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...

The grandeur and innovation of ancient Roman architecture is etched into the concrete of the very structures and monuments that are still standing today after thousands of years.



From the awe-inspiring Pantheon, with its massive unreinforced concrete dome, to aqueducts that still channel water into the city, ancient Roman engineering continues to amaze us. 



But what exactly gave their concrete such enduring strength?



Admir Masic, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>, has been captivated by this very question. Alongside a team from <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a> and laboratories in Italy and Switzerland, Masic decided to uncover the mysteries of Roman concrete. 



"Ever since I first began working with ancient Roman concrete, I’ve always been fascinated by these features," he says, referring to the tiny white mineral chunks embedded in the material.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-concrete-and-lime-clasts">Ancient concrete and lime clasts</h2>



For years, these white inclusions, known as "lime clasts," were thought to be a sign of sloppy mixing or inferior materials. But Masic wasn't convinced. 



"The idea that the presence of these lime clasts was simply attributed to low quality control always bothered me," he notes. 



If the Romans were meticulous in their construction methods, why would they overlook such an important detail?



Using advanced imaging and chemical mapping techniques, the team discovered that these lime clasts weren't accidental at all. They were, in fact, a deliberate addition that gave the concrete a unique self-healing ability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-ancient-romans-made-concrete">How ancient Romans made concrete</h2>



Traditional thinking suggested that the Romans used slaked lime -- a paste-like substance formed by combining lime with water -- in their concrete. 



However, the presence of the lime clasts hinted at a different method. Masic wondered, "Was it possible that the Romans might have actually directly used lime in its more reactive form, known as quicklime?"



The team's research confirmed this hunch. The lime clasts were formed at extremely high temperatures, indicative of a process called "hot mixing." 



This method involves adding quicklime directly to the mix, causing exothermic reactions that significantly enhance the properties of the concrete.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-healing-concrete-in-ancient-times">Self-healing concrete in ancient times</h2>



The benefits of hot mixing are substantial. "First, when the overall concrete is heated to high temperatures, it allows chemistries that are not possible if you only used slaked lime," Masic explains. 



This means the concrete could form compounds that contribute to its durability. 



"Second, this increased temperature significantly reduces curing and setting times since all the reactions are accelerated, allowing for much faster construction," Masic continued.



But perhaps the most remarkable advantage is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-rise-of-self-heating-concrete-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-healing property</a> it imparts to the concrete. 



As tiny cracks form over time, they tend to pass through the brittle lime clasts. When water enters these cracks, it reacts with the quicklime to form a calcium-saturated solution. 



This solution can then recrystallize as calcium carbonate, effectively filling the cracks and preventing them from spreading.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-theory">Testing the theory</h2>



To validate their findings, the team created samples of hot-mixed concrete using both ancient and modern recipes. They deliberately cracked these samples and introduced water. 



In just two weeks, the cracks had completely healed in the samples containing quicklime, halting the flow of water entirely. Samples made without quicklime showed no such healing.



These insights have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recycled-cement-is-an-absolute-miracle-to-lower-concrete-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">practical implications</a> for today's world. 



"It’s exciting to think about how these more durable concrete formulations could expand not only the service life of these materials but also how it could improve the durability of 3D-printed concrete formulations," says Masic.



By extending the lifespan of concrete structures and enabling lighter designs, this ancient technique could play a role in reducing the environmental impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mycocrete-new-material-made-of-fungi-hopes-to-replace-concrete-in-construction-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cement production</a>. 



Given that cement manufacturing accounts for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, innovations like this are more important than ever.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-durability-plus-environmental-benefits">Durability plus environmental benefits</h2>



Masic's lab isn't stopping at self-healing concrete. They're also exploring formulations that can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/concrete-becoming-great-carbon-sink-capturing-storing-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">absorb carbon dioxide</a> from the air. 



Combining these approaches could lead to a new generation of concrete that not only lasts longer but also contributes to carbon reduction efforts.



The discovery underscores a fascinating intersection of ancient wisdom and modern technology. 



By re-examining historical materials with today's scientific tools, we're able to unlock secrets that could have a profound <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/making-concrete-more-environmentally-friendly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact on our future</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



As the team moves forward with commercializing this modified cement material, the possibilities seem vast. 



From more resilient infrastructure to environmentally friendly building practices, the lessons learned from Roman concrete could pave the way for significant advancements in construction.



It's intriguing to think that by looking back at techniques used over two millennia ago, we might find solutions to some of today's most pressing challenges. 



What other ancient secrets might be waiting to be discovered, and how could they shape the world of tomorrow?



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.add1602" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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How ancient Romans made such incredibly durable concrete is no longer a mystery

The grandeur and innovation of ancient Roman architecture is etched...

A recent observational study suggests that lifetime cannabis use is linked to various changes in brain structure and function in later life.&nbsp;



However, when researchers conducted a genetic analysis on the same data, they found that these associations might not be causal, indicating that other unidentified factors could be at play.&nbsp;



The experts highlight the need for further investigation to fully understand how the frequency and potency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-and-hallucinogen-use-are-at-historically-high-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis use</a> may impact the brain, particularly given the global increase in cannabis use following its legalization in many areas for medical and recreational purposes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-over-long-term-brain-health">Concerns over long-term brain health</h2>



The scientists underscore the importance of a deeper understanding of cannabis’s long-term effects, especially since its use has been linked to deleterious effects on neurocognitive performance, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-diet-positively-influences-the-brains-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain structure</a>, and function. 



Moreover, the precise threshold of safe cannabis consumption, if any exists, is currently unknown.&nbsp;



While past observational studies have suggested changes in brain structure among regular users, these studies could not confirm causation, and few have focused on older populations, where the effects of lifelong cannabis use are especially relevant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-links-to-risk-factors">Genetic links to risk factors</h2>



To strengthen the evidence base, the researchers used Mendelian randomization, a genetic method that employs genetic variants as stand-ins for particular risk factors.&nbsp;



In this study, the method was used to identify any potential causal links between cannabis use or dependence and changes in brain structure.&nbsp;



Data was drawn from a large group of <a href="https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Biobank</a> participants (15,896 people), which included both genetic profiles collected from 2012-13 and MRI brain imaging data collected from 2014-19.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-structure-and-frequent-cannabis-use-nbsp">Brain structure and frequent cannabis use&nbsp;</h2>



Participants were asked if they had “ever taken cannabis,” with response options ranging from occasional use to over 100 times.&nbsp;



Based on responses, 3,641 participants who answered “yes” were categorized as lifetime cannabis users, averaging 61 years in age, while the 12,225 “no” responders formed a comparison group, with an average age of 64.&nbsp;



Cannabis users were further categorized into low-frequency users (lifetime use of up to 10 times) and high-frequency users (lifetime use of 11 to 100+ times). The participants also reported the age at which they last used cannabis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-and-brain-structure-changes">Cannabis and brain structure changes</h2>



The research team accounted for multiple influential factors, including age at first scan, sex, socioeconomic status, mental health, BMI, blood pressure, and various lifestyle factors, ensuring a more accurate assessment of cannabis-related brain differences.&nbsp;



After adjusting for these factors, the results showed that cannabis use was associated with changes in multiple brain structures and functions.



Participants who had used cannabis at any point in their life displayed lower integrity in their white matter - a part of the brain critical to cognitive function. This was especially prominent in the corpus callosum, the major pathway connecting the left and right sides of the brain.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-differences-in-brain-changes">Gender differences in brain changes </h2>



Additionally, cannabis users had weaker neuronal connectivity in the default mode network, which is generally active during periods of mind-wandering and self-reflection. The researchers noted that these areas are densely packed with cannabinoid receptors, suggesting a possible direct impact of cannabis.



Despite these associations, the study found no significant link between either the length of time since last cannabis use or the frequency of use and changes in brain structure and function.&nbsp;



However, they observed gender differences: significant associations were found across six specific brain regions in men, while associations in women spanned 24 brain structures and regions, primarily affecting white matter integrity in women and functional connectivity in men.&nbsp;



According to the researchers, these results indicate that cannabis may impact male and female brains differently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifelong-cannabis-use-and-brain-structure-nbsp">Lifelong cannabis use and brain structure&nbsp;</h2>



Applying Mendelian randomization to the findings, the researchers found no significant associations between genetically predicted cannabis dependence or lifetime use and changes in brain structure.&nbsp;



“To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest observational study of relationships between cannabis use and brain structure and function to date, and the first Mendelian randomisation investigation,” the authors wrote.&nbsp;



“Cannabis users had significant differences in brain structure and function, most markedly for markers of lower white matter microstructure integrity. Genetic analyses found no support for causal relationships underlying these observed associations."



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



There are several possible reasons for the disparity between the observational and Mendelian randomization findings. The researchers propose that other variables, such as family history, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-can-reduce-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a>, or specific medications, may have influenced the observational findings. 



Additionally, they note that the Mendelian randomization analyses may have had limited statistical power to detect subtle effects.



Further, Mendelian randomization looks at the lifelong impact of cannabis use, while the changes in brain structure noted in observational studies may be due to factors arising at various points in an individual’s life, rather than a cumulative lifelong effect. 



The researchers also point to the limitations of the UK Biobank data, which includes predominantly healthy white participants with few reporting cannabis use disorders. Due to this demographic limitation, the findings may not fully represent the diversity of cannabis users worldwide.



Furthermore, the study faced limitations in assessing critical time points during life that could reveal when cannabis use most impacts brain structure.&nbsp;



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



“Our results need to be interpreted with careful consideration. Additional research is needed to understand the effects of heavy cannabis use in this population, including considerations of potency and related information to inform public policy,” the authors wrote.



Further research may be crucial in clarifying the long-term impacts of heavy and frequent cannabis use on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-is-a-powerful-tool-to-boost-brain-health-and-overall-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain health</a>, with implications for both public health policy and individual health awareness.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjment-2024-301065" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ Mental Health</a>.



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How does cannabis use affect brain structure?

A recent observational study suggests that lifetime cannabis use is...

Ever wondered why you perk up when you smell fresh apple pie or the earthy scent of rain? Your sense of smell and olfactory system might have more to do with your overall health than you think. 



In a fascinating research revelation, an unexpected link has emerged between our sense of smell, or olfactory function, and both brain and overall health.



A whiff of a certain fragrance or the pungent pong of an odor, it's all more than just a sensory experience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-health-and-our-sense-of-smell">Brain health and our sense of smell</h2>



How often do we pause to appreciate the olfactory wonders that our noses make possible every day? And yet, the implications of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-detects-odors-in-less-time-than-it-takes-to-blink/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sense of smell</a> extend far beyond identifying the fragrance of a blooming rose or the refreshingly earthy scent that follows rainfall. 



A team of researchers led by Professor Emeritus Michael Leon along with Cynthia Woo and Emily Troscianko, has put our noses under the microscope, so to say, uncovering the significant role they play in our overall physical and mental health.



The research proceedings, published in Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, involved scientists from the <a href="https://www.bio.uci.edu/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences</a> and <a href="https://torch.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities</a>.



Together, they have connected the dots between the loss of olfactory function and an increase in inflammation, pointing out a staggering number of 139 associated medical conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smelling-trouble-in-brain-and-body-health">Smelling trouble in brain and body health</h2>



An impaired <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/odors-influence-newborn-brain-growth-in-the-first-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sense of smell</a> is often brushed off as an insignificant inconvenience. However, the latest research findings hint that it may be more than just that. Olfactory dysfunction could indeed be a harbinger of neurological and bodily diseases. 



“The data are particularly interesting because we had previously found that olfactory enrichment can improve the memory of older adults by 226 percent,” said professor Michael Leon. 



“We now know that pleasant scents can decrease inflammation, potentially pointing to the mechanism by which such scents can improve brain health.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-scent-lots-to-prevent">No scent, lots to prevent</h2>



Unlocking the potential of our sense of smell could be the key to mitigating symptoms and perhaps even delay the onset of certain diseases. How, you ask? By therapeutically stimulating our olfactory senses, of course.



The research study tackles the herculean task of systematically tracking a whopping 139 medical conditions associated with both olfactory loss and heightened inflammation. 



The findings throw light on a shared pathway linking these factors.



The loss of smell is often the first domino to fall before conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Therefore, it could serve as a timely indicator to act proactively and adopt therapeutic approaches.



You may have heard the saying ‘No pain, no gain’, but in this case, it should be ‘No scent, lots to prevent’.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smell-power-helps-brain-power">Smell power helps brain power</h2>



The concept of olfactory enrichment involves regular and intentional exposure to a variety of odors to stimulate the olfactory system. 



Emerging from the detailed research led by Professor Leon and his colleagues, this revolutionary approach promises to offer a proactive method to bolster cognitive health. 



By introducing a structured regimen of pleasant and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-nose-is-a-clever-smell-prediction-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse scents</a> into daily life, individuals can potentially delay or reduce the impact of neurodegenerative diseases. 



This kind of sensory intervention harnesses the power of smell not only to evoke memories and emotions, but also to tangibly affect brain health, promoting synaptic connections and reducing inflammation. 



Such findings open up an innovative dimension in therapeutic practices, where the humble fragrance might rival traditional medicinal routes in its impact and accessibility.



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



The exciting revelations surrounding olfactory enrichment underscore the importance of further interdisciplinary research. 



As we stand on the cusp of integrating sensory therapies into disease prevention and management, the path forward calls for collaboration across fields such as neuroscience, psychology, and even the cosmetic industry. 



Future studies can expand the range of scents explored, personalize olfactory kits based on patient profiles, and incorporate digital technologies to monitor progress. 



This expansion is critical to developing tailored olfactory interventions that can be easily adopted into everyday routines.



Moreover, public awareness campaigns about olfaction’s significance in health can empower individuals to take charge of their sensory experiences, transforming a simple smell into a powerful tool for brain and overall well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthcare-sense-of-smell-and-the-future">Healthcare, sense of smell, and the future</h2>



The future of healthcare could smell a lot better, quite literally, thanks to this important research. Professor Michael Leon and Cynthia Woo are currently developing a device to deliver olfactory therapy. This could potentially revolutionize non-invasive health improvement methods.



This research serves as a stepping stone for future studies aiming to explore the therapeutic use of scent to address a broader range of medical conditions.



“It will be interesting to see if we can ameliorate the symptoms of other medical conditions with olfactory enrichment,” Professor Leon says.



This study has revealed a crucial link between our sense of smell and brain health while highlighting the need for further investigation into olfactory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-smell-loss-linked-to-changes-in-brain-connectivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapies</a>.



So next time you inhale the aroma of your morning coffee or the aroma from your kitchen, remember, there's more to that whiff than meets, quite literally, the nostrils.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/molecular-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnmol.2024.1455418/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience</a>.



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Losing your sense of smell is linked to over 100 diseases

Ever wondered why you perk up when you smell fresh...

Deep in Antarctica's Erebus Bay lives the robust Weddell seal, the southernmost mammal in the world. You're acquainted with the seals, but how much do you really know about them? 



When at rest on the icy plains, they bear resemblance to an overfed feline sprawled languidly on a rug. Yet, the comparison stops at appearances. 



Weddell <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-seals-have-genetic-scars-from-intense-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seals</a> are phenomenal divers. Their intriguing underwater exploits have marked records of over 900 meters (2,952 feet) deep dives, some extending to a mind-boggling 96 minutes.



But what's even more fascinating is their recent diving escapade that has caught the attention of marine researchers worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diving-strategy-of-weddell-seals">Diving strategy of Weddell seals</h2>



Researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have discovered a novel dive foraging strategy used by Weddell seals.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fascinating-mating-behaviors-of-leopard-seals-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seals</a>, it seems, have learned to play the tactical game of survival by striking a delicate balance between their breath-holding expeditions and maximizing the use of seasonal Antarctic light.



According to the study, the seals conduct their deepest, most prolonged dives right at the start of the day, instead of during the sun-bathed peak hours.



“These extreme dives require longer recuperation times once the seals return to the surface," said lead author&nbsp;<a href="http://www.shero-lab.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelle Shero</a>, an assistant scientist in biology at <a href="https://www.whoi.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>.



"So, if the seals make extreme dives in the middle of the day when it is maximum light&nbsp;- there may be lots of prey around that are easy to see, but the seals would still ‘miss out’ because they’d have to spend a lot of time recuperating.&nbsp;Not&nbsp;conducting extreme dives when prey is most accessible, may actually be the best strategy.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foraging-in-different-light-conditions">Foraging in different light conditions </h2>



What the research team witnessed was these animals under varying light conditions, counting daylight 24/7, a mix of day and night, and then dark 24/7. This provided a "natural experiment" to help understand how the seals' feeding strategies change with a range of light conditions.



“We expected that the seals would follow their food and that their deepest, longest dives might occur at midday when the sun is overhead," said Shero.



"But what we surprisingly found was that the seals appeared to actually avoid making their most extreme dives during midday, allowing the seals to keep diving over and over without having to pause for long.”



This avoidance effectively allows the seals to dive repeatedly without requiring lengthy pauses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategic-decisions-of-weddell-seals">Strategic decisions of Weddell seals</h2>



By avoiding peak-hour extreme dives, the seals effectively spend nearly all their time underwater, foraging under high-light conditions, which is best for visual hunters. 



"These animals are making very strategic decisions about when to make their long dives, so they can best interact with the daily-changing environment in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-are-intense-heat-waves-affecting-life-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic</a>, allowing them to maximize their prey," noted Shero.



Equipped with Conductivity Temperature Depth-Satellite Relay Dive Loggers, the research team collected data from 59 adult seals from the western Ross Sea in Antarctica, accounting for 8,913 seal days of behavioral data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weddell-seals-plan-their-activities">Weddell seals plan their activities</h2>



Study co-author Professor Jennifer Burns is chair of the <a href="https://www.depts.ttu.edu/biology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Biological Sciences</a> at Texas Tech University, Lubbock.



"For me, one of the more surprising findings of this research was our discovery that Weddell seals 'plan' their activities in a much more nuanced way than I had previously appreciated,” said Professor Burns. 



“Not only did the seals shift the average depth and duration of their dives in response to current light levels, but they also made their longest and most taxing dives at times when their recovery period was least likely to negatively impact overall foraging success." 



"So not only were they planning when to forage, but it also seems that they were thinking ahead and planning when to rest.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-tune-with-their-surroundings">In tune with their surroundings </h2>



"Weddell seals live in one of the most hostile environments on the planet and need to keep their internal clock running during periods when the sun never sets or when the sun never rises," noted Daniel Costa, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the <a href="https://www.ucsc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Santa Cruz</a>.



"Our study found that they take great advantage of the periods of short-day length to make the longest dives that push their physiological ability to the extreme to do the most hunting when there is light to enable their search for food and or breathing holes in the ice."



The interpretation of the data has led to the realization that these seals are in tune with circadian rhythms and light levels while foraging in Antarctica. The research provides insights into the survival strategies of Weddell seals in one of the most rapidly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-will-the-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changing environments</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-07029-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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Weddell seals have a surprising survival strategy

Deep in Antarctica's Erebus Bay lives the robust Weddell seal,...

We have reached alarming new records in health risks tied to a warming climate, according to the Lancet Countdown’s 8th annual report on Health and Climate Change. This year, global citizens faced 50 more days of extreme heat on average, exposing millions to unprecedented health hazards.&nbsp;



The report also notes that 48% of the global land area experienced severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> in 2023 - the second-highest level ever recorded. This, along with intense heat waves, contributed to severe food insecurity for an estimated 151 million more people compared to previous years.



“Once again, last year broke climate change records - with extreme heat waves, deadly weather events, and devastating wildfires affecting people around the world,” warned Marina Romanello, Executive Director of the <a href="https://lancetcountdown.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancet Countdown</a>. 



“The relentless expansion of fossil fuels and record-breaking greenhouse gas emissions compounds these dangerous health impacts, and is threatening to reverse the limited progress made so far.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-consequences-of-climate-change">Health consequences of climate change </h2>



The authors of the report condemn governments and corporations for “fueling the fire” by continuing to fund <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-current-fossil-fuel-plans-will-shatter-1-5c-climate-goal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a> at a time when the health consequences of climate change are rapidly escalating. 



Despite available financial resources to move toward net-zero emissions, trillions of dollars continue to fund fossil fuel subsidies and investments.&nbsp;



These funds, the report suggests, could instead be redirected to support clean renewable energy, which would improve health, create sustainable jobs, and increase overall quality of life.



“Repurposing the trillions of dollars being invested in, or subsidizing, the fossil fuel industry every year would provide the opportunity to deliver a fair, equitable transition to clean energy and energy efficiency, and a healthier future, ultimately benefiting the global economy,” Romanello explained.



The authors advocate for a global shift toward a health-centered financial system that prioritizes a zero-emissions future, which they argue would provide rapid benefits to health, economy, and environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-costs-of-rising-heat">The human costs of rising heat</h2>



As extreme weather becomes more frequent, the toll on human life continues to grow. Heat-related deaths in those over age 65 surged by 167% in 2023 compared to the 1990s, a dramatic increase linked to both rising temperatures and existing inequities.&nbsp;



Additionally, millions are facing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-impacts-our-daily-routines-and-transportation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme heat</a> stress: in 2023 alone, people around the world endured an average of 1,512 hours of heat threatening their health, a 27.7% increase over the 1990-1999 baseline. 



Rising temperatures have also led to a 512 billion-hour loss of potential labor time globally, with economic impacts equivalent to approximately $835 billion - significantly impacting GDP in low- and middle-income countries.



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



Other health impacts noted in the report include a rise in the spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-infectious-disease-landscape-is-changing-and-we-must-prepare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infectious diseases</a> due to climate-induced changes. 



The suitability for transmission of dengue by Aedes albopictus mosquitoes rose by 46% and by Aedes aegypti by 11% over the last decade, contributing to a record-breaking five million dengue cases across over 80 countries in 2023.



“People in all parts of the world are increasingly suffering from the financial and health effects of climate change, and disadvantaged communities in resource-limited nations are often the worst affected,” said Wenjia Cai from Tsinghua University.&nbsp;



“Adaptation is failing to keep pace with the rapidly growing health threats of climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-putting-an-end-to-fossil-fuel-investments">Putting an end to fossil fuel investments</h2>



The report reveals a concerning increase in fossil fuel-related emissions and investments, warning that this continuous reliance on fossil fuels is worsening climate change.&nbsp;



In 2023, global carbon dioxide emissions from energy reached an all-time high, and for the first time in a decade, the proportion of fossil fuels in the global energy system rose.&nbsp;



Although climate funding remains limited, fossil fuels drew 36.6% of global energy investment in 2023, with many governments increasing fossil fuel subsidies to offset rising energy prices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emissions-continue-to-rise-nbsp">Emissions continue to rise&nbsp;</h2>



New data estimates that over 182 million hectares of forest - equivalent to 5% of the world’s tree cover - were destroyed from 2016 to 2022, dramatically diminishing the Earth’s natural ability to capture carbon.&nbsp;



Record levels of tree loss, particularly in Russia, the USA, and Canada, are exacerbating climate impacts by accelerating emissions.



“Oil and gas companies - supported by many governments and the global financial system - continue to reinforce the world’s addiction to fossil fuels,” said Stella Hartinger, Lancet Countdown Latin America Director.&nbsp;



“These perverse investments, coupled with the serious failure to make the necessary structural changes in the energy sector to support the net-zero transition, are jeopardizing the economies on which people’s livelihoods depend, and leaving the health and survival of millions of people at risk.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-trends-in-clean-energy-nbsp">Positive trends in clean energy&nbsp;</h2>



Despite the negative trends, some positive developments suggest a pathway to improvement. Deaths from air pollution caused by fossil fuel emissions decreased nearly 7% from 2016 to 2021, driven largely by reduced pollution from coal burning.&nbsp;



At the same time, electricity generated by modern renewables reached 10.5% in 2021 - almost double that of 2016 - while global clean energy investment grew by 10% in 2023, surpassing fossil fuel investment by 73%.&nbsp;



Employment in renewable energy hit an all-time high, with 13.7 million people employed in the sector in 2022, a 35.6% increase since 2016.



“Progress towards an equitable and healthy future requires a global transformation of financial systems, shifting resources away from the fossil-fuel based economy towards a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-net-zero-world-will-require-75-trillion-of-investment-and-1-billion-electric-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zero-emissions</a> future,” said Anthony Costello, Co-Chair of the Lancet Countdown. “For successful reform, people’s health must be put front and center of climate change policy.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-health-a-priority-in-climate-action-nbsp">Making health a priority in climate action&nbsp;</h2>



The report highlights the growing involvement of individuals, corporations, scientists, and international organizations in the movement to prioritize health in climate action, fostering optimism that a more sustainable, healthy future remains possible.



As UN Secretary-General António Guterres, responding to the report, concluded, “record-high emissions are posing record-breaking threats to our health. We must cure the sickness of climate inaction - by slashing emissions, protecting people from climate extremes, and ending our fossil fuel addiction - to create a fairer, safer, and healthier future for all.”



The report is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01822-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet</a>.



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Health threats of climate change have hit record levels

We have reached alarming new records in health risks tied...

The African penguin, a symbol of joy and playfulness for many, is now critically endangered and on the verge of extinction.



The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recently moved this species from the status of "Endangered" to "Critically Endangered."



The African penguin has lost 97 percent of its population, and unless we step up, they could vanish in less than 4,000 days.



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



Penguins face <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emperor-penguins-are-struggling-to-survive-as-sea-ice-vanishes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">several threats</a>, with commercial fishing being one of the most severe. This practice is competing with African penguins for their main food sources, sardines and anchovies. The penguins are left hungry and struggling to breed.



The situation has become so dire that <a href="https://sanccob.co.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SANCCOB</a> and BirdLife South Africa are suing the South African government to ensure better protection for these birds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-penguins-on-the-verge-of-extinction">Penguins on the verge of extinction</h2>



It's not often that a species gets the dubious honor of being the first to meet certain criteria. However, the African penguin has become the first of 18 global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emperor-penguins-will-not-survive-the-current-rate-of-sea-ice-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">penguin species</a> to be classified as "Critically Endangered."



We cannot overlook the gravity of this situation. SANCCOB, BirdLife South Africa, and Blue Marine are raising their voices, appealing to the government and the global community to act now to save the endangered African penguin.



For conservationists worldwide, the <a href="https://iucn.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a> Red List is the gold-standard tool for assessing extinction risk. It's like a medical chart for biodiversity, indicating which species are at risk and which are critically close to extinction. 



To date, the IUCN Red List includes 163,040 species. Overall, 45,321 of these species are threatened with extinction.



The uplisting of the African penguin to "Critically Endangered" is a red flag, signaling the urgent need for collaborative action. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-competing-with-commercial-fishing">Competing with commercial fishing</h2>



African penguins inhabit six colonies that represent 76% of their global numbers. These colonies are located within no-take zones, where commercial fishing is prohibited.



However, these zones are falling short when it comes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/enhanced-monitoring-of-emperor-penguins-can-help-us-save-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">penguin conservation</a>. They're not providing sufficient protection to feeding areas, forcing penguins to compete directly with commercial fisheries for their meals.



What's the solution? According to Dr. Alistair McInnes of BirdLife South Africa and Dr. Richard Sherley from the University of Exeter, we need to expand no-take zones.



These zones need to be carefully calibrated to provide substantial benefits to penguins without imposing disproportionate costs on the fishing industry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legal-action-for-african-penguins">Legal action for African penguins </h2>



SANCCOB and BirdLife South Africa are not watching from the sidelines. They have teamed up to initiate legal action against South Africa's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.



These organizations are challenging what they call "biologically meaningless" island closures against purse-seine fishing around essential African Penguin colonies. In addition, they are rallying the international community through an OnlyOne petition. 



The goal? To push governments worldwide to take the necessary steps to protect African penguins from extinction. You can participate in this noble cause by <a href="https://only.one/act/save-african-penguins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signing the petition</a> and lending your voice to this urgent call for action.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-role-of-african-penguins">Economic role of African penguins </h2>



The African penguin contributes significantly to ecotourism and the local economy. The total value of all penguin colonies, including the Boulders penguin colony, is estimated to be in the impressive range of R613 - 2,702 million per year.



“The IUCN uplisting to Critically Endangered means that the African penguins are just one step away from becoming extinct in the wild. SANCCOB will continue to fight for the future of this iconic species; we must remain optimistic that their trajectory can be reversed,” said Natalie Maskell, CEO of SANCCOB.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-faced-by-african-penguins">Challenges faced by African penguins</h2>



African penguins are facing more than just food shortages. They are also struggling with environmental changes that challenge their survival. For example, climate change has shifted ocean currents, affecting where their food is found.



Additionally, pollution from oil spills and plastic harms their habitat and health. Scientists are studying how these issues impact penguin populations, highlighting the need for strong conservation efforts. 



By understanding the various challenges faced by African penguins, we can create better solutions to help them recover.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-the-penguins-from-extinction">Saving the penguins from extinction </h2>



As we confront the reality of the African penguin’s predicament, it becomes increasingly clear that a coordinated global effort is essential to save penguins from extinction.



International conservation organizations, governments, and local communities must unite to implement sustainable solutions that reconcile penguin preservation with economic interests. 



Collaborative efforts could promote sustainable fishing practices, invest in habitat restoration, and develop adaptive management strategies that respond to changing marine conditions.



By embracing a shared responsibility for the African penguin's survival, we're not just preserving a species - we are upholding a legacy of biodiversity vital for ecological balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-the-future-of-our-planet">Protecting the future of our planet</h2>



“The African penguin’s uplisting to Critically Endangered highlights a much bigger problem with the health of our environment. Despite being well-known and studied, these penguins are still facing extinction, showing just how severe the damage to our ecosystems has become," said Dr. Richard Sherley, a lecturer at the University of Exeter.



"If a species as iconic as the African penguin is struggling to survive, it raises the question of how many other species are disappearing without us even noticing. We need to act now - not just for penguins, but to protect the broader biodiversity that is crucial for the planet’s future.”



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African penguins have lost 97 percent of their population

The African penguin, a symbol of joy and playfulness for...

Did you know that the air we breathe might be affecting not just our lungs, but our brain health as well? Air pollution isn’t just an outdoor irritant - it is an invisible threat to our cognitive abilities.



Recent research is now focusing on one specific element of polluted air: PM2.5, or fine particulate matter. While we’ve known that PM2.5 harms lung health, its link to cognitive decline has remained unclear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fine-particulate-matter-and-brain-health">Fine particulate matter and brain health</h2>



A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.uni.lu/lcsb-en/news/hidden-role-of-air-pollution-in-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Luxembourg</a> have been investigating this complex connection.



Their findings hint towards a potential mechanistic link between PM2.5 exposure and cognitive impairment. The experts found that the proverbial "missing piece" of the puzzle is systemic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-mild-inflammation-can-majorly-damage-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflammation</a>.



One important aspect of the research is its focus on broader demographic implications, beyond just the elderly.



Most previous studies on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-the-rate-of-cognitive-decline-in-alzheimers-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive decline</a> were focused on older adults. However, scientists are now suspecting that chronic low-level exposure to PM2.5 could also impact younger adults.



To explore this, the team analyzed data from over 66,000 participants in the Dutch Lifelines cohort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-white-blood-cells">The role of white blood cells</h2>



The research team discovered an interesting correlation between PM2.5 exposure and a reduction in cognitive processing time or CPT.



Essentially, this is an indicator of how swiftly our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-brain-responds-to-bad-smells-within-300-milliseconds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain reacts</a> to stimuli. However, the twist in the tale was the discovery of an elevated white blood cell count, especially monocytes, as a significant mediator of this effect.



“Systemic inflammation may act as a key intermediary, linking PM2.5 exposure to impaired <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vitamin-d-in-the-brain-linked-to-better-cognitive-function/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive function</a>," said study first author Dr Benjamin Aretz, a research scientist at the University Hospital Bonn.



This is the first time such a link - directly tying changes in the number of white blood cells to cognitive effects of PM2.5 - has been established.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflammation-the-unseen-threat">Inflammation: The unseen threat?</h2>



Why does inhalation of PM2.5 trigger a rise in white blood cells? The experts believe that this is the body's response to pollutants.



This increase in white blood cells, and hence systemic inflammation, might indirectly affect cognitive health by hampering immune functions in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>.



Professor Gabriele Doblhammer, a group leader at the DZNE in Rostock, elaborated on the implications of the research.



“Inflammation was already shown to play an important role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, the inflammation we see in response to air pollution may disrupt immune functions in the brain, thereby indirectly impairing cognitive health," said Professor Doblhammer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-and-brain-health">Air pollution and brain health</h2>



With an aging global population and rising urbanization, parsing the role of air pollution on our cognitive health is crucial. 



Professor Michael Heneka, director of the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) and senior author of the study, emphasized the need for further investigations.



“Given the strong correlation between air pollution and cognitive deficits, further studies are essential to pinpoint which pollutants and cellular mechanisms mediate this effect," said Professor Heneka.



The hope is that these findings will inform public health policies to mitigate the brain health risks posed by long-term PM2.5 exposure.



As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of air pollution, the research reminds us of the hidden threats we are facing. 



With a better understanding of the health risks associated with exposure to air pollution, specifically fine particulate matter, we might be able to better shield ourselves and ensure a healthier future for ourselves and the generations to come.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limiting-exposure-to-air-pollution">Limiting exposure to air pollution</h2>



As experts uncover more details about air pollution’s impact on brain health, there is an urgent need for action to safeguard the public.



Researchers advocate for policies that limit PM2.5 exposure, particularly in urban areas where pollution levels are highest. 



Simple measures, such as improving air filtration in public spaces and promoting green urban planning, could help reduce exposure to harmful particulates. 



In the long term, investing in cleaner energy sources and stricter air quality regulations could prove essential for protecting cognitive health across all age groups.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.14320" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer s &amp; Dementia</a>.



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How air pollution impacts brain health

Did you know that the air we breathe might be...

The warm, familiar image of hedgehogs has now turned into an alarming symbol of the ecological crisis our planet is facing.



Hedgehogs, once common in Europe, are now <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-a-new-mass-extinction-that-will-wipe-out-humans-and-all-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">struggling to survive</a>. Their habitats have decreased as a result of urban growth, intensive farming, and roads.



The IUCN has labeled them "near threatened" due to a significant population decline of 30% in the last decade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sudden-disappearance-of-hedgehogs">Sudden disappearance of hedgehogs</h2>



Frenzied urban development hasn't been kind to hedgehogs. The concrete jungle and polluted air have made their existence an uphill battle, but that's just part of the problem. 



Our high-speed roads have morphed into death traps for these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-european-hedgehog-lived-in-denmark/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">critters</a> - who aren't known for their swift movements.



Even the rural landscapes, once considered safe havens, have become hostile territories. Technologically advanced farming techniques, especially the rampant use of pesticides, have not only eliminated insects - a primary food source for hedgehogs, but also pose a potential poison threat to the hedgehogs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threat-of-hedgehog-extinction">Threat of hedgehog extinction</h2>



Even after concerted efforts by <a href="https://iucn.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>, fully grasping the reasons behind the decline in hedgehog population remains a puzzle. 



“Unfortunately, evidence points towards a worrying and widespread downward trend. The red list assessment also highlights data uncertainties – for example, the limits of this species’ distribution are not entirely clear, and there are gaps in knowledge of its populations," said Abi Gazzard, a program officer at IUCN. 



"There is still a chance to halt the decline of the western European hedgehog, and we must aim to prevent any further worsening of status.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-hedgehogs-from-extinction">Saving hedgehogs from extinction</h2>



The Mammal Society is rallying the public to make their backyards and gardens more welcoming for hedgehogs. This could mean creating small passages in fences for their free movement, avoiding harmful pesticides, and setting up cozy shelters for them to rest.



“This decline will likely come as no surprise to the average person. When hedgehogs come up in conversation, it’s not long before someone says that they just don’t see them any more," said Hope Nothhelfer, a communications officer at the Mammal Society.



"The hope is that as hedgehogs become more and more like a distant memory from our childhoods, we will respond with action that will bring these memories back to life."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-list-revelations">Red List revelations</h2>



The hedgehog is not alone in its struggle. Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> worldwide are facing similar challenges. In fact, the IUCN's red list has been buzzing with shifts and changes.



The grey plover, for instance, has seen its population drop by over 30% since the late 1990s, landing it in the "vulnerable" category.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-need-a-boost">Conservation efforts need a boost</h2>



With these distressing circumstances, global conservation efforts need a major revamp to save hedgehogs from extinction. 



Initiatives focusing on restoring habitats, legal protection drives, and public awareness programs are gaining momentum, as more and more people realize that preserving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-stop-the-extinction-of-north-atlantic-right-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> is critical. 



Education is a powerful weapon in the fight for conservation. By educating individuals about wildlife preservation, we equip them with the tools they need to actively contribute to the cause.



We have seen school curriculums and community workshops becoming more inclusive of modules on environmental awareness and biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-threat-to-trees">The threat to trees</h2>



If we want to help save hedgehogs, we must also turn our attention to trees. Hedgehogs rely on trees for shelter and nesting material. Trees also attract the insects that hedgehogs like to eat, such as beetles and caterpillars. 



The red list reveals that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-one-third-of-the-worlds-trees-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">38% of the world's tree species</a> are wavering on the brink of extinction. It is our job to ensure that we are planting at the same rate, if not more, at which we are felling these trees.



Our heavy-handed urbanization and agricultural expansion are directly responsible for the loss of tree habitats. Other threatening factors include invasive species, pests, and diseases.



The research reminds us that many of the decisions we make, such as paving a driveway or selecting a pesticide, directly impacts the habitats of animals - and therefore, their survival.



Though the consequences of our actions may not always be immediate and visible, they certainly have long-lasting effects. 



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Hedgehogs face extinction as their habitats vanish

The warm, familiar image of hedgehogs has now turned into...

Approximately 201.6 million years ago, Earth experienced one of its most catastrophic mass extinctions, wiping out nearly 75% of all species.&nbsp;



This upheaval, marking the transition from the Triassic to the Jurassic period, coincided with massive volcanic eruptions that tore apart the supercontinent Pangaea, paving the way for dinosaurs to dominate.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-caused-the-mass-extinction">What caused the mass extinction?</h2>



Yet, despite decades of research, the precise mechanisms of this extinction <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-was-the-cause-of-earths-largest-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">event</a> have remained elusive. 



The most prominent theory has held that volcanic carbon dioxide (CO2) raised global temperatures, leading to extreme warming and ocean acidification that proved unsustainable for most species.



Now, a new study published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2415486121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a> challenges this longstanding belief, presenting evidence that severe cooling from volcanic sulfates - not warming - was the primary trigger. 



The study proposes that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-winters-weakened-the-dinosaurs-before-the-asteroid-hit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic winters</a> from massive, short-lived lava eruptions plunged the planet into drastic cold, instantly disrupting ecosystems long adapted to warmer climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-cooling-as-the-main-driver">Volcanic cooling as the main driver </h2>



Led by Dennis Kent of Columbia University’s <a href="https://lamont.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory</a>, the team analyzed evidence from the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP), a volcanic region that erupted as Pangaea split apart. 



Unlike the gradual CO2 buildup that would have driven warming over millennia, volcanic sulfate aerosols have a nearly immediate cooling effect, reflecting sunlight away from Earth.&nbsp;



“Carbon dioxide and sulfates act not just in opposite ways, but opposite time frames. It takes a long time for carbon dioxide to build up and heat things, but the effect of sulfates is pretty much instant,” Kent explained.



This new insight places the initial extinction-inducing events within a time frame that “happened in the span of a lifetime.” This makes it relatable, noted Kent, to modern humanity's grasp of rapid climate events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-impact-of-the-eruptions">Mysterious impact of the eruptions </h2>



The Triassic-Jurassic extinction has long been associated with CAMP eruptions, but the timing and intensity of these eruptions had been unclear.&nbsp;



In an earlier <a href="https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2013/03/21/megavolcanoes-tied-to-pre-dinosaur-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> in 2013, Kent and his colleagues linked CAMP to this extinction through consistent magnetic polarity in rock layers, establishing a near-simultaneous timing across what is now North America, Europe, and North Africa. 



The actual size and impact of these eruptions, however, remained under debate, with most assuming they had occurred gradually over thousands of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-evidence-of-catastrophic-eruptions-nbsp">Magnetic evidence of catastrophic eruptions&nbsp;</h2>



The current study offers a clearer picture by examining magnetic particles in rocks from sites in Morocco, the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, and New Jersey's Newark Basin.&nbsp;



Through the magnetic alignment of particles preserved in these lava deposits, Kent and his team found that each of the first five eruptions occurred in less than 100 years - too short a span for Earth’s magnetic pole to shift enough to show a directional change in the particles.



These findings suggest that the eruptions were, in fact, monumental, concentrated pulses.&nbsp;



According to co-author Paul Olsen, a Lamont-Doherty paleontologist, small events spread out over tens of thousands of years produce much less of an effect than the same total volume of volcanism concentrated in less than a century.



This concentration likely released vast quantities of sulfates rapidly enough to create widespread cooling, triggering environmental collapse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastating-effects-of-volcanic-cooling">Devastating effects of volcanic cooling</h2>



The cooling effects of sulfate aerosols, unlike CO2, are short-lived. Sulfates tend to fall out of the atmosphere within a few years, leading to temporary but extreme volcanic winters.&nbsp;



However, the rapid and intense pulses of CAMP eruptions would have produced repeated, harsh cold spells that were hundreds of times more powerful than Iceland’s Laki eruption in 1783, which led to widespread crop failures and climate disruptions across Europe.



In the CAMP regions, temperatures plummeted quickly, altering ecosystems drastically. In sediments just below the first CAMP lava flows, Triassic-era fossils of animals like large semiaquatic crocodilian relatives, tree-dwelling lizards, and flat-headed amphibians appear.&nbsp;



Above these lava layers, they disappear. Small feathered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-are-helping-astronomers-in-the-search-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a> and early mammals, which were already present but in limited diversity, seem to have survived, perhaps due to their smaller size, ability to burrow, or other adaptive traits that helped them endure colder conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-climate-change-lessons-from-the-past">Rapid climate change: Lessons from the past</h2>



This revised timeline and understanding of the CAMP eruptions not only reshape our comprehension of the Triassic-Jurassic extinction but also underscore how concentrated environmental shocks can cause rapid, large-scale disruptions.&nbsp;



The authors suggest that the massive and abrupt release of volcanic sulfates forced drastic adaptation, with only certain resilient species surviving. These findings resonate today as we face accelerating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-happening-too-fast-for-some-species-to-adapt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate changes</a> and underscore the potentially devastating effects of rapid environmental shifts.



Kent and his team’s research reveals that the Triassic-Jurassic extinction may have been a lesson in environmental volatility, where intense cold wiped out many species long before sustained heat took its toll.&nbsp;



According to Olsen, the magnitude of the environmental effects are related to how concentrated the events are. This study’s perspective on past mass extinctions offers insights relevant to today’s environmental challenges, reminding us of the power and unpredictability of planetary forces.



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Volcanic cooling, not warming, caused a major mass extinction

Approximately 201.6 million years ago, Earth experienced one of its...

A recent breakthrough in genetic research has introduced a tool capable of delivering therapeutic genetic material to developing fetal brain cells, potentially halting genetic neurodevelopmental disorders before birth. 



Developed by a collaborative team led by Aijun Wang, a professor of surgery and biomedical engineering at the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a>, the innovative delivery method was successfully tested in mice and could target conditions like Angelman and Rett syndromes.



“The implications of this tool for treating neurodevelopmental conditions are profound. We can potentially correct genetic anomalies at a foundational level during critical periods of brain development,” Wang said.&nbsp;



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c05169" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Nano</a>, the study showcases a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based delivery system that transmits messenger RNA (mRNA) to fetal cells, facilitating early intervention for genetic disorders identifiable during prenatal testing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delivering-material-to-fix-faulty-genes">Delivering material to fix faulty genes</h2>



Central to this new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crispr-gene-editing-gets-a-revolutionary-upgrade-with-new-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene editing</a> tool is the use of LNPs to transport mRNA, which carries instructions for creating essential proteins. In many genetic disorders, gene mutations cause abnormal protein production, leading to dysfunctional cellular processes. 



By delivering mRNA that translates into functional proteins, the LNPs offer a way to directly address these genetic faults within developing fetal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-blowing-discovery-humans-possess-over-3000-different-types-of-brain-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain cells</a>.



As Wang and his colleagues described, LNPs carrying mRNA are introduced into the cells through endocytosis. Within the cell, an innovative “acid-degradable linker” enables rapid decomposition of the LNP, releasing the mRNA payload.&nbsp;



“The LNPs developed in this study use a new acid degradable linker that enables the LNPs to rapidly degrade inside of cells. The new linker also enables LNPs to be engineered to have lower toxicity,” said Niren Murthy, a professor of bioengineering at UC Berkeley and co-investigator on the project.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-challenges-to-fix-genes">Overcoming challenges to fix genes</h2>



This innovation addresses a major hurdle in mRNA-based therapy: toxicity. Without high efficiency, increased doses would be required, potentially triggering a harmful immune response.&nbsp;



“The biggest hurdle to deliver <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moderna-announces-mrna-flu-vaccine-success-will-soon-be-released/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mRNA</a> to the central nervous system so far has been toxicity that leads to inflammation,” Wang said. However, the study’s results showed the LNPs effectively delivered the mRNA, reducing the need for toxic doses.



The research team applied the LNP method to deliver mRNA coding for CAS9 - a protein used in CRISPR gene editing technology - to the brains of fetal mice.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fixing-faulty-genes-early">Fixing faulty genes early</h2>



This approach, focused on Angelman syndrome, aimed to intervene before the brain’s blood-brain barrier formed, ensuring greater accessibility and efficiency in correcting genetic faults early.



CAS9 acts like molecular scissors, precisely editing DNA to correct specific mutations.&nbsp;



“The mRNA is like the Lego manual that has instructions to put the pieces together to form functional proteins,” Wang explained.&nbsp;



“The cell itself has all the pieces to build CAS9. We just have to supply the mRNA sequence, and the cell will take and translate it into proteins.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-efficiency-in-brain-cell-transformation">High efficiency in brain cell transformation</h2>



Through detailed tracking, the researchers observed widespread editing in the developing brain cells of their mouse model. They achieved 30% gene editing in brain stem cells, a significant outcome given that these cells differentiate into various types of neurons across the brain.



“Transfecting 30% of the whole brain, especially the stem cells, is a big deal. These cells migrate and spread to many places across the brain as the fetus further develops,” Wang said.&nbsp;



As development progressed, these stem cells moved throughout the brain, resulting in over 60% of hippocampal neurons and 40% of cortical neurons exhibiting successful gene transfection.



“This is a very promising method for genetic conditions affecting the central nervous system. When the babies are born, many of the neurons could have been corrected. This means the baby could be born with no symptoms,” Wang explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-outcomes-for-faulty-genes">Positive outcomes for faulty genes</h2>



Wang and his team anticipate that the efficiency of this genetic intervention may be even higher in models where the disease is actively progressing. 



“Bad neurons with mutation may be killed by the accumulation of disease symptoms and good neurons may stay and proliferate. This could lead to amplified therapeutic efficiency,” he explained.



Wang added that further understanding of the cellular mechanisms could optimize this approach, working in harmony with natural cellular repair pathways.



Ultimately, the study marks a groundbreaking step in genetic-based prenatal therapies. With further research, this technique could revolutionize treatment for genetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddler-screen-time-linked-to-atypical-sensory-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurodevelopmental disorders</a>, offering hope for countless families and new pathways for medical intervention at the earliest stages of life.



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Can we fix faulty genes before birth?

A recent breakthrough in genetic research has introduced a tool...

Let's rewind the clock, almost 14 billion years to the beginning of it all -- the Big Bang. This cosmic event generated an exponential expansion in the infant universe and birthed all known matter, including stars, planets, black holes, dark matter, and dark energy, according to the inflationary universe theory.



The energy created bears striking similarities to what we now call "dark energy," which most scientists believe makes up roughly 70% of the universe. 



The catch? We’re not exactly sure what dark energy is or how it might relate to black holes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desi-and-the-beginning-of-everything">DESI and the beginning of everything</h2>



"If you ask yourself the question, 'Where in the later universe do we see gravity as strong as it was at the beginning of the universe?' the answer is at the center of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/highest-resolution-eht-black-hole-images-ever-taken-usher-in-new-era/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>," said <a href="https://lsa.umich.edu/mira/people/faculty/gtarle.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gregory Tarlé</a>, professor of physics at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> and co-author of the study.



"It's possible that what happened during inflation runs in reverse, the matter of a massive star becomes dark energy again during gravitational collapse -- like a little Big Bang played in reverse."



Tarlé and his team of researchers from five different institutions combined their expertise and the data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (<a href="https://www.desi.lbl.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DESI</a>) to strengthen their case. 



The DESI, with its 5,000 robotic eyes mounted on the Mayall telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory, is like having 5,000 Sherlock Holmes' set to solve the mystery of dark energy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-energy-in-black-holes">Dark energy in black holes</h2>



"If black holes contain dark energy, they can couple to and grow with the expanding universe, causing its growth to accelerate" said <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=YlUuiIQAAAAJ&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Croker</a>, lead author of the team's new study and an assistant research scientist at <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a>.



"We can't get the details of how this is happening, but we can see evidence that it is happening."



Data from the first year of DESI's five-year survey teases us with evidence that the density of dark energy is increasing over time. 



This syncs with the theory of how the amount and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-finds-a-surge-of-black-holes-after-the-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass of black holes</a> increased over time, providing a compelling clue towards understanding what dark energy is.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-source-of-dark-energy">Source of dark energy</h2>



"When I first got involved with the project, I was very skeptical," said co-author&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bu.edu/physics/profile/steve-ahlen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steve Ahlen</a>, professor emeritus of physics at <a href="https://www.bu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston University</a>. 



"But I maintained an open mind throughout the entire process and when we started doing the cosmology calculations, I said, 'Well, this is a really nice mechanism for making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/directly-detecting-dark-matter-primordial-black-holes-simple-as-monitoring-mars-orbit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark energy</a>.'"



So, they dived into the data. The team compared the data to the black holes created from the deaths of large stars across the universe's history. 



The result? 



"The two phenomena were consistent with each other -- as new black holes were made in the deaths of massive stars, the amount of dark energy in the universe increased in the right way," said <a href="https://www.phys.hawaii.edu/profile/DrFarrah/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duncan Farrah</a>, associate professor of physics at the <a href="https://www.hawaii.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hawai'i</a> and co-author of the study.



"This makes it more plausible that black holes are the source of dark energy."&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-holes-relation-to-dark-matter">Black holes relation to dark matter</h2>



A key distinction in the new paper is that most of the black holes under consideration are much younger than those previously studied. 



These black holes were born when star formation was well underway, rather than just beginning.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/black-holes_dark-energy_jwst-pearls_galaxies_credit-IOP-Science_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/black-holes_dark-energy_jwst-pearls_galaxies_credit-IOP-Science_1s.webp" alt="JWST NIRCam imaging of star-forming protocluster PHz G191.24+62.04, 11 billion years ago as the universe was approaching the peak of star formation. These early galaxies are among the most active star-forming galaxies observed between 10.5 and 11.5 billion years ago. Each galaxy seen in this image is therefore producing many black holes, which are converting matter into dark energy according to the cosmologically coupled black hole hypothesis. This image shows the two &quot;modules&quot; of JWST NIRCam: The leftmost module contains the protocluster, and the rightmost module is an adjacent blank field. Each module sees thousands of galaxies. Credit: NASA/IOP" class="wp-image-1948918"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">JWST NIRCam imaging of star-forming protocluster PHz G191.24+62.04, 11 billion years ago as the universe was approaching the peak of star formation. These early galaxies are among the most active star-forming galaxies observed between 10.5 and 11.5 billion years ago. Each galaxy seen in this image is therefore producing many black holes, which are converting matter into dark energy according to the cosmologically coupled black hole hypothesis. This image shows the two "modules" of JWST NIRCam: The leftmost module contains the protocluster, and the rightmost module is an adjacent blank field. Each module sees thousands of galaxies. Credit: NASA/IOP</figcaption></figure>



"This occurs much later in the universe and is informed by recent measurements of black hole production and growth as observed with the <a href="https://hubblesite.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> and <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb space telescopes</a>," said co-author&nbsp;<a href="https://search.asu.edu/profile/108697" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rogier Windhorst</a>, an interdisciplinary scientist for the JWST and professor of earth and space exploration at Arizona State University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-cosmic-equation">Unraveling the cosmic equation</h2>



Despite the intriguing data, the precise mechanism by which black holes contribute to the acceleration of the universe's expansion remains elusive.



Scientists continue to refine their models and seek additional evidence to support the hypothesis that black holes are repositories for dark energy. 



Future observations using advanced telescopes and instruments are expected to shed light on this profound cosmic equation. 



By studying the intricate dance between gravity and dark energy, researchers aim to reveal more about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-formed-through-a-merger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe's fate</a> and the role black holes may play in it.



Such inquiry not only pushes the boundaries of astrophysics but also challenges the fundamental understanding of cosmology itself.



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



As we look forward to new developments in dark energy research, collaborative efforts among international research teams will be paramount. 



Instruments like DESI and future missions such as the Euclid satellite and the <a href="https://roman.gsfc.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope</a>, slated for launch in the coming years, hold promise for fresh insights into the nature of dark energy and its interaction with matter. 



Meanwhile, theoretical advancements will continue to play a pivotal role, inviting novel interpretations and solutions to the dark energy puzzle. 



As our tools and knowledge grow, so too does the excitement within the scientific community, as each discovery fuels the quest to unravel the ultimate mystery -- what truly binds the cosmos together.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-black-holes-the-source-of-dark-energy">Are black holes the source of dark energy?</h2>



The burning question now is understanding where these black holes are and tracking their movement over the past 8 billion years. Researchers are already working at it.



Science is all about pushing boundaries, asking questions, and challenging assumptions. With the DESI online, we're only scratching the surface of dark energy exploration.



“This will only bring more depth and clarity to our understanding of dark energy, whether that continues to support the black hole hypothesis or not," Ahlen said. "I think as an experimental endeavor, it's wonderful. You can have preconceived notions or not, but we're driven by data and observations."



Indeed, whatever the future observations bring, the ongoing work represents a significant shift in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-spots-two-supermassive-black-holes-spiraling-on-collision-course/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark energy research</a>.



"Fundamentally, whether black holes are dark energy, coupled to the universe they inhabit, has ceased to be just a theoretical question," Tarlé said. "This is an experimental question now."



The study is published in the <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1475-7516/2024/10/094" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics</a>. 



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New evidence suggests that dark energy comes from black holes

Let's rewind the clock, almost 14 billion years to the...

Plants are known to engage in fierce competition for essential growth elements - light, water, and nutrients. And one of the most fascinating phenomena observed in the green world is the "shade avoidance" response.



This is an instinctive survival mechanism where plants do everything possible to intercept light in high-density environments. The concept has been studied extensively, and yet, the world of science never ceases to surprise us.



A team in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology at <a href="https://www.wur.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wageningen University</a> has recently unveiled a brand new shade avoidance mechanism revolving around the crucial role of the hormone cytokinin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-fight-for-the-light">Plants fight for the light</h2>



So how do plants even realize that they're getting crowded? The answer lies in the minute details of light absorption.



"In densely planted crops, red light is absorbed faster than far-red light, which is instead reflected. The red-to-far-red ratio therefore decreases with greater density. Plants 'see' this through the light-sensitive pigment <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-plants-response-to-light-can-be-manipulated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytochrome</a>," explained Professor Ronald Pierik.



Just think of this pigment as a light switch operated by the red-to-far-red light ratio. As the far-red light increases, likely in densely planted crops, responses such as elongating stems or leaves shifting from horizontal to vertical positions are triggered. 



The objective is simple: the plants must rise above their neighbors to intercept more light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-competition-beyond-light">Plant competition beyond light</h2>



While light competition among plants has been well-documented, Professor Pierik and postdoctoral researcher Pierre Gautrat studied these interactions from another angle.



They considered how plants compete for nutrients like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-adjust-roots-to-reach-their-preferred-form-of-nitrogen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen</a>, and whether the plant's response to far-red light is affected if it does not receive sufficient nutrition.



The fine details of plant communication are mind-boggling. But a simplified version is that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plants-know-where-to-find-the-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant tissues</a> need to know the nitrogen availability in soil. They receive this information through a "message" passed from the roots.



The message carrier is cytokinin, a hormone produced in the roots that travels to the above-ground part of the plant. More nitrogen equals more cytokinin.



The Wageningen University team found that the shade avoidance response reduced when nitrogen was low. However, by adding extra cytokinin, even with low nitrogen, the length growth was significantly triggered by the far-red light.



This was a breakthrough discovery, indicating that cytokinin has a crucial role in shade avoidance.



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



Even more intriguing is that previous research labeled cytokinin as a growth inhibitor. 



"Looking back, all the trials on which that conclusion was based involved seedlings raised in the dark," noted Professor Pierik. "You only get that response when you grow them in the light. And not with ordinary white light, but only with an excess of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflowers-use-multiple-light-response-systems-to-track-the-sun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">far-red light</a>."



The research also shed light on the genetic level of this mechanism. Certain proteins inhibit plant sensitivity to cytokinin, and these proteins are inhibited when exposed to far-red light.



It's a fascinating game of inhibition which ultimately stimulates sensitivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-crop-cultivation">Impact on crop cultivation</h2>



The architecture of crops has a significant bearing on their productivity. For example, dwarf wheat and rice varieties of the Green Revolution proved to be highly productive as they put less energy into length growth and more into grains. 



These novel findings could help agronomists and growers improve yields in barley, wheat, maize, and rice.



The research ultimately highlights the ongoing enigma of plant biology and its potential to enhance our food production systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-in-sustainable-agriculture">New era in sustainable agriculture</h2>



The implications of these findings extend far beyond the lab, hinting at a future where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-nitrogen-oxide-pollution-could-boost-crop-yields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop yields</a> could be optimized by leveraging our understanding of shade avoidance and cytokinin. 



For farmers, this research offers the possibility of tailoring crop growth under high-density planting conditions, especially as the demand for efficient food production continues to rise. 



With the right balance of cytokinin, crops can potentially be coaxed into maximizing growth even in nutrient-poor soils or densely populated fields. 



This breakthrough could inspire a new era in sustainable agriculture, where crop architecture is finely tuned for resilience and productivity, reducing the need for excessive fertilizer and supporting global food security efforts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52828-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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The quest for light: How plants compete to survive

Plants are known to engage in fierce competition for essential...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



-----



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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.

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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