We hear a lot about how climate change affects animals - but what if the reverse is also true?



New research suggests that when animals disappear from forests, the forests lose one of their key tools for fighting climate change. That connection between animals and climate may be even stronger than we thought.



Scientists at the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> have found that tropical forests regrow much more effectively when they still have healthy populations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-plants-wont-survive-the-loss-of-seed-dispersing-animals/">seed-dispersing animals</a>. 



In fact, they can absorb up to four times more carbon than similar forests where those animals are missing or declining.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-need-wildlife-to-function">Forests need wildlife to function</h2>



Tropical forests are the planet’s biggest land-based carbon sinks. That means they absorb and store more carbon than any other type of ecosystem. 



So, understanding what keeps those forests functioning isn’t just an ecological question - it’s a climate question.



Evan Fricke, a research scientist in the MIT Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is the lead author of the new study.



“The results underscore the importance of animals in maintaining healthy, carbon-rich tropical forests,” said Fricke. “When seed-dispersing animals decline, we risk weakening the climate-mitigating power of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forests-are-struggling-to-keep-pace-with-climate-change/">tropical forests</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals-are-nature-s-forest-planters">Animals are nature’s forest planters</h2>



If you’ve ever watched a monkey munch on fruit or a bird fly off with a berry, you’ve seen nature’s version of forest management in action.



When these animals eat fruit and later defecate the seeds elsewhere, they help forests regenerate. In tropical regions, over 75 percent of tree species depend on animals to disperse their seeds.



Without those animals, seeds don’t travel far, germinate less often, and forests grow back more slowly - if at all.



Fricke has spent nearly 15 years studying this process. He’s shown in past work that animal seed dispersal helps <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-have-unique-fungi-partnerships-that-help-them-survive/">trees survive</a> and adapt. Now, his team is thinking more broadly about what that means for the planet.



“We’re now thinking more about the roles that animals might play in affecting the climate through seed dispersal,” Fricke said. 



“We know that in tropical forests, where more than three-quarters of trees rely on animals for seed dispersal, the decline of seed dispersal could affect not just the biodiversity of forests, but how they bounce back from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/">deforestation</a>. We also know that all around the world, animal populations are declining.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impact-of-missing-animals">The impact of missing animals</h2>



To find out just how big an impact this has, the MIT researchers pulled together massive datasets - on biodiversity, animal movement, seed dispersal, and carbon storage. They studied 17,000 plots, tracking animals’ locations, movements, and the seeds they dispersed.



The team also factored in human pressures. In areas with heavy human activity, animals didn’t travel as far or scatter seeds as widely. The team built an index to measure how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-play-a-much-bigger-role-in-seed-dispersal-than-we-thought/">seed dispersal</a> had been disrupted and compared that to how much carbon forests in those areas could store.



“It was a big task to bring data from thousands of field studies together into a map of the disruption of seed dispersal,” Fricke said. “But it lets us go beyond just asking what animals are there to actually quantifying the ecological roles those animals are playing and understanding how human pressures affect them.”



What they found was striking. Forests lost 1.8 metric tons of carbon per hectare yearly where seed-dispersing animals had declined. That’s a 57 percent drop in regrowth potential.



The finding that disrupted seed dispersal leads to a fourfold drop in carbon absorption highlights seed dispersers as a key driver of tropical forest carbon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals-make-climate-solutions-work">Animals make climate solutions work</h2>



Not all forests are equally positioned for regrowth. The team found that some landscapes are more promising than others - especially those near intact forests or with lots of tree cover. 



In these places, animal populations are more stable, which helps forests bounce back naturally.



“In the discussion around planting trees versus allowing trees to regrow naturally, regrowth is basically free, whereas planting trees costs money, and it also leads to less diverse forests,” said Professor César Terrer.



“With these results… we can understand where natural regrowth can happen effectively because there are animals planting the seeds for free.”



This research adds a new layer to climate modeling. If seed-dispersing animals are missing, regrowth estimates may be too optimistic. If animals are thriving, some areas may have more regrowth potential than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-forests-means-saving-animals">Saving forests means saving animals</h2>



The researchers suggest several ways to support seed-dispersing animals. These include restoring habitats, building wildlife corridors, and limiting activities like wildlife trade. 



In some cases, reintroducing missing species or planting trees that attract them could help restore these lost relationships.



It’s also about getting the science right. Future studies may examine whether the decline in tropical forests’ carbon-absorbing power is linked more to extreme weather or to the loss of these animal-plant partnerships.



“Forests provide a huge climate subsidy by sequestering about a third of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-faces-hidden-mechanical-stress-from-carbon-emissions/">human carbon emissions</a>,” Terrer said. “Tropical forests are by far the most important carbon sink globally, but in the last few decades, their ability to sequester carbon has been declining."



The team will next investigate whether the decline is driven more by extreme droughts and fires or by reduced animal seed dispersal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-losing-wildlife-worsens-warming">Losing wildlife worsens warming</h2>



Ultimately, the findings point to a deeper truth. Climate and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diverse-forests-are-more-resilient-and-productive/">biodiversity</a> aren't separate problems - they're intertwined.



“It’s been clear that climate change threatens biodiversity, and now this study shows how biodiversity losses can exacerbate climate change,” said Fricke. “These are challenges we need to tackle in tandem."



“When we lose our animals, we’re losing the ecological infrastructure that keeps our tropical forests healthy and resilient."



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2500951122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Forests rely on animals to help fight climate change

We hear a lot about how climate change affects animals - but what if the reverse is also true? New research suggests that when animals disappear from forests, the forests lose one of their key tools for fighting climate change. That connection between animals and climate may be even stronger than we thought. Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have found that tropical forests regrow much more effectively when they still have healthy populations of seed-dispersing animals. In fact, they can absorb up to four times...

Visualization,Of,A,Black,Hole,In,Space,,3d,Illustration

In a remarkable new analysis of data from the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers have found evidence that black holes played a central role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primordial-black-holes-may-be-shifting-earths-orbit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shaping the universe</a> as we know it -- and much earlier than previously believed.



The experts propose that black holes not only existed at the dawn of the universe but also catalyzed the birth of new stars, acting as colossal accelerators for galaxy formation. 



This research contradicts the long-held belief that black holes emerged after the formation of the first stars and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/">galaxies</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amplifiers-of-star-formation-nbsp">Amplifiers of star formation&nbsp;</h2>



"We know these monster black holes exist at the center of galaxies near our Milky Way, but the big surprise now is that they were present at the beginning of the universe as well and were almost like building blocks or seeds for early galaxies," said study lead author Joseph Silk, a professor of physics and astronomy at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a>.&nbsp;



"They really boosted everything, like gigantic amplifiers of star formation, which is a whole turnaround of what we thought possible before - so much so that this could completely shake up our understanding of how galaxies form."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-distant-galaxies">Observations of distant galaxies</h2>



This novel perspective is backed by observations of distant galaxies from the universe's earliest epochs, which appear significantly brighter than anticipated, boasting high numbers of young stars and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/18-black-holes-captured-devouring-nearby-stars-in-dramatic-tidal-disruption-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a>. 



These observations challenge the prevailing model of cosmic evolution, suggesting instead a symbiotic existence of black holes and galaxies that influenced each other's development during the universe's first 100 million years. 



This time period, in the grand timeline of the cosmos, equates to the initial days of January on a calendar that represents the universe's 13.8 billion-year history.



"We're arguing that black hole outflows crushed gas clouds, turning them into stars and greatly accelerating the rate of star formation," explained Professor Silk.&nbsp;



"Otherwise, it's very hard to understand where these bright galaxies came from because they're typically smaller in the early universe. Why on earth should they be making stars so rapidly?"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-holes-and-bright-galaxies">Black holes and bright galaxies</h2>



Black holes are regions in space where gravity's pull is so intense that not even light can escape. 



Because of this force, they generate powerful magnetic fields that make violent storms, ejecting turbulent plasma and ultimately acting like enormous particle accelerators, noted Professor Silk. 



He explained that this process is likely why <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb</a>'s detectors have spotted more of these black holes and bright galaxies than scientists anticipated.



"We can't quite see these violent winds or jets far, far away, but we know they must be present because we see many black holes early on in the universe," said Silk. 



"These enormous winds coming from the black holes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-jets-are-like-million-light-year-long-jedi-lightsabers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crush nearby gas clouds</a> and turn them into stars. That's the missing link that explains why these first galaxies are so much brighter than we expected."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-phase-early-universe">Two-phase early universe</h2>



The analysis suggests a two-phase early universe: an initial period where black hole outflows spurred rapid star formation followed by a slowdown as these outflows transitioned to a more energy-conservative state.&nbsp;



A few hundred million years after the big bang, gas clouds collapsed because of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-black-holes-are-very-messy-eaters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black hole</a> magnetic storms, and new stars were born at a rate far exceeding that observed billions of years later in normal galaxies, explained Professor Silk. 



The creation of stars slowed down because these powerful outflows transitioned into a state of energy conservation, he said, reducing the gas available to form stars in galaxies.



"We thought that in the beginning, galaxies formed when a giant gas cloud collapsed. The big surprise is that there was a seed in the middle of that cloud - a big black hole - and that helped rapidly turn the inner part of that cloud into stars at a rate much greater than we ever expected. And so the first galaxies are incredibly bright."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-questions-remain-about-black-holes">Many questions remain about black holes </h2>



The researchers are optimistic that future observations from the Webb telescope will further substantiate their findings and contribute to a deeper understanding of the universe's evolution. 



They anticipate that forthcoming data will offer more precise counts of stars and supermassive black holes in the early universe, aiding in the elucidation of the relationship between black holes and galaxy formation. 



"The big question is, what were our beginnings? The sun is one star in 100 billion in the Milky Way galaxy, and there's a massive black hole sitting in the middle, too. What's the connection between the two?" said Professor Silk. "Within a year we'll have so much better data, and a lot of our questions will begin to get answers."



The study is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ad1bf0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>.



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Did black holes exist before galaxies formed in the universe?

In a remarkable new analysis of data from the James...

In recent years, psilocybin -- the psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms -- has seen a remarkable uptick in both interest, scrutiny, and now law enforcement seizures. 



A study spearheaded by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, alongside the National Drug Early Warning System, highlights a significant increase in law enforcement seizures of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-psilocybin-mushrooms-got-their-magic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> mushrooms, suggesting a rise in its availability and use. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-presence-of-psilocybin-mushrooms">Growing presence of psilocybin mushrooms</h2>



From 2017 to 2022, seizures surged by 369%, jumping from 402 to 1,393 instances, while the quantity of psilocybin confiscated quadrupled from 226 to 844 kilograms.



Joseph Palamar, PhD, MPH, the lead author of the study and an associate professor in the <a href="https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/population-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Population Health</a> at <a href="https://nyulangone.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU Langone Health</a>, emphasized the implications of their findings. 



“Our findings, which uncover an increase in confiscations of psilocybin mushrooms, suggest that popularity and availability of this psychedelic may be increasing,” said Palamar. 



He further highlighted the necessity for enhanced prevention and harm-reduction education, acknowledging the potential adverse effects of unsupervised <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-learn-why-psilocybin-mushrooms-make-you-hallucinate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> use.



“Although psilocybin is by no means the most dangerous drug, adverse effects do happen, so heightened prevention efforts and harm-reduction education may be necessary,” he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Psilocybin mushrooms: A therapeutic enigma</h2>



The resurgence of interest in psilocybin mushrooms can be attributed to its potential therapeutic benefits. 



Recent research trials have delved into its efficacy in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-offers-new-explanation-for-how-psychedelic-drugs-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treating conditions</a> such as alcohol use disorder, post-traumatic stress, and depression related to cancer, within controlled clinical settings. 



These studies are crucial for understanding psilocybin's broader impacts, particularly as societal and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australia-is-the-first-country-to-legalize-psychedelics-for-mental-health-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legal attitudes</a> towards it begin to shift.



Palamar points out that several American cities, especially in the Midwest and West, have started to relax restrictions on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-diversity-of-magic-mushrooms-leaves-room-for-new-cultivars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> mushrooms, reflecting a changing landscape of drug policy and public perception. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-legal-landscape-and-availability">Shifting legal landscape and availability</h2>



Despite this, the recreational use of psilocybin and its implications remain underexplored areas that warrant further investigation.



The study is pioneering in its examination of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hallucinogen-use-is-on-the-rise-among-young-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> mushroom seizure trends across the United States. 



Utilizing data from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (<a href="https://www.dea.gov/operations/hidta" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HIDTA</a>) program, the research team analyzed over 4,500 psilocybin seizure reports spanning from January 2017 through December 2022. 



This comprehensive analysis not only quantified the seizures but also categorized them by state and main census regions, offering a detailed overview of psilocybin's presence across the country.



Interestingly, the Midwest and West emerged as hotspots for psilocybin seizures, with the environmental conditions in the West potentially facilitating the cultivation of psilocybin-producing mushrooms. 



This geographic distribution underscores the varied landscape of psilocybin use and enforcement across regions, highlighting the complexity of addressing its rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-and-responding-to-psilocybin-s-rise">Understanding and responding to psilocybin's rise</h2>



Palamar's research emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamics behind the growing availability and use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-microdosing-may-improve-mental-health-by-boosting-stress-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a>. 



"These results highlight the need to better understand not only how the availability and popularity of psilocybin is changing and why, but also how the drug affects those who use it recreationally," he remarked.



The study also raises questions about the impact of decriminalization efforts on psilocybin use and seizures, suggesting a need for more targeted research in this area. 



Moreover, Palamar cautions against over-relying on law enforcement seizures as a sole indicator of drug availability or use, noting the limitations of such data in reflecting the nuances of drug trafficking and consumption patterns.



In summary, the rise in psilocybin seizures signals a pivotal moment in the discourse surrounding psychedelic substances. 



As society grapples with changing perceptions and the potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin, these findings offer a crucial foundation for future discussions, policies, and research aimed at navigating the complexities of psychedelic drug use in a rapidly evolving landscape.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871624000073?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drug and Alcohol Dependence</a>.



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Police seizures of psilocybin ‘magic’ mushrooms have increased dramatically

In recent years, psilocybin -- the psychoactive compound found in...

In recent years, the conversation around cannabis use has shifted dramatically, with an increasing number of countries and states re-evaluating its legal status. 



Amidst this evolving landscape, a study led by Natasha E. Wade, an assistant professor at the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California at San Diego</a> and head of the Neuro D-Tox Lab, sheds new light on the potential impacts of cannabis use on adolescents. 



Based on data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, the research presents compelling evidence that even light to moderate cannabis use during early adolescence can lead to cognitive deficits, especially in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/">memory</a> and attention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-developing-brain">The developing brain</h2>



Cannabis contains the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has led to its widespread use both medicinally and recreationally. However, there are growing concerns about its use among adolescents - whose brains are still undergoing critical developmental phases.&nbsp;



The potency of cannabis and the methods of its use have changed significantly over the years, prompting a deeper investigation into its effects on the developing brain. The research team aimed to address the challenges in accurately identifying adolescent cannabis users.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accurate-group-categorization-nbsp">Accurate group categorization&nbsp;</h2>



"Cannabis use in adolescents is not uncommon, though it is unclear if younger teens are comfortable disclosing their use," said Professor Wade. “We wanted to improve our methods for identifying those who have used cannabis by both asking teens if they had use and by using objective, toxicological testing through hair samples."



"Having more accurate group categorization may improve our ability to determine cognitive correlates of cannabis use - which we also assessed here.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers focused on a subset of participants in the ABCD study. They analyzed 2,971 hair samples from the fourth-year follow-up when the participants were around 13-14 years old.&nbsp;



The experts looked for THC, THCCOOH (an inactive metabolite indicating personal use), and cannabidiol (CBD), aiming to objectively measure cannabis exposure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-new-insights">Critical new insights</h2>



The researchers found significant cognitive differences between adolescents who used cannabis and those who did not. Specifically, cannabis users exhibited poorer performance in episodic memory tasks, which involve recalling specific events or experiences, and showed marginal deficits in receptive language skills, crucial for understanding words and sentences.&nbsp;



Furthermore, higher concentrations of THCCOOH were associated with lower scores in receptive language and attention tasks, underscoring the potential for cannabis to impact key cognitive functions during a critical period of brain development.



The findings emphasize the importance of using objective measures in research to uncover more accurate relationships between brain behavior and substance use.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-nbsp">Broader implications&nbsp;</h2>



“When we carefully determine cannabis use group status in teens 13-14 years-old and match those with cannabis use to socio-demographically matched controls, we do see that there are group differences in memory, and that more cannabis use was associated with poor verbal abilities, inhibition, working memory, and episodic memory,” Professor Wade told PsyPost.



“We also found that combining hair toxicology with self-report data shows more brain-behavior relationships than self-report data alone. This indicates that within substance use research and in other domains, too, we need to use more objective measurement to improve our ability to accurately investigate important research questions.”



The study not only provides valuable insights into the cognitive effects of adolescent cannabis use but also sets the stage for future research. Professor Wade and her team plan to leverage the ABCD study's longitudinal data to explore cognitive changes over time in relation to cannabis use, as well as to investigate patterns of substance use initiation and escalation in teens.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460323003258?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Addictive Behaviors</a>. 



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Cannabis use in adolescence linked to cognitive deficits

In recent years, the conversation around cannabis use has shifted...

In Africa, pangolins are equipped with a distinctive armor of overlapping scales, made of keratin - the same material as human fingernails - providing them with protection against predators such as lions, hyenas, snakes, and wild dogs. This natural defense mechanism allows them to curl into a ball, shielding their soft underbellies.&nbsp;



However, these very scales make pangolins a target for illegal wildlife traffickers, driving a lucrative and unlawful trade that poses a significant threat to wildlife and human communities globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-forensics-laboratory-nbsp">Wildlife forensics laboratory&nbsp;</h2>



To address the pressing issue of wildlife <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/internet-global-wildlife-trafficking/">trafficking</a>, the College of Natural Resources and Environment at <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> has been granted $2.6 million by the <a href="https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-civilian-security-democracy-and-human-rights/bureau-of-international-narcotics-and-law-enforcement-affairs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs</a>. 



This funding is allocated for the establishment of a cutting-edge wildlife forensics laboratory in Kasane, Botswana, which will operate in partnership with the Botswana government.&nbsp;



Professor Kathleen Alexander of Virginia Tech’s Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation will lead this initiative, significantly enhancing the institution's research capabilities in Botswana.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-effort">Collaborative effort</h2>



The lab aims to facilitate swift DNA evidence processing to aid the investigation and prosecution of wildlife trafficking cases in the region, and it will also support the launch of Botswana's multiagency wildlife crime training and response units, dubbed the Elite Team.



The project is a collaborative effort between Virginia Tech, the Republic of Botswana, and the <a href="https://www.caracal.info/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for African Resources: Animals, Communities, and Land Use</a> (CARACAL), a nongovernmental organization founded by Alexander in 2001. Additionally, the <a href="https://witatrain.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildlife Investigation Training Alliance</a>, a nonprofit conservation organization, will oversee the educational aspects of the initiative.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-global-threat">Increasing global threat</h2>



Alexander, the project's principal investigator, emphasized the increasing global threat of wildlife trafficking, highlighting its implications not only for conservation but also for national and global security.&nbsp;



“Wildlife trafficking is escalating across the globe and is increasingly seen as a threat to conservation and local livelihoods. But more significantly, we’re seeing that wildlife trafficking is part of an integrated system that allows criminal syndicates to operate and grow. Tackling wildlife crime is not just about conservation related impacts, it’s about national and global security,” she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combating-wildlife-crime">Combating wildlife crime</h2>



The establishment of the wildlife forensic center builds upon Virginia Tech's ongoing collaboration with the Botswana government. This partnership was underscored by the visits of Botswana President Eric Mokgweetsi Keabetswe Masisi to Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech President Tim Sands to Botswana, marking significant milestones in the relationship between the two entities.



President Masisi acknowledged Botswana's leadership in conservation but pointed out the need to bridge gaps in the country's capacity to combat wildlife crime. He believes the forensic center will serve as a crucial resource in protecting Botswana's natural heritage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-nbsp">Broader implications&nbsp;</h2>



Illegal wildlife trade, encompassing products ranging from pangolin scales to elephant ivory, poses one of the largest threats to global biodiversity and public health, facilitating zoonotic disease spread and funding criminal networks. Botswana, with its rich biodiversity including the world's largest elephant population, is strategically positioned in the fight against this illicit trade.



Alexander's work in Botswana takes a One Health approach, addressing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The new forensic center represents a significant step forward in combating wildlife trafficking and its broader implications for security and conservation in southern Africa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-technologies-nbsp">Innovative technologies&nbsp;</h2>



The forensic center will employ innovative technologies to trace the origins of trafficked animal products and develop strategies to combat wildlife smuggling. This initiative underscores a collective effort to tackle wildlife trafficking within and beyond Botswana's borders, leveraging advanced DNA sequencing technologies to analyze complex samples.



The collaboration between Virginia Tech and the Botswana government exemplifies a model for how academic institutions and governments can unite to address global challenges, reflecting Virginia Tech's commitment to service and providing a blueprint for future partnerships aimed at securing peace, democracy, and equity worldwide.



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Experts are using forensic science to fight wildlife trafficking

In Africa, pangolins are equipped with a distinctive armor of...

A recent study in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316623726783#abs0010" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Nutrition</a> reveals that consuming salmon as part of a diet can introduce at least 30 metabolites into the body. These metabolites, which are substances produced through digestion and other biochemical processes, include four that are associated with significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-sleep-linked-to-earlier-onset-of-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular health</a> benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The research - led by the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado</a> - involved 41 participants aged between 30 and 69, who were instructed to follow a Mediterranean diet. This diet included a variety of fish, low-fat meats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.&nbsp;



The health of their cardiovascular system was evaluated through blood analysis and other diagnostic tests before and after adhering to the diet. Specifically, the diet incorporated two servings of salmon per week over two five-week intervals, separated by a month-long break.&nbsp;



The participants were selected based on being overweight or obese, yet none had any active metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmon-food-specific-compounds">Salmon food-specific compounds</h2>



Additionally, the study involved laboratory analysis of the food provided to participants to identify the metabolites present. Of the 1,518 compounds detected in the food, 508 were unique to salmon. The researchers designated compounds found exclusively in salmon as salmon food-specific compounds.



The findings highlighted an increase in two salmon-specific compounds and two metabolites known for their cholesterol-reducing properties and links to improved cardiovascular health.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-results">Remarkable results</h2>



Many of these beneficial substances were identified as fats, underscoring the health advantages of omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon. Remarkably, participants with higher levels of these substances in their bloodstream exhibited more significant reductions in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B, a marker of heart disease risk.



"We are the first to identify salmon-specific bioactive compounds that increase in plasma after consuming [a Mediterranean diet] with ~4-8oz (one to two filets) of salmon per week. Further, several of these food-specific compounds were associated with short-term improvement in cardiometabolic health indicators," the authors wrote.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmon-varieties-nbsp">Salmon varieties&nbsp;</h2>



Salmon varieties include five types of Pacific salmon and two types of Atlantic salmon, with wild-caught Pacific salmon often regarded as the most beneficial for health. The nutritional value, particularly the omega-3 content in wild salmon, depends on their natural diet, whereas in farmed salmon, it varies with the feed they are given.



The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, has been extensively studied and hailed as the optimal eating plan for health. Research indicates that transitioning to a Mediterranean diet from a typical Western diet can extend life expectancy, with greater benefits the earlier it is adopted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-health-benefits-of-salmon">Additional health benefits of salmon</h2>



Salmon is widely recognized for its impressive health benefits, largely due to its rich content of nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-health">Heart health</h3>



One of the most notable benefits of consuming salmon is its contribution to heart health. The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon can help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, decrease triglycerides, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, it is a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-health">Brain health</h3>



Another significant benefit is its role in brain health. The omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are vital for maintaining brain function and are linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline as we age. These fatty acids can also be beneficial for mental health, helping to manage depression and anxiety.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vitamins-and-minerals">Vitamins and minerals</h3>



Salmon also provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, and potassium. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune function, while selenium helps protect bone health, decreases thyroid antibodies in people with autoimmune thyroid disease, and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antioxidants">Antioxidants</h3>



Furthermore, the astaxanthin antioxidant in salmon, which gives it its red color, has been linked to several health benefits. It may help protect against heart disease, reduce the risk of brain damage from strokes, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may protect against aging and help with skin elasticity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weight-management-nbsp">Weight management&nbsp;</h3>



Incorporating salmon into your diet can support weight management as well. Its high protein content can promote feelings of fullness, which may lead to reduced calorie intake throughout the day. This, combined with the metabolic boost from omega-3 fatty acids, makes salmon a beneficial food for weight control.



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Eating salmon can help lower your cholesterol

A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition reveals that...

1826989610

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.bu.edu/sph/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston University School of Public Health</a> (BUSPH) challenges prevailing narratives about the causes of excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;



The research has produced compelling evidence that many deaths previously attributed to natural causes were, in fact, uncounted fatalities from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-associated-with-lower-covid-19-vaccine-responses/">COVID-19</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



"Official COVID-19 mortality statistics have not fully captured deaths attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection in the United States," wrote the researchers.



"While some excess deaths were likely related to pandemic health care interruptions and socioeconomic disruptions, temporal correlations between reported COVID-19 deaths and excess deaths reported to non-COVID-19 natural causes suggest that many of those excess deaths were unrecognized COVID-19 deaths."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-true-toll">Understanding the true toll</h2>



The investigation represents a significant stride in understanding the true toll of the pandemic.&nbsp;



Kristin Urquiza co-founded Marked By COVID, a justice and remembrance movement, after losing her father to COVID. “This study documents the deadliness of COVID-19 and the effectiveness of public health interventions,” said Urquiza. “The least we can do to honor those who died is to accurately account for what happened.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-excess-mortality-nbsp">Excess mortality&nbsp;</h2>



The official count of COVID-19 deaths in the United States stands at nearly 1.17 million, according to federal data. However, this figure is believed to be an underestimation, as suggested by multiple excess mortality studies.&nbsp;



Excess mortality refers to the number of deaths during a given time period that surpasses the number expected under normal circumstances.&nbsp;



Until now, the challenge has been to determine whether these additional deaths were directly due to COVID-19 or resulted from indirect consequences of the pandemic, such as healthcare disruptions or socioeconomic factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unrecognized-covid-19-fatalities">Unrecognized COVID-19 fatalities</h2>



In collaboration with researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, the BUSPH team provides the first definitive evidence linking a significant portion of excess deaths during the pandemic directly to COVID-19, rather than to non-COVID natural causes like chronic illnesses.&nbsp;



By analyzing monthly data on natural-cause deaths and reported COVID-19 fatalities across 3,127 U.S. counties from March 2020 to August 2022, the team discovered that spikes in non-COVID natural cause deaths coincided with or preceded surges in COVID-19 deaths in most regions. This pattern suggests that many deaths were misclassified and should have been attributed to COVID-19.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-deaths-went-uncounted">Many deaths went uncounted</h2>



“Our findings show that many COVID-19 deaths went uncounted during the pandemic. Surprisingly, these undercounts persisted well beyond the initial phase of the pandemic,” said study co-author Dr. Andrew Stokes, who has led numerous studies analyzing excess mortality patterns and drivers during the pandemic.



According to Dr. Stokes, the temporal correlation between reported COVID-19 deaths and excess deaths reported to non-COVID-19 natural causes offers insight into the causes of these deaths.



“We observed peaks in non-COVID-19 excess deaths in the same or prior month as COVID-19 deaths, a pattern consistent with these being unrecognized COVID-19 deaths that were missed due to low community awareness and a lack of COVID-19 testing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-nbsp">Broader implications&nbsp;</h2>



Study lead author Eugenio Paglino, a PhD student at UPenn, noted that if the primary explanation for these deaths were healthcare interruptions and delays in care, the non-COVID excess deaths would likely occur after a peak in reported COVID-19 deaths and subsequent interruptions in care. “However, this pattern was not observed nationally or in any of the geographic subregions we assessed,” said Paglino.



The study also disproves any claims that mortality during the pandemic can be attributed to COVID-19 vaccinations or shelter-in-place policies.&nbsp;



Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, founding director of the Boston University Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Policy and Research, said that the research is important because our ability to detect and correctly assign deaths during an epidemic goes to the heart of our understanding of the disease and how we organize our response.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2313661121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Hidden death toll of COVID-19 pandemic revealed

A new study led by the Boston University School of...

Volcano,And,Lightning,3d,Illustration,-,Lightning,And,Thunder,Crack

A new study challenges the extraterrestrial origins of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/origin-of-life-on-earth-may-have-been-found-in-ancient-hot-springs/">life</a>, positing that life began on Earth itself. This research, led by the <a href="https://www.sorbonne-universite.fr/en/university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sorbonne University</a> in Paris, has uncovered that lightning strikes hitting volcanic eruptions across what is now known as Turkey, Peru, and Italy played a crucial role in producing extreme levels of nitrogen, thereby facilitating the birth of the earliest life forms. 



Nitrogen, a fundamental element for life on Earth, when combined with lightning, reacts with oxygen to form nitrogen oxide, which then gets released into the soil, creating a fertile ground for life to emerge and thrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



"Nitrogen (N) fixation is an essential process for life as it converts atmospheric dinitrogen into biologically assimilable forms," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"Experimental and theoretical studies have proposed that volcanic lightning could have contributed to N-fixation in early prebiotic environments on Earth but geological evidence are still lacking."&nbsp;



"For the first time, significant amounts of nitrate have been discovered in volcanic deposits from very large explosive eruptions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-nitrate">Atmospheric nitrate</h2>



The researchers analyzed samples from three ancient volcanic sites, which revealed that the substantial amounts of nitrates found were of atmospheric origin, suggesting that these essential life-giving elements were delivered by lightning, not derived from the volcanic eruptions themselves.



"When you look at the different possibilities, the most likely was volcanic lightning," said study lead author Slimane Bekki, an expert in atmospheric sciences at the Sorbonne. “We know that you get a lot of lightning when you have a massive volcanic eruption.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-lightning-nbsp">Volcanic lightning&nbsp;</h2>



The phenomenon of volcanic lightning, which typically occurs at the eruption's onset, was observed in two key areas: near the ground within ash clouds and higher up in the plume of volcanic smoke that reaches the stratosphere.



To investigate these phenomena, Bekki and his team conducted fieldwork in southern Peru, central Turkey, and off the coast of Naples, Italy, focusing on regions known for their ancient volcanic activities. Their research confirmed that the large quantities of nitrates detected in the soil were indeed atmospheric, brought about by lightning, rather than being directly emitted by the volcanoes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-blocks-of-life">Building blocks of life</h2>



“Indeed, nitrate produced by storm lightning all around the world are spread out on the Earth's surface, while volcanic deposits are formed locally in a very short period of time and, according to our results, can contain large amounts of fixed N [nitrogen], a prerequisite for the development of life,” the authors wrote.



This groundbreaking research not only provides insight into the atmospheric processes that could have supported the emergence of life on Earth but also emphasizes the unique contributions of volcanic lightning to this complex puzzle.



"These findings provide geological support for a unique role played by subaerial explosive eruptions in high energy–demanding processes, which were essential in supplying building blocks for life during its emergence on Earth," wrote the researchers.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2309131121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Life on Earth may have been created by volcanic lightning

A new study challenges the extraterrestrial origins of life, positing...

Researchers from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> have unveiled new insights into the locomotive versatility of dinosaurs, attributing their adaptability as a key factor to their dominance on Earth for 160 million years. 



This study, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.231495" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>, demonstrates that the earliest dinosaurs possessed superior speed and dynamism compared to their contemporaries, which significantly contributed to their evolutionary success.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-locomotion-styles-nbsp">Locomotion styles&nbsp;</h2>



By analyzing limb proportions of various reptiles from the Triassic period (252 to 201 million years ago) - the era marking the emergence and ascendancy of dinosaurs - the team was able to discern the locomotion styles of these ancient creatures.&nbsp;



They distinguished between quadrupedal (four-footed) and bipedal (two-footed) species, additionally evaluating their cursoriality index, indicative of their running capabilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-advantage-nbsp">Evolutionary advantage&nbsp;</h2>



The findings revealed that dinosaurs and their close relatives were inherently bipedal and cursorial, meaning their limbs were evolutionarily fashioned for running. This adaptability allowed them a broader spectrum of running styles than their rivals, the Pseudosuchia, which included the progenitors of today's crocodiles.



“When the crunch came, 233 million years ago, dinosaurs won out,” said lead author Amy Shipley, an MSc Palaeobiology student at Bristol. “At that time, climates shifted from wet to dry, intensifying the competition for food. Despite being relatively few in number for 20 million years, dinosaurs managed to flourish while the pseudosuchians faltered.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-and-expansion">Survival and expansion</h2>



The study suggests that dinosaurs' capability for water conservation, akin to many of today's reptiles and birds, alongside their versatile mobility, were crucial to their survival and expansion, especially following the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-may-be-enduring-its-seventh-mass-extinction-not-sixth/">mass extinction</a> at the Triassic's close.&nbsp;



“After the end of the Triassic, when there was a mass extinction, the dinosaurs expanded again,” said study senior author Mike Benton, a professor of Paleontology at the same university.&nbsp;



“Most of the pseudosuchians were wiped out by the mass extinction, except for the ancestors of crocodiles, and we found that these surviving dinosaurs expanded their range of locomotion again, taking over many of the empty niches.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights">New insights</h2>



Contrary to expectations, the research, co-authored by Dr Armin Elsler, found that dinosaurs did not evolve at exceptionally rapid rates.&nbsp;



“This was a surprise because we expected to see fast evolution in avemetatarsalians and slower evolution in pseudosuchians. What this means is that the locomotion style of dinosaurs was advantageous to them, but it was not an engine of intense evolutionary selection. In other words, when crises happened, they were well placed to take advantage of opportunities after the crisis,” Elsler explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immensely-adaptable-nbsp">Immensely adaptable&nbsp;</h2>



Dr Tom Stubbs, another collaborator, highlighted the misconception of dinosaurs as solely massive, slow-moving creatures, pointing out their origins as agile, bipedal insect-eaters. This agility and varied leg posture enabled their ancestors to swiftly navigate their environments, capturing prey while evading larger predators.



“And of course, their diversity of posture and focus on fast running meant that dinosaurs could diversify when they had the chance. After the end-Triassic mass extinction, we get truly huge dinosaurs, over ten meters long, some with armor, many quadrupedal, but many still bipedal like their ancestors,” said co-author Suresh Singh. “The diversity of their posture and gait meant they were immensely adaptable, and this ensured strong success on Earth for so long.”&nbsp;



The study not only sheds light on the evolutionary prowess of dinosaurs but also underscores the significance of adaptability in the face of changing environmental conditions and crises.



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Locomotive versatility helped dinosaurs adapt and survive

Researchers from the University of Bristol have unveiled new insights...

Olfactory,System,,Sensory,System,Used,For,Smelling,,Olfaction,Senses.,Components

In an exciting development, researchers have made a significant discovery that sheds light on the intricate process of decision-making by brain cells triggered by odors. 



The study from the University of Colorado <a href="https://www.cuanschutz.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anschutz Medical Campus</a> reveals how specific brain cells, stimulated by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-can-change-the-colors-we-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">odors</a>, may be crucial in the rapid decision-making processes we often take for granted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-the-hippocampus-in-decision-making">Role of the hippocampus in decision-making</h2>



The focus of this research is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunger-hormones-in-the-gut-can-change-our-eating-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hippocampus</a>, a vital part of the brain known for its roles in memory and learning. 



While it has been established that "time cells" within the hippocampus are key to its functioning, their exact contribution to associative learning was previously unclear. 



"These are cells that would remind you to make a decision -- do this or do that," explains Diego Restrepo, PhD, the study's senior author and a renowned neuroscientist and professor at the <a href="https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado School of Medicine</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-associative-learning">Understanding associative learning</h2>



In their experiments, researchers observed mice faced with a choice: respond to a fruity odor by licking a spout to receive sweet water or do nothing when presented with the scent of mineral oil. 



The mice's brains quickly learned to associate the fruit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-can-a-smell-transport-us-to-another-place/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">odor</a> with the reward, demonstrating the fundamental process of decision-making based on sensory cues. 



“They have to associate the odor with the outcome of what they are doing so that’s why they learn decision making,” said Ming Ma, PhD, a first author of the study and a senior instructor in cell and developmental biology at the CU School of Medicine. “When it’s a fruit odor, they lick and get a reward. When it’s mineral oil they stop licking.”



The study further revealed that as the mice's learning progressed, the stimulated brain cells allowed for faster decoding of odors, enabling the mice to proficiently choose the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-treatment-restores-sense-of-smell-in-long-covid-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruity smell</a>. 



“The more they learned, the more the cells were stimulated leading to more rapid decoding of the odors and allowing the mice to quickly become proficient at choosing the fruity smell,” said Fabio Simoes de Souza, DSc, another first author of the study and an assistant research professor in cell and developmental biology at the CU School of Medicine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neural-pathway-from-an-odor-to-the-brain-s-decision">Neural pathway: From an odor to the brain's decision</h2>



This process begins with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-we-bond-more-with-people-that-smell-like-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">odor</a> traveling through the nose, sending neural signals to the olfactory bulb and then to the hippocampus, highlighting the close connection between these two organs. 



The swift processing of this odor information leads to immediate decision-making. This discovery is a leap forward in understanding the hippocampus's multifaceted role in decision-making, a function previously unrecognized.



Restrepo speculates that these decision-making cells are not always active to prevent sensory overload. 



This insight opens new avenues in our comprehension of the brain's decision-making capabilities, especially in the context of quick, instinctive choices that both mice and humans constantly make.



Restrepo elucidates the significance of this discovery, stating, "The hippocampus turns on decision-predicting time cells which would give you a hint of what to remember." 



This challenges the traditional view of time cells as mere markers of events and time, revealing their critical role in memory encoding and retrieval during decision-making.



In summary, this research expands our understanding of the brain's decision-making mechanisms and paves the way for future studies that could explore how these processes are altered in neurological conditions, offering hope for new therapeutic strategies. 



The University of Colorado's study is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of neuroscience, promising exciting developments in our understanding of the human brain.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960982224000216?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Odors prompt brain cells to make decisions before ‘you’ know what’s happening

In an exciting development, researchers have made a significant discovery...

A recent publication in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45001-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a> unveils groundbreaking insights into the integral role <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-role-will-forests-play-in-future-climate-change/">forests</a> play within the climate system and the water cycle, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of their full impact. 



Conducted by researchers from <a href="https://www.su.se/cmlink/stockholm-university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm University</a> alongside international collaborators from 11 institutions across five countries, including Sweden, the UK, Finland, Germany, and Brazil, the study sheds light on the complex interactions between forests and their contribution to cloud formation, which in turn could significantly affect global temperatures.



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



Forests, covering a third of the planet's land surface, are crucial for carbon storage and regulating the water cycle. The research uniquely focuses on both boreal and tropical forests, which account for 27% and 45% of the world's forested areas, respectively.&nbsp;



These ecosystems exhibit distinct differences in their emissions and the processes of cloud formation, influencing the feedback loop between forests, clouds, and the climate differently.



"This study, utilizing long-term data from diverse forest environments in Finland and Brazil, marks the first time observational evidence has been presented for these interactions in tropical rainforests," said Sara Blichner, a postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Environmental Sciences at Stockholm University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings">Key findings</h2>



One of the critical findings of the study is the underrepresentation of forests in current climate models, particularly regarding their role in cloud formation.



"Our findings suggest that current models may underestimate the impact of forests on cloud formation and climate, especially in tropical regions, which are crucial due to the high amount of solar radiation these areas receive at these latitudes," Blichner explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-climate-models">Refining climate models</h2>



Despite identifying areas for improvement, Blichner emphasizes the reliability of climate models in capturing the core dynamics of climate change.&nbsp;



"Climate models are highly trustworthy in representing the main processes of climate change. Our research aims to refine these models, reducing uncertainties in future climate projections," she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-emissions">Natural emissions</h2>



Furthermore, the study highlights the growing significance of natural particles from forests in the climate system, especially as man-made particle emissions decrease due to stringent air quality policies. These natural emissions could increasingly influence cloud reflectivity and, consequently, global warming.



"Natural aerosol feedbacks are expected to become more important in the future, as anthropogenic aerosol emissions decrease due to air quality policy," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"One such feedback is initiated by the increase in biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions with higher temperatures, leading to higher secondary organic aerosol (SOA) production and a cooling of the surface via impacts on cloud radiative properties."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The collaborative effort underscores the necessity for ongoing research and enhancements in climate modeling to more accurately predict future climate scenarios.&nbsp;



The study also stresses the importance of considering forest conservation as a pivotal strategy in climate change mitigation, given the role of forests in emitting organic gasses that contribute to particle formation, cloud reflectivity, and potentially cooler surface temperatures.&nbsp;



As global temperatures rise, the expectation is that forests will emit more gasses, leading to an increase in particle formation and more reflective clouds, a critical factor in climate regulation.



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Forests play an overlooked role in Earth's climate system

A recent publication in Nature Communications unveils groundbreaking insights into...

Researchers at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> have solved the mystery behind the blue color of blueberries. The study reveals fascinating insights into the natural world and potentially paves the way for innovative color technologies. 



The study was led by Rox Middleton, a research fellow at Bristol's School of Biological Sciences.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wax-coating-nbsp">Wax coating&nbsp;</h2>



The team has discovered that the blue hue of blueberries, along with several other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-harness-fruit-waste-to-extract-energy/">fruits</a> such as damsons, sloes, and juniper berries, is not due to the pigmentation within the fruit itself but rather the result of tiny structures within the wax coating that covers the fruit.



The research delves into the specifics of how blueberries exhibit their characteristic blue despite the dark red color of the pigments in the fruit skin. The experts found that the blue appearance is created by a layer of wax enveloping the fruit.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blue-uv-coloration-nbsp">Blue-UV coloration&nbsp;</h2>



The wax layer contains miniature structures that scatter blue and ultraviolet (UV) light, producing the blue-UV coloration visible to both humans and birds.&nbsp;



This chromatic blue-UV reflectance stems from the interaction between the randomly arranged crystal structures of the epicuticular wax and light, a mechanism previously unknown.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-blue-of-blueberries-nbsp">Finding the blue of blueberries&nbsp;</h2>



“The blue of blueberries can’t be ‘extracted’ by squishing - because it isn’t located in the pigmented juice that can be squeezed from the fruit. That was why we knew that there must be something strange about the color," explained Middleton.



“So we removed the wax and re-crystallized it on card and in doing so we were able to create a brand new blue-UV coating.”



This ultra-thin colorant, which is about two microns thick, is visibly blue and reflects UV light - hinting at the possibility of new colorant methods inspired by nature's design.



“It shows that nature has evolved to use a really neat trick, an ultrathin layer for an important colorant," said Middleton.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-nbsp">Broader implications&nbsp;</h2>



The research adds to our understanding of the functional complexity of the wax coatings found on most plants. These coatings are known to serve various purposes, including acting as a hydrophobic, self-cleaning layer, but the study highlights their critical role in visible coloration as well.



Looking forward, the research team aims to explore simpler methods of recreating and applying this coating, which could lead to the development of sustainable, biocompatible, and even edible UV and blue-reflective paints. Such coatings could emulate the multifunctional capabilities of natural biological coatings that protect plants, offering promising applications in various fields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-results">Exciting results</h2>



“It was really interesting to find that there was an unknown coloration mechanism right under our noses, on popular fruits that we grow and eat all the time," said Middleton.



“It was even more exciting to be able to reproduce that color by harvesting the wax to make a new blue coating that no-one’s seen before. Building all that functionality of this natural wax into artificially engineered materials is the dream!”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-blueberries-nbsp">More about blueberries&nbsp;</h2>



Blueberries are small, round fruits that are known for their sweet and slightly tart flavor, making them a popular choice for use in a variety of culinary dishes like pies, muffins, and jams.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-benefits">Health benefits</h3>



Blueberries are also celebrated for their health benefits; they are rich in vitamins C and K, dietary fiber, and particularly high in antioxidants, which are compounds that protect your body from free radicals, molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and diseases like cancer.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultivation">Cultivation</h3>



These berries are native to North America but are now grown in many parts of the world, including Europe, South America, and Asia.&nbsp;



The cultivation of blueberries involves two main types: highbush blueberries, which are the most commonly cultivated variety and stand about 4-7 feet tall, and lowbush or "wild" blueberries, which are smaller, more intensely flavored, and grow closer to the ground.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harvesting">Harvesting</h3>



The harvesting season for blueberries varies by geographical location, but generally, in the Northern Hemisphere, it runs from April to September. Blueberries can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or dried and have become a staple ingredient in health-conscious diets due to their nutrient-rich profile.&nbsp;



In addition to their dietary benefits, blueberries play a role in cultural traditions and festivals in some regions, celebrating the harvest and heritage of blueberry cultivation. Whether enjoyed as a snack or used as a key ingredient in recipes, blueberries continue to be a beloved fruit around the world.



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Study reveals why blueberries are blue

Researchers at the University of Bristol have solved the mystery...

Scientists have unveiled new insights into the Sun's gamma-ray emissions, producing a fourteen-year movie of the Sun in gamma rays.



This fascinating new study was spearheaded by Bruno Arsioli from the Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences (<a href="https://www.iastro.pt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IA</a>) and the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (<a href="https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ciências ULisboa</a>) in Portugal.



Their research marks a significant advancement in our understanding of the Sun, particularly its polar regions, which were observed to emit high-energy radiation more actively than expected during the previous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-sunspot-archipelago-15-times-wider-than-earth-spotted-by-nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar maximum</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enigma-of-the-sun-s-gamma-rays">Enigma of the Sun's gamma rays</h2>



The Sun, while radiantly shining in visible light, harbors a much more formidable aspect when viewed in the highest energies of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-solar-wind-which-creates-beautiful-auroras-on-earth-is-now-less-mysterious/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electromagnetic radiation</a>, such as gamma rays. 



“The Sun is stormed with close to light-speed particles coming from beyond our galaxy in all directions,” says Arsioli. 



These gamma rays, invisible to the naked eye and blocked by <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's atmosphere</a>, carry a billion times more energy than ultraviolet light.



“These so-called cosmic rays are electrically charged and are deflected by the Sun’s magnetic fields. Those that interact with the solar atmosphere produce a shower of gamma rays," Arsioli explained. 



Understanding the Sun's gamma-ray emissions is crucial for predicting space weather that affects satellite operations and terrestrial communications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-14-years-of-the-sun-s-gamma-rays">14-years of the Sun's gamma rays</h2>



Arsioli's study, produced a <a href="https://content.cld.iop.org/journals/0004-637X/962/1/52/revision2/apjad1bd2f6_video.mp4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourteen-year compressed movie</a> of the Sun in gamma rays. 



<a href="https://content.cld.iop.org/journals/0004-637X/962/1/52/revision2/apjad1bd2f7_video.mp4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A meticulous analysis of these observations</a>, made by the Fermi Large Area Telescope (<a href="https://fermi.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fermi-LAT</a>), reveals an unexpected brightness in the Sun's polar regions in gamma rays. 



This phenomenon was particularly pronounced in June 2014, during the peak of solar activity and coinciding with the reversal of the solar magnetic field. 



“We have found results that challenge our current understanding of the Sun and its environment,” says Orlando. 



“We demonstrated a strong correlation of the asymmetry in the solar gamma-ray emission in coincidence with the solar magnetic field flip, which has revealed a possible link among solar astronomy, particle physics, and plasma physics," she concluded.



This discovery challenges the previously held belief that gamma-ray emissions would be uniformly distributed across the Sun's surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-solar-astronomy-and-particle-physics">Bridging solar astronomy and particle physics</h2>



The research highlights a peculiar asymmetry in the energy of gamma rays emitted from the Sun's poles, with the south pole emitting photons of higher energy compared to the north pole. 



This asymmetry, along with the unexpected concentration of gamma rays at higher latitudes, suggests a complex interaction between cosmic rays, the Sun's magnetic field, and its atmosphere, which remains not fully understood.



Elena Orlando, co-author of the study and a researcher at the <a href="https://www.units.it/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Trieste</a>, INFN, and <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, emphasizes the significance of these findings. 



The correlation between the asymmetry in solar gamma-ray emission and the solar magnetic field flip suggests a potential link between solar astronomy, particle physics, and plasma physics. 



This opens new avenues for theoretical models that could explain the observed phenomena and improve predictions of solar activity.



The study utilized a novel visualization tool, integrating solar gamma-ray events over periods of 400 to 700 days, which clarified the moments of polar excesses and the energy discrepancy between the north and south poles. 



This approach not only sheds light on the processes generating these gamma-ray excesses at the poles but also underscores the role of cosmic rays as probes of the inner solar atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead-the-next-solar-maximum">Looking ahead: The next solar maximum</h2>



As the Sun approaches a new solar maximum, with another magnetic pole inversion underway, Arsioli and Orlando anticipate further research to assess if this event is followed by an increase in gamma-ray emissions from the poles. 



“In 2024 and the next year we will experience a new solar maximum, and another inversion of the Sun’s magnetic poles has already started. We expect by the end of 2025 to reassess if the inversion of the magnetic fields is followed by a surplus in the gamma rays emissions from the poles,” says Bruno Arsioli. 



Elena Orlando adds, “We have found the key to unlock this mystery, which suggests the future directions that should be taken. It is fundamental that the Fermi telescope will operate and observe the Sun in the coming years.”



Their findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring of the Sun by current and future gamma-ray space observatories to enhance our understanding of solar activity and its impact on space weather forecasts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-research">Implications and future research</h2>



In summary, this important study has profoundly shifted our understanding of the Sun, particularly its polar regions' unexpected gamma-ray emissions. 



By analyzing 14 years of data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope, the team revealed that the Sun's poles emit gamma rays more actively than previously thought, especially during periods of intense solar activity. 



This discovery, highlighting an asymmetry in energy emissions between the poles and the correlation with the solar magnetic field's reversal, challenges existing theories and opens new pathways for future research. 



As we approach another solar maximum, this work sets the stage for further investigations that could refine our models of solar activity and enhance space weather forecasting, underscoring the importance of continuous monitoring and study of our star's most energetic phenomena.



The full study was published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad1bd2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



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The Sun in gamma rays over a 14-year period captured on video

Scientists have unveiled new insights into the Sun's gamma-ray emissions,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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