Young aspen trees in Yellowstone are doing something they have not done in almost 100 years. Rather than sprouting and being eaten back to nubs by elk and bison, they're actually growing into tall, adult forest trees rising up towards the canopy.



This matters more than it might seem, because it shows what happens when a missing piece of an ecosystem returns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yellowstone-aspens-and-elk">Yellowstone, aspens, and elk</h2>



In the 1920s, people <a href="https://www.yellowstone.org/wolf-project/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eliminated wolves in Yellowstone</a>. At the time, with limited scientific knowledge, managers believed it was the right thing to do.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-wolves-to-dogs-did-domestication-begin-without-human-help/">Without wolves</a>, elk herds grew very large. Elk love to eat aspen shoots - the tender young growth is highly palatable to them.



For roughly 70 years, elk browsed aspen sprouts down to stub height, and the trees couldn't grow. 



If you had walked through Yellowstone in the 1980s, you would have seen many tiny aspen shoots covering the ground, but almost no young trees gaining height. 



The forest's regeneration was stalled. Old trees died, and no new ones replaced them.



In 1995 and 1996, park managers reintroduced wolves into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt/">Yellowstone Park ecosystem</a>. Scientists hoped and wondered whether this would change anything for the trees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-aspen-matter-to-yellowstone">Why aspen matter to Yellowstone</h2>



Aspen groves provide habitat for many species. Birds nest in them. Beavers eat the bark and use the wood for dams. Butterflies and moths lay eggs on the leaves. 



Their canopy admits enough light for wildflowers and shrubs to grow beneath. When it rains, aspen groves hold water in the soil better than some other forest types.



In short, when aspen return, dozens of other species benefit. More trees support more insects, which in turn support more birds, enriching the ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-checking-the-trees-three-decades-later">Checking the trees three decades later</h2>



<a href="https://fwcs.oregonstate.edu/users/luke-painter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke Painter</a>, an ecologist at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a>, sought clear answers. His team returned to 87 aspen stands across Yellowstone that scientists had previously surveyed. 



They measured thousands of young trees, looked for bite marks, and counted how many stems were tall enough that elk could no longer reach the tips.



About a third of these stands now have many tall young aspens pushing toward the canopy. 



"About 26 of the 87 aspen stands we examined had large numbers of tall saplings throughout, a remarkable change from the 1990s when surveys found none at all," Painter said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-wolves-matter-to-yellowstone-aspens">Why wolves matter to Yellowstone aspens</h2>



Breaking it all down, the conclusions of this study are pretty simple. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolves-move-pups-across-mountains-to-adapt-to-climate-pressure/">Wolves hunt elk</a>. When wolves came back, two things happened. First, elk numbers declined from unusually high levels. Second, elk changed their behavior. They spent less time in the same areas feeding.



With fewer elk and shorter feeding bouts, more aspen shoots survived long enough to exceed the browsing zone - about six to seven feet high. 



Once a sapling reaches that height, elk cannot easily reach the growing tip. The tree continues to grow.



"The reintroduction of large carnivores has initiated a recovery process that had been shut down for decades," Painter explained.



Scientists call this a <a href="https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/trophic-cascades-across-diverse-plant-ecosystems-80060347/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trophic cascade</a> - when adding or removing one species causes changes that ripple through the whole system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-places-recover-others-don-t">Some places recover, others don't</h2>



Unfortunately, not every aspen stand has recovered yet. Some valleys still have many short, heavily browsed shoots, because it's not only elk eating them anymore. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstones-iconic-bison-have-merged-into-a-single-herd/">Bison herds have grown</a>, and bison browse on aspen as well. They are strong enough to break young trees. 



"Increasing numbers of bison may be emerging as a new constraint to aspen in some areas," Painter confirmed.



Additionally, winter snow depth varies; droughts stress trees; bears and mountain lions also hunt elk; and hunting outside the park influences elk distribution. 



All of these factors interact, which is why some sites show strong recovery, others show moderate recovery, and a few have changed very little.



The key pattern is that places with many tall saplings experience little browsing, and aspen groves that remain popular eating grounds today stay short. 



This fact is the strongest indication that tree recovery is linked directly to wolf presence, not solely to weather or soil conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proof-in-the-measurements">Proof in the measurements</h2>



Painter's team did not rely on casual observation. They used the same methods as earlier researchers, measuring the same plots. 



They counted recruitment - when young trees surpass browsing height and begin progressing toward maturity. This measure is crucial. Sprouts are insufficient if they never grow; without recruitment, the forest cannot replace itself.



The results are robust. After being stalled for most of a century, Yellowstone's aspens are increasing in height. In recovering stands today, you will see saplings - six, eight, or ten feet tall - that were not present in the 1990s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-yellowstone-s-aspens">The future of Yellowstone's aspens</h2>



"This is a remarkable case of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-may-be-near-the-root-of-all-life-on-earth/">ecological restoration</a>," Painter concluded. "Wolf reintroduction is yielding long-term ecological changes contributing to increased biodiversity and habitat diversity."



Trees grow slowly, so even with wolves restored, it will take decades for these young aspens to form a full-grown forest. 



Some areas might never fully recover if bison numbers continue to rise or if the climate becomes too hot and dry.



Thanks to the work of Painter and his team, scientists are now certain that restoring the Yellowstone predator has restarted aspen forest regeneration. Not everywhere and not perfectly, but enough to be measured, creating hope for the future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112725004499?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Ecology and Management</a>.



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Yellowstone's aspen trees are growing again thanks to the reintroduction of wolves

Young aspen trees in Yellowstone are doing something they have not done in almost 100 years. Rather than sprouting and being eaten back to nubs by elk and bison, they're actually growing into tall, adult forest trees rising up towards the canopy. This matters more than it might seem, because it shows what happens when a missing piece of an ecosystem returns. Yellowstone, aspens, and elk In the 1920s, people eliminated wolves in Yellowstone. At the time, with limited scientific knowledge, managers believed it was the right...

In the pursuit of innovation, a group of scientists has achieved something remarkable: they've found a way to create "real" diamonds at normal room temperature and pressure.



This breakthrough not only eliminates the need for a starter gem but also drastically simplifies the process of producing lab-grown diamonds, making it more efficient and potentially more accessible. 



By challenging conventional methods, this discovery paves the way for a new era in diamond synthesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-nature-makes-diamonds">How nature makes diamonds</h2>



Most diamonds start their journey about 90 to 150 miles beneath the surface, in a part of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-hole-drilled-into-earths-mantle-scientific-goldmine-magma-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's mantle</a> where temperatures soar to around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and pressures are mind-bogglingly high. 



Under these extreme conditions, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graphite-in-2-5-billion-year-old-ruby-linked-to-early-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon atoms</a> bond together in a unique crystal structure, creating the hard, shiny gems we know and love.



But getting those diamonds to the surface is another story. Volcanic eruptions, millions of years ago, brought diamonds closer to the Earth’s crust in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamond-fountain-eruption-from-volcanoes-when-earth-continents-shift/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rocks called kimberlite</a> or lamproite. 



These eruptions were like express elevators, moving the diamonds upward quickly enough to keep them intact under lower-pressure conditions. 



Today, miners find these ancient gems in volcanic pipes or riverbeds where erosion has carried them. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mimicking-extreme-conditions-in-the-lab">Mimicking extreme conditions in the lab</h2>



To mimic these natural conditions in the lab, scientists have been using a method called high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) growth. 



With this method, they have been simulating the same extreme conditions in order to coerce dissolved carbon, in liquid metals like iron, to convert into diamond around a starter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-second-largest-diamond-found-in-botswana/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gem</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-growing-diamonds">Challenges of growing diamonds</h2>



This approach has its limitations. Incredible pressure and heat aren't easy to achieve or maintain in a lab setting. And, the size of the lab-made gems leaves a bit to be desired.



The largest ones only reach about the size of a blueberry, and the process is time-consuming.



Alternative methods, such as chemical vapor deposition, attempt to eliminate some of HPHT's limitations, such as the need for high pressures, but the requirement for a starter diamond remains.



The new technique, developed by a team led by Rodney Ruoff, a physical chemist at the <a href="https://www.ibs.re.kr/eng.do" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Basic Science</a> in South Korea, eliminates some of the disadvantages of the above-mentioned synthesis processes. 



According to Ruoff, he has been pondering new ways to grow diamonds for over a decade now, challenging conventional thinking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secret-to-growing-diamonds">Secret to growing diamonds</h2>



The team's method began with electrically heated gallium with a little bit of silicon in a graphite crucible. 



While gallium may sound exotic, it was actually chosen based on a previous unrelated study that identified its ability to catalyze the formation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graphene-new-wonder-material-earth-technology-found-moon-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">graphene</a>, a carbon cousin to diamond.



The team also invented a special chamber containing a 2.4-gallon crucible where the gallium-silicon mix awaited. 



This crucible chamber, designed to be at sea-level atmospheric pressure, was ready to experiment in just 15 minutes. It allowed the experimental gas mixtures to be changed rapidly and easily to determine the optimal blend.



After numerous trials, the scientists found that an optimal mixture of gallium-nickel-iron, with a smattering of silicon, catalyzed the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamonds-can-be-grown-in-a-lab-in-less-than-3-hours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth</a> of diamonds most efficiently.



Even more impressive was that diamonds appeared at the base of the crucible within 15 minutes, and a more complete diamond film formed within two and a half hours.



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



The actual mechanism that leads to diamond formation deep within the Earth isn't yet completely understood.



However, the researchers believe that a decrease in temperature helps drive the carbon from the methane towards the center of the crucible, where it coalesces into a diamond.



The process seems reliant on silicon. Without it, no diamonds could be formed, indicating the crucial role it plays as a seed for the carbon to crystallize around.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-the-new-technique">Limitations of the new technique</h2>



Despite these thrilling advancements, the new technique isn't without its own limitations. 



The diamonds produced using this method are minuscule, hundreds of thousands of times smaller than those grown with the HPHT method. Hence, these diamonds are far too small for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revolutionary-process-turns-carbon-emissions-into-diamonds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jewelry</a> applications.



However, their use in technological applications, such as drilling or polishing, is a possibility. Due to the low pressure involved in the new method, it might be feasible to significantly scale up diamond synthesis.



"In about a year or two, the world might have a clearer picture of things like possible commercial impact," Rodney Ruoff predicts optimistically. 



This breakthrough is a remarkable reflection of the unceasing quest for innovation that pushes the boundaries, and redefines the possible.



The intriguing discovery may even hint at an exciting new chapter in the evolving story of synthetic gems, one that could reshape their production and applications. Only time will tell how far this innovation will take us.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07339-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Diamonds can now be created from scratch in the lab in just 15 minutes

In the pursuit of innovation, a group of scientists has...

At the age of 74, parenting can be quite the adventure. But for one venerable albatross named Wisdom, it seems the journey is just beginning anew. 



Surprisingly, Wisdom is now in the process of becoming a mother yet again - a feat that sets her apart as the oldest known bird in the world to breed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-windy-home-of-the-oldest-bird">Windy home of the oldest bird</h2>



The scene takes place on Midway Atoll, near Hawaii. Each year, this location brims with the arrival of multitudes of spectacular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-are-moving-north-and-breeding-earlier-in-a-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seabirds</a> known as Laysan albatrosses.



Among them has been Wisdom, returning annually to nest. For decades, she was inseparable from her partner. They were monogamous, much like the rest of their kind. Over the course of her life, Wisdom has laid over 50 eggs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wisdom-s-new-lease-on-life">Wisdom's new lease on life</h2>



In an unexpected turn of events, Wisdom's partner sadly vanished. Unfazed by this change, the elderly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-winds-make-it-difficult-for-albatrosses-to-feed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">albatross</a> adapted and started to court other males. 



Wisdom's current visit to the atoll was marked by her laying another egg, and she has a new partner with whom to share the incubation duties.



"We are optimistic that the egg will hatch," expressed Jonathan Plissner, a supervisory wildlife biologist at <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/midway-atoll" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wisdom-the-world-s-oldest-breeding-bird">Wisdom: The world's oldest breeding bird</h2>



This new chapter in Wisdom's life was beautifully captured in photographs and video by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.



They depict the excited parents-to-be, seemingly communicating with their egg, before the male takes over incubation duty.



Tagged and identified back in 1956 when she was laying her first egg at the refuge, Wisdom was no less than five years old at the time - the age at which Laysan albatrosses reach sexual maturity.



Taking these facts into account, it is clear that Wisdom is at least 74 years old.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incredible-life-cycle-of-albatrosses">Incredible life cycle of albatrosses</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/albatrosses-use-infrasound-for-long-distance-navigation-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Albatrosses</a> have long been central to seafaring lore, and were famously featured in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."



These majestic birds symbolize freedom, endurance, and the mysterious connection between nature and sailors. Today, the story of Wisdom, the world’s oldest known wild bird, adds a modern layer to their legendary status.



At over 70 years old, Wisdom continues to defy the odds, returning each year to raise chicks and inspire awe. Her resilience highlights the incredible life cycle of albatrosses and serves as a reminder of the need to protect these iconic birds and their ocean habitats for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-love-and-challenges-of-albatrosses">Life, love, and challenges of albatrosses</h2>



Laysan albatrosses are named after Laysan Island, one of their primary nesting sites within the Hawaiian Archipelago.



These birds exhibit incredible site fidelity, often returning to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-known-wild-albatross-mother/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breed</a> at the exact location where they were hatched. The species plays a critical role in the marine ecosystem, acting as indicators of ocean health due to their reliance on marine food sources like squid and fish.



These albatrosses are known for their elaborate courtship dances, which involve a series of coordinated movements, calls, and gestures. The ritual helps strengthen the bond between mating pairs. 



Laysan albatrosses also possess a unique adaptation - a specialized gland located above their eyes that helps them excrete excess salt from the seawater they drink, thus enabling them to thrive in their marine habitat.



Despite their resilience, Laysan albatross populations face threats from plastic pollution, longline fishing, and invasive predators at nesting sites. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation efforts</a>, such as habitat restoration and reducing bycatch in fishing operations, are crucial for ensuring their survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-journeys-of-albatrosses">Extraordinary journeys of albatrosses</h2>



Laysan albatrosses are quite remarkable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-sea-ice-makes-it-harder-for-seabirds-to-find-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a>. They have a wingspan stretching up to 80 inches and can travel over 930 miles in search of food.



Not only that, there are over a dozen species of albatross spanning locations from the Southern Hemisphere to the North Pacific Ocean.



Birds' lifespans can differ considerably based on their species. The smaller ones tend to reach only two to three years in age, whereas seabirds such as albatrosses and penguins can live up to 40 or 50 years.



Wisdom's age, however, surpasses all of these, making her an exceptional figure in the natural world.



Image Credit: Keegan Rankin/USFWS



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World’s oldest wild bird is expecting again at 74

At the age of 74, parenting can be quite the...

Friendships are a cornerstone of human social dynamics, often influenced by shared personalities and mutual interests. However, how animals like buffalos choose their companions remains less understood. 



A new study by researchers at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) sheds light on this question. The team examined a unique free-ranging feral population of water buffalo on Lantau Island in Hong Kong.



The findings reveal that spatial proximity is a strong indicator of buffalo friendships, influenced by certain shared personality traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buffalo-friendships-and-personalities">Buffalo friendships and personalities</h2>



"Our research provides evidence that friendships among water <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-animal-day-2024-building-a-legacy-of-compassion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buffalo</a> can form among individuals with similar behaviors. These findings offer valuable insights into the evolution of friendships," said Dr. Debottam Bhattacharjee, a Postdoc in CityUHK’s <a href="https://www.cityu.edu.hk/ph/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health</a>.



"Personalities and social relationships will be potentially important for understanding how buffalo use their habitats during different seasons (wet and dry) of the year with fluctuating food resources."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buffalo-friends-and-spatial-associations">Buffalo friends and spatial associations </h2>



The study reveals that female buffalo with similar personalities tend to exhibit higher spatial associations. These individuals spend more time in close proximity during activities like foraging, collective movement, and resting.



The observational studies focused on female buffalo who displayed similar personality traits. These traits, described as repeatable behavioral variables, included social tension, vigilance, and general dominance.



Professor Alan McElligott, a co-author of the study and an expert on animal behavior and welfare at CityUHK, explained how these traits were assessed:



<ul>
<li>Social tension:&nbsp;How buffalo approached and avoided each other.</li>



<li>Vigilance:&nbsp;How they sat and moved around.</li>



<li>General dominance:&nbsp;How they responded to others in the herd.</li>
</ul>



These traits were predictive of the duration and quality of their interactions, offering significant insights into the formation and maintenance of buffalo <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-friendships-social-bonds-evolve-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">friendships</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-animal-well-being">Improving animal well-being</h2>



The implications of this research extend beyond academic curiosity. Studies have shown that strong social associations correlate with better health, well-being, and survival rates. 



This study contributes to the growing body of evidence that human-like friendships can occur in various species. Like human relationships, these animal friendships can be stable, enduring, and transcend kinship bonds.



The researchers emphasize the importance of studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/old-and-wise-animals-are-essential-for-the-survival-of-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social bonds</a> in feral buffalo for two reasons. 



First, previous research - mostly conducted in captivity - has highlighted buffalo’s social complexity, marked by affiliated behaviors and dominance hierarchies.



Second, understanding these behaviors in natural settings provides valuable insights for improving the welfare and health of buffalo populations.



"Moreover, understanding social behaviors and friendships of group living animals like buffalo improves welfare with broader implications for maintaining optimal health of those within the wider population," noted Professor Kate Flay from CityUHK’s <a href="https://www.cityu.edu.hk/pg/department/vcs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences</a>.



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



The study highlights the importance of investigating preferential social bonds among feral buffalo. According to the CityUHK scientists, this research has implications for conservation and welfare strategies.



By examining how close social relationships affect buffalo populations, researchers can develop more sustainable approaches to animal welfare and conservation, especially for species facing threats.



The findings also suggest that these insights might apply to other species, paving the way for a deeper understanding of social dynamics in animals.



The major takeaway? Friendships in the animal kingdom are not just fascinating but also crucial for survival and ecological balance. The buffalo of Lantau Island are more than just majestic creatures; they are a testament to the power of connection in the wild.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-buffalo-friendships">Benefits of buffalo friendships</h2>



The formation of buffalo friendships extends beyond personality traits to include environmental and seasonal factors. 



Some studies have noted that access to shared resources, such as water and shade, often dictated which buffalo spent time together. In drought-prone periods, buffalo formed stronger bonds with those who exhibited cooperative behaviors, such as sharing resting spots or water access.



Interestingly, younger buffalo were observed mimicking the social patterns of older, more dominant individuals, suggesting that friendship behaviors might also have a learned component. This learning could play a role in how buffalo integrate into their herds and establish their social standing.



Another noteworthy aspect is the role of vocal communication. While the study primarily focused on spatial proximity, field observations revealed that buffalo frequently used low-frequency calls to maintain contact with their preferred companions when separated by distance. These calls helped reinforce bonds and facilitated regrouping.



The influence of predators also shaped buffalo friendships. Herd members who maintained strong friendships were more likely to engage in collective vigilance, enhancing their chances of detecting and escaping threats. This highlights the adaptive advantages of forming close <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/older-griffon-vultures-have-fewer-friends-with-stronger-bonds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social bonds</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)02644-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



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Buffalos build friendships based on similar personality traits

Friendships are a cornerstone of human social dynamics, often influenced...

Circadian rhythms are your body’s built-in 24-hour timer that keeps everything running smoothly, from your sleep schedule to your mood and even how you digest food. It’s like an internal clock that syncs you up with the world around you. 



These rhythms are mostly guided by light and dark -- sunlight tells your brain it’s time to wake up, while darkness signals that it’s time to wind down. 



The boss of this system is a tiny part of your brain called the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/syncing-brain-muscle-circadian-rhythms-slows-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)</a>, which sits in the hypothalamus. It’s basically the control center that keeps you on track with the day-night cycle.



Your internal clock doesn’t just decide when you should sleep -- it also impacts your energy levels, hormones, and how your body works throughout the day.



We know that the brightness of light surround us plays a major role in regulating your circadian rhythms, but what about the color of the light?



Dr. Christine Blume from the <a href="https://www.chronobiology.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centre for Chronobiology</a> of the University of Basel has examined how these signals to the light receptors in our eyes might involve not only brightness but also color.



“There is reason to believe that the color of light could also be relevant for the internal clock,” says Dr. Blume.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lights-colors-and-circadian-rhythm">Lights, colors, and circadian rhythm</h2>



Human eyes rely on specialized cells to gather light information. Rods work best in dim conditions, providing vision at low brightness levels. 



Cones function under brighter conditions, aiding color perception. Light-sensitive ganglion cells, responding strongly to short wavelengths at around 490 nanometers, help inform the internal clock that it is daytime. 



When exposed to light consisting solely of short wavelengths between 440 and 490 nanometers, individuals perceive it as blue. If this triggers ganglion cells, the internal clock receives signals associated with daytime conditions.



“The light-sensitive ganglion cells also receive information from the cones. This raises the question of whether the cones, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colors-of-sunset-and-sunrise-reset-our-circadian-rhythms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thereby the light color</a>, also influence the internal clock,” says Dr. Blume.



“After all, the most striking changes in brightness and light color occur at sunrise and sunset, marking the beginning and end of a day.”



Previous research on mice suggested that yellowish light might affect the internal clock differently than bluish light. 



The idea was that the color aspect of light, not just brightness or wavelength intensity, might shift human circadian timing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-lights-and-colors-in-the-lab">Testing lights and colors in the lab</h2>



To test this possibility, a study exposed 16 healthy volunteers to either bluish or yellowish light for one hour late in the evening. A white light served as a control condition. 



The light stimuli were designed so that differences in color-sensitive cone activation occurred without altering the stimulation of the ganglion cells. 



“This method of light stimulation allows us to separate the light properties that may play a role in how light effects humans in a clean experimental way,” says Manuel Spitschan, Professor of Chronobiology and Health at the <a href="https://www.tum.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Munich</a>.



In a controlled sleep laboratory, researchers assessed whether the color differences influenced each person’s internal clock and sleep. 



They measured how quickly each volunteer fell asleep, examined the depth of their sleep, noted how tired they felt, and recorded their reaction times, which drop as sleepiness grows.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-did-the-study-teach-us">What did the study teach us?</h2>



Study results indicated that the color difference between bluish and yellowish light had no meaningful impact on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/goodbye-jet-lag-using-a-protein-to-reset-the-body-clock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human internal clock</a> or on sleep patterns. 



The findings ran counter to earlier mouse-based research that suggested color might matter. 



“We found no evidence that the variation of light color along a blue-yellow dimension plays a relevant role for the human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-circadian-disturbances-trigger-mental-health-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internal clock or sleep</a>,” says Dr. Blume. 



“Rather, our results support the findings of many other studies that the light-sensitive ganglion cells are most important for the human internal clock,” she adds.



“Our findings show that it is probably most important to take into account the effect of light on the light-sensitive ganglion cells when planning and designing lighting. The cones and therefore the color play a very subordinate role,” says Spitschan. 



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



The study’s outcome focuses attention on reducing short-wavelength light if the goal is to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/link-between-sleep-and-mood-explains-the-wrong-side-of-the-bed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">support healthy sleep</a> and stable circadian rhythms. 



The presence of certain wavelengths matters more than shifting the color balance along a blue-yellow range.



Health advice often emphasizes reducing so-called blue light from device screens in the evening. Many people rely on night shift modes, which add a yellowish tint, believing it lessens the impact on sleep. 



The research suggests that such color changes may not be as necessary as once assumed. 



“Technologically, we can reduce the short-wavelength light in these displays without altering the color, but commercial mobile phones have yet to adopt this approach,” says Dr. Blume.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-circadian-rhythms-and-human-health">Circadian rhythms and human health</h2>



This work leaves questions for future studies, such as whether longer exposure times, different testing periods, or other conditions could reveal effects not seen in this setup. 



In short, results here highlight the complexity of human vision, sleep regulation, and internal timing. The sensitivity of ganglion cells to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/circadian-medicine-light-therapy-could-help-millions-of-heart-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">short-wavelength light</a> remains central to maintaining the body’s daily rhythms.



In everyday life, people still receive frequent advice to limit exposure to bright, blue-rich screens before bedtime. The takeaway from this study is that color adjustments may not hold the key. 



The intensity and type of wavelengths that affect these specialized ganglion cells appear to be what truly matters. 



Designers of lighting systems may focus their efforts on controlling the properties of short-wavelength light, rather than shifting colors along a blue-yellow axis.



For now, the findings bring attention to which aspects of light should be managed to keep the internal clock running smoothly.



The full study was published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-023-01791-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behavior</a>.



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How the color of light impacts our internal clocks and circadian rhythms

Circadian rhythms are your body’s built-in 24-hour timer that keeps...

Winter brings about a heartwarming urge to make our homes cozy and festive, with the help of delightful home fragrances. 



Gingerbread, cinnamon, and pine-scented candles, as well as frankincense and myrrh diffusers, are often used to set the Christmas mood.



It's no wonder the UK home fragrance market recently skyrocketed, earning a staggering $685.5 million in revenue in 2023. 



However, one could not help but question - are these fragrant products affecting the air quality in our homes? How do they impact our health?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fragrances-mask-more-than-odors">Fragrances mask more than odors</h2>



In an effort to mask unpleasant odors and uplift the ambiance of our homes, we turn to items like scented <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scented-candles-toxic-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">candles</a>, air fresheners, and incense sticks. But contrary to their purpose, they do not eliminate harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/gas-stoves-create-dangerous-levels-of-indoor-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indoor pollutants</a>.



A recently published <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950362024000559" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> reveals that some of these fragrance products could potentially compromise the freshness of the air we breathe.



The research was focused on Irish homes post-energy retrofits. The results showed that home fragrances - combined with smoking and blocked wall vents - detrimentally affect indoor air quality.



Furthermore, our indoor exposure to air pollutants worsens when scented candles are used in rooms with closed windows and blocked vents.



The fine particle concentration can spike up to 15 times beyond the limits set by the World Health Organization, taking considerable time to return to standard levels in poorly ventilated areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trapped-in-a-vortex-of-chemicals">Trapped in a vortex of chemicals</h2>



Burning candles or incense sticks results in a complex mix of chemicals and particulate matter. They produce toxic gases like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and oxides of nitrogen.



Home fragrances also emit harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-household-products-expose-people-to-dangerous-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volatile organic compounds</a> (VOCs), with particulate matter that can cause coughing, sneezing, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.



Prolonged exposure heightens the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic bronchitis. It may also exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-through-the-scented-maze">Navigating through the scented maze</h2>



According to the researchers, scented candles likely produce more fine particulate matter compared to unscented ones. Nitrogen oxides, the primary gaseous pollutant from scented candles, can harm our lungs and airways.



In the U.S. and the EU, manufacturers do not have to disclose all of the ingredients used in scented candles. Research suggests that the U.S. discloses less than 10% of home fragrance ingredients to the public.



Air fresheners have been linked to adverse health impacts such as migraines, asthma attacks, and dermatitis. 



Additionally, home fragrance products could emit cancer-causing organic compounds like benzene, phthalates, and formaldehyde. 



A decline in cognitive function has been linked to short-term candle smoke exposure and to long-term incense smoke exposure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-home-fragrances-and-indoor-air-quality">Home fragrances and indoor air quality</h2>



The incense sticks produce about four times as much particulate matter as cigarettes when equal weights are burned. In non-smoking households, candle usage might be a significant source of particulate matter pollution. 



Aerosol air fresheners introduce fine and ultrafine particles into the home air, alongside a range of VOCs.



Similarly, a candle's flickering flame emits larger particles and increases black carbon emissions, further affecting indoor air quality.



Using scented candles or air fresheners in small spaces like bathrooms or bedrooms exposes us to higher concentrations of the generated pollutants, boosting health risks. 



In poorly ventilated areas, pollutants like formaldehyde can reach levels causing upper airway irritation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-fragrances-a-misleading-safety-tag">Natural fragrances: A misleading safety tag</h2>



Many consumers opt for home fragrances made with natural ingredients to avoid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/4200-harmful-plastic-chemicals-hidden-in-everyday-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harmful chemicals</a>, but even these can release significant levels of pollution when burned. 



As the popularity of home fragrances grows, further research is needed to fully understand their long-term impacts on air quality and health.



The adverse effects of chronic exposure may only become apparent after many years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safe-use-of-home-fragrances">Safe use of home fragrances </h2>



For home fragrance enthusiasts, there are safer ways to enjoy these products. Try using them in larger spaces like the living room, and ensure windows are open. 



Check to make sure your home vents are unblocked, especially in rooms where you plan to burn scented candles. 



It's worth noting that most smoke from candles is released when the flame is extinguished. To play it safe, always snuff out candles outdoors.



In&nbsp;a world&nbsp;that&nbsp;is filled with&nbsp;home fragrances, it is highly important to understand their impacts on indoor air quality.



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Home fragrances impact indoor air quality, and the health risks are alarming

Winter brings about a heartwarming urge to make our homes...

High above the sunlit, arid landscapes of the American West, a NASA aircraft soared on a mission to map the minerals hidden below.



This wasn't a journey to explore distant galaxies but a critical quest to uncover the resources essential for America's renewable energy future. 



From lithium for electric vehicles to rare earth elements crucial for wind turbines, these hidden treasures hold the potential to drive the nation’s clean energy ambitions. 



With every pass of its hyperspectral sensors, the aircraft revealed a vibrant tapestry of mineral deposits once invisible to the naked eye.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-minerals-an-aerial-exploration">Hunting minerals: An aerial exploration</h2>



Soaring majestically in the sky was NASA's ER-2 high-altitude research aircraft, its underbelly armed with optical sensors that perceived the earth in hundreds of shades. 



To the naked eye, the desert looked a barren brown, but through the lens of these sophisticated sensors, it seemed to burst with colors, each representing a hidden mineral treasure.



This flight was part of an ambitious venture known as the <a href="https://airbornescience.nasa.gov/content/Geological_Earth_Mapping_Experiment_GEMx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geological Earth Mapping Experiment</a> (GEMx), led by NASA in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-mineral-maps">Creating mineral maps</h2>



The goal was to map minerals vital to American national security, the tech industry, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-energy-biodiversity-wildlife-habitats-delicate-balancing-act/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clean energy</a>. The survey was focused on an area almost the size of Spain, including the states of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon.



The ground beneath these lands was about to reveal secrets that could contribute to the country's self-sufficiency in obtaining mineral commodities.



"We've been exploring the earth beneath our feet for hundreds of years, and we're discovering that we've only just begun," said Kevin Reath, NASA's associate project manager for GEMx.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spectrometer-the-new-lens">Spectrometer: The new lens</h2>



In addition to traditional tools like lidar and magnetic-radiometric sensors, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-mantle-may-contain-a-wealth-of-green-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mineral exploration</a> effort harnesses the power of imaging spectrometers.



These high-tech optical tools detect various wavelengths of light reflected off planetary surfaces. They will now aid in mapping surface minerals across the treeless expanses of the Western United States.



By reflecting a unique light pattern, each molecule acts like a fingerprint. Through a spectroscopic lens, therefore, a barren desert can transform into a canvas of colors, each revealing a different mineral presence including mica, kaolinite, and gypsum.



"We’re not digging for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-secret-role-of-seawater-in-gold-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gold</a>. We’re revealing what’s hidden in plain sight," said Robert Green, a scientist involved in the GEMx project.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-great-lithium-hunt">The great lithium hunt</h2>



A mineral that is of particular interest to the researchers is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-based-battery-may-ultimately-replace-lithium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lithium</a>. Found in various forms, this silvery metal is critical to the proliferation of clean energy, notably in powering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-costs-electric-vehicle-tires-emit-20-more-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electric vehicle</a> batteries.



As demand for lithium-based batteries grows, legacy mines such as Hector Mine near Barstow, California, are being revisited for potential lithium deposits.



“Mine wastes are also potential sources of lithium, and many other byproduct commodities,” said Bernard Hubbard, a remote sensing geologist at USGS. “What has been a pollution source for communities could now be a resource.”



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



As the GEMx flights prepare to resume in the spring of 2025, scientists anticipate a treasure trove of data, paving the way for the first-ever complete hyperspectral map of California. 



Besides identifying mineral deposits, the research is expected to yield insight into invasive plant species, mine waste that can contaminate surrounding environments, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and wildfires.



"We are just beginning to scratch the surface in applying these measurements to help the nation’s economy, security, and health," shared Raymond Kokaly, the GEMx survey lead from USGS.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-resource-extraction">Sustainable resource extraction</h2>



The GEMx mission isn't just about identifying existing mineral deposits; it's also paving the way for more sustainable resource extraction. 



By providing detailed hyperspectral maps, scientists can pinpoint precise locations of mineral-rich zones, reducing the environmental footprint of mining operations. 



This approach minimizes unnecessary excavation, helping to preserve ecosystems while maximizing resource efficiency.



Critical minerals like cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements - vital for technologies ranging from renewable energy systems to advanced electronics - are also on the radar.



These maps may hold the key to unlocking untapped resources, giving the U.S. a competitive edge in the global race for clean energy solutions.



Image Credit: NASA/Carla Thomas



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NASA is on a mission to map America’s mineral wealth

High above the sunlit, arid landscapes of the American West,...

From feeling butterflies in the stomach to experiencing a heavy heart, humans have long associated emotions with bodily sensations. 



But have these expressions remained consistent throughout history? 



A multidisciplinary research team explored this question by analyzing how ancient Mesopotamians, living in what is now modern-day Iraq, experienced emotions in their bodies.



The researchers studied over one million words of ancient Akkadian language texts, dating from 934-612 BCE. 



These texts, inscribed on clay tablets in cuneiform script, offer a rare glimpse into the emotional landscape of one of humanity's earliest civilizations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-happiness-in-the-liver">Happiness in the liver</h2>



Professor Saana Svärd, an Assyriologist at the University of Helsinki led the project that highlighted the Mesopotamians' understanding of anatomy - particularly the heart, liver, and lungs.



The team discovered that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/facial-expressions-arent-enough-to-understand-human-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">happiness</a> was often associated with the liver, expressed through terms such as “open,” “shining,” or “full.”



“If you compare the ancient Mesopotamian bodily map of happiness with modern bodily maps, it is largely similar, with the exception of a notable glow in the liver,” said Juha Lahnakoski, a cognitive neuroscientist and visiting researcher at <a href="https://www.aalto.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aalto University</a>. 



This connection highlights a cultural and historical dimension to how emotions are linked to specific body parts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anger-love-and-their-bodily-roots">Anger, love, and their bodily roots</h2>



Contrasts between modern and ancient emotional maps emerged in other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-tech-will-track-emotions-through-changes-in-our-skin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotions</a> as well. 



Anger, for instance, is typically felt in the upper body and hands by modern humans, while Mesopotamians reported feeling anger primarily in their feet, using descriptors like “heated” or “enraged.”



Love, on the other hand, appeared to share more similarities. Both modern and Mesopotamian expressions of love involve the heart, but the ancient humans also linked it closely to the liver and knees.



"It remains to be seen whether we can say something in the future about what kind of emotional experiences are typical for humans in general," noted Svärd.



She also emphasized the importance of distinguishing between linguistic descriptions of emotions and their lived experiences, as modern body maps rely on self-reported experiences, while Mesopotamian maps are derived solely from textual evidence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-emotions-to-body-parts">Linking emotions to body parts</h2>



Cuneiform writing in Mesopotamia was primarily a skill of scribes, and was accessible only to the elite. Despite this limitation, the clay tablets covered diverse topics, including prayers, literature, tax records, and sales documents.



The researchers’ innovative approach of linking emotions to body parts through linguistic analysis marks a first in the study of ancient texts.



"It could be a useful way to explore intercultural differences in the way we experience <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-emotions-linked-to-unique-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotions</a>," said Svärd. 



The findings contribute to ongoing discussions about the universality of human emotions and how cultural context shapes emotional expression.



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



For this project, the researchers utilized corpus linguistic methods developed at the Centre of Excellence in Ancient Near Eastern Empires (ANEE).



Next, the team plans to analyze 20th-century English texts and Finnish language data, thus expanding the scope of their exploration.



This research opens the door to deeper insights into how humans have historically experienced and expressed emotions. 



By comparing ancient and modern emotional maps, the study not only highlights cultural nuances but also enriches our understanding of the timeless connection between emotions and the human body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-emotions-and-bodily-sensations">History of emotions and bodily sensations</h2>



The history of emotions reveals fascinating shifts in how different cultures conceptualized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-sensory-perception-brain-fascinating-interplay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feelings</a>. 



In medieval Europe, emotions were often tied to the four humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile, which were thought to govern temperament and health.



Ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle believed emotions arose from a mix of bodily sensations and rational thought, and influenced ethical behavior.



In Chinese medicine, emotions were linked to specific organs -- fear with the kidneys and joy with the heart. 



Indigenous cultures worldwide have tied emotions to nature and spirituality, often personifying them as deities or forces.



These varied frameworks highlight the diverse ways humans have sought to understand and express their inner worlds throughout history.



-----



The research team includes Professor Mikko Sams from <a href="https://www.aalto.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aalto University</a>, Ellie Bennett from the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a>, Professor Lauri Nummenmaa from the <a href="https://www.utu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Turku</a>, and Ulrike Steinert from <a href="https://www.uni-mainz.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz</a>. The study was funded by the <a href="https://skr.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Finnish Cultural Foundation</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)02590-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



Image Credit: Modern/PNAS: Lauri Nummenmaa et al., Mesopotamian: Juha Lahnakoski.



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Early humans felt emotions in unusual body parts compared to modern humans

From feeling butterflies in the stomach to experiencing a heavy...

Have you ever wondered about the impact of a father's health on the birth weight of his newborn baby? Well, a recent study from Brazil involving 89 families draws a fascinating connection. When it comes to a dad's weight, it seems the heavier the father is, the lower the baby’s birth weight.



The study was led by Mariana Rinaldi Carvalho, a researcher at the University of São Paulo’s Ribeirão Preto Medical School. She has bravely challenged the conventional understanding surrounding parental health and birth weight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-father-s-health-matters">Why the father's health matters</h2>



"There is a great deal of discussion and research on the link between fetal development and maternal health, including issues such as overweight before and during pregnancy, but the fact is that the father’s health also has a significant impact on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-baby-food-isnt-nutritious-despite-what-the-label-says/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">development of the baby</a> both during pregnancy and after birth," explained Carvalho.



"Our study was the first involving Brazilian families to show that the higher the father’s BMI, the lower the baby’s birth weight, evidencing the father’s importance to the baby’s health and development."



Birth weight is a crucial indicator of health. Babies born with low or high weights face higher risks of developing serious illnesses later in life, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-fathers-to-the-birth-weight-equation">Adding fathers to the birth weight equation</h2>



The study builds on earlier research that focused mostly on maternal health. Carvalho’s team included fathers in their analysis to see how their health and habits might affect their babies. 



"Having noticed that most studies involving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-do-babies-start-gaining-their-consciousness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fetal</a> and neonatal health fail to take the parents’ lifestyle into account, we set out to include paternal anthropometry as a factor affecting fetal development," noted Daniela Saes Sartorelli, Carvalho’s advisor.



The researchers plan to study how a father’s diet, including components such as ultra-processed foods and unhealthy fats, impacts a baby’s weight and fat levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-and-environmental-factors">Lifestyle and environmental factors </h2>



The study highlights the role of epigenetics - changes in how genes work due to environmental factors. The father's lifestyle, including a poor diet or lack of exercise, can alter the quality of his sperm and pass on risks to his children.



"We now know that environmental stressors such as overweight can influence the structure and quality of the father’s sperm, altering gene expression and affecting the DNA of his children," Carvalho explained.



While a mother’s health remains critical, Carvalho stressed the importance of fathers making lifestyle changes before conception. 



"Our research findings show that, just as maternal nutritional counseling is important, so is the need for a preconception change in paternal habits," she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dad-s-role-in-newborn-health">Dad's role in newborn health</h2>



Maternal overweight has long been known as a public health issue. It increases risks like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and complications during delivery. 



For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-infants-connect-with-the-world-it-all-starts-with-the-feet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">babies</a>, it raises the likelihood of abnormal birth weights and childhood obesity. This study shows that fathers also play a key role in their child’s health, even before conception.



The study also found that babies of fathers with higher BMIs had smaller head circumferences at birth. While this doesn’t necessarily indicate problems, head size is an important growth marker. More research is needed to fully understand these findings.



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



The researchers from the <a href="https://www5.usp.br/english/institutional/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of São Paulo</a> noted a few limitations to the study, such as not tracking how long the baby stayed in the birth canal during vaginal deliveries.



This could temporarily affect head circumference. They plan to explore how paternal diets, particularly the consumption of processed foods, affect newborn growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-influencing-birth-weight">Factors influencing birth weight</h2>



Several other factors contribute to a baby’s birth weight. Genetic predispositions play a major role, with parental genes influencing growth patterns. 



Maternal nutrition during pregnancy also significantly affects fetal weight, with deficiencies in key nutrients potentially leading to lower birth weights.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-climate-change-is-impacting-infant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental exposures</a>, such as pollution or toxins, can also disrupt fetal development and impact weight.



Additionally, socioeconomic factors like access to healthcare and quality prenatal care can determine outcomes. Stress levels in the mother, influenced by psychological or physical challenges, can also alter birth weight through hormonal changes that affect the placenta.



Lastly, maternal age is a crucial factor, with very young or older mothers more likely to have babies with atypical weights. These factors, along with paternal and maternal health, highlight the complex interplay of genetics, environment, and lifestyle in shaping a newborn’s health.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41366-024-01639-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Obesity</a>.



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Fathers have a surprising influence on their baby's birth weight

Have you ever wondered about the impact of a father's...

When you think about tropical landscapes, the first image that springs to mind is probably of picturesque, sun-drenched beaches adorned with coconut palms. 



For centuries, these trees have been interwoven with human lives and cultures across the Pacific Ocean. The coconut palm is commonly referred to as the "Tree of Life."



Recent research, however, has highlighted the profound impact that centuries of colonial plantation farming have had on these iconic trees – transforming them from symbols of life to mere cash crops for the production of coconut oil.



A research team from <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a> and The Nature Conservancy has created the first comprehensive map of the uncharted footprint of coconut palm agriculture, scattered across Pacific atolls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coconut-palms-and-sustainability-challenges">Coconut palms and sustainability challenges </h2>



Michael Burnett, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of the research. "Coconut oil used to be essential to atoll economies, but today most coconut palm plantations are abandoned and overgrown."



The research findings raise urgent concerns: over half of the tree cover on these low islands is now taken up by coconut palms, leaving formerly widespread native broadleaf trees only small portions of their natural range.



The implications of these changes are far-reaching. According to Burnett, the replacement of broadleaf forests with coconut monocrops has been linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater depletion</a>, declining seabird populations, and adverse impacts on adjacent coral reefs.



The research suggests an urgent need to understand and confront the sustainability challenges posed by these monocultures for Pacific atoll communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-rate-of-deforestation">Unprecedented rate of deforestation</h2>



The rate of deforestation linked to coconut palm monocultures surpasses the relative rate associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-islands-can-counteract-biodiversity-loss-in-oil-palm-plantations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oil palm</a> production in other parts of the world.



For instance, while 10.8% of Borneo's land had been converted to oil palm monocrops by 2015, coconut palms now cover a staggering 58.3% of the total forested area of the mapped atolls.



Furthermore, the paper reveals that 51.2% of these coconut canopies are remnants of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-in-oil-palm-plantations-are-key-to-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plantation agriculture</a>, indicative of drastic ecological changes. 



Despite many plantations being abandoned in recent decades, coconut palms still outcompete native broadleaf trees for canopy area.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-opportunity-for-ecosystem-restoration">An opportunity for ecosystem restoration </h2>



Study co-author Alex Wegmann, lead scientist for the Nature Conservancy’s Island Resilience Strategy, noted that this situation presents opportunities.



“As the world comes to terms with tradeoffs associated with converting primary forest to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abandoned-croplands-could-boost-food-security-and-climate-mitigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">croplands</a>, we should not ignore atoll forests and the opportunity to recover these dynamic, resilient systems," said Wegmann.



The paper suggests that coconut plantations could be used for ecosystem restoration while striking the balance between cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. 



Elizabeth Terk is the Micronesia conservation director for The Nature Conservancy. She pointed out that restoring abandoned copra plantations on atolls to native forests offer invaluable ecological benefits, such as biodiversity recovery and climate resilience. 



"Striking a balance between cultural heritage and environmental stewardship is essential for a sustainable future. Mapping the extent of copra plantations on atolls is a crucial step for informed decision-making," said Terk. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-converting-abandoned-coconut-plantations">Converting abandoned coconut plantations </h2>



The paper’s vegetation maps provide a valuable tool for Pacific atoll communities, helping them to visualize the state of their forests. 



Initiatives like converting abandoned coconut plantations to native forests and restoring seabird colonies could be promising ways to confront the accelerating impacts of climate change.



"These maps are part of a growing body of science exploring the numerous opportunities for conservation and resilience on atolls. We hope they will help atoll communities chart their own futures in an era of global change," concluded Burnett. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-communities-and-sustainable-solutions">Local communities and sustainable solutions</h2>



The path to restoring Pacific atoll ecosystems requires the active involvement of local communities. These islands have long-standing cultural and economic ties to coconut palms, making collaboration essential for creating sustainable solutions.



Community-led initiatives, such as agroforestry practices that integrate coconut palms with native species, could provide a balanced approach to land use.



Educational programs can also play a crucial role, helping residents understand the ecological impacts of monocultures and the benefits of restoring native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-in-vegetation-are-a-key-driver-of-global-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a>. 



By involving local leaders and incorporating traditional ecological knowledge, restoration projects can be tailored to align with cultural values while addressing environmental challenges. 



Empowering these communities can lead to solutions that are both practical and enduring, building resilience in the face of global environmental change.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad8c66" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Coconut palms threaten Pacific island ecosystems

When you think about tropical landscapes, the first image that...

The plague, in its historical context, has been a merciless killer. In the mid-1300s, it was famously known as the “Black Death,” which took the lives of nearly 50 million Europeans.



Today, the United States has an average of seven human plague cases annually, thanks to advancements in sanitation, public health measures, and antibiotics.



However, the plague still continues to haunt prairie dogs and other rodents, especially in the western half of the United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rodents-carriers-of-the-plague">Rodents: Carriers of the plague</h2>



Over time, scientists have been uncovering the role that animals, primarily <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-rodent-borne-diseases-spill-over-into-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rodents</a>, play in disease transmission. Recently, researchers at the <a href="https://missouri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Missouri</a> made a breakthrough in understanding the mode of disease spread. 



The research was led by Deborah Anderson, a professor in Mizzou’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Her team discovered the disturbing mode of transmission -&nbsp;from&nbsp;mother&nbsp;flea to offspring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals-impacted-by-the-plague">Animals impacted by the plague</h2>



Animals, specifically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bald-eagles-dont-only-eat-fish-as-prairie-dogs-will-attest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prairie dogs</a>, have been significantly impacted by the plague. Entire colonies have been decimated, which consequently affects the broader ecosystem.



For instance, the black-footed ferret, one of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-now-or-never-for-madagascars-endangered-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endangered mammals</a> globally, experienced an 80% population decline in 2009 due to the plague. Prairie dogs are their primary food source.



The ongoing spread of the plague by rodents amplifies the need for expanded research in this field to safeguard both animal and human lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-infectious-disease-research">Infectious disease research </h2>



Following 9/11, federal funding was directed toward the development of bioterrorism defense research facilities within public universities. As a result, the Laboratory for Infectious Disease Research (LIDR) was built on Mizzou’s campus.



This state-of-the-art facility features a Biosecurity Level 3 classification, making Mizzou one of only 12 universities equipped to safely investigate treatable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-heightens-risk-of-most-infectious-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathogenic diseases</a>.



Anderson noted that few places could support her infectious disease research as well as Mizzou does.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-need-for-continued-plague-research">The need for continued plague research</h2>



Mizzou’s commitment to combating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-remains-a-global-health-emergency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global health</a> challenges is demonstrated by their cutting-edge research.



The symbiotic relationship between the health of people, animals, and the environment is at the core of Mizzou’s research philosophy. 



This approach, known as One Health, places importance on the study of animals, given that it can help minimize human exposure to infectious diseases. 



For example, the more we understand about the plague-transmission habits of fleas, the better equipped we are to monitor the well-being of wildlife ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-safe-research-environment">A safe research environment</h2>



The safe execution of this research was made possible by Mizzou's stringent safety protocols at the LIDR. The environment encourages researchers to think broadly and take on societal challenges securely.



Anderson expressed gratitude for being able to work with bacteria safely and advocated for continued dedication to such research.



Overall, through the invaluable discoveries made by Deborah Anderson and her team at Mizzou, we continue to decode the intricacies of the plague, helping protect both humans and wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effect-of-the-plague-on-ecosystems">Ripple effect of the plague on ecosystems</h2>



The impact of the plague extends far beyond individual animals or species, triggering cascading effects across entire ecosystems.



Prairie dogs, often seen as key species in their habitats, play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of grassland ecosystems. When colonies are decimated by the plague, the consequences reverberate through the food chain.



Predators like the black-footed ferret rely heavily on prairie dogs not only as a primary food source but also for shelter within their burrows. 



The loss of prairie dog populations disrupts this interdependence, further endangering ferrets and impacting other species that share the habitat.



In addition, the reduction of prairie dog activity influences plant growth, soil composition, and overall biodiversity within these regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safeguarding-the-balance-of-ecosystems">Safeguarding the balance of ecosystems</h2>



Research into plague transmission helps safeguard this delicate balance, ensuring that ecosystems remain resilient against such biological disruptions.



Through deeper understanding and proactive management of disease dynamics, researchers can not only prevent outbreaks but also promote a healthier co-existence between humans, animals, and the environments they inhabit.



This broader ecological perspective highlights the importance of studying diseases like the plague from a holistic standpoint, tying together conservation, public health, and environmental sustainability.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51668-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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The modern-day plague: Rodents, fleas, and their impact on wildlife

The plague, in its historical context, has been a merciless...

New research hints at a fascinating and completely unexpected connection between Mars's gravitational field and Earth's climate.



Geological evidence spanning over 65 million years suggests that deep-sea currents on Earth undergo recurring cycles of strength every 2.4 million years.



These cycles, referred to as "astronomical grand cycles," appear linked to gravitational interactions between Earth and Mars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-s-gravitational-pull-on-earth">Mars's gravitational pull on Earth</h2>



Mars and Earth tug on each other with their gravity as they move through space, creating small but noticeable effects called gravitational perturbations. 



Even though the planets are usually tens of millions of miles apart, their gravitational pull is strong enough to cause slight tweaks to each other’s orbits. 



During opposition, when Mars and Earth come closest - roughly every 26 months - Mars’s gravity nudges Earth’s orbit just a little.



These changes are tiny and don’t disrupt Earth’s path in any major way, but over long periods, they can add up and play a small role in shifts to Earth’s orbital shape or tilt, which can affect long-term climate patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-and-earth-s-ocean-currents">Climate and Earth's ocean currents</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deep-sea currents</a>, which alternate between stronger and weaker phases, significantly impact sediment accumulation on the ocean floor.



During periods of stronger currents, often called "giant whirlpools" or eddies, these powerful movements reach the abyssal depths and erode accumulated sediment there. 



The findings of a new study now shed light on how these cycles align with Earth-Mars <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-gravity-map-exposes-ancient-structures-and-volcanic-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational interactions</a>.



"The gravity fields of the planets in the solar system interfere with each other, and this interaction, called a resonance, changes planetary eccentricity, a measure of how close to circular their orbits are," explained study co-author Dietmar Müller, a geophysics professor at the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-climate-and-mars-s-gravity">Earth's climate and Mars's gravity</h2>



Due to this resonance, Mars's gravitational pull draws Earth slightly closer to the Sun, which leads to increased solar radiation and a warmer climate.



Over time, Earth drifts back again, completing this cycle roughly every 2.4 million years. This subtle gravitational influence might play a role in shaping Earth’s long-term climatic patterns.



The researchers used satellite data to map sediment accumulation on the ocean floor across millions of years. 



The team discovered gaps in the geological record, suggesting that stronger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-interactions-with-mars-influence-deep-ocean-circulation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean currents</a> during warmer periods, caused by Mars's influence, might have disrupted sediment deposition.



These findings add to the growing evidence that celestial mechanics, including Mars’s gravitational pull, impact Earth’s climate.



However, the researchers clarified that this warming effect is unrelated to the current global warming driven by human greenhouse gas emissions.



"Our deep-sea data spanning 65 million years suggests that warmer oceans have more vigorous deep circulation," explained Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study's lead author and a sedimentologist at the University of Sydney.



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



The study’s findings suggest that these cycles could help sustain ocean currents even in scenarios where global warming might weaken them. 



One such crucial current is the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collapse-of-main-atlantic-ocean-circulaton-current-amoc-is-already-happening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMOC</a>), often referred to as an ocean "conveyor belt." 



This system transports warm water from the tropics to the Northern Hemisphere and facilitates deep-ocean heat distribution.



"We know there are at least two separate mechanisms that contribute to the vigor of deep-water mixing in the oceans," Müller noted. 



While some scientists predict a possible collapse of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenlands-melting-icebergs-may-not-be-threat-to-ocean-currents-amoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMOC</a> in the coming decades, the ventilation caused by deep-ocean eddies might help prevent the ocean from becoming stagnant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orbital-mechanics-the-basics">Orbital mechanics - the basics</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-elusive-three-body-problem-now-has-12000-new-solutions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orbital mechanics</a> in our solar system is like a cosmic dance choreographed by gravity. Every planet, moon, asteroid, and even tiny dust particle follows a specific path, or orbit, around a larger body because of gravitational forces.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-is-our-trip-to-jupiter-taking-so-long/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orbital mechanics</a> between Mars and Earth is all about their positions, speeds, and distances in the solar system, creating a fascinating relationship.



Both planets orbit the Sun in elliptical paths, but Earth is closer to the Sun and moves faster along its orbit. Earth takes about 365 days to complete one orbit, while Mars, farther out, takes roughly 687 days.



This difference means that Earth "laps" Mars in their orbits every 26 months, as mentioned previously, creating opportunities for close approaches called oppositions - when Mars is directly opposite the Sun in the sky as seen from Earth.



These close approaches are a big deal for space exploration. When planning missions to Mars, scientists take advantage of efficient paths that align with the relative positions of Earth and Mars.



Orbital mechanics governs not just the journey itself but also the timing, ensuring we can send rovers, landers, and eventually humans to Mars with precision and efficiency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orbital-mechanics-and-earth-s-climate">Orbital mechanics and Earth's climate</h2>



Although still speculative, this research on Mars's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-mars-clouds-catalogued-in-stunning-new-online-photo-atlas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational pull</a> highlights the potential of astronomical cycles to influence Earth's climate and affect oceanic circulation.



This, on top of the aforementioned alignment of space mission launch pathways for previous and future Earth missions to Mars.



These findings emphasize the interconnectedness of planetary orbital mechanics and Earth’s natural systems, and offer a new perspective on how the cosmos might shape our planet's climate over millions of years.



Understanding these interactions not only deepens our knowledge of Earth's history but also provides insights into the resilience of oceanic systems in the face of ongoing climate change. 



"This will potentially keep the ocean from becoming stagnant even if Atlantic meridional overturning circulation slows or stops altogether," Adriana Dutkiewicz concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-can-t-escape-impact-of-mars-s-gravity">Earth can't escape impact of Mars's gravity</h2>



Mars is smaller in size and mass than Earth, and thus has a weaker gravitational pull. However, Martian gravity still has notable effects beyond influencing Earth’s orbit.



The gravity on Mars is approximately 38% of Earth's, meaning that an object or person would weigh significantly less if standing on the surface of Mars. 



The decreased force of gravity affects the planet's ability to retain a thick atmosphere, which results in a dry and barren Martian environment.



Mars’s moons, Phobos and Deimos, also experience the planet's gravitational pull, which leads to tidal stresses that gradually alter their orbits.



Over millions of years, Phobos is expected to spiral closer to Mars and eventually break apart, forming a ring around the planet. 



Additionally, Mars's gravity has influenced the trajectories of spacecrafts during missions that make use of a technique called gravity assist to propel probes towards distant targets.



The interplay between the gravity of Mars and the dynamics of the solar system showcases the subtle yet profound impact of this planet on neighboring celestial bodies. 



Researchers continue to explore how such forces might have shaped Mars's history, including its ancient magnetic field and potential for past water systems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-46171-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Mars's gravity pulls Earth closer to the Sun, warming our climate

New research hints at a fascinating and completely unexpected connection...

The discovery of a unique relationship between insects and plants has solved a longstanding mystery. For over a century, botanists have wondered how the tiny seeds of Balanophora were dispersed, and who the pollinators were - considering their less-than-attractive appearance and yeasty smell.



Researchers at Kobe University have revealed that insect species, such as ants and crickets, can both pollinate and disperse seeds for plants. This highlights the remarkable role that insects play in our ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-balanophora-s-reproduction">Mystery of Balanophora’s reproduction</h2>



Deep within the moist, shaded understories of the subtropical forests of Shimoshima Island in Japan, parasitic plants known as Balanophora thrive. 



These plants, which depend on the roots of other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> for sustenance, have puzzled botanists. Among them, Balanophora subcupularis stands out for its dull colors and yeasty smell, contrasting with its bright red relatives that attract birds and mammals for seed dispersal.



Traditionally, researchers suggested that these plants relied on wind to disperse their seeds. However, the windless nature of these forest understories made this hypothesis unlikely. 



Moreover, the mechanisms of pollination for B. subcupularis remained unclear, as its unremarkable appearance seemed to dissuade typical pollinators like bees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-relying-on-insects-for-pollination">Plants relying on insects for pollination</h2>



<a href="https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe University</a> botanist Suetsugu Kenji, who specializes in understanding the interactions between parasitic plants&nbsp;and their surrounding ecosystems, took on the challenge of uncovering the secrets of B. subcupularis.



Suetsugu and his team dedicated over 100 hours to observing the plants and capturing tens of thousands of automated nighttime photographs during the flowering and fruiting stages. 



These observations were complemented by animal exclusion experiments and seed feeding trials to confirm which animals contributed to pollination and seed dispersal.



The results, published in two consecutive papers in the journal&nbsp;Ecology, revealed a surprising truth: ants and camel crickets are the primary pollinators of B. subcupularis. These insects, drawn by the plant’s pollen and nectar, also consume the fleshy seed-bearing leaves, effectively dispersing its seeds.



"It is well known that many plants rely on insects for pollination, although it’s rare for ants and crickets. Also, many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbicides-are-disrupting-plant-insect-interactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> use birds and mammals to distribute their fruits, and again it’s very unusual that crickets or other tiny arthropods take over this role," noted Suetsugu.



"Even more striking, it is very rare for the same animal to perform both functions, and it is unique that the same invertebrates do so."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insects-dual-role-in-plant-pollination">Insects' dual role in plant pollination</h2>



Suetsugu believes the dual role of ants and crickets is influenced by ecological factors. 



"B. subcupularis blooms late in the year when many typical pollinators, such as bees, are less active. In addition, our study site is a small island at the northern edge of the plant’s distribution, which might contribute to the scarcity of pollinators and seed dispersers," explained Suetsugu.



The insects’ involvement in both pollination and seed dispersal likely evolved due to these environmental constraints, where traditional agents like birds, mammals, and bees are scarce. This rare adaptation underscores the resilience and ingenuity of nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-plant-insect-relationships">Significance of plant-insect relationships</h2>



The findings extend beyond the reproduction of B. subcupularis. 



"This underscores the importance of invertebrates in plant reproduction and encourages us to look deeper into how these relationships evolve and what environmental factors drive such unique adaptations. More practically, our findings also contribute to conservation strategies for rare and endangered plants like Balanophora subcupularis," Suetsugu noted.



"Understanding their reliance on specific invertebrates for both pollination and seed dispersal helps inform habitat preservation efforts and the management of invertebrate populations, which are crucial for these plants’ survival."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-to-preserve-unique-ecosystems">Call to preserve unique ecosystems</h2>



This remarkable research on plant and insect interaction illuminates the intricate and often overlooked roles of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-leaf-eating-insects-have-a-huge-impact-on-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invertebrates in ecosystems</a>.



The study calls for greater attention to the conservation of such species, which play vital roles in maintaining biodiversity. By protecting the habitats and populations of these tiny but significant creatures, we can ensure the survival of plants like B. subcupularis and the ecosystems they support.



The story of ants and crickets aiding Balanophora subcupularis highlights a rare and remarkable partnership, providing a glimpse into nature’s adaptability and interconnectedness. 



As researchers like Suetsugu continue to unveil these secrets, the importance of conserving even the smallest actors in our ecosystems becomes undeniably clear.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.4465" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



Image Credit: Hashiwaki Hiromu



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Parasitic plant has some unlikely allies for pollination and seed dispersal

The discovery of a unique relationship between insects and plants...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



—–



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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