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...

Four days and a 48-hour work week - that's all it took to change the lives of employees across Germany. A paradigm shift, some might say, towards a future where work and life don't tug at different ends of your day but coexist harmoniously.



The result? Increased well-being with no dent in productivity. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-four-day-work-week">Four-day work week</h2>



In 2024, Professor Dr. Julia Backmann from the University of Münster, along with Dr. Felix Hoch, conducted a trial to examine the effects of a reduced work week. They asked a simple question – Can a shorter week make us happier without compromising productivity?



"The four-day week led to a significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-work-and-no-play-striking-the-balance-may-be-the-key-to-life-satisfaction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">positive change in life satisfaction</a>, which was mainly due to the additional free time," said Dr. Backmann.



The employees' desire to spend more time with families dropped from 64% before the trial to 50% after the four-day week was introduced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-participating-in-the-four-day-work-week">Participating in the four-day work week</h2>



Overall, 45 organizations across a range of sectors joined this six-month pilot project conducted by the Berlin consultancy Intraprenör and the organization 4 Day Week Global. 



Carsten Meier, co-initiator of the pilot project and Managing Director of Intraprenör, was closely involved in presenting the research alongside Dr. Backmann.



The study aimed to explore the potential effects of a four-day work week on employee health, employer attractiveness, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-to-set-realistic-goals-and-achieve-them-in-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future direction of work</a>.



But another question loomed large – What would it mean for productivity?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-productivity-puzzle">The productivity puzzle</h2>



Here’s a surprising finding from the study - a dip in working hours didn't spell doom for productivity.



"Although there were slight increases in key financial performance indicators such as turnover and profit, these were not significantly different from the previous year. Nevertheless, the unchanged key metrics indicate possible productivity gains despite the reduced working hours," explained Dr. Backmann.



The survey results revealed an interesting fact: both employees and top management noticed an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/practical-guide-overcoming-burnout-maintain-workplace-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increase in productivity</a>. The secret? Reducing distractions, streamlining processes, and altering meeting culture.



Over 60% cited these changes while more than 50% reduced the frequency and length of internal meetings. A quarter even incorporated new digital tools to enhance efficiency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-happiness-report">Health &amp; happiness report</h2>



Apart from an incremental upswing in productivity, the four-day week also had positive impacts on employee health. 



According to Dr. Backmann, significant improvements were noted in the mental and physical well-being of the workforce with reports of less stress and burnout symptoms. Daily activity levels increased, and employees slept an average of 38 minutes longer each week than those in the control group.



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



Although the data showed a slight reduction in monthly sick days, the difference was not statistically significant compared to the previous year.



Also, the four-day week didn't seem to influence environmentally conscious behavior or carbon footprint.



But here’s the silver lining - more than 70% of the participating organizations indicated that they would like to continue with the four-day week experiment, implying a positive direction towards a future of balanced, satisfied workforces.



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



As the trial concluded, the insights prompted both awe and further inquiry. Key lessons emerged surrounding the management of time, the empowerment of employees, and the recalibration of work systems.



Organizations saw the necessity of redefining goals and aligning them with employee wellness, thereby fostering an environment conducive to both innovation and satisfaction. 



However, Dr. Backmann acknowledges that this research is merely a stepping stone. Future studies are essential to delve deeper into industry-specific impacts and long-term sustainability.



Questions about logistical reshuffling, potential disparity across <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/buyers-are-willing-to-pay-more-for-products-made-with-passion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">different sectors</a>, and its effect on global competition remain open fields for exploration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achieving-work-life-harmony">Achieving work-life harmony</h2>



Imagining a future from the trial’s vantage point paints a compelling picture of work-life harmony. 



Advocates believe that refining the four-day week could be a harbinger for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worker-rights-are-among-the-least-protected-human-rights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broader societal changes</a> – reduced urban congestion, a positive shift in environmental impacts, and greater societal equity through enhanced job opportunities. 



The experiment invites policymakers and business leaders to rethink the archetypal structure of working hours and forge paths that prioritize quality of life alongside economic progress. 



Embracing such transformative approaches could redefine our professional landscape, steering us towards a sustainable and enriching coexistence in the fabric of modern life.



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



The research from the <a href="https://www.uni-muenster.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Münster</a> involved thorough data collection - interviews, quantitative surveys, and physiological measurements using smartwatch devices and stress hormone cortisol in hair samples. 



The organizations themselves decided how they wanted to implement the four-day week and gathered experiences and insights.



So, could a four-day week be our future? This experiment seems to hint positively. But remember, like with anything new, there were exceptions and bumps along the way. 



Who wouldn't want a future that values well-being just as much, if not more, than productivity?



The study is published on the <a href="https://www.wiwi.uni-muenster.de/tow/de/4DW-Executive-Summary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Münster website</a>.



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Can a four-day work week boost happiness and productivity?

Four days and a 48-hour work week - that's all...

Web-slinging technology inspired by Spider-Man is now a reality thanks to innovative work by researchers at Tufts University.



This remarkable advancement uses silk-based materials to shoot a fluid through a fine needle, where it instantly solidifies into a strong, sticky string. 



The string is capable of adhering to surfaces and lifting objects with surprising strength and precision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wonders-of-web-slinging-technology">Wonders of web-slinging technology</h2>



The web-slinging technology involves the creation of sticky fibers sourced from silk moth cocoons. 



The cocoons, found within the Silklab of <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a>, are processed in a solution until they break down into fibroin - the base proteins of the silk.



Once extruded through fine bore needles, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/holy-grail-artificial-spider-silk-indistinguishable-from-natural-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silk</a> fibroin solution transforms into a stream. Add the right ingredients, and this stream becomes a string the moment it hits open air.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3AXFEntYL5-3919931-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-natural-marvel-of-silk">The natural marvel of silk</h2>



Nature has always been a primary source of inspiration for the creation and utilization of silk <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fibers-inspired-by-spider-silk-are-stronger-than-steel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fibers</a>. Several creatures, from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-closer-to-unlocking-the-secrets-of-spider-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a> and ants to butterflies and beetles, produce silk at some stage in their life cycle.



The Silklab at Tufts University has been inspired by this natural marvel, leading to a series of remarkable developments.



The researchers have created strong adhesives that function underwater, printable sensors, edible coatings to increase the life of produce, and eco-friendly microchip manufacturing methods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiration-strikes-unexpectedly">Inspiration strikes unexpectedly</h2>



Despite their progress with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-how-to-make-stronger-silkworm-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silk-based materials</a>, the researchers faced challenges in emulating the prowess of spiders, precisely controlling the stiffness, elasticity, and adhesive properties of the spun threads. However, a revelation arrived through a serendipitous event.



"I was working on a project making extremely strong adhesives using silk fibroin, and while I was cleaning my glassware with acetone, I noticed a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/squishy-robot-designed-for-space-now-assists-emergency-workers-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">web-like</a> material forming on the bottom of the glass," said Marco Lo Presti, research assistant professor at Tufts.



This accidental discovery facilitated the overcoming of several engineering hurdles in replicating spider threads.



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



The researchers realized that silk fibroin solutions could form a semi-solid hydrogel over several hours when exposed to organic solvents like ethanol or acetone. 



The addition of dopamine, an element used in making adhesives, allowed the solidification process to occur almost instantly. 



The composition featuring dopamine and its polymers is similar to the chemistry that barnacles use to create fibers that adhere tenaciously to surfaces.



In order to spin these fibers in the air, the researchers added dopamine to the silk fibroin solution. In the presence of dopamine, the transition from liquid to solid was accelerated by drawing water away from the silk. 



When launched through a coaxial needle, a thin stream of the silk solution gets enveloped by a layer of acetone, triggering the solidification.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-life-web-slinging-technology">Real-life web-slinging technology</h2>



The acetone evaporates mid-air, leaving behind a fiber attached to any object it comes in contact with. 



The researchers bolstered the silk fibroin-dopamine solution with chitosan, a derivative of insect exoskeletons, and borate buffer, which increased the adhesiveness and tensile strength of the fibers significantly.



The device can shoot fibers capable of lifting objects over 80 times their own weight, and the diameter of the fibers can be varied depending on the needle's bore. 



The researchers demonstrated this by accurately lifting various objects, including a cocoon, a steel bolt, a lab tube floating on water, a scalpel partially buried in sand, and a wood block - all from a distance of about 12 centimeters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-material-inspired-by-a-superhero">Material inspired by a superhero </h2>



"If you look at nature, you will find that spiders cannot shoot their web. They usually spin the silk out of their gland, physically contact a surface, and draw out the lines to construct their webs," said Lo Presti.



"We are demonstrating a way to shoot a fiber from a device, then adhere to and pick up an object from a distance. Rather than presenting this work as a bio-inspired material, it's really a superhero-inspired material."



While natural spider silk is still markedly stronger than the human-made fibers, continual innovation promises to bridge this gap, opening up an array of possible technological applications.



"As scientists and engineers, we navigate the boundary between imagination and practice. That's where all the magic happens," said Professor Fiorenzo Omenetto, director of the Silklab.



"In this case, we wanted to reverse engineer our silk material to behave the way nature originally designed it, and comic book writers imagined it."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202414219" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Functional Materials</a>.



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Spider-Man 'web-slinging' technology has become a reality

Web-slinging technology inspired by Spider-Man is now a reality thanks...

Recent global surveys reveal a surprising disconnect - most people, including those from regions hardest-hit by climate change, don't understand the term "climate justice."



These findings bear critical implications for communication and advocacy efforts in the fight against global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-climate-justice">Understanding climate justice</h2>



The international study was led by researchers in the School of Psychology at the <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nottingham</a>.



"Climate justice is increasingly prominent in climate change communication and advocacy but little is known about public understanding of the concept or how widely it resonates with different groups," wrote the researchers. 



The study engaged 5,627 adults across 11 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands, Nigeria, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 



The research marked a departure from previous studies, extending its reach beyond Europe and North America.



The study revealed that while people might fail to link their understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate crisis</a> to climate justice, they recognize the social, economic, and historical injustices forming the crisis's fabric.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beliefs-aligned-with-climate-justice">Beliefs aligned with climate justice </h2>



The researchers found that two-thirds of the respondents were not familiar with the term "climate justice." Despite this, the majority expressed support for beliefs aligned with climate justice.



These beliefs include the understanding that: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-threatens-the-health-of-billions-of-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change has more severe impacts on the poor</a> (78% agreement); those hit hardest should have a say in climate change decisions (78%); and capitalism and colonialism are elements underpinning the crisis (70%).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-climate-change">Impacts of climate change</h2>



Climate justice recognizes that climate change impacts are uneven across society, affecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disaster-subculture-helps-people-cope-on-the-frontline-of-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marginalised groups</a> most adversely. These are the groups often overlooked or underrepresented in selecting and implementing societal responses to climate change.



Furthermore, climate change-related policy-making processes often fail to acknowledge the politically voiceless communities' legitimate interests, leading to their further disenfranchisement. 



"Indigenous peoples, women, low-income earners, racialized minorities and other marginalized groups face the greatest risks from climate change," wrote the study authors. "Ill-considered climate policies can worsen the disproportionate burden on such groups."



This climate justice perspective allows for a critical examination of the intersections between the climate crisis and deep-seated social injustices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endorsement-of-climate-justice-principles">Endorsement of climate justice principles </h2>



The research was led by Dr. Charles Ogunbode, a professor of applied psychology at the University of Nottingham.



"Taking account of climate justice as we respond to a changing climate is key to orientating our societies towards solutions that are fair and equitable. It is ironic that research tends to be limited to what people in more affluent regions believe about climate change and climate justice," said Dr. Ogunbode.



"Citizens of frontline i.e. climate-vulnerable countries, are largely confined to being the subjects of climate discourse, as opposed to active participants. The unbalanced discourse matches the inequalities that characterize&nbsp;climate change&nbsp;itself."



"By revealing the wide endorsement of climate justice principles around the world, we hope that climate advocates will leverage our research to further pressurize policymakers and leaders to enact just responses to the climate crisis."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inequities-in-climate-action">Inequities in climate action</h2>



The absence of a clear understanding of the term "climate justice" has profound implications for global climate action.



When people do not recognize the link between social inequities and climate change, they may struggle to support policies or actions designed to address these intersections. 



Experts warn that this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-disinformation-is-a-persistent-scourge-in-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gap in understanding</a> could hinder the progress of much-needed climate solutions that prioritize the most vulnerable communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deeper-understanding-of-climate-justice">A deeper understanding of climate justice</h2>



Moreover, the failure to integrate the concept of climate justice into mainstream climate discussions risks perpetuating the very injustices that climate change exacerbates. 



Without widespread comprehension, efforts to craft equitable responses to climate challenges may overlook the needs of those most affected. 



This highlights the importance of not only educating the public on the scientific facts of climate change but also on the socio-economic dimensions that drive its unequal impact.



By raising awareness and promoting a deeper understanding of climate justice, advocates hope to inspire more inclusive and fair <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-decades-of-climate-policy-what-works-and-what-doesnt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate policies</a> that reflect the voices and needs of marginalized communities across the globe.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-024-02168-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Most people don't know what 'climate justice' is, but support it anyway

Recent global surveys reveal a surprising disconnect - most people,...

In the world of scientific discovery, some of the most exciting breakthroughs happen by accident. Researchers often begin with a clear plan, only to find that nature has its own surprises, such as viruses that look like a sunflower. 



This was exactly the case for a group of scientists, who, while working with bacteriophages - viruses that target and eat bacteria - stumbled upon something unexpected. What they discovered were tiny, sunflower-like viruses that could transform the way we approach disease detection and treatment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viruses-that-look-like-a-sunflower">Viruses that look like a sunflower?</h2>



It seems that even the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-can-hide-in-lung-cells-and-cause-chronic-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiniest of lifeforms</a> enjoy getting a little creative sometimes. The McMaster team was left stunned at their lab slides when they observed the bacteriophages, often referred to as phages, forming into 3D configurations closely resembling sunflowers.



But these tiny "flowers" were not your average garden variety. They were just two-tenths of a millimeter across.



Isn't it surprising how sometimes, momentous discoveries can pop up in the most unexpected places?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-formation-of-phages">Unexpected formation of phages</h2>



What sparked this peculiar metamorphosis? The answer lies in the process the researchers had used to prepare the phages for viewing. 



In order to keep the viruses alive, the researchers decided on the path less traveled by using high-pressure carbon dioxide instead of the standard and more lethal heat or solvent-based methods.



And the result? An unexpected yet promising microstructure that they had been aiming to synthesize for years. 



Study lead author Lei Tian, who led the research during his time as a PhD student and subsequently, a postdoctoral research fellow at <a href="https://www.mcmaster.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McMaster</a>, said his initial intention was only to preserve the virus structure. But nature, as always, had other plans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-sunflower-formations">Significance of the sunflower formations</h2>



What makes this haphazard structure so important? Well, it turns out to be 100 times more capable than unlinked phages at locating their bacterial targets.



This means that these sunflower-like formations could open up a world of opportunities in detecting and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-makes-a-virus-capable-of-causing-a-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">combating numerous diseases</a>. And the best part - all of this is achieved via natural materials and processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incredible-insight-on-sunflower-like-viruses">Incredible insight on sunflower-like viruses</h2>



“It was an accidental discovery,” said study co-author and mechanical engineer Tohid Didar. "When we took them out of the high-pressure chamber and saw these beautiful flowers, it completely blew our minds." 



"It took us two years to discover how and why this happened and opened the door to being able to create similar structures with other protein-based materials.”



Zeinab Hosseinidoust, senior author of the study, has been exploring the potential of phages in her lab for years now.



The team has made significant strides, such as prompting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-use-gps-to-move-precisely-within-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a> to interlink, forming a microscopic living fabric, and even developing a gel visible to the naked eye.



In the past, it hasn't been possible to give this material any form of depth or shape. But with the arrival of the sunflower-like structures of viruses with all their wrinkles, peaks, and crevices, it seems that barrier has been broken down. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-masterpiece-sunflower-like-viruses">Nature's masterpiece: Sunflower-like viruses</h2>



“This is really about building with nature,” said Hosseinidoust. “This kind of beautiful, wrinkled structure is ubiquitous in nature." 



"The mechanical, optical and biological properties of this kind of structure have inspired engineers over decades to build these kinds of structures artificially, in the hope of getting the same kind of properties out of them.”



The discovery has opened doors to shaping phages in a variety of ways, enhancing their efficiency and creating opportunities for innovative biological applications. 



For instance, the team was able to blend these flower-like structures with DNAzymes, enabling them to detect low concentrations of Legionella bacteria in water from commercial cooling towers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endless-source-of-inspiration">Endless source of inspiration</h2>



As antibiotic resistance continues to be a major concern, a rekindled interest in bacteriophages as a treatment for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/influenza-is-considered-the-biggest-pandemic-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">various infections</a> has arisen.



 With their ability to specifically target certain bacteria while leaving others unharmed, the potential for these tiny viruses holds a lot more promise than we might have believed.



“Nature is so powerful and so intelligent. As engineers, it’s our job to learn how it works, so we can harness processes like this and put them to use,” said Hosseinidoust.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202414375" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Functional Materials</a>.



Image Credit: McMaster University



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Tiny viruses link up and bloom into amazing sunflower structures

In the world of scientific discovery, some of the most...

Air pollution, the invisible enemy, is not just a threat to our lungs but also holds detrimental implications for our brain.



Fine particulate matter or PM2.5, a complex medley of microscopic particles and droplets suspended in the air, has been the culprit behind lung tissue damage and inflammation for years. 



However, recent developments have turned our attention toward another potential victim of this insidious enemy - our cognitive health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollutions-impact-on-brain">Air pollutions impact on brain</h2>



In a recent study, researchers from the Universities of <a href="https://www.uni-rostock.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rostock</a>, Bonn, and <a href="https://www.uni.lu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luxembourg</a> have shed light on an alarming correlation.



The experts suggest systemic inflammation, spurred by an upsurge in monocytes (a type of white blood cells), could be a significant conduit for the effects of PM2.5 exposure on cognitive impairment.



This study, published in the journal Alzheimer's &amp; Dementia, could indeed change the way we perceive air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-a-surge-in-hospital-emergency-visits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exposing-the-invisible-health-risks">Exposing the invisible health risks</h2>



PM2.5, impossibly small airborne particles, can effortlessly infiltrate our lungs and potentially our bloodstream, thereby posing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-is-fueling-more-intense-and-dangerous-thunderstorms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant health risks</a>. 



Perpetual exposure to poor air quality has been connected to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, prompting air pollution to be recorded as a modifiable risk factor in the Lancet Commission's <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01296-0/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent report</a> on dementia prevention, intervention, and care.



However, the complex mechanisms explaining how PM2.5 affects cognitive function remain elusive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poor-air-quality-and-cognitive-decline">Poor air quality and cognitive decline</h2>



Contrary to the majority of studies focusing on cognitive decline in older people, emerging evidence indicates that even younger adults could be affected by chronic low-level exposure to PM2.5. 



This broader demographic exploration could potentially unravel how early and mid-life exposure may impact long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive outcomes</a>. Intrigued by this, the researchers examined data from more than 66,000 participants in the Dutch Lifelines cohort.



The experts integrated adult participants' blood profiles and cognitive testing results spanning a decade (2006-2015) with air pollution data at their homes. This analysis led to fresh insights regarding the unexplored mechanisms linking PM2.5 exposure and brain health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-air-pollution-impact-brain">How does air pollution impact brain?</h2>



The researchers discovered that PM2.5 exposure correlates with a decline in cognitive processing time (CPT) - how swiftly our brains can react.



Intriguingly, an upswing in white blood cell counts, especially monocytes - the linchpin in our body’s immunity responses - mediated a significant part of this effect.



“Systemic inflammation may act as a key intermediary, linking PM2.5&nbsp;exposure to impaired cognitive function,” explained Dr. Benjamin Aretz, research scientist at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ukbonn.de/patient_innen/international/english/information-for-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Hospital Bonn</a>&nbsp;and first author of the study.



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



While PM2.5 can directly infiltrate the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier, sparking local inflammation, this research emphasizes a wider, systemic inflammation occurring from exposure. 



“We hypothesise that the number of white blood cells rise in response to pollutants,” said Professor Gabriele Doblhammer, group leader at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dzne.de/en/research/research-areas/population-health-sciences/forschungsgruppen/doblhammer/research-areasfocus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DZNE in Rostock</a>.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevention-is-the-best-cure">Prevention is the best cure</h2>



As we approach an era marked by aging populations and rapid urbanization, understanding and addressing the role of air pollution in brain diseases is becoming important. 



“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&nbsp;Professor Michael Heneka, director of the&nbsp;Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.uni.lu/lcsb-en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LCSB</a>) at the University of Luxembourg and senior author of the study.&nbsp;



In the end, the invisible enemy is not invincible. By unveiling the mysteries of PM2.5, we can equip ourselves with the knowledge to combat the ecological threats that loom over our cognitive health.



We find ourselves at the fascinating confluence of science, health, and environment, and it is our collective responsibility to champion the cause of cleaner air for better cognitive futures. 



So, the next time you think about air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-air-quality-trends-revealed-in-new-images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>, remember it is not just impacting our lungs, but also our brain.



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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Air pollution exposure slows down the brain's processing speed

Air pollution, the invisible enemy, is not just a threat...

Scientists have pinpointed the age of the moon's oldest and largest impact basin, the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin, to over 4.32 billion years ago.



The research is shedding new light on the early history of asteroid and comet impacts on the moon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basin-on-the-far-side-of-the-moon">Basin on the far side of the moon</h2>



Both the Earth and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-earth-get-its-moon-a-new-theory-has-emerged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a> have been bombarded by space objects since their formation, leaving behind craters and basins. 



However, the exact timing of some of the earliest and largest of these impact events has remained a mystery - until now.&nbsp;



A team of scientists led by researchers from the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a> believes they have dated the formation of the massive South Pole-Aitken basin, located on the far side of the moon and stretching over 2,000 kilometers, through analysis of a lunar meteorite.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oldest-impact-basin-on-the-moon">Oldest impact basin on the moon</h2>



The research, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41550-024-02380-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>, focused on the analysis of a lunar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-meteorites-can-be-traced-to-three-asteroid-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meteorite</a> called Northwest Africa 2995, found in Algeria in 2005. 



This meteorite is classified as a regolith breccia, which is a type of rock formed by fragments fused together under heat and pressure. It contains key clues about the age of the South Pole-Aitken basin.



Study co-author Joshua Snape is a research fellow at the University of Manchester.



“Over many years, scientists across the globe have been studying rocks collected during the Apollo, Luna, and Chang'e 5 missions, as well as lunar meteorites, and have built up a picture of when these impact events occurred,” explained Snape.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-bombardment-on-the-moon">Impact bombardment on the moon </h2>



According to Snape, the long-held consensus has been that the moon experienced a period of intense bombardment between 4.2 and 3.8 billion years ago.



However, by analyzing the uranium and lead levels in mineral and rock fragments within the Northwest Africa 2995 meteorite, the team concluded that the SPA basin likely formed 120 million years earlier than previously thought - around 4.32 to 4.33 billion years ago.&nbsp;



This finding weakens the argument that the moon's bombardment was concentrated within a narrow period and instead suggests a more gradual process of impacts over a longer span of time.



“Constraining the age of the South-Pole Aitken basin to 120 million years earlier weakens the argument for this narrow period of impact bombardment on the moon and instead indicates there was a more gradual process of impacts over a longer period,” Snape said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dating-the-moon-s-oldest-impact-basin-nbsp">Dating the moon's oldest impact basin&nbsp;</h2>



To determine the basin's age, the researchers compared the data gathered from the meteorite to findings from NASA's Lunar Prospector mission, which orbited the moon between 1998 and 1999.&nbsp;



The mission studied the moon's surface composition, allowing the team to identify chemical similarities between the meteorite and rocks within the SPA basin. This comparison confirmed their link, supporting the new age estimate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-earth-s-early-history">Understanding Earth’s early history</h2>



Study senior author Romain Tartese, an astrophysicist at the University of Manchester, noted that the implications of this research extend far beyond the moon.&nbsp;



“We know that the Earth and the moon likely experienced similar impacts during their early history, but rock records from the Earth have been lost,” said Tartese.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“We can use what we have learned about the moon to provide us with clues about the conditions on Earth during the same period of time.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-exploration-of-the-moon">Future exploration of the moon</h2>



While this study presents a major breakthrough, there is more work to be done. Lead author Katherine Joy, an astronomer at the University of Manchester highlighted the need for further investigation.&nbsp;



“The proposed ancient 4.32 billion year old age of the South Pole-Aitken basin now needs to be tested by sample return missions collecting rocks from known localities within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/man-in-the-moon-craters-are-200-million-years-older-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crater</a> itself,” she said.



Such future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-new-lunar-fss-mission-will-explore-moon-far-side-moonquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">missions</a> could provide additional data to verify the proposed age of the South Pole-Aitken basin, further advancing our understanding of the early impact history of both the moon and the Earth. 



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Moon’s biggest impact basin is millions of years older than we thought

Scientists have pinpointed the age of the moon's oldest and...

While reading a children's book about insects with his daughter, Matt Shipman came across an interesting fact: bees perceive colors differently than humans do.&nbsp;



His daughter, filled with curiosity, immediately wanted to know more about this fascinating phenomenon.  



Digging deeper into the science of bee vision, Shipman - who is a research communicator at <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a> - found that bees see flowers in a way that is truly unique - and arguably even more beautiful than how we see them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-color-vision-of-bees">Color vision of bees</h2>



Humans are capable of seeing light in wavelengths ranging from about 390 to 750 nanometers. This range encompasses the spectrum of colors we perceive, from violet through to red.&nbsp;



Bees, like many other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a>, have a visual range of approximately 300 to 650 nm. This difference means that while bees cannot see red, they can see ultraviolet light, a part of the spectrum that is invisible to human eyes.



Bees' ability to distinguish between light and dark allows them to detect edges with ease. This skill helps them recognize different shapes, although they might struggle with shapes that have smooth lines, like circles and ovals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-vision-matters-for-bees">Why vision matters for bees</h2>



For bees, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blinking-plays-crucial-role-vision-human-perception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vision</a> plays a crucial role in their daily activities, particularly when it comes to finding nectar and pollen. 



While they can use their sense of smell to locate flowers, this only works when they are already close to their target. Vision is essential for spotting flowers from a distance, guiding them towards potential food sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bee-vision-and-ultraviolet-colors">Bee vision and ultraviolet colors</h2>



There is an ongoing debate about whether bees' vision evolved to better detect flowers or if flowers evolved to become more visible to bees.&nbsp;



Most likely, it is the latter: flowers have evolved specifically to attract insect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-an-alarming-decline-in-pollinator-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a>, such as bees, by developing vivid ultraviolet color patterns. These patterns are invisible to humans but serve as bright, enticing signals for bees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultraviolet-patterns-nature-s-guide-for-bees">Ultraviolet patterns: Nature’s guide for bees</h2>



Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowers</a> display intricate ultraviolet patterns that act as beacons for bees. These patterns often highlight “landing zones,” directing bees toward the parts of the flower that contain nectar and pollen. 



For the bees, this guidance means an easier time locating food, while for the flower, it increases the likelihood that pollen will cling to a bee and be carried to another flower, aiding in reproduction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-we-know-what-bees-can-see">How do we know what bees can see?</h2>



Understanding what bees see has been a subject of scientific curiosity for years. One of the methods researchers have used involves training bees to respond to specific colors through behavioral experiments.&nbsp;



For example, scientists would set up feeders containing sugar water near colored targets - such as a yellow one.&nbsp;



Over time, the bees learned to associate the yellow target with the food, returning to it even when the sugar water was removed.&nbsp;



The bees would still choose the yellow target over others, even when presented with gray options, indicating that they could distinguish the color.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photoreceptors-and-the-visual-spectrum-nbsp">Photoreceptors and the visual spectrum&nbsp;</h2>



Another way scientists have uncovered what bees can see is by examining the photoreceptors in their eyes.&nbsp;



By exposing bees to various wavelengths of light, researchers have been able to identify which wavelengths trigger signals in the bees' photoreceptors.&nbsp;



A lack of response to a particular wavelength suggests that the light is outside of the bee’s visual spectrum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-unique-perspective-on-flowers">A unique perspective on flowers</h2>



Bees, with their ability to perceive ultraviolet light, experience a world that is quite different from ours - especially when it comes to flowers.&nbsp;



The intricate patterns that guide them to nectar and pollen are invisible to us, making their world rich in hidden beauty. And if you are interested in seeing some of this hidden world, you can find impressive collections of ultraviolet flower <a href="http://www.naturfotograf.com/UV_flowers_list.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">images</a> online. 



It’s a reminder that nature holds many surprises, some of which can only be appreciated through a bee’s eye view.



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Bee vision reveals a hidden world that we cannot see

While reading a children's book about insects with his daughter,...

Over a century ago, on a quiet morning in an area of Siberia called Tunguska, the sky erupted with a flash brighter than the sun. An explosion shook the ground, leaving those who witnessed it both awestruck and terrified. They had just seen Earth's most recent major asteroid impact event.



“A collision of a NEO with Earth is the only natural disaster we now know how humanity could completely prevent” said NASA Planetary Defense Officer Lindley Johnson. 



“We must keep searching for what we know is still out there, and we must continue to research and test Planetary Defense technologies and capabilities that could one day protect our planet’s inhabitants from a devastating event.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-tunguska-asteroid-impact-event">The Tunguska asteroid impact event</h2>



The morning of June 30, 1908, began like any other day, but was soon abruptly disrupted by a brilliant fireball that streaked across the sky.



A thunderous boom followed, marking the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">catastrophic collision</a> of an asteroid with Earth's atmosphere. This event, christened the Tunguska event, left an indelible imprint on human history and underscored the dangers that lurk in our cosmic vicinity.



In 1927, the first scientific expedition to the Tunguska site was led by the well-known geologist Dr. Leonid A. Kulik from the Soviet Academy of Sciences.



His work, albeit 20 years later, documented the massive destruction caused by the asteroid's explosion in the air.



The asteroid impact event at Tunguska wiped out around 80 million trees across a vast area of 830 square miles, hitting the Evenki people hard, as their livelihoods relied on their reindeer herds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-explosion-or-direct-impact">Atmospheric explosion or direct impact?</h2>



Dr. Kulik's analysis showed that the object, a bolide about 130 feet wide, entered Earth's atmosphere at a 30-degree angle.



He thinks the asteroid blew up in mid-air at around six miles high, creating a powerful shock wave and heat blast that could flatten forests and send seismic waves felt hundreds of miles away.



Further investigations found microparticles that suggested the bolide was likely an asteroid from space.



The Tunguska event wasn't just a one-off; archaeologists have discovered signs of other airburst events throughout history.



While smaller asteroids usually break apart harmlessly in the atmosphere, bigger ones like the Tunguska asteroid can pose a real risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-defense-coordination-office-pdco">Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO)</h2>



Fast forward to today, and we definitely haven’t forgotten the lessons from Tunguska. The launch of <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/planetary-science/programs/planetarydefense/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's PDCO</a> in 2016 was a big step forward in protecting Earth from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-equivalent-of-a-blindfolded-full-court-shot-caused-the-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential asteroid hits</a>.



The PDCO focuses on spotting Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), sending out warnings, and coordinating global defense plans.



Now, let’s talk about an impressive achievement: the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/dart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DART</a>) mission. Launched on November 23, 2021, DART set out to show off a technique called kinetic impact.



DART hit its target -- the binary asteroid system of Didymos and its smaller buddy, Dimorphos -- at a staggering speed of 14,000 miles per hour, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dart-mission-debris-will-create-a-human-made-meteor-shower/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">successfully changing its path</a>.



On September 26, 2022, DART's impact even slowed Dimorphos' orbit around Didymos by 32 minutes, way <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dart-impact-sent-dimorphos-didymos-asteroid-into-chaotic-unpredictable-tumble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more than anyone expected</a>!



“A collision of a NEO with Earth is the only natural disaster we now know how humanity could prevent," NASA Planetary Defense Officer Lindley Johnson explained.



"We must keep searching for what we know is still out there, and we must continue to research and test Planetary Defense technologies and capabilities that could one day protect our planet’s inhabitants from a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nadir-crater-second-massive-asteroid-impact-discovered-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">devastating event</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-tunguska-to-today">From Tunguska to today</h2>



Tunguska is a pretty sobering chapter in Earth's history, but it's just part of a bigger story. Cosmic impacts, like the asteroid strike that created the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-chicxulub-caused-dinosaurs-extinction-event-traced-to-origin-kuiper-belt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicxulub crater</a> in Mexico 65 million years ago, wiped out the dinosaurs and 75% of Earth's species.



Then there's the Meteor Crater in Arizona, which is about 50,000 years old and shows just how powerful these impacts can be.



Ancient cosmic events have also played a huge role in shaping human civilization. Take the 12,800-year-old comet impact in Syria during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-a-cosmic-airburst-set-the-world-on-fire-12800-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Younger Dryas period</a> or the airburst asteroid that devastated the ancient city of Tall el-Hamman in Jordan. These events show just how deep and lasting their effects can be on societies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-frontier-in-planetary-defense">Next frontier in planetary defense</h2>



While the Tunguska event stands as a stark reminder, our response capabilities have matured dramatically. NASA's PDCO continues to monitor NEOs that come within 30 million miles of our orbit.



The success of the DART mission offers a blueprint for future defense strategies and lays the groundwork for more sophisticated and reliable planetary defense methods.



Public awareness and involvement are crucial to an effective planetary defense strategy. With the United Nations declaring June 30 as <a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/asteroid-day" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Asteroid Day</a>, there is an effort to educate and involve people worldwide in this crucial mission.



Moreover, fostering a sense of shared responsibility, encouraging aspiring scientists and engineers, and enabling international collaboration are all steps in the right direction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-tunguska-into-the-future">From Tunguska into the future</h2>



The courage and determination of scientists like Dr. Leonid A. Kulik, way back in 1927, set the stage for our current vantage point.



Today, researchers and engineers carry forward this legacy, pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve to safeguard our planet. 



The stories of those who lived through the Tunguska event serve as a poignant reminder of why this work is so crucial.



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Earth survived an asteroid impact in 1908 that most people don’t know about

Over a century ago, on a quiet morning in an...

Human,Brain,Neuron,Activity.,Brain,3d,Neural,Network.,Neurological,Functions,

If you've ever groaned at the notion of getting out of bed for an early morning workout, or grumbled at the thought of losing a night's sleep due to a late-night Netflix binge, your brain is echoing your sentiments to the activities.



In a remarkable and lengthy study, scientists embarked on a fascinating journey to understand this relationship. They closely monitored a single person's brain activity, physical activity, mood and lifestyle for a whopping five months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-after-daily-activities">Brain after daily activities</h2>



"We wanted to go beyond isolated events. Our behavior and mental states are constantly shaped by our environment and experiences," says research leader Ana Triana. 



Yet, we know little about the response of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-echoes-todays-activities-change-your-behavior-for-weeks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain functional connectivity</a> to environmental, physiological, and behavioral changes on different timescales, from days to months.



"To truly understand the brain, we need to look at how it responds and evolves over time, influenced by our environment, experiences, and daily habits." 



Triana wasn't just leading the research; she was the subject, lending a unique, deeply personal perspective to the study.



Findings from this investigation unveil that our brains don't just react in knee-jerk, immediate responses to daily events. 



Indeed, the brain seems to have a 'memory' of sorts. It evolves according to sleep patterns, physical activity, mood, and even respiratory rate over several days.



If you thought a restless night or an intense workout only had immediate, short-term effects, think again. These experiences could still be impacting your brain -- and your attention, cognition, and memory -- well into the next week.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-s-connectivity">Brain's connectivity</h2>



The research didn't stop at understanding the brain's behavioral response. It also shed light on fascinating connections between the heart and brain. 



Heart rate variability, a measure of the heart's adaptability, appears to have a strong link with brain connectivity, particularly during rest. 



So, taking a minute to focus on your breath, engage in mindfulness, or practice any stress management technique could be shaping your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-complete-map-of-every-neuron-in-the-brain-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>'s wiring even when you're not actively focused on a task.



Even physical activity positively influences how different regions of the brain interact, potentially impacting memory and cognitive flexibility -- the ability to switch between thinking about different concepts, or to think about multiple concepts simultaneously.



Intriguingly, even minor shifts in mood, and fluctuations in heart rate could leave lasting imprints for up to fifteen days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scanning-activities-in-brain">Scanning activities in brain</h2>



"At the beginning, it was exciting and a bit stressful. Then, routine settles in and you forget," says Triana. Data from the devices and twice-weekly brain scans were complemented by qualitative data from mood surveys.



The researchers from <a href="https://www.aalto.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aalto University</a> and the <a href="https://www.oulu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oulu</a> identified two distinct response patterns in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-our-brain-divide-the-day-into-different-chapters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>: a short-term wave, lasting under seven days, and a long-term wave up to fifteen days. 



These waves reflected the brain's quick adaptability on one hand and more gradual, lasting effects on the other.



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



This study holds significant implications for our understanding of mental health and well-being. 



By appreciating that the brain's responses are not instantaneous but rather span several days to weeks, mental health professionals might develop more effective therapeutic interventions that align with these temporal patterns. 



It also encourages individuals to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, recognizing that daily decisions have lasting effects on brain function and connectivity. 



Importantly, the research suggests that managing stress and maintaining regular physical activity can enhance cognitive flexibility, potentially improving mental health outcomes and overall quality of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-neuroscience">Personalized neuroscience</h2>



The pioneering nature of this research offers a framework for personalized neuroscience, where tailored interventions could be designed based on an individual's unique brain response patterns and lifestyle. 



With wearable technology and continuous monitoring becoming more accessible, it is feasible to integrate these insights into everyday life, allowing individuals to track their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-does-creativity-start-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain health</a> in real-time. 



This prospect not only empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their mental and physical health but also opens avenues for further research to explore how external factors, such as nutrition and social interactions, contribute to the brain's long-term evolution. 



As this field progresses, the potential for more personalized, responsive approaches to brain health and well-being will only grow, paving the way for improved quality of life and a deeper understanding of the human brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-care-for-brain-activity">Personalized care for brain activity</h2>



The team hopes these findings will inspire future studies to merge brain data with everyday life considerations, driving personalization in mental health treatment. 



"Data from daily life must come into the lab," insists study co-author, neuroscientist and physician Dr Nick Hayward. "Our approach provides essential context to neuroscience and offers granular understanding of the brain."



Could real-time tracking of brain changes revolutionize healthcare? Triana certainly thinks so, saying, "Linking brain activity with physiological and environmental data can transform personalized healthcare, paving the way for earlier interventions and improved results."



In conclusion, the way you sleep, the level of your physical activity, your mood, and even your heart rate variability could be influencing your brain in ways we are only beginning to understand. 



So next time you're grappling with the choice of an extra hour of sleep or an early morning jog, remember, your brain is keeping score.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002797" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



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Human brains literally "change" and adapt to our sleep patterns, activities, and overall lifestyle

If you've ever groaned at the notion of getting out...

In the vast, arid landscape of South Australia’s outback, a fossil record lies hidden beneath the soil, holding crucial clues to Earth’s early evolutionary history.&nbsp;



These fossils, found in Nilpena Ediacara National Park near South Australia's largest mountain range, document a pivotal moment in the emergence of complex life.&nbsp;



This recent discovery has provided new insights into how single-celled organisms evolved into complex animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossils-of-555-million-year-old-animal">Fossils of 555-million-year-old animal</h2>



A team led by Scott Evans, assistant professor of geology at <a href="https://www.fsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida State University</a>, has unearthed a significant fossil of an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystem-behavior-earth-first-sea-creatures-stirring-water-drove-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early marine animal</a> called Quaestio simpsonorum. 



This 555-million-year-old creature is the first known to exhibit left-right asymmetry, a crucial feature in the evolution of complex life.



“The animal is a little smaller than the size of your palm and has a question-mark shape in the middle of its body that distinguishes between the left and right side,” Evans explained.&nbsp;



“There aren't any other fossils from this time that have shown this type of organization so definitively. This is especially interesting as this is also one of the first animals that was capable of moving on its own.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-movement-of-earth-s-earliest-animals-nbsp">Movement of Earth's earliest animals&nbsp;</h2>



Researchers believe Quaestio moved along the seafloor much like a “marine Roomba,” feeding on nutrients from microscopic organisms and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-and-imprint-new-era-dna-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>. 



Evidence of this movement was preserved in fossilized rock slabs that display impressions of the animal along with its trace fossils.&nbsp;



The texture of the preserved mat, where Quaestio left its trails, reveals the organic richness of the early seafloor ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-discovery-in-nilpena-ediacara-national-park">Exciting discovery in Nilpena Ediacara National Park</h2>



While Nilpena Ediacara National Park is already famous for its fossil beds, the discovery of Quaestio marks a major milestone.&nbsp;



The excavation team, which included researchers from institutions like <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>, the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a>, and the <a href="https://www.adelaide.edu.au/front/international?adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D0538AE6BAFB85DBC-5DAAA905774B3C95%7CMCORGID%3DBA023B045D5A83160A495E49%40AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1728979378&amp;adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Adelaide</a>, made a critical discovery when they found clear evidence of the creature's movement. 



“One of the most exciting moments when excavating the bed where we found many Quaestio was when we flipped over a rock, brushed it off, and spotted what was obviously a trace fossil behind a Quaestio specimen - a clear sign that the organism was motile; it could move,” said co-author Ian Hughes, a Harvard University graduate student.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earliest-animal-life-on-earth">Earliest animal life on Earth</h2>



For more than 20 years, the team has been guided by Mary Droser, distinguished professor of geology at UC Riverside. Droser has led excavations in the outback, and this latest discovery offers new insights into how animal life unfolded on Earth.&nbsp;



“It’s incredibly insightful in terms of telling us about the unfolding of animal life on Earth,” Droser remarked.&nbsp;



The Nilpena fossil record allows scientists to study the processes that shaped the origins of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/complex-life-emerged-1-5-billion-years-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex life</a>, from the earliest evolutionary developments to the events leading to species extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-programming-in-the-earliest-animals">Genetic programming in the earliest animals</h2>



The discovery of Quaestio simpsonorum is particularly important because it sheds light on early animal development.&nbsp;



Evans noted that determining the gene expressions needed to build these forms provides a new method for evaluating the mechanisms responsible for the beginnings of complex life on this planet.



The left-right asymmetry exhibited by Quaestio is mirrored in modern animals, suggesting that the same genetic programming has been at work for over half a billion years.



This finding is not only a major breakthrough in understanding early evolutionary processes but also provides a unique window into life during the Ediacaran period.&nbsp;



The team believes that studying these ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> will continue to yield new insights into how complex life evolved and adapted on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-growing-legacy-and-ongoing-excavations">A growing legacy and ongoing excavations</h2>



Nilpena Ediacara National Park, which opened to the public in 2023, is in the process of being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.&nbsp;



This recognition is largely due to the work and dedication of Mary Lou Simpson and Antony Simpson, founders of the <a href="https://ediacarafoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders Ranges Ediacara Foundation</a>. The discovery of Quaestio simpsonorum, named in their honor, is one of many exciting finds that have emerged from the park’s 150,000-acre fossil beds.



Although researchers have been studying this area for decades, new discoveries continue to be made.&nbsp;



“We’re still finding new things every time we dig,” Hughes said. This park, one of the world’s earliest ecosystems, continues to astonish scientists with its rich and diverse fossil record.&nbsp;



These ancient discoveries offer invaluable insights into the earliest chapters of animal evolution and continue to fuel the quest to understand the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-the-origins-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">origins of life</a> on Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ede.12491" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evolution &amp; Development</a>.



Image Credit: Walker Weyland



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500-million-year-old purple blob may be Earth's earliest animal

In the vast, arid landscape of South Australia’s outback, a...

Are diamonds our best hope to save the planet from overheating? It seems unrealistic, right? Yet, a cross-disciplinary team composed of climatologists, meteorologists, and Earth scientists suggest that this may be the case. 



The researchers have explored the potential for using diamond dust, ejected from an airplane into the atmosphere, as a potential solution to reverse global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-to-cooling-the-planet">Key to cooling the planet</h2>



For years, scientists have warned that our planet is nearing or possibly even past a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scorching-summer-of-2024-could-make-it-the-hottest-year-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic tipping point</a> - a point of no return. They caution that our warming planet has disrupted and continues to influence global weather patterns, a situation that could worsen as temperatures continue to rise.



Experts agree that something drastic needs to be done, and quickly. Simply curbing greenhouse gas emissions or removing carbon from the atmosphere, while critically important, might not be enough. 



We are forced to consider more radical solutions to not just slow the warming, but to actively cool the Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-injecting-aerosols-into-the-atmosphere">Injecting aerosols into the atmosphere</h2>



The scientific community seems to favor one particular strategy for this active cooling approach: injecting aerosols into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-expected-to-exceed-the-1-5c-warming-limit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">excess heat</a> back into space.&nbsp;



The current frontrunner for this job has been sulfur dioxide, largely due its natural occurrence in our atmosphere from volcanic eruptions.&nbsp;



We understand to a degree how sulfur dioxide behaves in our atmosphere, but there's a downside - it could instigate worldwide acid rain, damage the ozone layer, and likely cause unpredictable weather changes in the lower atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diamond-dust-a-shimmering-solution">Diamond dust: A shimmering solution</h2>



Considering the potential risks of sulfur dioxide, the researchers pondered: What if there's a better aerosol choice? 



To satisfy this curiosity, the experts created a 3D climate model to assess the impacts of adding different types of aerosols to our atmosphere. The study was conducted in the <a href="https://iac.ethz.ch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science</a> at ETH Zurich.



The researchers evaluated how these particles would interact with light and heat, their longevity in the air, their potential to group together, and how they would eventually fall back to Earth.



Seven potential candidates, including calcite, diamond, aluminum, silicon carbide, anatase, rutile, and sulfur dioxide, were put to the test. This large-scale experiment revealed a surprising winner: diamond dust.



The team concluded that diamond dust particles would reflect the most light and heat, remain aloft for suitable lengths of time, and are less likely to clump together to retain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a>. 



An important bonus is that they are chemically inert, reducing the potential to create acid rain - a significant problem with sulfur dioxide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cost-of-diamond-dust">Cost of diamond dust</h2>



The idea of reflecting sunlight with diamond dust seems almost whimsically futuristic. Don’t put your sunglasses on just yet.&nbsp;



The team's model recommends injecting about 5 million tons of synthetic diamond dust into the atmosphere each year to cool the Earth by approximately 1.6°C in 45 years. This may sound manageable until we talk about the price tag - an estimated $200 trillion. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technological-and-logistical-challenges">Technological and logistical challenges</h2>



Despite its promise, implementing the diamond dust approach presents significant technological and logistical challenges. 



The process of creating and synthesizing diamond dust on such a massive scale requires advancements in current manufacturing technologies and infrastructure. 



Furthermore, the operational aspect of deploying 5 million tons of diamond dust annually involves developing specialized aircraft or spacecraft capable of dispersing these particles at the requisite altitude on a global scale. 



It's a complex endeavor that demands international cooperation, extensive research and development, and a robust framework for governance to oversee and manage potential geopolitical tensions that could arise from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unilateral climate interventions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-best-climate-solution">Finding the best climate solution</h2>



While diamond dust may not be the immediate answer to our warming crisis due to its exorbitant cost, this highlights the wide-ranging and creative solutions scientists are currently exploring. 



As we inch closer to the precipice of irreversible climate change, every option should be on the table.



Now, the question to ponder is how much are we willing to pay to preserve the only planet we call home? What's the price tag on Earth's survival?



Ultimately, it's not just about finding the most effective solution, but the most sustainable one. Until then, the search goes on. Because, after all, diamonds may be forever, but so are the consequences of our choices.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL110575" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Sprinkle diamond dust across Earth to cool the temperature? Don't laugh, it's possible

Are diamonds our best hope to save the planet from...

Broadening access to highly effective weight-loss drugs could prevent more than 40,000 deaths each year in the United States.



This is the conclusion of a new study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health and the University of Florida.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-removing-barriers-to-weight-loss-drugs">Removing barriers to weight-loss drugs</h2>



The findings highlight the urgent necessity to eliminate existing obstacles that hinder people's access to effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-health-benefits-of-weight-loss-persist-for-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weight-loss</a> treatments, thereby impeding public health efforts to combat the national obesity crisis. 



According to the<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>, about 74% of Americans are considered overweight, with approximately 43% of those individuals classified as obese.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-obesity-rates-are-surging-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Obesity</a> has a well-documented widespread impact on health, exacerbating conditions such as type 2 diabetes, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>, and certain cancers. Despite its severe consequences, the development and deployment of highly effective treatments for obesity have been lacking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advances-in-pharmaceutical-interventions">Advances in pharmaceutical interventions</h2>



Recent advancements in pharmaceutical interventions, particularly the introduction of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as dual gastric inhibitory polypeptide and GLP-1 (GIP/GLP-1) receptor agonists such as tirzepatide, have demonstrated substantial efficacy in weight loss.&nbsp;



These medications have shown promise in clinical trials and are increasingly being used for weight management.



In conducting their study, the researchers aimed to quantify the potential mortality impact of increased access to these weight-loss drugs.&nbsp;



The experts integrated data on mortality risk associated with different body mass index (BMI) categories, obesity prevalence, and the current limitations on drug access due to high costs and insurance restrictions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-lives-saved-by-weight-loss-drugs-nbsp">Potential lives saved by weight-loss drugs&nbsp;</h2>



According to the findings, if access to these new medications were expanded to include all eligible individuals, the U.S. could see up to 42,027 fewer deaths annually.&nbsp;



This estimate includes approximately 11,769 deaths among individuals with type 2 diabetes - a group particularly vulnerable to the complications of obesity.&nbsp;



Even under current conditions of limited access, the researchers project that around 8,592 lives are saved each year, primarily among those with private insurance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disparity-in-weight-loss-drug-access-nbsp">Disparity in weight-loss drug access&nbsp;</h2>



The study highlights a critical disparity in drug access. Currently, the high cost of these medications, which can exceed $1,000 per month without insurance, limits their availability.&nbsp;



For example, Medicare - one of the largest insurance programs for older adults - does not cover these drugs for weight loss, impacting many who could benefit from them.&nbsp;



Medicaid coverage varies widely by state, and private insurance often imposes high deductibles and copays, further restricting access.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-financial-and-coverage-barriers">Addressing financial and coverage barriers</h2>



“Expanding access to these medications is not just a matter of improving treatment options but also a crucial public health intervention,” said senior author Alison P. Galvani, a professor of epidemiology at the <a href="https://ysph.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Public Health</a>. “Our findings underscore the potential to reduce mortality significantly by addressing financial and coverage barriers.”



The study also explored how expanded access could affect different regions and socioeconomic groups.&nbsp;



States with high obesity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-can-counteract-the-genetic-risk-for-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a> rates, such as West Virginia, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, stand to benefit the most from increased medication availability. In these areas, expanding access could lead to the largest per capita reductions in mortality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-challenges-for-widespread-availability">Overcoming challenges for widespread availability</h2>



However, the scientists caution that while the potential benefits are substantial, several challenges remain.&nbsp;



The high price of these medications is a significant barrier, and there are concerns about the pharmaceutical industry's profit margins.&nbsp;



Furthermore, supply constraints and production limitations continue to hamper widespread availability.



“Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach,” said co-author Burton H. Singer, an adjunct professor of mathematics at the Emerging Pathogens Institute at the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a>. 



“We need to ensure that drug prices are more aligned with manufacturing costs and increase production capacity to meet demand. At the same time, we must tackle the insurance and accessibility issues that prevent many people from getting the treatment they need.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-access-to-weight-loss-drugs-nbsp">Expanding access to weight-loss drugs&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers also considered the impact of socioeconomic factors on the effectiveness of expanded drug access.&nbsp;



They adjusted their estimates to account for income disparities, finding that even with these adjustments, the potential for lives saved remains significant.&nbsp;



The results suggest that improving access to these medications could reduce health care costs associated with obesity-related conditions and improve overall quality of life for many Americans.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2412872121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Weight-loss drugs could save an enormous number of lives

Broadening access to highly effective weight-loss drugs could prevent more...

<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

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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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"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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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