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>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

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...

New research from the University of British Columbia (UBC) confirms that distracted pedestrians are at a significantly higher risk of injury compared to those who remain attentive while navigating busy streets,&nbsp;



The research provides concrete evidence that pedestrians distracted by activities such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/texting-pain-neck-literally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">texting</a> or talking on the phone face a greater danger of vehicle interaction, validating prior assumptions about the risks of distracted walking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-issue-of-road-safety-nbsp">Global issue of road safety&nbsp;</h2>



The study authors noted that road safety continues to be a pressing global issue, with pedestrians accounting for 23% of traffic fatalities worldwide.



“Pedestrians are considered vulnerable road users who have little to no protection when interacting with vehicles, which makes crashes involving them considerably more severe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distracted-pedestrians-at-risk">Distracted pedestrians at risk</h2>



“Several studies have developed pedestrian-vehicle interaction models. However, these studies failed to consider pedestrian distraction, which considerably influences the safety of these interactions,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;



“Utilizing data from two intersections in Vancouver, Canada, this research uses the Multi-agent Adversarial Inverse Reinforcement Learning (MA-AIRL) framework to make inferences about the behavioral dynamics of distracted and non-distracted pedestrians while interacting with vehicles.”&nbsp;



The research shows that distracted pedestrians often remain unaware of their surroundings, making fewer adjustments to their path or speed. This lack of awareness increases the likelihood of a more severe interaction with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/direct-evidence-electric-vehicles-measurably-reduce-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicles</a>, resulting in a 45% higher chance of close calls or near misses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-walking-without-distraction-nbsp">Walking without distraction&nbsp;</h2>



“Non-distracted pedestrians made safer choices when interacting with vehicles,” explained Tarek Sayed, the lead researcher, a civil engineering professor and transportation safety expert in UBC’s Faculty of Applied Science.&nbsp;



“They maintained greater distances from vehicles, yielded more frequently to oncoming traffic, and adjusted their speed when necessary.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-drivers-respond-to-distracted-pedestrians-nbsp">How drivers respond to distracted pedestrians&nbsp;</h2>



The study also found that drivers behaved differently when encountering distracted pedestrians. Drivers tended to slow down as they approached these individuals, recognizing the unpredictable behavior that comes with distraction.



The research used advanced tools like a computer vision system developed at UBC and artificial intelligence simulation models to analyze video data from two bustling intersections in downtown Vancouver.&nbsp;



The analysis focused on distracted pedestrians - those using their phones to text, talk, or listen to music - and pedestrians who were not distracted, as well as traffic conflicts where road users are on a collision course.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pedestrian-safety-interventions-nbsp">Pedestrian safety interventions&nbsp;</h2>



The study’s findings could be crucial in shaping pedestrian safety interventions and traffic models.&nbsp;



Study co-author Tala Alsharif, a graduate student in civil engineering at UBC, suggests that this data could be used to adjust crosswalk signal cycles or introduce audio signals to alert distracted pedestrians when it’s time to cross the street.&nbsp;



“City planners could also display warnings specifically for pedestrians distracted by their phones - perhaps even introduce mobile notifications that prevent pedestrians from using their phones while crossing,” Alsharif said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-to-reduce-pedestrian-risks">Strategies to reduce pedestrian risks</h2>



The study also proposes solutions for improving infrastructure design. For example, identifying high-risk zones where pedestrian distraction is common could allow for the implementation of sensor-based alert systems. Raised crosswalks might also make pedestrians more visible to drivers in such areas.



“By incorporating our findings into future research and traffic management approaches, we’ll be better able to assess pedestrian risks and develop strategies to improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-robot-designed-to-help-children-cross-roads-safely/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">road safety</a>,” said co-author Gabriel Lanzaro, a graduate student at UBC.



The study highlights the growing need to address distracted walking as cities continue to expand, and traffic interactions become more complex.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-effective-safety-interventions-nbsp">More effective safety interventions&nbsp;</h2>



The insights gained from this research could pave the way for smarter infrastructure design and more effective safety interventions aimed at keeping pedestrians safer in increasingly busy urban environments.



“These findings emphasize the importance of refining pedestrian simulation models to include the unique behavioral patterns from pedestrian distractions. This should assist in further examining the safety impacts of pedestrian distraction on the road environment,” the authors concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2024.107789" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Accident Analysis and Prevention</a>



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Distracted walking: Texting puts pedestrians at risk

New research from the University of British Columbia (UBC) confirms...

Comb,Jelly,Drifting,Underwater,In,The,Ocean,Water,Column

In a captivating intersection of science and the oddities of nature, researchers have discovered that the comb jellyfish has an incredible ability to fuse with another individual after injury.



This species pushes the boundaries of what we understand about survival mechanisms, regeneration, and the very concept of individuality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comb-jellyfish-fuse-for-healing">Comb jellyfish fuse for healing</h2>



We are all familiar with the concept of healing. A cut finger knits itself back together, while a broken bone grows new threads of cells that gradually mend the fracture. But this regeneration, scientists have found, can take a more startling form in the world of comb jellies.



Imagine two injured jellies, each struggling to recover on their own. But now, put them together and watch the magic. They begin to fuse, and before you know it, two entities have become one. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-killifish-regeneration-may-help-us-heal-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healing</a> here is not just mutual - it's shared.



This intriguing observation was made by Kei Jokura and his team at the University of Exeter. The researchers have found that the synchronization extends not only to muscle contractions but also to their digestive systems, enabling them to feed together.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shocking-discovery-in-the-lab">Shocking discovery in the lab </h2>



It all started in a lab, with a population of comb jellies housed in a seawater tank. The researchers noticed that one unusually large jelly sported two sets of sensory apparatus where it should have had only one.



This odd sight led them to suspect that this individual might be a marvel of two injured jellies that had fused together.



To investigate, the team conducted an experiment where they removed partial lobes from individual comb jellies and placed them close together. In 9 out of 10 instances, the injured comb jellies fused into one entity, which lived for at least 3 weeks post <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-zebrafish-heart-regeneration-could-transform-human-cardiac-care/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fusion</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-fusion-of-comb-jellies">Rapid fusion of comb jellies</h2>



Interestingly, this fusion didn't take months or weeks - it was a matter of just one night. The two original individuals became a single entity, with no apparent separation. When stimulated, the whole body reacted, indicating a complete fusion of their nervous systems as well.



“Resulting in a synchronized muscle contraction on the other side when mechanical stimulation is applied to one side of the fused ctenophore," explained Jokura.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="RWNOzoIYTC-3900257-12187" type="single"]</div>



Detailed observations revealed that the newly fused comb jellies spent their first hour exploring spontaneous individual movements. 



However, within two hours, their muscle contractions started to sync up. Astonishingly, 95% of the fused animal’s muscle contractions were completely synchronous.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-comb-jellyfish-fuse">Why do comb jellyfish fuse?</h2>



Even their digestive systems weren’t left out of this merger. When one of the fused entity's mouths consumed labeled brine shrimp, both sections of the body processed and expelled the food, although not simultaneously.



Despite these fascinating observations, the reasons behind this fusion remain a mystery. How does becoming one serve as a survival strategy? With further research, the scientific community hopes to unravel this mystery and shed light on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axolotls-regeneration-powers-critically-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deeper mechanisms</a> at play.



“The allorecognition mechanisms are related to the immune system, and the fusion of nervous systems is closely linked to research on regeneration,” said Jokura. “Unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying this fusion could advance these crucial research areas.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-implications-of-fusion">Evolutionary implications of fusion</h2>



The phenomenon of fusion in comb jellies may hold profound evolutionary implications. Such intricate interactions could provide insights into how organisms negotiate individuality versus communal living, a balance pivotal to understanding multicellular life.



Theories suggest that this ability to merge may be a primitive evolutionary trait, which in certain environments could confer significant adaptive benefits, such as enhanced mobility or shared metabolic processes. 



Further genetic studies may reveal whether this ability is conserved across other species, potentially unveiling a deep-rooted ancestral trait that challenges conventional views on organism development and identity.



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



The potential applications of understanding comb jelly fusion extend into various scientific domains, ranging from regenerative medicine to robotics. 



By uncovering the molecular and genetic factors that enable such seamless integrations, researchers hope to draw parallels that could enhance tissue engineering and wound healing processes.



The regenerative capacity displayed by comb jellies might inspire new methodologies for repairing or replacing human tissues. Furthermore, the robotics industry could design systems with autonomous repair capabilities, mimicking biological systems.



As the scientific community continues to probe these fascinating occurrences, collaborations across disciplines will be crucial to harnessing the full potential of these findings and translating them into tangible innovations. 



Ultimately, this discovery opens up a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-find-a-way-to-regenerate-old-neurons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world of potential implications</a> for regenerative research.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)01023-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Comb jellyfish can 'fuse' with a friend and become one creature after injury

In a captivating intersection of science and the oddities of...

As we edge into the latter half of 2024, an unsettling trend has taken hold around the globe. Temperatures have soared to unseen heights, pushing the global average to an unprecedented 17.16°C (62.89°F) in July and intensifying drought conditions worldwide.



This blazing escalation in global heat is not an isolated even t- its implications reverberate through ecosystems, economies, and the everyday lives of millions of people.



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



Such extreme heat has culminated in the accelerated evaporation of soil water, leaving vegetation in a fragile state and stressing biodiversity in numerous regions worldwide.&nbsp;



Coupled with atypically low rainfall, major river basins like the Amazon, La Plata, and Zambezi have witnessed dwindling water flows - greatly impacting the broader ecosystems and economies tied to them.



A bizarre fusion of climate factors, namely El Niño, the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole, and the warm phase of the Tropical North Atlantic, has exacerbated drought conditions in select regions.&nbsp;



Consequently, South America, southern Africa, and parts of Mediterranean and eastern Europe are grappling with severe water scarcity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-temperature-anomalies">Widespread temperature anomalies </h2>



The European Commission's Joint Research Center&nbsp;(<a href="https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/departments-and-executive-agencies/joint-research-centre_en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JRC</a>) recently published a report entitled "Global Drought Overview.- September 2024," which offers a detailed analysis of temperature and rainfall anomalies. 



The paper reveals that several regions of the world have experienced very pronounced warm temperature anomalies. 



In July 2024, temperature anomalies exceeded 3°C in north-western North America, eastern Canada, the Mediterranean, eastern Europe, south-eastern and central Africa, Iran, western and central Russia, Japan, and Antarctica.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prolonged-drought-events">Prolonged drought events</h2>



The time period from August 2023 to July 2024 witnessed 52 individual prolonged meteorological drought events. 



The most grievous and enduring droughts coursed through South America, central and eastern Asia, central Africa, and North America.



With droughts, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activities-are-fueling-more-extreme-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heatwaves</a>, and warm spells plaguing many parts of the world, crop productivity has taken a significant hit. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-of-drought">Ripple effects of drought</h2>



Drought-stricken areas are now contending with dwindling crop yields and outright crop failures, influencing income levels and local economies.



This domino effect has dangerously ramped up food stress to crisis levels across the world. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-help-reduce-food-insecurity-in-rural-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scarcity of food</a>&nbsp;leaves the most vulnerable populations exposed to heightened hunger and malnutrition risks.&nbsp;



In southern Africa, for instance, millions are likely to rely on food aid in the near future. The lethal combination of a prolonged lack of rain and high evaporation has sent water sources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs on a steep descent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-and-water-shortages">Power and water shortages</h2>



The Amazon River's alarmingly low water levels are threatening agriculture, drinking water supplies, transportation, and hydropower production in South America.&nbsp;



Simultaneously, southern Africa is grappling with power shortages and blackouts courtesy of the extremely low water flow of the Zambezi River.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/running-dry-water-shortages-in-the-colorado-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Water shortages</a>&nbsp;have forced governments in Morocco, Spain, Italy, and South Africa to implement water use restrictions.&nbsp;



As a result, disputes over water rights in the Nile Basin and some parts of South America are pressing issues.



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



Despite predictions that Central Africa and northern Europe could experience wetter-than-average conditions in the coming months, the general trend will be persistent dry and warmer-than-average conditions across the majority of the affected regions. This is likely to further reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-may-have-altered-river-flow-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river flows</a>&nbsp;and strain water resources.



Efficient water management, which includes reducing water loss throughout grid pipelines, sustainable irrigation systems, and investing in rainwater harvesting and desalination, can contribute to building water resilience in these trying times.



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



Such a grim forecast highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and swift interventions, particularly in the most affected regions. 



For example, more than 30 million people - primarily in southern Africa - will require food assistance between October 2024 and March 2025.



Proactive measures like drought monitoring can equip farmers and policymakers with crucial evidence to anticipate and prepare for drought events. 



The use of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-weed-may-lead-to-drought-resistant-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought-resistant crops</a>, which require less water and have a higher tolerance for heat, can also help reduce food loss.&nbsp;



Additional proactive measures include agricultural practices like agroforestry techniques, conservation tillage, and crop rotation.



The report is published by the <a href="https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC139423" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Commission</a>.



-----



Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and Earth.com.



-----

Global drought has caused crisis levels of food and water scarcity

As we edge into the latter half of 2024, an...

Can you imagine a world where the majestic whale sharks would vanish? Well, a new study offers a stark warning for whale sharks: the future for these creatures is uncertain, and it's not just because of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-sharks-and-climate-warming">Whale sharks and climate warming </h2>



As global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-sharks-survived-a-drastic-spike-in-global-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> continue to rise, the ripple effects reach far below the ocean's surface.



A team of researchers led by Dr. Freya Womersley, a postdoctoral research scientist at the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> and the Marine Biological Association (<a href="https://www.mba.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MBA</a>), set out to investigate the unseen consequences of our warming planet on whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea.



The research suggests that by the end of the century, whale sharks may face a higher risk of ship strikes due to a shift in their habitats. 



The anticipation of this harmful synergy is based on wide-ranging projections derived from whale shark satellite-tracking data and global climate models.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redistribution-of-whale-sharks">Redistribution of whale sharks </h2>



"Our model projects core habitat area losses of more than 50% within some national waters by 2100, with geographic shifts of over 1,000 kilometers. Greater habitat suitability is predicted in current range-edge areas, increasing the co-occurrence of sharks with large ships," noted the researchers.



"This future increase was&nbsp;∼15,000 times greater under high emissions compared with a sustainable development scenario." 



The future for whale sharks looks ominous, if not outright grim, if the current state of affairs continues unchecked.



Our relentless pursuit of industrial growth, expansion, and transportation has tipped the scales. These giants risk being displaced from their homes, and ironically, we are the ones who have set them sailing on this precarious journey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-of-fatal-ship-strikes">Risk of fatal ship strikes</h2>



Why worry about shipping? The answer lies in the paths these steel behemoths carve across the oceans.



As climate change shifts the habitats of whale sharks, the experts predict a significant increase in close encounters between these marine creatures and large vessels.



This increasing intersection of whale shark habitats and shipping routes spells trouble. With this projected scenario, the risk of fatal strikes and disruptions becomes startlingly high, making the seas a dangerous place for the world's largest fish.



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



The research highlights an urgent need for factoring climate change into discussions concerning endangered species management. The task at hand is not easy, but it is vital for the preservation of our marine biodiversity.



Our actions have set off a chain of events that are challenging the survival of endangered whale sharks. If proactive measures are not taken, the future could be a cruel place for many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reef-sharks-are-abandoning-their-homes-due-to-ocean-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine species</a> we hold dear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-for-mitigation-and-adaptation">Strategies for mitigation and adaptation</h2>



In light of these findings, there is an urgent need to explore strategies that can mitigate the impending threats posed by climate change and ship traffic.



Collaborative efforts between scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders are crucial. Implementing marine protected areas (MPAs) could serve as a sanctuary for whale sharks, reducing the probability of ship strikes and allowing their populations to recuperate. 



Additionally, developing and enforcing guidelines to reroute shipping lanes away from critical habitats could significantly minimize collisions, offering a promising solution to preserve these gentle giants for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-united-conservation-efforts-are-needed">United conservation efforts are needed</h2>



The conservation of whale sharks and their habitats is far from being a one-person task; it demands a collective global commitment. 



Public awareness campaigns can play a pivotal role in highlighting the plight of these creatures, turning the tide towards more sustainable marine practices. 



Furthermore, funding and supporting research initiatives that enhance our understanding of whale shark ecology and interactions with changing oceanographic conditions are vital. 



By uniting efforts across sectors, we can create a resilient environment where whale sharks thrive alongside human advancements, ensuring they remain an integral part of our planet's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-sharks-live-up-to-500-years-whats-their-secret/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rich marine tapestry</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-sharks-from-climate-change">Saving sharks from climate change</h2>



Climate change isn’t just about rising temperatures; it disrupts ecosystems and threatens wildlife. As we face these challenges, we must remember that the effects go beyond what we see. 



"Global warming is one of the most pervasive facets of human-driven climate change, with the magnitude of projected temperature rises over the 21st century comparable to that of the largest global changes in the past 65 million years," noted the researchers.



"Biological responses to warming are already apparent across terrestrial, freshwater,&nbsp;and marine taxa. As environments change, species must either adapt, tolerate, move or face extinction."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-024-02129-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Whale sharks move into dangerous territory as the climate warms

Can you imagine a world where the majestic whale sharks...

Spiders, known for their venomous abilities, utilize a chemical arsenal to capture prey and defend themselves. While small neurotoxins targeting the central nervous system of their victims have been intensively studied, scientists in Germany shifted their focus to the enzymes present in the complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-find-a-new-way-to-study-venom-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">venom</a> cocktail.



The experts have discovered a vast, previously overlooked diversity of proteins that facilitate biochemical reactions. According to the researchers, these enzymes could hold significant value for bioeconomic applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiders-produce-complex-venom">Spiders produce complex venom</h2>



With approximately 52,000 species worldwide, spiders are notably diverse and produce some of the most complex animal venoms. The venom of a single <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-turn-to-cannibalism-when-food-sources-are-limited/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> can contain over 3,000 molecules, primarily small neurotoxins used to overpower insects.



A team of researchers from the LOEWE Center TBG at the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, branch of <a href="https://www.ime.fraunhofer.de/en/Research_Divisions/bioresources.html">Bioresources (IME-BR)</a> in Giessen, Germany, has investigated these previously neglected components of spider venom and made a surprising discovery.



The experts found that in addition to neurotoxins, spider venom also contains a wide variety of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/enzyme-plant-waste-products/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enzymes</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enzymes-in-spider-venom-nbsp">Enzymes in spider venom&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Tim Lüddecke is head of the Animal Venomics working group at the IME-BR in Giessen.



“In the past, a few pioneering studies suggested the presence of enzymes in spider venoms, but a targeted search for them has never been carried out,” said Lüddecke.



“We took on this task and systematically screened the raw data of all so far venom-wise analyzed spiders for enzymes. We were able to show that there are in fact more than 140 different enzyme families in their venom.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-diversity-of-spider-venom">Chemical diversity of spider venom</h2>



Lüddecke noted that the chemical diversity of spider venoms has been dramatically underestimated so far, as all calculations of complexity are based on the neurotoxins alone.



According to the experts, the findings not only enable new research approaches to better understand the evolution and function of spider venoms but also open new perspectives for their utilization.



“Enzymes are key building blocks of the bioeconomy. They accelerate chemical reactions and are characterized by very low by-product formation, low energy consumption and biodegradability,” explained study first author Josephine Dresler.



“They can therefore be used to create value in a highly sustainable way. Industry is constantly looking for new sources of enzymes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opening-up-a-new-field-of-research-nbsp">Opening up a new field of research&nbsp;</h2>



Dresler noted that some of the enzymes identified in the study could be used in detergents or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-highlights-desperate-need-for-electronic-waste-management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waste management</a> because of their fat-splitting or protein-degrading properties. “They could make a significant contribution to a sustainable transformation there.”



“So far, the spider venom community has focused exclusively on medical or agricultural applications. Our discovery opens up the possibility of establishing a completely new field of applied research,” said Lüddecke.



“But we are only at the beginning, as less than 1% of all spider species have been studied for their venoms. I am confident that we will make more exciting discoveries in the remaining 99% of the world's spider fauna.”



According to the researchers, the study revealed extensive discrepancy between public databases and publications with regard to enzyme coverage, which impedes the development of novel spider venom enzyme-based applications.&nbsp;



“Uncovering the previously unrecognized abundance and diversity of venom enzymes will open new avenues for spider venom biodiscovery,” the authors concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-for-spider-venom-enzymes-nbsp">Applications for spider venom enzymes&nbsp;</h2>



Enzymes in spider venom have various potential uses in medicine and biotechnology due to their unique biochemical properties. Some potential applications include:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-painkillers">Painkillers</h3>



Some spider venom enzymes target nerve channels, making them potential candidates for developing non-opioid painkillers. For example, peptides from venom can block pain receptors without addictive side effects.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-treatment">Cancer treatment</h3>



Certain enzymes in spider venom may selectively target cancer cells. Research has shown that these enzymes can break down cell membranes or inhibit cell proliferation, making them potential tools for cancer therapy.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neuroprotective-agents">Neuroprotective agents</h3>



Some venom enzymes protect nerve cells by blocking toxic proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, offering a possible therapeutic approach.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antimicrobial-agents">Antimicrobial agents</h3>



Spider venom enzymes can break down bacterial cell walls, which could be harnessed to develop new antibiotics, especially in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-clotting">Blood clotting</h3>



Some spider venom enzymes can either promote or prevent blood clotting. This could be useful for developing treatments for blood disorders, such as hemophilia (promoting clotting) or for anticoagulant drugs to prevent clots.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insecticides">Insecticides</h3>



Since spider venom is highly effective at immobilizing or killing insects, enzymes from venom could be utilized in developing environmentally friendly insecticides for pest control.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44185-024-00058-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Biodiversity</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Spider venom has hidden biochemical value

Spiders, known for their venomous abilities, utilize a chemical arsenal...

Plants have the ability to absorb micro- and nanoplastics in their roots and stems, raising concerns about how ecosystems will manage when these plastic particles infiltrate natural environments.&nbsp;



However, a Danish-Chinese research team offers a novel solution: why not use plants as a natural and eco-friendly tool to gather and degrade these plastic particles?



Experts the Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution &amp; Ecological Restoration in China and the <a href="https://www.sdu.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern Denmark</a> have set out to investigate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-and-animals-ingest-nanoplastics-nbsp">Plants and animals ingest nanoplastics&nbsp;</h2>



The study comes in the context of an alarming global issue. Since the advent of large-scale plastic production, 9 billion tons of plastic have been manufactured, yet only 9 percent of it has been recycled.&nbsp;



This leaves a huge amount of plastic waste unaccounted for in nature, where it has been breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces.&nbsp;



Micro- and nanoplastics have become a pervasive environmental problem, as these tiny particles can be ingested or absorbed by animals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-plants-can-absorb-and-neutralize-plastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, and even humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-ability-to-absorb-nanoplastics-nbsp">Plants’ ability to absorb nanoplastics&nbsp;</h2>



“We believe plants can effectively supplement existing methods for removing plastic from nature. Many plants absorb or adsorb micro- and nanoparticles, but we need to identify the most effective ones to achieve the best results,” explained co-author Elvis Genbo Xu, a biologist at the University of Southern Denmark.



The researchers have examined various plants' ability to take up micro- and nanoplastics. The results show that fava beans (Vicia faba) can adsorb 100-nanometer nanoplastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solution-removes-over-98-percent-of-nanoplastics-from-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> via their roots within just two days. 



Adsorption is a process where particles adhere to the roots, whereas absorption refers to the uptake of particles into the plant itself.



Other plants, such as wheat and lettuce, were also shown to bind or even absorb plastic particles, with the latter incorporating them into their leaves and stems in some cases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aquatic-plants-as-natural-water-filters-nbsp">Aquatic plants as natural water filters&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers found aquatic plants to be of particular interest because they can potentially filter plastic particles from bodies of water, where plastic concentrations are often higher.&nbsp;



The common water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), for example, has demonstrated an ability to adsorb plastic particles. Other aquatic plants, such as duckweed (Lemna minor), have similar potential and could be employed as natural filters to capture micro- and nanoplastics in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wetlands-are-powerful-weapons-in-the-fight-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wetlands</a>.



“It would make sense to establish belts of plastic-absorbing plants in areas where nano- and microplastics are known to accumulate, such as along highways where large amounts of microplastics wear off from car tires,” said Xu.



“The belts could function as a filter, capturing plastic particles before they spread to the wider landscape or are washed into streams by rain.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-plastic-pollution-crisis">Global plastic pollution crisis</h2>



Xu emphasizes, however, that using plants alone is not enough to solve the global plastic pollution crisis.&nbsp;



Micro- and nanoplastics are found everywhere - in the air, in water, and in soil. Since no one can escape them (they are present in the air we breathe and the water we drink), multiple solutions are required to address the problem.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hungry-bacteria-will-devour-plastic-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bacteria</a>, fungi, and microalgae could all play a role in reducing plastic pollution. Plants, while helpful, are just one piece of the puzzle.



Despite the complexity of the issue, Xu remains optimistic, especially about aquatic environments.&nbsp;



“Our lab experiments have been successful. I am optimistic that we can scale this up to remove particles from the environment - at least from aquatic environments, where aquatic plants have proven very effective.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-jellyfish-to-remove-plastic-particles-nbsp">Using jellyfish to remove plastic particles&nbsp;</h2>



Other researchers are exploring similarly innovative approaches. At the University of Southern Denmark’s Department of Biology, marine biologist and jellyfish researcher Jamileh Javidpour has investigated the possibility of using jellyfish to remove micro- and nanoplastics from aquatic environments.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jellyfish-more-than-just-a-snack-for-predatory-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jellyfish</a> produce slime, and laboratory experiments have shown that this slime can remove up to 90 percent of nanoplastic particles from water in treatment plants.



“We’ve found that jellyfish slime is super effective at removing nano-sized plastic particles. It could be part of the solution - I can imagine using dried jellyfish slime to create filters for washing machines, for example,” Javidpour said.



These efforts represent a growing body of research into how natural organisms can be harnessed to address the widespread and persistent issue of plastic pollution.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eehl.2024.04.001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eco-Environment and Health</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Plants could help remove nanoplastics from the environment

Plants have the ability to absorb micro- and nanoplastics in...

A common investment strategy used in finance may hold the key to protecting an endangered frog species in Puerto Rico. The modern portfolio theory is a tool typically used to balance risk and reward in financial investments.



The research suggests that using this tool to guide natural resource managers in making decisions could help preserve the coquí llanero, Puerto Rico's smallest and most endangered frog species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limited-habitats-for-endangered-frogs">Limited habitats for endangered frogs</h2>



The coquí frog is an iconic symbol of Puerto Rico, known for its distinct high-pitched chirp. Among the 17 species of coquí, the coquí llanero is the most at risk, with its population limited to just three small freshwater wetlands on the island's northern coast.&nbsp;



This restricted habitat makes it highly vulnerable to environmental threats, including severe storms, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising sea levels</a>, and the broader impacts of climate change.



“There’s only so much the coquí can do on their own to avoid climate risks,” said Mitch Eaton, lead author of the study and a research ecologist with the <a href="https://secasc.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center</a>. 



“So, it’s important that we think about how to manage and mitigate risk within this complex ecosystem.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-risks-by-diversifying-investments-nbsp">Reducing risks by diversifying investments&nbsp;</h2>



Modern portfolio theory, a concept rooted in economics, is widely used to build stable investment portfolios by balancing risks.&nbsp;



The idea is that diversifying investments - mixing high-risk, high-reward stocks with safer, low-return assets like bonds - can reduce overall risk in uncertain markets. The amount invested in each asset is based on how much risk the investor is willing to take.



But how does this financial theory apply to endangered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frog-saunas-hot-solution-to-fighting-global-amphibian-extinction-apocalypse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frogs</a>?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-the-best-decisions-for-endangered-frogs-nbsp">Making the best decisions for endangered frogs&nbsp;</h2>



In natural resource management, managers also face uncertainty about the future - especially when dealing with unpredictable climate conditions.&nbsp;



Like investors balancing a portfolio, managers must decide how to allocate resources by purchasing land for protection, restoring habitats, or relocating species to new environments.&nbsp;



In this study, researchers tested whether modern portfolio theory could be used to help managers make decisions that would best conserve the coquí llanero.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-risks-with-climate-uncertainty-nbsp">Managing risks with climate uncertainty&nbsp;</h2>



“Diversification of investments is kind of a magic bullet for stability under future market uncertainty,” Eaton said.&nbsp;



“The idea behind using modern portfolio theory is to manage risk under future climate uncertainty, and to help managers consider investments more carefully with realistic variables like budget constraints.”



To explore this idea, the researchers created models that incorporated various factors, such as currently protected habitats, projected sea-level rise, and future changes in temperature and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">precipitation</a>. 



The experts also accounted for different budget scenarios, simulating various levels of funding available to managers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maximizing-benefits-while-minimizing-risks">Maximizing benefits while minimizing risks</h2>



The models led to two different portfolio strategies. The first strategy aimed to maximize conservation benefits based on budget constraints. 



The second strategy balanced potential benefits with reducing the risk of extinction, also considering available funding.



The results showed that maximizing benefits at the lowest cost often involved relocating frogs to already <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-slow-down-biodiversity-loss-but-they-cant-reverse-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a>. 



However, a strategy that focused on reducing risk suggested that buying new land to relocate the frogs - despite the higher cost - was a more effective way to minimize the chances of extinction.&nbsp;



The study concluded that relying solely on existing protected areas may not be enough to safeguard the coquí llanero from future climate risks and that investing in additional habitats could be worth the extra cost.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-distribution-of-endangered-frogs-nbsp">Expanding the distribution of endangered frogs&nbsp;</h2>



The research also revealed unexpected potential relocation sites for the frogs on Puerto Rico’s eastern side, far from the species’ current range on the northern coast.&nbsp;



This discovery could provide resource managers with more options for protecting the coquí llanero by expanding its geographic distribution.



“Ideally, modern portfolio theory acts as a handy tool for managers that gives them a new way of thinking about how to approach the implementation of management actions over space, in other words, how to pool their investments to manage risk and achieve maximal benefits,” Eaton said.



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



While the study focuses on the coquí llanero, the researchers believe the approach could be applied to other species and environmental management challenges.&nbsp;



However, they noted two key limitations: the study only considered one species, and high-cost investments would require a more detailed evaluation of local conditions and the specific costs of conservation efforts.



Even with these limitations, the study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fcosc.2024.1444626" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Conservation Science</a>, shows that modern portfolio theory has the potential to guide resource management for various species, helping managers make smarter, more strategic decisions in an increasingly uncertain world.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Common economic strategy could help save endangered frogs

A common investment strategy used in finance may hold the...

Imagine a tranquil, dark evening where the wonders of science unfold in the vast sky filled with flickering stars. You gaze at these distant celestial bodies, and a sense of awe washes over you.



This seemingly ordinary experience could do more than just kindle an ephemeral moment of joy. New research suggests it could ignite a lifelong interest in scientific discovery and even shape life choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-pollution-and-astronomy">Light pollution and astronomy </h2>



Experts at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> have focused their lens on a rather unconventional subject of study - the link between the ability to view stars free from light pollution and an interest in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-has-astronomy-research-been-impacted-by-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronomy</a>.



The findings could have potentially surprising implications for widening access to science and education.



The driving force behind the study was a deeper understanding of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/irish-community-survived-a-thousand-years-of-environmental-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental changes</a>, specifically light pollution, impact human behavior and shape our experiences of the world around us.



While the effects of light pollution have been widely studied in the realms of astronomy, biology, and environmental science, its influence on human emotions and behaviors has seldom been explored from a social sciences perspective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gateway-to-science">Gateway to science</h2>



The research was led by Rodolfo Cortes Barragan of the UW Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences (I-LABS) and&nbsp;Andrew Meltzoff, co-director of I-LABS and professor of psychology.



"Prior to the modern era, the stars in the night sky were readily visible across the globe, but light pollution has created disparities in the opportunity to see these astronomical objects with the naked eye. This alteration may measurably impact human behavior," noted the researchers.



"We hypothesize that light pollution is related to the development of people’s interest in astronomy, which often serves as a 'gateway' to science more broadly."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wonder-about-the-universe">Wonder about the universe </h2>



The concept of "wonder" was central to the study. This emotion is a complex blend of awe, amazement, and curiosity, often coupled with a sense of elation.



The experts conducted a comprehensive survey involving more than 35,000 U.S. residents, including a question to gauge peoples’ “wonder about the universe.”



The results of the survey were compared with detailed physical measurements of light pollution, and a distinct connection emerged.



Populations living under low light pollution reported experiencing higher levels of wonder about the universe - a feeling not linked to any other emotion surveyed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-interest-in-astronomy">Behavioral interest in astronomy </h2>



More importantly, this "wonder" was found to be directly related to a behavioral interest in astronomy, which was demonstrated through actions like searching for "astronomy" on Google or applying to become a NASA astronaut.



The conclusion? In areas with low light pollution, feelings of wonder about the universe and interest in astronomy soar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-access-to-a-dark-night-sky">Access to a dark night sky</h2>



The findings shed light on an important, though often overlooked point - equitable access to the night sky.



People's location, particularly in the U.S., determines their exposure to the dark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-skywatching-what-to-look-for-in-april-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">night sky</a>. A lack of access, in turn, might influence an individual's inclination towards scientific pursuits.



Nurturing scientific curiosity and motivation might hinge on a fundamental experience – the joy of viewing the night sky brimming with stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-our-night-sky">Protecting our night sky</h2>



The researchers hope that this unique intersection of psychology and astronomy will inspire further cross-disciplinary work merging arts and sciences.



The study draws on the beauty of two wonders that have fascinated scientists and poets alike - the vast expanse of the universe above us, and the intricacy of human actions on Earth.



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-visibility-is-deteriorating-due-to-light-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a> continues to creep into areas that once boasted clear, starry skies, this study highlights the importance of preserving these awe-inspiring views.



Imagine growing up without ever seeing the full sweep of the Milky Way. It’s a loss that could affect not just our connection to the universe but our drive to explore and understand it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-efforts-to-reduce-light-pollution">Efforts to reduce light pollution</h2>



Efforts to reduce light pollution, like using shielded lights in cities or establishing more dark sky parks, aren’t just about protecting our views. They’re about creating spaces where people from all backgrounds can experience that spark of wonder. 



Programs that make astronomy accessible, especially in urban areas, could really help inspire young people who might not otherwise get that opportunity.



Ultimately, the researchers hope their work will encourage more of us to think about the value of dark skies and why they matter. 



By preserving these views, we’re not just saving the stars for ourselves - we’re helping to cultivate the next generation of curious minds who might one day lead us to new discoveries. After all, a single night spent under a starry sky can leave an impression that lasts a lifetime.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-69920-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

How light pollution influences interest in astronomy

Imagine a tranquil, dark evening where the wonders of science...

A recent study suggests that creating a generation of non-smokers through tobacco bans could prevent 1.2 million deaths from lung cancer worldwide. 



The simulation study, which is one of the first of its kind, proposes that banning the sale of cigarettes and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-links-tobacco-and-marijuana-use-to-higher-risk-of-depression-and-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tobacco</a> products to individuals born between 2006 and 2010 could lead to this significant reduction in lung cancer deaths by the year 2095.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tobacco-bans-for-a-younger-generation">Tobacco bans for a younger generation </h2>



The study's findings emphasize that establishing a “tobacco-free generation” could profoundly reduce the number of smoking-related lung cancer deaths in the future. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-cigarettes-accelerates-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smoking</a> is currently the leading cause of preventable death globally, contributing to more than two-thirds of the 1.8 million lung cancer deaths each year.



The study was led by researchers from the <a href="https://www.usc.gal/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Santiago de Compostela</a> and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in collaboration with global experts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-a-tobacco-free-generation">Creating a tobacco-free generation </h2>



“Lung cancer is a major killer worldwide, and a staggering two-thirds of deaths are linked to one preventable risk factor - tobacco smoking," said lead author Julia Rey Brandariz from the University of Santiago de Compostela.



"Our modeling highlights how much there is to gain for governments considering the implementation of ambitious plans towards creating a tobacco-free generation." 



According to Brandariz, not only could this save huge numbers of lives, but could also massively reduce the strain on health systems of treating and caring for people in ill health as a result of smoking.



Despite the potential impact, no country currently has laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco to young people. A notable attempt in New Zealand to ban tobacco sales to individuals born in or after 2009 was recently repealed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-tobacco-bans-to-reduce-deaths">Potential for tobacco bans to reduce deaths</h2>



Most prior studies on tobacco restrictions have focused on health benefits without addressing their potential to reduce deaths.



This study is the first to assess the long-term effect of a tobacco-free generation on lung cancer mortality, focusing on individuals born between 2006 and 2010 - aligned with the legal age for tobacco purchases in most countries.



The researchers used historical data from 82 countries in the <a href="https://www.who.int/data/data-collection-tools/who-mortality-database" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHO Mortality Database</a> and applied it to the <a href="https://gco.iarc.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GLOBOCAN 2022 database</a>, IARC's global cancer statistics platform, to predict future lung cancer death rates for individuals born during this period. 



The number of preventable smoking-related lung cancer deaths was also calculated using data from past studies on non-smokers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-many-lives-could-be-saved">How many lives could be saved?</h2>



The analysis suggests that eliminating smoking among this generation could prevent approximately 1.2 million lung cancer deaths across 185 countries. This represents 40.2% of the total lung cancer deaths expected to occur in this cohort by 2095.



The study estimates that nearly half of the lung cancer deaths among men (45.8% or 844,200 of 1.8 million deaths) could be prevented, while close to one-third of the deaths in women (30.9% or 342,400 of 1.1 million deaths) could be averted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tobacco-bans-and-preventable-death">Tobacco bans and preventable death </h2>



Among men, upper-middle-income countries would see the greatest number of preventable deaths (64.1% or 541,100 deaths), with Central and Eastern Europe benefiting the most, avoiding 74.3% of potential lung cancer deaths (48,900 deaths). 



For women, high-income countries would experience the most significant reduction in deaths (62% or 212,300 deaths), with Western Europe seeing a potential 77.7% reduction (56,200 deaths).



Most of the deaths prevented would be in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where nearly two-thirds (65.1% or 772,400 deaths) of the avoided deaths would occur. High-income countries would also benefit, preventing 61.1% (414,100) of the projected lung cancer deaths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoking-trends-across-countries">Smoking trends across countries</h2>



“While rates of smoking in high-income countries have fallen in recent years, lung cancer remains a leading cause of death and disease," said study senior author Isabelle Soerjomataram of the International Agency for Research on Cancer.



"In low- and middle-income countries, which have rapidly growing populations of young people, the impact of banning tobacco sales could be even greater.” 



Soerjomataram noted that part of the reason why eliminating smoking could save so many lives in low- and middle-income countries is because they tend to have younger populations than high-income countries. 



"Smoking also remains very common in many of these countries, while rates have fallen in many high-income countries.”



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



The authors acknowledge limitations in their study, such as the inability to account for factors like black markets or compliance issues.



Further analyses were conducted to estimate the reduction in health impacts if the ban were not fully effective. Additionally, limited data from some regions meant lung cancer predictions were based on 82 countries, potentially leading to over- or under-estimates in other areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tobacco-bans-and-global-health-outcomes">Tobacco bans and global health outcomes </h2>



While the study didn’t account for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaping-linked-to-lower-sperm-counts-and-testicular-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">e-cigarettes</a> or changes in lung cancer rates among non-smokers due to improvements in healthcare, the findings make a strong case for tobacco-free policies aimed at reducing lung <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-tobacco-leads-to-over-1-3-million-cancer-deaths-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer deaths</a> and improving global health outcomes.



“In summary, we estimated that more than 1.1 million lung-cancer deaths in 185 countries could be prevented in one 5-year birth cohort if smoking uptake was eliminated," wrote the researchers.



"Europe, North America, and Australia and New Zealand were the regions where more lung-cancer deaths could be prevented by strengthening tobacco-control measures to achieve a tobacco-free generation."



However, the experts noted, the impact of tobacco smoking on lung-cancer mortality remains high in many countries and will increase in others. 



"Therefore, the implementation of tobacco-control measures to help reduce the prevalence of tobacco smoking, and its impact, is imperative."



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(24)00185-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Public Health</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Tobacco bans could help prevent 1.2 million lung cancer deaths

A recent study suggests that creating a generation of non-smokers...

On its journey in June 2023, the European Space Agency's BepiColombo spacecraft had a brief encounter with planet Mercury's magnetic field. It was a tantalizing preview of the mysteries BepiColombo aims to solve. 



Even though Mercury's magnetic field is one hundred times weaker than Earth's, it creates a space bubble called a magnetosphere.



This magnetosphere acts as a buffer against the relentless particles projected by the Sun as the solar wind. 



With Mercury's proximity to the Sun, the interaction between the solar wind and the magnetosphere flares up more intensely than on Earth.



Insights into this intense space bubble and its particle properties promise to be the main attraction of BepiColombo's mission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arrival-at-mercury">Arrival at Mercury</h2>



The year 2026 is when <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/BepiColombo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BepiColombo</a> is scheduled to reach <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/layer-diamonds-nine-miles-thick-discovered-on-planet-mercury-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercury</a>. The journey, incorporating flybys of Earth, Venus, and Mercury, is vital for adjusting the speed and trajectory of the spacecraft. 



However, the flybys have more to give than just a speed boost; they offer a sneak peek at the thrilling science that lies ahead and provide unique viewpoints of the planet that can't be seen from orbit.



The scientific journey involves two science orbiters, the ESA-led Mercury Planetary Orbiter (<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/BepiColombo/Mercury_Planetary_Orbiter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MPO</a>) and the JAXA-led Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/BepiColombo/Mercury_Magnetospheric_Orbiter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MMO</a> or Mio). Their joint measurements will create a holistic picture of Mercury's dynamic environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-mercury-s-magnetosphere">Mapping Mercury's magnetosphere</h2>



The research was led by Lina Hadid, a former ESA Research Fellow, currently working at the <a href="https://www.lpp.polytechnique.fr/Laboratoire-de-Physique-des?lang=fr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laboratoire de Physique des Plasmas</a> at Paris Observatory. 



She used the Mercury Plasma Particle Experiment suite to map Mercury’s magnetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bepicolombo-mission-captures-mercury-in-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landscape</a> during one of the BepiColombo’s flybys.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Mercury_magnetosphere_diagram_BepiColombo-mission_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Mercury_magnetosphere_diagram_BepiColombo-mission_ESA_1s.webp" alt="Using data collected by the Mass Spectrum Analyser (MSA), Mercury Ion Analyser (MIA), and Mercury Electron Analyser (MEA), and combining these measurements with a computer model to determine the origin of detected ions based on their motion, various features encountered along the trajectory of the spacecraft were revealed. BepiColombo’s trajectory is shown as the yellow line in this graphic, with the various features encountered along the way labelled accordingly. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1946758"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Using data collected by the Mass Spectrum Analyser (MSA), Mercury Ion Analyser (MIA), and Mercury Electron Analyser (MEA), and combining these measurements with a computer model to determine the origin of detected ions based on their motion, various features encountered along the trajectory of the spacecraft were revealed. BepiColombo’s trajectory is shown as the yellow line in this graphic, with the various features encountered along the way labelled accordingly. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



"These flybys are fast; we crossed Mercury’s magnetosphere in about 30 minutes, moving from dusk to dawn at a closest approach of just 235 km above the planet’s surface, Lina explained.



"We sampled the type of particles, how hot they are, and how they move, enabling us to clearly plot the magnetic landscape during this brief period."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-mercury-s-magnetosphere">Exploring Mercury's magnetosphere</h2>



Marrying BepiColombo’s measurements with computer modelling, Lina and team were able to sketch out the features found in the magnetosphere. 



They detected a low-latitude boundary layer marked by turbulent plasma at the magnetosphere's edge. Surprisingly, they observed particles with a wider range of energies than seen before at Mercury.



“We also observed energetic hot ions near the equatorial plane and at low latitude trapped in the magnetosphere, and we think the only way to explain that is by a ring current, either a partial or complete ring," added Lina. 



A ring current is an electric current carried by charged particles trapped in the magnetosphere.



The spacecraft's interactions with the surrounding space plasma were also noticed. As the spacecraft moved through the planet’s nightside shadow, cold plasma ions such as oxygen, sodium, and potassium became visible. 



This gave them a glance at Mercury’s surface composition through the planet's thin atmosphere, known as its exosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-s-exosphere-and-magnetosphere">Mercury's exosphere and magnetosphere</h2>



Mercury's exosphere, though very thin, gives us important insights into the planet's surface and internal processes. 



BepiColombo's observations allow us to study particles released from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-there-life-on-mercury-possibly-in-the-planets-craters-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercury's </a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-there-life-on-mercury-possibly-in-the-planets-craters-study-reveals/">surface</a> into space, mainly made up of oxygen, sodium, and potassium.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/mercury_magnetism_illustration_BepiColombo-mission_ESA_1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/mercury_magnetism_illustration_BepiColombo-mission_ESA_1s.webp" alt="This output from a simulation shows an expected case of Mercury’s magnetic environment under typical solar wind conditions. The left image shows a ‘side view’ where the Sun is out of frame to the left; the right image shows a ‘front view’ as if we are looking at Mercury from the direction of the Sun. The simulation is based on a model, it does not show real observations. The colors indicate the density of charged particles around Mercury, with the highest density shown in yellow and the lowest density in purple/black. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1946756"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This output from a simulation shows an expected case of Mercury’s magnetic environment under typical solar wind conditions. The left image shows a ‘side view’ where the Sun is out of frame to the left; the right image shows a ‘front view’ as if we are looking at Mercury from the direction of the Sun. The simulation is based on a model, it does not show real observations. The colors indicate the density of charged particles around Mercury, with the highest density shown in yellow and the lowest density in purple/black. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



Through the spacecraft's sophisticated instrumentation, scientists are analyzing how these elements are affected by solar radiation and micrometeoroid impacts. 



Understanding the dynamic interplay of these forces helps elucidate the way Mercury’s surface composition evolves over time.



By piecing together this information, researchers hope to uncover insights into the geological history and ongoing physical processes reshaping the smallest planet in our solar system.



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



“In this rare dusk-to-dawn sweep through the large-scale structure of Mercury’s magnetosphere we’ve tasted the promise of future discoveries," said JAXA’s BepiColombo project scientist, Go Murakami.



BepiColombo is set to contribute significantly to our understanding of planetary magnetospheres. As the scientists delve into the data from the recent flybys, the final two flybys scheduled for December 1, 2024 and January 8, 2025 are eagerly anticipated.



"We can’t wait to see how BepiColombo will impact our broader understanding of planetary magnetospheres," concluded Geraint Jones, ESA BepiColombo project scientist. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42005-024-01766-8">Nature Communications Physics</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

BepiColombo spacecraft reveals Mercury's magnetic secrets

On its journey in June 2023, the European Space Agency's...

Half of the world's population currently lives in cities, and this proportion is expected to increase to 70% by 2050. Due to large populations, a lack of green spaces that can mitigate warming, and aging infrastructure vulnerable to floods and extreme weather, many of the world's cities are unprepared for climate change.



Proactive measures are needed to make cities more resilient to climate change and capable of protecting community health, according to a new report by the <a href="https://ysph.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Public Health</a> (YSPH), the <a href="https://resilientcitiesnetwork.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Resilient Cities Network</a>, and The Rockefeller Foundation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-climate-related-health-threats">Preparing for climate-related health threats </h2>



The report is based on a survey of nearly 200 leaders in 118 cities across 52 countries regarding their preparedness for responding to climate-related health threats.



Less than half of the cities reported having a climate resilience plan, and only one in four indicated that their plan addressed both climate and health. 



The research was funded by The Rockefeller Foundation, which also announced that it will invest more than $1 million to help cities implement the report's recommendations. The announcement was made during <a href="https://www.climateweeknyc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Week NYC</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-centered-response-to-climate-change">Health-centered response to climate change </h2>



The Urban Pulse report highlights the need for city leaders to recognize the impact of climate change on residents' health, including mental health.



Professor Jeannette Ickovics, lead author of the report, noted that resources, infrastructure, and collaboration are needed to ensure that these profound health threats are limited. She said that a health-centered response to climate change by cities is crucial for global health.



“We call on the global community to put health at the heart of the urban climate change agenda, to amplify and scale-up evidence-based solutions, and to invest in new financing models that prioritize rapid disbursement to cities so that they can build and sustain resilience,” said Professor Ickovics.



Ickovics and her team of faculty and students at the Yale Center for Climate Change and Health, the Yale Institute for Global Health, and Yale Planetary Solutions are working with the Resilient Cities Network to address climate, health, and equity challenges in low- and middle-income countries, as city populations rise across the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-impacts-on-cities">Climate impacts on cities</h2>



According to the researchers, cities like Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam likely will experience <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-may-slow-the-spread-of-dengue-fever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dengue fever</a> outbreaks due to larger mosquito populations. 



Coastal cities like Miami and Dubai will likely face more frequent and severe flooding from rising sea levels.



“Cities are acutely aware that climate change poses serious health risks, which disproportionately affect populations that face vulnerabilities,” said Lauren Sorkin, executive director of the Resilient Cities Network. 



“The R-Cities network of chief resilience officers is at the forefront of addressing these challenges, driving cross-sector collaboration to pilot and scale equitable, innovative solutions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recommendations-for-climate-resilience-in-cities">Recommendations for climate resilience in cities</h2>



Based on their survey data and interviews with city leaders in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, Professor Ickovics and the Resilient Cities Network assembled ten recommendations to guide local government leaders in making their communities more climate resilient. These include: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Identifying unique climate shocks and stressors that pose the largest threats to vulnerable populations</li>



<li>Implementing data-driven, community-focused adaptation programs like greening initiatives and population-based mental health support to address health, climate, and equity</li>



<li>Investing in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-could-be-powered-entirely-by-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green energy</a> and other energy-efficient systems that contribute to a zero-carbon economy</li>



<li>Establishing and reinforcing early-warning mechanisms for climate-related catastrophic events like hurricanes, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-heat-waves-in-europe-can-be-predicted-by-melting-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat waves</a>, and floods</li>



<li>Fostering city-to-city collaborations to share best practices in the fight against climate threats</li>
</ul>



The Rockefeller Foundation's investment will empower the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group - a global coalition of nearly 100 mayors - to address climate change and support the Resilient Cities Network in implementing the report's recommendations through city-led action plans. 



Examples include Rio de Janeiro's recent push to forecast dengue outbreaks and a community-engagement initiative for cholera vaccine uptake in Lusaka, Zambia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-city-led-action-can-save-lives">City-led action can save lives</h2>



“As these cases make clear, city-led action can save lives,” stated The Rockefeller Foundation. 



If the plan championed by this report were implemented for just one heat wave in Dhaka, Bangladesh, preliminary estimates found a $1 to $7 return on investment in terms of lives saved among the most vulnerable - illustrating the tremendous economic value at stake, the foundation reported.



The investment announcement at Climate Week NYC followed a panel discussion about climate and health resilience in cities, led by The Rockefeller Foundation, the Resilient Cities Network, and Yale.



“We must leverage this research to unite in a vision of urban resilience - harnessing our collective wisdom and strength to build a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable urban environment for all,” Professor Ickovics concluded.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Cities are largely unprepared for the effects of climate change

Half of the world's population currently lives in cities, and...

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is increasingly prevalent, especially among children. Experts predict that by 2050, approximately 50% of the world's population will be affected by myopia, which potentially leads to vision loss. 



Researchers attribute this surge partly to an increase in “near work,” which involves focusing on close objects like smartphones and computer screens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-myopia-increases-the-risk-of-vision-loss">Myopia increases the risk of vision loss</h2>



While many people manage myopia with glasses or contact lenses, some develop a more severe condition called myopic maculopathy.&nbsp;



This condition occurs when the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oranges-lower-risk-macular-degeneration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">macula</a> - the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision - is stretched and damaged due to the elongation of the eyeball into a more football-like shape. The distortion leads to impaired vision and can result in severe vision loss or blindness.



In 2015, myopic maculopathy caused visual impairment in 10 million people. If current trends continue, more than 55 million people are expected to experience vision loss due to this condition by 2050, and approximately 18 million people worldwide could become blind from it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-early-detection-with-technology">Improving early detection with technology</h2>



Because myopic maculopathy is irreversible, early detection is crucial. Catching the condition in its initial stages can improve health outcomes, especially for children. Ophthalmologists can prescribe special contact lenses or eye drops that slow the disease's progression.



A team of researchers at <a href="https://scai.engineering.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University's School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence</a> is developing new diagnostic tools that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively screen for myopic maculopathy.&nbsp;



Yalin Wang, a professor of computer science and engineering at the university, emphasizes the potential of technology to provide important solutions.



“AI is ushering in a revolution that leverages global knowledge to improve diagnosis accuracy, especially in its earliest stage of the disease,” he said. “These advancements will reduce medical costs and improve the quality of life for entire societies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-award-winning-ai-algorithms">Award-winning AI algorithms </h2>



In response to this need, the <a href="https://miccai.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention (MICCAI) Society</a> issued a challenge in 2023 to improve computer-aided screening systems for retinal images.&nbsp;



Currently, myopic maculopathy is diagnosed using optical coherence tomography scans that create detailed images of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/retinal-scans-provide-a-window-into-human-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">retina</a> using reflected light. These scans are often manually inspected by ophthalmologists, which is time-consuming and requires specialized expertise.



Professor Wang and his team, including doctoral student Wenhui Zhu and neurologist and adjunct faculty member Dr. Oana Dumitrascu, participated in the MICCAI challenge and were among the winners.&nbsp;



For the first part of their work, they classified myopic maculopathy into five categories according to its severity. Accurate classification helps ophthalmologists provide more tailored and effective treatments.



The researchers developed new AI algorithms called NN-MobileNet, designed to help software more effectively analyze retinal images and predict the correct classification of myopic maculopathy. Their research was published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-54857-4_5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Myopic Maculopathy Analysis</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-insights-with-deep-neural-networks">Crucial insights with deep neural networks </h2>



Next, the team focused on efforts in the scientific community to use deep neural networks - a type of AI - to predict the spherical equivalent in retinal scans. The spherical equivalent is an estimate of the eye's refractive error, crucial for prescribing corrective lenses.&nbsp;



By developing new AI algorithms that emphasized data quality and relevance, they achieved exceptional results while minimizing computing power requirements. This research was also published in <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-54857-4_6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Myopic Maculopathy Analysis</a>.



Additionally, Professor Wang collaborated with other winning teams from the MICCAI challenge on a third research paper, published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2824092" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Ophthalmology</a> in September.&nbsp;



The researchers made their findings available to stimulate further advancements in the early and effective diagnosis of myopic maculopathy, aiming to improve health care outcomes globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-health-disparities">Addressing health disparities </h2>



Professor Wang explained that one of the driving forces behind his work is addressing health disparities. “People living in rural areas find it difficult to access sophisticated imaging devices and see physicians,” he said.&nbsp;



“Once AI-powered technology becomes available, it will significantly improve the quality of life in worldwide populations, including those who live in developing countries.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-to-prevent-vision-loss">Solutions to prevent vision loss</h2>



Ross Maciejewski, director of the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, praised Wang's project as an important example of innovative work in the medical field.&nbsp;



“With both myopia and myopic maculopathy increasing, solutions are needed to prevent vision loss and help health care professionals provide the best treatment options for their patients," said Maciejewski.



"Yalin Wang's innovative research is a principled use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-environmental-cost-of-ai-what-are-we-willing-to-give-up-for-computing-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> to address this dire medical issue."



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

How AI could protect millions of people from vision loss 

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is increasingly prevalent, especially among...

<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.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

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.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

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>



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

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.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



-----

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>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



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)



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

News coming your way