seems to limit how quickly we can detect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-nose-is-a-clever-smell-prediction-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smells</a>. Any chemical changes that happen within a single breath end up being perceived as a single odor.



However, a groundbreaking study led by Dr. ZHOU Wen from the Institute of Psychology of the <a href="https://english.cas.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> is presenting us with a whole new perspective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blink-speed-olfactory-sense">Blink-speed olfactory sense</h2>



Published in the renowned publication Nature Human Behaviour, the study proved that our olfactory perception could pick up subtle chemical changes within the duration of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-human-nose-perceives-the-scent-that-lingers-after-rain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single sniff</a>, challenging the earlier understanding of our sense of smell.



To prove this, Dr. Zhou's team ingeniously developed a sniff-triggered device (imagine a high-tech version of the "smell-o-vision"). 



This device controls the delivery of odors with a remarkable precision of 18 milliseconds -- the length of a frame on a standard LCD screen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smelling-and-odor-compounds">Smelling and odor compounds</h2>



The team conducted five experiments involving 229 participants. Using their device, they introduced the participants to a sequence of two odors, with meticulously calculated delays. 



The participants' objective? To see if they could distinguish between the two different smells.



The results were astounding. Participants could tell the difference between two odor compounds, even when the delay between each odor was a mere 60 milliseconds. That's just a third of the time it takes for your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blinking-plays-crucial-role-vision-human-perception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eyes to blink</a>!



What's even more interesting is that the participants' ability to distinguish odors was not influenced by odor intensity, pleasantness, pungency, or the total amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-fruit-flies-smell-well-as-humans-with-much-less-nose-neurons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">odorant</a> molecules in a single sniff. It purely depended on the temporal separation of the two odors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-odor-identity">Decoding the odor identity</h2>



What does all of this mean? Well, these findings hint at the existence of a temporal code for odor identity. 



"A sniff of odors is not a long exposure shot of the chemical environment that averages out temporal variations. Rather, it incorporates&nbsp;a temporal sensitivity on par with that for color perception," Dr. Zhou states.



This research paves the way to study further temporal aspects of olfactory perception and develop advanced olfactory displays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smell-and-odor-perception">Smell and odor perception</h2>



The implications of this research extend far beyond the confines of laboratory settings and provide intriguing insights into how scent influences human behavior and interaction. 



Recognizing the olfactory system's capacity to distinguish subtle chemical differences rapidly could revolutionize industries reliant on scent, such as food and beverage, perfumes, and even healthcare. 



By leveraging a deeper understanding of temporal odor perception, professionals could refine flavor development, enhance the design of fragrances, and improve the realm of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/odors-prompt-brain-cells-to-make-decisions-before-you-know-whats-happening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scent-based</a> therapies. 



Furthermore, this study invites additional interdisciplinary collaboration to explore how scents play a role in forming memories and emotional states, encouraging further integration between neuroscience, psychology, and the arts.



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



While the findings present a captivating shift in our comprehension of olfactory capabilities, they also sow seeds for future research. 



What underlying neural mechanisms enable such swift odor discrimination? How do these processes vary among individuals or across different species? 



These questions beckon a fresh wave of scientific inquiries aimed at unraveling the complexities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-can-change-the-colors-we-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scent perception</a>.



As technology continues to advance, researchers may develop even more precise tools for examining the temporal dynamics of olfaction. 



By diving deeper into this sensory dimension, scientists aspire to unlock novel applications and technologies, potentially transforming how we interact with and perceive our aromatic environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-beyond-smell-and-odor">Mysteries beyond smell and odor</h2>



While we now know more about the speed of our sense of smell, this only scratches the surface of our olfactory system's capabilities. 



It opens up a whole new world of questions -- could our alertness to smells give us evolutionary advantages? How does the brain process these smells so rapidly?



Next time you take a deep breath, remember, it's not just air you're sniffing in. It's a concoction of fine, nuanced odors, processed and perceived in the blink of an eye. 



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This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-01984-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behaviour</a>.



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Our sense of smell detects odors in less time than it takes to blink

Have you ever wondered why the smell of freshly baked...

Beneath the sun's heat, which feels stronger each year, our world is altering in ways we cannot ignore. The United Nations recently warned that the stability of Earth's water cycle is in jeopardy due to climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parched-planet">Parched planet</h2>



Streams ran unusually low in 2023, hitting a thirty-year record for aridity. At the same time, glaciers recorded their worst half-century loss, surrendering gigantic ice-continent amounts. 



While one end of the spectrum experienced extreme drought, the other end saw a significant surplus of water, with floods washing across countries.



President of the World Meteorological Organization (<a href="https://wmo.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WMO</a>), Celeste Saulo, conveyed her concern about these stark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warning signs</a>. 



"Water is the canary in the coalmine of climate change," said Saulo. The potentiating panic emphasizes how human lives, ecosystems, and economies sit precariously on the edge of a climate-induced disaster.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-balance-vs-climate-change">Water balance vs. climate change</h2>



The Earth's feverish condition, the result of a rapidly warming atmosphere, is making our water cycle skittish and difficult to predict. With the previous year holding the dubious distinction of the hottest on record, many regions of the globe experienced enduring droughts.



Concurrently, other parts of the world struggled with engorged rivers, leading to severe flooding. These weather events were partly fueled by natural climatic shifts such as the La Nina and El Nino phenomena, but human-induced climate change exacerbated them.



"A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which is conducive to heavy rainfall. More rapid evaporation and drying of soils worsen drought conditions," said Saulo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-woes-due-to-climate-change">Water woes due to climate change</h2>



The ironic balance of water abundance and deficiency is plunging numerous countries into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-temperatures-may-rise-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">escalating water crises</a>. In 2023, it was Africa that bore the brunt of these calamities, with a staggering number of human casualties.



In Libya, a major flood in September led to the horrifying collapse of two dams, resulting in the loss of over 11,000 lives and disrupting 22% of the nation's population. On the flip side, more than half the world's river catchments have been drier than usual over the past three years.



The United Nations records indicate that approximately 3.6 billion individuals lack access to fresh water for at least one month each year. Worryingly, this figure is predicted to increase to over 5 billion by 2050.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monstrous-magnitude">Monstrous magnitude</h2>



As our planet continues to heat up, our glaciers are paying a steep price. They've been melting at unprecedented rates, with a whopping 600 billion tons of water lost in their worst 50-year performance, according to data from September 2022 to August 2023.



WMO's president warns that these losses threaten long-term water security for countless communities across the globe. With all this in the backdrop, Saulo urges for robust actions to address this looming crisis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disparities-in-water-accessibility">Disparities in water accessibility </h2>



The gap between water-rich and water-poor regions is widening admits climate change, necessitating innovative solutions to bridge this critical divide. Technological advancements such as desalination and rainwater harvesting offer promising avenues for redistributing water effectively. 



Desalination, albeit energy-intensive, could potentially convert seawater into drinking water, providing relief for arid regions.



Rainwater harvesting systems, tailored to local climates, can mitigate the impacts of rainfall scarcity by storing excess water during wet spells.



Moreover, international cooperation is paramount, with nations needing to share resources and knowledge to adapt to water scarcity challenges holistically. 



In essence, addressing disparities in water accessibility requires a concerted global effort emphasizing sustainable practices and equitable distribution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swift-action-is-needed">Swift action is needed</h2>



Global leaders face pressure to turn their rhetoric on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-water-security-relies-on-the-origins-of-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water crisis</a> into actionable strategies. 



Key actions include investing in climate resilience, integrating traditional knowledge with modern science, and prioritizing education to promote water conservation.



Swift action is essential to mitigate the impending water scarcity crisis and secure a sustainable future for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-earth-s-water-cycle">Monitoring Earth's water cycle </h2>



In order to manage our fresh water resources efficiently, WMO strongly advocates for enhanced monitoring systems. These would act as early warning systems, mitigating disaster for both humans and the ecosystem.



Better management of water resources can only be achieved if we understand our usage and the changes in availability. "We cannot manage what we do not measure," Saulo stressed.



Stefan Uhlenbrook, director of the WMO's hydrology, water and cryosphere department, emphasized the urgency of investing in infrastructure to conserve water and protect people against water-related disasters. 



Changes are particularly needed in agriculture, which guzzles up 70% of the world's fresh water consumption.



As the world drips towards a future where normal water cycles may become a distant memory, the climatic stabilization challenge seems daunting. While we may not be able to turn back the clock, we can certainly strive to understand, adapt, and combat these changes to buy our future generations more time.



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Distress signals: Earth’s water cycle is becoming more erratic

Beneath the sun's heat, which feels stronger each year, our...

A recent study sheds light on the potential destabilizing effects of climate change on mutualistic relationships between insects and plants. Mutualism, the cooperative interaction where both species benefit, is fundamental to healthy ecosystems. 



The research suggests that increasing urbanization and rising temperatures could be disrupting these relationships, with potential consequences for global biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-ant-plant-mutualism">Investigating ant-plant mutualism</h2>



Led by <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a>, the study focused on the mutualistic relationship between specific ant species and the tropical shrub Cordia nodosa, which provides ants with shelter in exchange for protection from herbivores. 



The researchers compared how these relationships function in five urban sites and five protected forest areas in South America.&nbsp;



A key aim was to determine how the species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutionary-deja-vu-the-symbiotic-relationships-of-trees-and-ants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a> inhabiting the plants in urban environments differed from those in forest areas, particularly in terms of their ability to tolerate heat - a defining feature of cities.



The researchers discovered that urban plants housed mostly opportunistic ants, which did not specialize in protecting Cordia nodosa. These urban ants, while more heat-tolerant, were not effective in defending the plants.&nbsp;



In contrast, specialized mutualistic ants, which form strong protective partnerships with the shrubs, were still commonly found in forest areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-of-ant-protection-in-urban-areas">Decline of ant protection in urban areas</h2>



One of the study’s most striking findings was that urban ants, living in Cordia nodosa plants, generally failed to defend the plants from threats.&nbsp;



The researchers simulated attacks by flicking the plants, only to find that opportunistic urban ants did little to respond, living up to their name. In forest areas, however, the mutualistic ants were 13 times more likely to spring into action to protect the plants.



Surprisingly, despite the lack of defense from urban ants, plants in cities were not as severely affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-biodiversity-benefits-from-large-herbivores-like-elephants-and-moose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbivores</a> as expected. Herbivory, or damage caused by plant-eating insects, was relatively low in these areas. 



“I think that probably the herbivores themselves are not doing great in the city, whether it's because of habitat fragmentation, the temperature or whatever's keeping those specialist ants out may also be keeping the herbivores out,” said Elsa Youngsteadt, an associate professor of applied ecology at NC State.&nbsp;



Professor Youngsteadt also noted the possibility that urban plants have developed alternative defenses to compensate for the lack of ant protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urbanization-and-ant-plant-relationships">Urbanization and ant-plant relationships</h2>



In contrast to urban environments, forest plants without their protective ants showed higher rates of herbivory, which was more in line with the expected outcome.&nbsp;



The research also confirmed a distinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/as-urban-heat-continues-to-rise-birds-are-moving-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban heat</a> island effect, with urban areas being approximately 1.6°C warmer than forest areas. 



This increase in temperature correlated with the heat tolerance of the ants, as urban ants were better adapted to warmer conditions than their forest counterparts.



However, the long-term implications of these changes remain uncertain. “While this study provides a small snapshot of what we may be able to expect in the future with global change, there remain many unanswered questions,” said study co-author Professor Sara Prado. 



The research raises concerns about how these changes might affect ecosystems on a larger scale if similar patterns begin to emerge in forest environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-specialized-mutualisms">The future of specialized mutualisms</h2>



The findings from this study highlight the vulnerability of specialized mutualistic relationships in the face of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-social-nature-of-ants-will-them-tolerate-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. 



If urban environments can no longer support the mutualistic ants that protect Cordia nodosa and other plants, we may see a shift in the composition of insect-plant relationships.&nbsp;



“If these changes also play out in forests in the future, we may see more examples of specialized mutualistic interactions changing or disappearing altogether,” said Professor Prado.



Furthermore, if urban plants no longer need ants to protect them, researchers are left wondering about the long-term consequences of being colonized by opportunistic ants.&nbsp;



The impact on herbivores is another area of concern. If herbivores are also being kept out by the same factors affecting specialized ants, it suggests a profound shift in how urban ecosystems function.



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



This study offers a glimpse into how climate change and urbanization might disrupt critical symbiotic relationships that form the foundation of many ecosystems.&nbsp;



The findings emphasize the importance of continued investigation into how these changes affect not only the individual species involved but the broader ecological networks they support.



As the planet continues to warm and urban areas expand, the consequences for specialized insect-plant relationships remain unclear.&nbsp;



However, this research serves as a warning of the potential fracturing of mutualistic interactions that are vital for maintaining biodiversity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-plays-critical-role-ecosystem-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem health</a>. 



The study highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts to protect these relationships in a changing world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4449" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



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Climate change is destabilizing ant-plant relationships

A recent study sheds light on the potential destabilizing effects...

One of the most dramatic environmental cautionary tales from the 1980s centers on the cloud forests of the Centinela range in coastal Ecuador.&nbsp;



Reports indicated that approximately 90 species of plants, many unknown to science and found nowhere else on Earth, were wiped out when the forests were cleared for agriculture.&nbsp;



This event has since fueled campaigns for rainforest conservation. However, a recent study reveals that the alleged mass extinction may never have occurred.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-challenges-extinction-claims">Research challenges extinction claims</h2>



A team of international botanists has found that the plants once thought extinct in Centinela are, in fact, still thriving in fragments of Ecuador's forests. Dawson White, a postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>, explained the surprising findings.&nbsp;



“It’s a miracle. Many of Centinela’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-plants-on-earth-could-be-saved-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> are still on the brink of extinction, but fortunately the reports of their demise were exaggerated. There’s still time to save them and turn this story around.”&nbsp;



The researchers found no solid proof of any extinctions but ample evidence that many of the species presumed lost still exist in the remaining patches of the region’s forest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-were-earlier-estimates-wrong">Why were earlier estimates wrong?</h2>



Earlier researchers overestimated the extinction threat due to limited data. They collected numerous new species with little understanding of the global distribution of plant life in the world’s most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-rich-tree-diversity-adapt-better-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse forests</a>.&nbsp;



In the decades since those initial collections, more than 50 new species have been identified, and many plants presumed extinct at Centinela have been found elsewhere in South America.&nbsp;



Of the original 90 species thought to have disappeared, only one has not yet been rediscovered.



“Understanding which plants are growing in a given Andean cloud forest is a monumental task because you will undoubtedly find new species,” White explained.&nbsp;



“What our investigation highlights is that it takes decades of work from taxonomic experts to describe new species in such forests.”&nbsp;



“And only once we have names for these species that are then noted in our scientific networks can we begin to understand where else these plants grow and their risk of extinction.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-herbaria-in-conservation">The role of herbaria in conservation</h2>



Ecuador’s extreme biodiversity, including over 20,000 plant species - 4,000 of which are endemic - makes it particularly challenging to monitor and conserve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-ecosystems-at-risk-the-critical-role-of-aquatic-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical ecosystems</a>. The study emphasizes the critical role of herbaria in identifying and conserving plant species.&nbsp;



Juan Guevara from <a href="https://www.udla.edu.ec/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidad de Las Américas</a> in Quito commented on their importance: “Herbaria give us the fundamental ‘what’ and ‘where’ of plant biodiversity. They’re the basis of everything we know about which plants are threatened with extinction.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rediscovering-centinela-s-resilient-ecosystem">Rediscovering Centinela’s resilient ecosystem</h2>



In addition to revising the extinction story, the study revealed that Centinela’s forests are more resilient than originally thought.&nbsp;



Tiny fragments of the original forest, previously overlooked, have been found to harbor species believed extinct, including Gasteranthus extinctus, a wildflower rediscovered in 2021.&nbsp;



These fragments are often less than an acre in size but are home to rare and astonishing plant life.



“They’re tiny islands lost in a sea of plantations, but they’re still full of astonishing plants,” said co-author Andrea Fernández, a botanist at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> and the <a href="https://www.chicagobotanic.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Botanic Garden</a>.&nbsp;



The team even discovered eight new species, including a rare canopy tree in the Cotton family, which faces immediate threats from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainforests-replanted-seedlings-after-logging-do-not-recover-well/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">logging</a>. Efforts are underway to preserve this tree by collecting its seeds and growing them in botanic gardens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-centinela-s-future-a-hub-for-conservation-efforts">Centinela’s future: A hub for conservation efforts</h2>



Once seen as a symbol of environmental loss, Centinela is now becoming a center of scientific research and conservation.&nbsp;



Local and international efforts are focused on protecting the remaining forest fragments, collecting seeds for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-is-important-but-reforestation-can-help-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reforestation</a>, and mapping long-term strategies to safeguard this precious biodiversity.&nbsp;



Globally, Centinela’s story has inspired new conservation initiatives, including the use of satellite imagery by Planet Labs to aid in forest protection.



While this study offers hope for Centinela, the global biodiversity crisis remains critical. According to the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN Red List</a>, over 45,000 species are threatened with extinction, including nearly half of amphibians and a quarter of all mammals.&nbsp;



“Plants in coastal Ecuador and a lot of other hard-hit places in the tropics are finding a way to hang on,” said co-author Nigel Pitman, a scientist at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a>. “We’ve still got time to act before they’re gone forever.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41477-024-01832-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Plants</a>.



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Did the Centinela mass extinction really happen?

One of the most dramatic environmental cautionary tales from the...

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



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



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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

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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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



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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 



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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



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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



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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



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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



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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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&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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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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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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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes a new map of Mars that is providing insight into the planet’s watery past. The map also reveals where future missions could safely land on Mars.&nbsp;



The map has been created over the last decade using observations of water-rich rocks and mineral deposits. The images were captured by ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.



"A big surprise is the prevalence of these minerals, with the map revealing hundreds of thousands of water-affected locations in the oldest parts of the planet," says ESA. "The new data will help answer exciting questions about Mars’ climate history, whether water was globally persistent or confined to short, intense episodes, and whether the conditions were ever suitable for life."



"Specifically, the map shows the locations and abundances of aqueous minerals. These are from rocks that have been chemically altered by the action of water in the past, and have typically been transformed into clays and salts."



According to John Carter of the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), our collective understanding of Mars has been oversimplified. He explained that planetary scientists have tended to think that only a few types of clay minerals on Mars were created during its wet period, then as the water gradually dried up, salts were produced across the planet.



The new map shows that the composition of Mars is much more complicated than what we thought. For example, while many salts formed after Martian clays, there are some salts that are presumed to be older than some of the clays.&nbsp;



“The evolution from lots of water to no water is not as clear cut as we thought, the water didn’t just stop overnight. We see a huge diversity of geological contexts, so that no one process or simple timeline can explain the evolution of the mineralogy of Mars. That’s the first result of our study. The second is that if you exclude life processes on Earth, Mars exhibits a diversity of mineralogy in geological settings just as Earth does,” said Carter.



Video 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



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. 



The experts found that the muscle metabolism of cavefish has been genetically reprogrammed over time. As a result, the animals have experienced major changes in their morphology and behavior. Despite these changes, however, the cavefish remain healthy and fit.



The research may provide new clues about the evolutionary consequences of prolonged physical inactivity in humans.&nbsp;



“It’s no surprise that people are moving less and less as technology has advanced,” said Rohner. “With cavefish, we have a unique system where we can study what might happen if people remained couch potatoes over very, very long periods of time.”



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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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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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> some of the most incredible waves in the world, as seen by Landsat satellites.



"With more than 370,000 miles of coastline on Earth, there are plenty of places where epic waves build up, curl over, and hurtle toward the shore.- much to the thrill of surfers," says NASA. "There are some places where these waves are so magnificent that they can be seen from space."



"With the broad perspective of satellites, we can see how these iconic waves develop into the world’s tallest, longest, fastest, and heaviest."



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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