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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

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

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

Macro,Root,Of,Young,Corn,In,Field,And,Texture,Of

As the world grapples with the escalating challenge of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-plants-are-absorbing-more-human-produced-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, exacerbated by worsening global drought conditions that threaten crop production, scientists have been fervently searching for innovative solutions to mitigate these effects. Focusing on plant roots may be the solution.



An intriguing development comes from researchers at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a>, who have unveiled a new technology poised to revolutionize the resilience of crops to drought, enhance their nitrogen absorption, and facilitate deeper carbon storage in the soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examining-plant-roots-with-x-rays">Examining plant roots with x-rays</h2>



Their pioneering research introduces a novel approach for estimating the depth of plant roots through the utilization of <a href="https://serc.carleton.edu/research_education/geochemsheets/techniques/XRF.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-ray fluorescence</a> spectroscopy. 



This technique involves scanning the leaves to detect specific chemical elements, revealing a direct correlation between the elemental composition of the foliage and the root depth. 



The significance of this lies in the roots' ability to absorb elements at varying soil depths, providing a non-invasive method to gauge their reach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deeper-plant-roots-are-more-drought-tolerant">Deeper plant roots are more drought tolerant</h2>



<a href="https://plantscience.psu.edu/directory/jpl4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jonathan Lynch</a>, a distinguished professor of plant science at the <a href="https://agsci.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Agricultural Sciences</a> and the research team leader, explains the transformative potential of this technology. 



“We've known about the benefits of deeper rooting crops for a long time -- they are more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-crisis-un-warns-of-unprecedented-emergency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought tolerant</a> and have an enhanced ability to take up nitrogen, which tends to move deep with water -- but the problem has been how to measure root depth in the field,” Lynch explained. 



“To breed deeper-rooted crops, you need to look at thousands of plants. Digging them up is expensive and time consuming because some of those roots are down two meters or more. Everybody wants deep-rooted crops -- but until now, we didn’t know how to get them," he continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-benefits-of-deep-root-systems">Environmental benefits of deep root systems</h2>



However, the challenge has always been in the measurement of root depth, a crucial step in breeding such crops. Lynch further highlights the environmental benefits of deeper-rooting systems, noting their capacity for more effective carbon storage in soil, thereby contributing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> mitigation. 



“Having deeper roots means that carbon the plants get from photosynthesis is stored down deeper in the soil when they build roots. And the deeper carbon is put in the soil, the longer it stays in the soil,” Lynch said. 



“The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that just having deep-rooted crops in America alone could offset years of our total carbon emissions. That’s huge -- think about all the acres growing crops in America. If those roots grow just a little bit deeper, then we’re storing massive amounts of carbon deeper in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-soil-boosts-crop-growth-by-over-50/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil</a>," he concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-follow-the-leader">Follow the LEADER</h2>



The development of this method, named LEADER (Leaf Element Accumulation from DEep Root), is the result of six years of intensive research, including the collection and analysis of over 2,000 soil core samples from four research sites across the United States. 



Molly Hanlon, a key figure in this study and now a senior research scientist, describes the process of growing genetically distinct lines of corn across various research stations. 



Through the LEADER method, researchers successfully identified plots with the deepest root lengths with high accuracy, marking a significant advancement in soil science.



Hanlon explains that the LEADER method leverages the natural variance in soil's biological, physical, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beneficial-plant-bacteria-likely-to-decline-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical properties</a> across different layers, allowing plant roots to act as indicators of their own depth. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-crop-cultivation-in-a-warming-world">Transforming crop cultivation in a warming world</h2>



By analyzing the foliar accumulation of naturally occurring soil elements, as well as using tracers like strontium for more controlled experiments, the team was able to estimate root depth with remarkable precision.



While the initial study focused on corn due to its global significance as a food, feed, biofuel, and industrial material, Lynch is optimistic about the method's broader applications. 



He envisions the LEADER technology being adapted for a wide range of plant species and soil types, highlighting its potential to fundamentally enhance crop resilience, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drying-without-dying-desert-moss-holds-the-key-to-drought-tolerance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water and nutrient efficiency</a>, and contribute to the long-term storage of soil carbon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-roots-playing-a-role-in-climate-change-mitigation">Plant roots playing a role in climate change mitigation</h2>



In summary, the innovative research spearheaded by Penn State marks a significant leap forward in agricultural science. Their study offers a promising solution to the dual challenges of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-salinity-disrupts-the-development-of-wheat-seedlings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop resilience</a> and climate change mitigation. 



By unlocking the potential of deeper-rooting crops through the LEADER method, this new technology promises to revolutionize the way we understand and cultivate our food sources. At the same time, it provides substantial environmental benefits, from improved drought tolerance to enhanced carbon sequestration in soil. 



As we stand at the precipice of a new era in crop production, this pioneering work serves as a testament to the power of scientific innovation in fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-plant-roots">More about plant roots</h2>



As discussed above, plant roots play a pivotal role in the survival and prosperity of plants. They serve multiple vital functions, from absorbing water and nutrients to anchoring plants firmly in the ground.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-roots">Types of roots</h3>



Taproots: Characterized by a single, dominant root from which smaller, lateral roots branch out, taproots penetrate deeply into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-soil-sequesters-carbon-from-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil</a>. This deep-rooted system, exemplified by carrots and dandelions, helps plants access water from deeper soil layers and securely anchor themselves.



Fibrous Roots: Fibrous root systems, consisting of a dense network of similarly sized roots, spread out just below the soil surface. Grasses and many flowering plants exhibit this root type, which excels in preventing soil erosion and rapidly absorbing moisture and nutrients from the topsoil.



Adventitious Roots: Adventitious roots sprout from unexpected parts of the plant, such as stems or leaves, often in response to stress or injury. They play a crucial role in vegetative propagation and can help plants survive in challenging conditions. Examples include the aerial roots of orchids and the prop roots of mangroves.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-functions-of-plant-roots">Functions of plant roots</h3>



Water and Nutrient Absorption: Roots tirelessly work to absorb water and dissolved minerals from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-erosion-rates-have-exploded-in-the-midwestern-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil</a>, transporting them to the rest of the plant. This absorption occurs primarily through root hairs, tiny extensions that increase the root's surface area and efficiency in nutrient uptake.



Anchorage and Support: Roots anchor plants to the ground, offering stability and support. This anchoring capability is crucial for plants to withstand various external forces, such as wind and rain, and support their growth upwards towards the light.



Storage of Nutrients: Many roots also serve as storage sites for nutrients and carbohydrates, which plants can utilize during periods of scarcity. Tubers and bulbs are examples of roots modified for storage, providing plants with the resources they need to survive adverse conditions.



Hormone Production: Roots are involved in hormone production, particularly auxins, which play a significant role in plant growth and development. These hormones help regulate various plant processes, including cell division and growth, ensuring healthy plant development.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-plant-roots-in-the-ecosystem">Importance of plant roots in the ecosystem</h3>



Roots not only support plant life but also play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They help maintain soil structure, prevent erosion, and foster microbial communities essential for soil health. 



Moreover, roots contribute to the carbon cycle by storing carbon dioxide, thus playing a part in climate regulation.



In summary, the intricate world of plant roots is a testament to the complexity and resilience of plant life. As the foundation of plants, roots perform essential functions that not only ensure the survival of individual plants but also support broader ecological balance. 



Understanding the diversity and roles of roots can deepen our appreciation for these vital, yet often overlooked, components of the natural world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/csc2.21149" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crop Science</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Measuring plant root health by scanning leaves with X-ray device

As the world grapples with the escalating challenge of climate...

Maize genetics play a pivotal role in determining the health and efficiency of plant roots, as uncovered by an international team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.uni-bonn.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bonn</a>.



The study reveals a significant link between the genetic makeup of maize plants and the composition of microorganisms surrounding their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-change-their-roots-to-survive-harsh-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roots</a>.



Published in the prestigious journal Nature Plants, this research opens new pathways to breeding maize varieties more resilient to challenges such as drought and nutrient scarcity, showcasing the potential of genetics in revolutionizing agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-crucial-allies-beneath-the-surface">The crucial allies beneath the surface</h2>



Roots serve as plants' lifelines, anchoring them and enabling nutrient and water absorption. Yet, their success relies on a crucial but unseen coalition of bacteria and fungi. This tiny microbial layer, only a few millimeters thick around the roots, is vital for plant health.



Dr. Peng Yu, who leads the “Root Functional Biology” junior research group at INRES, University of Bonn, emphasized the importance of these microbes.



“These microorganisms are essential for the health and fitness of the plants,” said Dr. Yu. They enhance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-find-proteins-that-control-nutrient-uptake-in-plants/">nutrient uptake</a>, offer protection from pathogens, and mirror the role of the human gut microbiome in maintaining health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-genetic-influence-on-microbial-companions">A genetic influence on microbial companions</h2>



This research overturns the traditional belief that only soil influences the root microbiome. It demonstrates that maize genetics are equally important in determining which microorganisms surround the roots. These genetic factors not only impact plant health but also resilience against challenges such as drought and nutrient shortages.



Professor Dr. Frank Hochholdinger of INRES points out the significance of this finding amid climate change and phosphorus scarcity. He suggests that using genetic insights for breeding could produce maize varieties better equipped to withstand these pressures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genes-and-microbes-maize-s-resilience-secrets">Genes and microbes: Maize's resilience secrets</h2>



The researchers harnessed the genetic diversity of maize, cultivated through selective breeding in diverse climates over centuries. They analyzed 129 varieties under stress conditions and examined the DNA of root microbes from over 3,000 samples. 



The study pinpointed specific genes in maize plants that interact with particular bacteria, enhancing the plant's resilience to environmental challenges.



A key finding was the role of Massilia bacteria, which gather around maize roots in low <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kelp-farms-could-help-clean-up-coastal-nitrogen-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen</a>, boosting lateral root growth and thus improving nutrient and water absorption. 



Further research showed that maize roots lure Massilia with flavones, a secondary metabolite, but this requires a specific gene, underscoring the intricate relationship between maize genetics and microbial support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breeding-tomorrow-s-drought-resistant-maize">Breeding tomorrow's drought-resistant maize</h2>



The study paves the way for breeding maize that's more resilient to drought and nutrient shortages, with genome and microbiome integration key to forecasting yields and boosting sustainability. 



Dr. Caroline Marcon's maize mutation database is crucial for exploring gene functions and their roles in plant-microbe interactions. Professor Hochholdinger emphasizes the potential impact on developing tougher maize varieties, highlighting a significant advance towards sustainable agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-maize-plants">More about maize plants</h2>



Maize, also known as corn in some countries, is a cereal grain first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago.&nbsp;



The leafy stalk of the plant produces pollen inflorescences and separate ovuliferous inflorescences called ears that yield kernels or seeds, which are fruits. Here are some key aspects of maize plants:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Origins and domestication</h3>



Maize is believed to have been derived from a wild grass called teosinte. It underwent significant changes due to selective breeding by early agricultural communities, resulting in the large cobs and kernels we are familiar with today.



It played a crucial role in the rise of Mesoamerican civilizations, with evidence suggesting its cultivation dates back at least 7,000 years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key characteristics</h3>



Maize plants vary in height, with some varieties growing over 3 meters tall. They have a robust stem that resembles bamboo canes and large leaves that grow from the stem.



The kernels come in multiple colors, including yellow, red, blue, and white, depending on the variety. Each ear of maize contains several hundred kernels.



Maize has a fibrous root system that can extend deep into the soil, which helps in stabilizing the plant and absorbing nutrients and water.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cultivation requirements</h3>



Maize is adaptable to a wide range of climates but prefers warm weather and well-drained soils. It requires a lot of sunlight and is sensitive to frost.



It is typically planted in the spring and harvested in the late summer or autumn, depending on the local climate and variety.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Staple food</h3>



Maize is a staple food in many parts of the world, consumed directly by humans or used as livestock feed. It is also processed into a variety of food products, including cornmeal, corn syrup, and corn oil.



Beyond its use as food, maize is a key ingredient in biofuels (especially ethanol), bioplastics, and as a raw material in industrial processes.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-024-01654-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Plants</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Maize plant genetics shape root health and growth

Maize genetics play a pivotal role in determining the health...

As the first full moon of the spring season draws near, stargazers are in for a fascinating event. March's full moon, known as the Worm Moon, will coincide with a "subtle" lunar eclipse. This phenomenon is set to unfold in the late hours of Sunday night extending into the early hours of Monday morning.



According to <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/march-2023-the-next-full-moon-is-the-crow-crust-sap-sugar-or-worm-moon/">NASA</a>, the unique astronomical event is set to captivate audiences across the Americas.



"As the full moon rises during the late evening of March 24 into the early morning hours of March 25, it will travel through the Earth’s penumbra, or the faint outer part of its shadow. This is called a penumbral eclipse," explained NASA.



"The lunar eclipse will be visible to all of North and South America. The Moon will dim very slightly over those few nighttime hours, which can make for an interesting timelapse, even if it can be difficult to notice by just a glance at the sky."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-subtle-lunar-eclipse">Understanding the "subtle" lunar eclipse</h2>



Lunar eclipses occur in three types: total, partial, and penumbral. This upcoming eclipse is classified as a penumbral lunar eclipse, where the moon passes through the faint, outer part of Earth's shadow.&nbsp;



Unlike its more dramatic counterparts, the penumbral eclipse is known for its subtlety, casting only a slight decrease in the moon's brightness.&nbsp;



"It's usually difficult to see, but you might see the difference if you look before the eclipse and then at the peak," said NASA. "At the peak observers can sometimes see a subtle gradient in brightness across the Moon's face."



The eclipse will commence at 1:00 a.m. ET (10 p.m. PT) on Monday, lasting until 5:30 a.m. ET (2:30 a.m. PT). The timing of the eclipse offers a great viewing opportunity for those in the right geographical locations, under clear weather conditions. 



The next anticipated lunar eclipse, a partial one, is expected on September 18, 2024, and will be visible in the Americas, Europe, and Africa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-worm-moon-got-its-name">How the Worm Moon got its name</h2>



The March full moon is commonly known as the Worm Moon. This name refers to the time of year when the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts reappear, and the return of robins and other birds signal the end of winter and the beginning of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tonights-worm-moon-marks-the-beginning-of-spring/">spring</a>.



However, the Farmers Almanac reports that there is another explanation for the name of March's full moon. In writings from the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver attributed the name to beetle larvae, rather than earthworms, emerging from the thawing bark of trees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-to-watch-the-worm-moon-nbsp">When to watch the Worm Moon&nbsp;</h2>



The Worm Moon will reach its peak illumination at 3:00 A.M. ET on Monday, March 25, 2024. In case of poor weather, the following night provides another opportunity to witness the beauty of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lunar-cycles-have-a-secret-influence-on-human-reproduction/">full moon</a> and the subtle shades of the eclipse.



Lunar eclipses often occur in close succession with solar eclipses, either preceding or following the lunar event by a couple of weeks. A total solar eclipse is set to traverse North America on April 8, and will be visible in regions across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada.&nbsp;



This sequence of celestial events - from the subtle penumbral lunar eclipse accompanying the Worm Moon to the total solar eclipse - highlights the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-various-names-for-the-worm-moon-nbsp">Various names for the Worm Moon&nbsp;</h2>



While it is commonly known as the Worm Moon, a name attributed to the Algonquin tribes of Native Americans, it is also known as the Sap Moon - marking the time when maple sap begins to flow and the annual tapping of maple trees begins.&nbsp;



In some cultures, the March full moon is called the Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signals the end of winter, or the Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-religious-significance-of-the-worm-moon-nbsp">Religious significance of the Worm Moon&nbsp;</h2>



The March full moon holds significant religious and cultural importance in various traditions around the world. It often marks important festivals and observances:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christianity">Christianity</h3>



The date of Easter, the most important Christian holiday, is determined by the first full moon occurring on or after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spring-equinox-arrives-in-the-northern-hemisphere/">spring equinox</a>. This is why Easter can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-judaism">Judaism</h3>



The Jewish holiday of Purim, which commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman in the ancient Persian Empire, sometimes falls around the time of the March full moon. The holiday is celebrated on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar, which is a lunar month, so its date varies in relation to the Gregorian calendar.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hinduism">Hinduism</h3>



Holi, the festival of colors and love that celebrates the victory of good over evil, is closely associated with the full moon in March. It marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Holi begins on the evening of the full moon (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which typically falls in March.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buddhism">Buddhism</h3>



Magha Puja, also known as Sangha Day, is celebrated on the full moon of the third lunar month. It commemorates a day when 1,250 disciples spontaneously gathered to hear the Buddha preach. This day emphasizes the importance of the Buddhist community and is marked by prayer, meditation, and offerings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbol-of-hope-and-renewal-nbsp">Symbol of hope and renewal&nbsp;</h2>



The full moon has been a guide for agricultural practices and timekeeping throughout human history, marking a period of brightness in the otherwise dark night sky, which was used to plan activities before the advent of modern lighting.



The Worm Moon heralds the end of winter and the beginning of spring, a period of renewal and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spring-has-arrived-in-the-northern-hemisphere/">rebirth</a> in nature.&nbsp;



This concept of rebirth and renewal can be found in various cultures around the world, each with its own unique traditions and interpretations of this springtime full moon.&nbsp;



However, the theme of emerging from the darkness of winter into the light and life of spring is a common thread, making the Worm Moon a symbol of hope and growth across different societies.



-----



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



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



-----

Tonight's "Worm Moon" coincides with a subtle lunar eclipse

As the first full moon of the spring season draws...

3d,Abstract,Tech,Background.,Floating,Numbers,Hud,Background.,Matrix,Particles

In the ever-evolving landscape of computing technology, quantum computers represent the frontier of what might be possible. However, this future remains on the horizon due to the significant challenge of error rates in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secure-quantum-communication-one-step-closer-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum systems</a>.



With the promise to revolutionize fields such as computer science, medicine, business, chemistry, physics, and more, these machines have the potential to solve problems that are currently beyond the reach of classical computers. But for now, due to these ever-present errors, they can't be fully trusted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-method-for-assessing-quantum-errors">New method for assessing quantum errors</h2>



Researchers from <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caltech</a> have taken a significant step towards addressing this obstacle. Their recent paper outlines a unique method that allows classical computers to assess the error rates in quantum machines without the need for full-scale simulations. 



This innovation circumvents the impracticality of simulating complex quantum systems on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-outperformed-new-type-traditional-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traditional computers</a> -- a task that could otherwise take years.



Adam Shaw, the study's lead author and a graduate student in <a href="https://pma.caltech.edu/people/manuel-a-endres" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manuel Endres</a>' lab, highlights the importance of understanding and mitigating errors in quantum computing. 



"In a perfect world, we want to reduce these errors. That's the dream of our field," Shaw explains. "But in the meantime, we need to better understand the errors facing our system, so we can work to mitigate them. That motivated us to come up with a new approach for estimating the success of our system."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-simulators-for-tomorrow-s-computers">Quantum simulators for tomorrow's computers</h2>



The team's approach to better comprehend and counteract these errors led to the development of their novel method, aiming to estimate the success of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/functioning-quantum-internet-makes-giant-stride-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum systems</a> more efficiently.



At the heart of the study is the use of a quantum simulator, a simpler form of quantum computer designed for specific tasks, involving individually controlled Rydberg atoms manipulated by lasers. 



A key aspect of this simulator, and indeed all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-quantum-computer-design-makes-them-more-useful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computers</a>, is the phenomenon of entanglement, where atoms become interconnected in a way that amplifies the machine's computing power.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-entanglement-and-complexity">Entanglement and complexity</h2>



The complexity and potential of quantum computing come into sharper focus considering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entanglement</a>. Previous findings by Endres, Shaw, and colleagues demonstrated how entanglement's growth could lead to unpredictable outcomes, similar to the butterfly effect in chaos theory. 



This characteristic is what enables quantum computers to potentially solve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-can-help-decode-the-mysteries-of-aging-and-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex problems</a>, such as cryptography challenges, far quicker than classical computers.



However, the scalability of quantum computers presents its own set of challenges. Beyond a certain threshold of qubits, the quantum bits that represent information, these systems become <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-mechanics-uncovers-hidden-patterns-in-the-stock-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">too complex</a> for classical simulations. 



Shaw remarks on the difficulty of simulating systems beyond 30 qubits, noting the exponential increase in complexity with more qubits and entanglement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimating-quantum-errors-without-full-simulation">Estimating quantum errors without full simulation</h2>



The Caltech team's quantum simulator, with its 60 qubits, exemplifies a system that defies exact simulation by classical means. Addressing this, the researchers devised a method akin to using varying brush sizes in painting.



"Let's say our quantum computer is painting the Mona Lisa as an analogy. The quantum computer can paint very efficiently and, in theory, perfectly, but it makes errors that smear out the paint in parts of the painting. It's like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamonds-bring-quantum-networks-one-step-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> computer has shaky hands. To quantify these errors, we want our classical computer to simulate what the quantum computer has done, but our Mona Lisa would be too complex for it. It's as if the classical computers only have giant brushes or rollers and can't capture the finer details," Shaw explained.



"Instead, we have many classical computers paint the same thing with progressively finer and finer brushes, and then we squint our eyes and estimate what it would have looked like if they were perfect. Then we use that to compare against the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-will-drastically-alter-the-field-of-copyright-law/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> computer and estimate its errors. With many cross-checks, we were able to show this ‘squinting’ is mathematically sound and gives the answer quite accurately," Shaw concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-setting-new-quantum-accuracy-benchmarks">Setting new quantum accuracy benchmarks</h2>



This innovative approach has led to the estimation that their 60-qubit simulator operates with a 91 percent error rate, or a 9 percent accuracy rate. While this might seem low at first glance, it represents a significant achievement in the field of quantum computing. 



For perspective, a 2019 experiment by Google claimed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">their quantum computer</a> outperformed classical computers with an accuracy of just 0.3 percent, though it involved a different system.



"We now have a benchmark for analyzing the errors in quantum computing systems. That means that as we make improvements to the hardware, we can measure how well the improvements worked," Shaw says.



This benchmark also allows for the measurement of entanglement in quantum simulations, providing another metric for assessing the success of these advanced computing systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-errors-and-the-future-of-computing">Quantum errors and the future of computing</h2>



In summary, a Caltech research team has made a pivotal advancement in the realm of quantum computing by developing a method that allows for the estimation of error rates in quantum machines. This is accomplished without the need for exhaustive simulations. 



Their innovation highlights the complex nature of quantum errors while setting a new benchmark for evaluating and improving quantum computing systems. 



As we stand on the cusp of a new era in computing, the work of Adam Shaw and his colleagues marks a significant step forward, paving the way for the realization of quantum computers that can solve some of the most intractable problems across various fields. 



With this progress, the dream of harnessing the full potential of quantum computing moves closer to reality, promising revolutionary changes in our approach to data processing and analysis.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://arxiv.org/pdf/2308.07914.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Traditional computers help verify errors made by complex quantum systems

In the ever-evolving landscape of computing technology, quantum computers represent...

Abstract,Tech,Background,3d,Illustration.,Quantum,Computer,Architecture.,Fantastic,Night

At the University of Waterloo's Institute for Quantum Computing (<a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/institute-for-quantum-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IQC</a>), researchers have made a tremendous advancement in the realm of quantum communication by melding two Nobel Prize-winning innovations. 



This new development hinges on the efficient production of nearly perfect entangled photon pairs, leveraging quantum dot sources. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Entangled photons</a>, a concept awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics, are light particles that remain interconnected over vast distances. 



The integration of this principle with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-realm-vibrating-atoms-tune-single-electron-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum dots</a>, celebrated with the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, aims to refine the generation of these entangled photons, a cornerstone for applications like secure communications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perfect-entanglement-meets-efficiency">Perfect entanglement meets efficiency</h2>



Dr. Michael Reimer, a professor at IQC and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waterloo</a>, highlighted the significance of their work. 



"The combination of a high degree of entanglement and high efficiency is needed for exciting applications such as quantum key distribution or quantum repeaters, which are envisioned to extend the distance of secure quantum communication to a global scale or link remote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-outperformed-new-type-traditional-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computers</a>," Reimer explained. 



He emphasized the novelty of their achievement in simultaneously meeting the dual criteria of near-perfect entanglement and high efficiency using a quantum dot, a feat not accomplished in prior experiments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-dot-communication-revolution">Quantum dot communication revolution</h2>



The team's success involved embedding semiconductor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/functioning-quantum-internet-makes-giant-stride-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> dots within a nanowire, creating a photon source that surpasses previous methods in efficiency by 65 times. 



Developed in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada in Ottawa, this innovative source can be stimulated with lasers to generate entangled photon pairs on demand. 



To enhance the entanglement's quality, the researchers utilized high-resolution single photon detectors from Single Quantum in The Netherlands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-entanglement-precision-obstacles">Overcoming entanglement precision obstacles</h2>



Matteo Pennacchietti, a PhD student at IQC and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, discussed overcoming the challenge of fine structure splitting. 



This phenomenon, which leads to oscillation in an entangled state over time, previously hindered accurate entanglement <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gravity-measured-in-the-quantum-realm-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">measurement</a> with slow detection systems. 



"We overcame this by combining our quantum dots with a very fast and precise detection system. We can basically take a timestamp of what the entangled state looks like at each point during the oscillations, and that's where we have the perfect entanglement," Pennacchietti explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-secure-quantum-communication">Simulating secure quantum communication</h2>



The team's collaboration extended to Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus and Dr. Thomas Jennewein, both IQC faculty members and professors in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Waterloo. 



Together, they demonstrated the potential of their quantum dot entanglement source in simulating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lasers-make-quantum-materials-reveal-their-hidden-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> key distribution, a secure communications method. 



This experiment underscored the significant promise the quantum dot source holds for the future of secure quantum communications.



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



In summary, University of Waterloo scientists have set a new standard in quantum communication by successfully merging two Nobel Prize-winning technologies to produce nearly perfect entangled photon pairs with unprecedented efficiency. 



This breakthrough overcomes long-standing challenges in the field while opening new avenues for secure global communication and the interconnection of remote quantum computers. 



By pushing the boundaries of quantum dot technology and entanglement, the researchers have laid a robust foundation for the next generation of quantum communication systems, marking a significant leap forward in our quest for ultra-secure, worldwide connectivity.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42005-024-01547-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Physics</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Secure quantum communication is one step closer to reality

At the University of Waterloo's Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC),...

Structure,Core,Earth.,Structure,Layers,Of,The,Earth.,The,Structure

In the global pursuit of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable energy</a> solutions, the availability of essential metals plays a pivotal role. The components of batteries, solar panels, electric vehicles, and other 'green' technologies rely heavily on these critical elements. 



Yet, as demand for these metals soars, traditional methods of mineral exploration are increasingly strained to meet such needs. 



A recent study led by Dr. Isra Ezad at <a href="https://www.mq.edu.au/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=localseo&amp;utm_campaign=localplaces" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macquarie University</a> offers new hope, suggesting that the Earth's mantle could hold a wealth of "green metals."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbonate-melts">Carbonate melts</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-ancient-breath-study-links-atmospheric-oxygen-and-mantle-chemistry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's mantle</a>, the vast layer beneath the crust, is predominantly composed of silicate rocks. However, in certain regions, trace amounts of carbon and water induce melting at lower temperatures. 



These specialized molten mixtures, termed carbonate melts, possess distinct chemical properties that make them unexpectedly effective at concentrating valuable metals.



Dr. Ezad's team sought to understand exactly how carbonate melts extract and transport metals from the surrounding mantle rocks. The researchers precisely replicated the Earth's deep, high-pressure, and high-temperature conditions. They observed that under these conditions, carbonate melts become exceptional solvents. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-green-metals">Discovering green metals</h2>



The researchers mimicked the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthquakes-tear-earths-mantle-tibet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mantle environment</a> using specialized experimental apparatus designed to generate immense pressures. They started with two types of natural mantle compositions: mica pyroxenite, a rock type rich in mica minerals from western Uganda, and fertile spinel lherzolite, characterized by the mineral spinel from Cameroon.



"We knew that carbonate melts carried rare earth elements, but this research goes further," said Dr. Ezad. "We show this molten rock contains carbon takes up sulfur in its oxidized form, while also dissolving precious and base metals -- ‘green’ metals of the future -- extracted from the mantle.”



The team stumbled upon an unexpected finding. Initially, they found that sulfur, especially in its oxidized state, is key to the process. This form of sulfur significantly improves how carbonate melts can gather metals. 



These melts become more efficient at dissolving and holding onto <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-mantle-jackson-pollock-painting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">various metals</a>. This includes metals that are critical for green technology. Thus, sulfur's role is essential in sourcing materials for sustainable innovations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-ore-deposits">Implications for Ore Deposits </h2>



These findings have profound implications for the field of ore deposit formation. As carbonate melts enriched with metals ascend from the mantle towards the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-ancient-ocean-floor-surrounds-the-earths-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's crust</a>, geological processes can lead to cooling and crystallization. 



This can result in the localized concentration of metals, forming the valuable ore deposits that mining companies pursue. 



"This study indicates that tracking carbonate melts could give us a better understanding of large-scale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-interior-is-cooling-faster-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metal redistribution</a> and ore formation processes over Earth's history," noted Dr. Ezad.



These processes occur over vast geological time scales, but the results can produce different types of ore deposits relevant to modern mining.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-green-metals">The future of green metals</h2>



The research has the potential to transform exploration strategies as we seek to secure sustainable sources of metals for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bamboo-plants-shows-great-potential-to-become-the-next-big-renewable-energy-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a> technologies. 



"As the world transitions away from fossil fuels to battery, wind and solar technology, the demand for these essential metals is skyrocketing, and it’s becoming harder to find reliable sources," said Dr. Ezad. 



"This new data provides us with a mineral exploration space previously not considered for base and precious metals -- deposits from carbonate melts." 



This is particularly important because metals like nickel and cobalt are crucial for large-scale batteries, and the renewable power sector will require massive amounts of these elements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-hidden-within-the-earth-s-interior">Potential hidden within the Earth's interior</h2>



Though traditional mineral exploration often focuses on near-surface deposits, the study underscores the potential hidden within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theia-ancient-planet-buried-inside-of-earth-may-be-the-origin-of-our-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's interior</a>. 



Understanding the dynamics of carbonate melts and their role in transporting metals could pave the way for targeted, more efficient exploration strategies. 



The findings serve as a reminder of the complex and interconnected processes at play within our planet, and how unraveling these secrets may be essential in ensuring a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/game-changing-invention-converts-both-co2-and-plastic-waste-into-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable</a> future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-green-metals">More about green metals</h2>



In the quest for sustainability and environmental preservation, the spotlight has turned towards "green metals." As discussed above, these metals, essential for the advancement of green technologies, play a pivotal role in reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a sustainable future.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-defining-green-metals">Defining green metals</h3>



Green metals refer to metals and minerals used extensively in renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles (EVs), and other applications that contribute to a lower carbon economy. These include, but are not limited to, copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. 



The 'green' in green metals signifies their critical role in environmentally friendly and sustainable applications, rather than their actual color or extraction methods being inherently green.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-roles-of-copper-and-nickel">Key roles of copper and nickel</h3>



Copper stands out as a cornerstone of green metals due to its excellent electrical conductivity. It is crucial in the production of wind turbines, solar panels, and the infrastructure required for transmitting renewable energy. As the demand for renewable energy sources skyrockets, so does the need for copper, making its role in the green transition indispensable.



Nickel, with its high energy density, is becoming increasingly important for battery production, especially for electric vehicles and large storage systems. Its role in the battery industry is crucial for enhancing the performance and capacity of lithium-ion batteries, making EVs more efficient and competitive with traditional vehicles.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lithium-cobalt-and-rare-earth-elements-rees">Lithium, cobalt and Rare Earth Elements (REEs)</h3>



The surge in electric vehicle production has escalated the demand for lithium and cobalt, essential components of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries power not only EVs but also storage solutions for renewable energy, making lithium and cobalt critical in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting down CO2 emissions.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-earth-elements-are-waiting-to-be-discovered-in-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rare Earth Elements</a> (REEs) are key components in the manufacture of magnets used in wind turbines and electric motors. Despite their name, REEs are relatively abundant but require <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-can-help-sustainably-extract-rare-earth-elements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex processing</a> to be extracted and used, making their supply chain a critical consideration for green technology industries.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-solutions-for-the-future-of-green-metals">Challenges and solutions for the future of green metals</h3>



While the demand for green metals is a positive sign of a shift towards a more sustainable future, it also brings challenges, including the environmental impact of mining and the need for responsible sourcing. 



Innovations in recycling green metals from used technology and developing more sustainable mining practices are crucial steps towards mitigating these challenges.



In summary, green metals are at the heart of the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Their role in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and other green technologies is undeniable. 



As we advance, the focus must be on increasing the supply of these essential materials while also ensuring their production and use are as sustainable as the technologies they support. Through innovation, responsible sourcing, and recycling, the path to a sustainable future becomes clearer and more attainable.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adk5979" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>. 



-----



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



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



-----

Earth's mantle may contain a wealth of "green metals"

In the global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, the availability...

California is synonymous with sunshine and abundance – its fertile soil and ideal climate make it the nation's agricultural breadbasket. Here, over a third of the country's vegetables and nearly three-quarters of fruits and nuts are grown. Yet, a water crisis looms in California. 



Declining groundwater levels, exacerbated by a changing climate, threaten the very foundation of this agricultural powerhouse. Drastic measures might be needed – but could smarter farming practices help avoid the worst?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-california-agriculture-and-water-use">California agriculture and water use</h2>



California's farms are thirsty, consuming a staggering 80 percent of the state's water used by homes and businesses. As groundwater supplies dwindle, the state is taking action. The 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (<a href="https://water.ca.gov/programs/groundwater-management/sgma-groundwater-management" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SGMA</a>) aims to make all groundwater basins sustainable by 2040. 



To achieve this, groundwater use must be reduced by a hefty 20-50% – a daunting task for a state so reliant on agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-usage-pattern-in-california">Water usage pattern in California</h2>



A recent study out of <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a> sheds light on a potential path forward. Researchers combined remote sensing data, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-artificially-intelligent-machines-take-over-food-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning</a>, and a whole lot of data to pinpoint water usage patterns in California's Central Valley. 



Their surprising conclusion? Smaller changes in farming practices could have the same water-saving impact as more drastic measures like switching crops or leaving fields unplanted.



"There's an opportunity for less obtrusive methods of saving water to be more important than we originally thought," revealed Anna Boser, the study's lead author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-not-what-you-grow-but-how-you-grow-it">It's not what you grow, but how you grow it</h2>



We often assume that certain crops require more water than others. This idea leads to the belief that water conservation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-farming-could-have-huge-benefits-for-soil-fertility-and-crop-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a> means either switching crops or leaving fields fallow. However, the recent study reveals that the way farmers manage their land has a huge impact on water usage.



The California study found that bringing the practices of the top 50% of water-using farms down to the average level of their neighbors could save a whopping 10% of the water used by crops. Incredibly, these practice-based savings could rival the water conserved by fallowing the 5% most water-intensive fields.



This changes everything. It means solutions might be less about forcing farmers to make drastic land changes and more about empowering them to use water smarter. 



Optimizing farming techniques holds the potential to make a massive difference in water conservation without the potentially negative social and economic effects of switching crops or taking land out of production.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smarter-practices">Smarter practices</h2>



What are these magic practices? They might not be so glamorous but they work:



<ul>
<li>Mulching:&nbsp;Covering the soil with materials like wood chips or straw reduces evaporation, keeping moisture where the plants need it.</li>



<li>No-till planting:&nbsp;Leaving crop residue on the ground after harvest acts like a natural mulch, conserving moisture and improving soil health.</li>



<li>Drought-tolerant varietals:&nbsp;Choosing plant varieties bred to thrive on less water makes a big difference.</li>



<li>Deficit irrigation:&nbsp;Sometimes, giving a crop a bit less water than it technically 'needs' can save water without harming yields - or even improve crop quality, as is seen in some vineyards.</li>



<li>Precision irrigation:&nbsp;Technologies like soil moisture sensors and drip irrigation systems help target water directly to the roots, minimizing waste.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irrigation-efficiency">Irrigation efficiency</h2>



Yet, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-costs-of-organic-farming-wildlife-may-struggle-through-the-transition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farm</a> might lose up to 60% of its applied water before it gets to the plant roots. This loss can happen through leaky irrigation systems, water evaporating during transport, and weeds using the water instead.



Making improvements to irrigation systems could help. Adopting efficient watering techniques, such as drip irrigation, can also make a big difference. Drip irrigation sends water straight to where plants need it most: their roots. This approach can significantly cut down on water waste.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-working-with-nature-not-against-it">Working with nature, not against it</h2>



California's water crisis won't be solved with a single silver bullet. Yet, this study offers a beacon of hope, as co-author Tamma Carleton explained: "This raises the possibility that the state can continue its role as an agricultural powerhouse while also sustainably managing an essential natural resource."



Through a combination of smarter <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=farming&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farming practices</a>, better irrigation technologies, and the potential for some crop switching or land fallowing where necessary, California's farms have a fighting chance to navigate this crisis. 



It's a testament to the idea that by understanding and working with nature, we can find ways to both feed ourselves and safeguard a precious resource.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-46031-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

California's farms have a good chance of navigating the water crisis

California is synonymous with sunshine and abundance – its fertile...

A recent study conducted across six countries reveals that your political views makes a big difference in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-structure-political-opinions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perception</a> of the world.



History - it's not just a dusty textbook crammed with dates and names. It's a mirror of our values, hopes, and fears. But, your political stance might change the colors and shapes you see in this mirror.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-right-wing-political-views">Right-wing political views</h2>



The study spanning six countries - the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, South Africa, Mexico, and Poland - reveals a consistent quirk of perception. People who identify with right-wing political beliefs tend to view the past far more favorably than those who lean left.



Picture this: two groups look back at the same decade and one sees progress lost while the other sees a simpler, better time. Why such different takes on the same events?



“My observations indicate that a better appraisal of the past distinguishes the right from the left, an effect evident in all nations and thus reflecting a general phenomenon," said Dr. Francesco Rigoli of <a href="https://www.city.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">City University of London</a>.



"Moreover, the data suggest that this does not arise because people with a better opinion about the past are attracted towards the right, but rather because the right-wing ideology provides a framework to interpret the past as being a better age." 



"This suggests that nostalgia for tradition might mediate this effect, at least partially: people on the right report a longing for tradition, for hierarchical order, and for family connections, which they attribute to the recent past."



In other words, if you lean right, you're more likely to view history through a rose-tinted lens, seeing past eras as a time when values were clearer and life had a comfortable orderliness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-perception-and-political-views">Historical perception and political views </h2>



Don't think this is a new phenomenon. Since the dawn of organized societies, politicians have understood the power of shaping our view of the past.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Marxism:&nbsp;This economic and political philosophy paints history as a never-ending cycle of class struggle. Through this lens, the past was unjust, and the only hope lies in a future where communism vanquishes social divisions.</li>



<li>Liberalism:&nbsp;This view emphasizes individual liberty. It often idealizes a distant past "state of nature" before societies and institutions, painting history as a journey of progress from that wild state to our current, more organized one.</li>



<li>Fascism:&nbsp;This extreme and dangerous ideology taps into a potent cocktail of nostalgia and nationalism. It mythologizes a past where the nation was supposedly at its strongest and most pure, using that imagined past to incite unrest and rally support for authoritarianism.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-perception">Individual perception</h2>



The right often looks back with nostalgia. You might picture the political left as dreamers, hoping for a brighter future. This is partly true in certain countries. 



Left-leaning participants, especially in the US and Poland (and maybe the UK), were optimistic about the future. They felt that with wise decisions, humanity could create a much better world.



Dr. Rigoli clarifies: "…left-wing supporters believe that human actions can make a difference: their opinion is that, if appropriate choices are made, the future can improve substantially."



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



It's tempting to think of these findings as intellectual curiosities. But they reveal something fundamental about how we form perception from political views and interact with those who disagree with us. This deeper understanding can help us:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decode-campaign-slogans">Decode campaign slogans</h3>



Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" and Barack Obama's "Yes, We Can" are more than catchy slogans; they are messages that deeply connect with specific groups due to psychological reasons. These slogans work by tapping into how people view the past and future based on their political beliefs.



Right-wing individuals, viewing the past with nostalgia as a better time, find slogans promising a return to that past very appealing. "Make <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americans-stressed-out-politics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">America</a> Great Again" directly appeals to this feeling, suggesting a restoration of past greatness. In contrast, left-wing people, optimistic about future progress, are attracted to messages like "Yes, We Can" that highlight change and improvement.



Understanding the psychological appeal of these messages can shed light on why they strongly resonate with certain voter groups.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Understanding resistance to change</h3>



The study highlights why some resist change, even when the status quo is flawed. Right-wing oriented people, who view the past positively, see change as a departure from the "good old days." They actively resist it as a step away from a cherished past towards an uncertain future.



This understanding clarifies the dynamics behind political debates and resistance to policy changes. The discussion often transcends the change's merits, touching on deeper views of time and progress.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Common ground in perceiving political views</h3>



The findings are vital for political discourse and finding common ground in an era of polarized debates and incivility. Realizing that political opponents may view history through a different lens can lead to more tolerance.



Acknowledging that we all view the world through "customized historical mirrors" can encourage more empathetic conversations. While this might not change minds, it can create a respectful space for acknowledging differences, potentially reducing political conflict intensity.



Understanding the psychology behind <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-order-liberal-conservative/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">political beliefs</a>, campaign slogans, and resistance to change can foster a deeper, more respectful conversation. It's not about abandoning our beliefs but acknowledging our shared humanity despite different views. This approach could make political debates more civil and effective.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/pops.12971" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Political Psychology</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Political views change our perception of the past and future

A recent study conducted across six countries reveals that your...

Honey bees are synonymous with sweetness and buzzing energy. They're also the backbone of our food system, pollinating everything from almonds to zucchini. But recent research reveals a sting in the tail: climate change is making life tougher for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-causing-honey-bee-colony-collapse-in-the-u-s/">honey bees</a>. 



Longer, warmer falls could push colonies to the brink, raising the risk of springtime collapse. Is there a solution? Believe it or not, cold storage might be the answer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honey-bees-and-changing-climate">Honey bees and changing climate</h2>



Honey bees are temperature-driven creatures. When the mercury tops 50 degrees Fahrenheit, they're off and flying. Their winter survival strategy is brilliantly simple: huddle as a colony in the hive, living off their honey stores. This cozy cluster keeps the hive warm and protects the all-important queen bee.



Come spring, older worker bees resume their foraging flights. Sadly, this is when they naturally start to die off. For the hive to thrive, there must be enough younger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-are-very-loyal-to-their-flower-patches/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> hatching out to take their place. 



Too many older bees dying before enough replacements emerge, and the whole colony can collapse.



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



Here's where climate change throws a wrench in the works. Think about those longer, warmer fall seasons we're seeing. What does that mean for our bees? Here's what scientists at <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=Washington+State+University&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a> discovered:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-workaholic-trap">The workaholic trap</h3>



Honey bees possess an admirable work ethic. Their instinct to gather pollen and nectar ensures they'll fly whenever the weather allows, typically above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This dedication serves them well in traditional seasons, ensuring ample food stores and pollination of plants. However, climate change is altering those traditional weather patterns.



With warmer, longer fall seasons, bees keep flying when they'd normally start preparing for winter. This extra activity, unfortunately, takes a toll. Instead of conserving energy, they're shortening their lifespans. In essence, more flying time directly translates to fewer days for each worker bee.



This relentless work cycle, fueled by unseasonable warmth, jeopardizes the entire colony. Worker <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-honey-bee-disease-is-accelerating-across-the-uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a>, the females who tirelessly collect resources, are the backbone of the hive. 



When they die off prematurely, the colony suffers. This climate-driven "workaholic trap" could have serious consequences for bee populations as a whole.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-springtime-crash">Springtime crash</h3>



The impact of this extra fall activity becomes devastatingly clear in the spring. Bee colonies that spend the winter outdoors, especially in areas with significant climate change, may emerge severely weakened. Researchers in the Pacific Northwest, a vital region for beekeeping, have looked closely at how changing conditions might affect bees.



They've built models predicting how colonies might fare out to 2050, and the results are alarming. Simulations show many colonies could see their adult bee populations drop below the critical 5,000 to 9,000 bees needed to function properly. 



This includes warming the hive, caring for the young, and the vital task of foraging for food. A colony without enough workers simply cannot sustain itself, dramatically increasing the likelihood of collapse.



This has earned the worrying name "Springtime Crash," and its effects could be far-reaching for both nature and our food supply. Bees are essential pollinators, and their decline poses risks to crops and biodiversity. This research highlights the urgency of finding solutions. 



"This is a case where a small amount of warming, even in the near future, will make a big impact on honey bees."&nbsp;explained Kirti Rajagopalan, climate researcher at WSU. The risk is immediate. As climate change progresses, the threat to honey bee colonies will only intensify.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-cold-storage-save-bees-from-climate-change">Could cold storage save bees from climate change?</h2>



What if putting bees on ice, literally, could save them? It seems counterintuitive, but storing bee colonies in controlled cold storage during the fall might offer a lifeline to these vital pollinators.



<ul>
<li>Placing hives in cold storage forces the bees to cluster earlier, extending the lifespan of those tireless worker bees.</li>



<li>By the end of the century, simulations showed colonies with fall-to-spring cold storage could boast 15,000+ bees, compared to a dismal 5,000 or less if left outside all winter.</li>
</ul>



Gloria DeGrandi-Hoffman, an expert at the <a href="https://www.usda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA</a>, stated: "Our simulations are showing that even if there is no nutritional stress, no pathogens, no pesticides – just the conditions in fall and winter are enough to compromise the age structure of a colony."



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



Commercial beekeepers are increasingly using cold storage. It helps with logistics (think moving those millions of hives to California for almond pollination) and supports overall bee health. 



As Brandon Hopkins, an entomologist at WSU, explained: "A lot of beekeepers are already practicing this management technique of storing bees indoors because it has a lot of immediate potential to help in a number of ways. These findings demonstrate that there are additional benefits to this practice for the survival of colonies in a changing climate."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bee-aware-bee-supportive">Bee aware, bee supportive</h2>



This research highlights how climate change disrupts ecosystems in unexpected ways. Let's remember our little pollinators next time we enjoy the fruits of their labors. Here's how you can help:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-a-bee-friendly-garden">Plant a bee-friendly garden</h3>



Creating a bee-friendly garden is a wonderful way to give back to honey bees and our other buzzing pollinating friends. The idea is as simple as it is powerful: focus on native plants. These are the flowers that local bees and insects have evolved alongside for countless generations. 



They're a perfect match, providing the exact type of nectar and pollen needed for these creatures to thrive. Planting a variety that bloom at different times of year is like setting out a delicious buffet for them – a constant source of nourishment.



Think strategically when choosing plants for your bee haven. You want a mix that ensures something's always in bloom. Early spring flowers are vital for those hungry bees waking up from winter, summer blooms keep colonies healthy and strong, and later flowers help them prepare for the colder months ahead. 



This colorful, continuous spread of food not only supports bees, but it will attract a dazzling array of pollinators, creating a vibrant, buzzing ecosystem right in your own backyard.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skip-the-pesticides">Skip the pesticides</h3>



Pesticides meant for garden pests often end up harming bees and other pollinators. Many common garden pesticides are highly toxic to bees, harming their ability to find food, fly back to their hives, and even reproduce. 



Worse yet, these chemicals can linger on the very plants they're meant to protect, poisoning the pollen and nectar that bees work so tirelessly to collect. This contamination poisons not just individual bees, but the entire colony.



The damage caused by pesticides is far-reaching and insidious. Without pollinators, the production of many fruits, vegetables, and nuts is impossible. Reduced yields and less variety are the immediate consequences, but it also contributes to biodiversity loss, weakening the entire food chain. 



By choosing natural pest control methods, gardeners have the power to safeguard these essential pollinators, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant ecosystem for everyone.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-55327-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Honey bee colonies are collapsing as climate change progresses

Honey bees are synonymous with sweetness and buzzing energy. They're...

We all know the phrase "the grass is always greener...", but what if there's literally no greener place to go? That's the reality facing many plant species in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/akara-rare-tropical-storm-develops-off-the-coast-of-brazil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brazil's</a> Cerrado. They're stuck in a race where the finish line is a mountaintop, and the climate change won't stop chasing them.



But it's not a straightforward disaster – new research shows that the story might be about winners, losers, and a whole lot of uphill battles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cerrado-plants-and-climate-change">Cerrado plants and climate change</h2>



A new study by scientists from Brazil and Europe has looked at how warming temperatures might force over 7,000 plant species in the Cerrado to move. Plants, like animals, have a geographical range.



This is the area where the temperature, rainfall, and general conditions make it just right for them to survive and grow. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-officially-arrived-in-the-black-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> is messing with those perfect conditions, and plants are feeling the heat – literally.



“Every plant and animal species has a ‘geographical range’ – the area where conditions are suitable for it to live,” said Mateus Silva, from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cerrado-ecology">Cerrado ecology</h2>



Think of the Cerrado as a smaller, but no less incredible, cousin to the Amazon rainforest. It's a place packed with roughly 12,000 flowering plant species. From towering trees to delicate orchids, the Cerrado's plants purify the air we breathe, support vast networks of wildlife, and sustain indigenous communities.



Sadly, this ecological treasure chest is under siege. Relentless conversion for agriculture and cattle ranching has eaten away roughly half of the Cerrado. This destruction doesn't just mean lost beauty – it unravels delicately balanced ecosystems, jeopardizes countless species, and disrupts the natural services these landscapes provide, like water cycling and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-officially-arrived-in-the-black-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> regulation.



The damage to the Cerrado has consequences far beyond Brazil. As climate change intensifies, preserving biodiverse regions like the Cerrado is becoming increasingly urgent. These complex living systems may hold solutions to problems like excess carbon or degraded soil. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uphill-cerrado-plants-due-to-climate-change">Uphill Cerrado plants due to climate change </h2>



As temperatures rise globally, many plants instinctively seek cooler havens at higher altitudes. “As the climate warms, plants’ ranges are shifting, with many species going uphill,” said study co-author Mateus Silva from the University of Exeter. 



This uphill migration reveals nature's resilience – even slow-moving plants adapt to survive. Yet, this strategy has stark limits. Lowland plants may find some refuge uphill, assuming they can move fast enough to keep pace with the changing climate and aren't blocked by human-made obstacles. 



But the climb brings a hidden cost: it squeezes those already at higher elevations. Plants on mountaintops have no escape. As temperatures increase, they face a shrinking world with nowhere left to climb.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-outlook-for-2040">The outlook for 2040</h2>



This study paints a concerning picture for the Cerrado's plants. It's estimated that around 150 plant species will be in critical danger by 2040, losing a huge chunk of the area where they can live.



“About half of Cerrado plant species will experience a net range loss due to climate change by 2040,” said Silva. “And more than two thirds (68-73%) of the Cerrado landscapes will see a net loss in species numbers.” 



“Virtually the entire Cerrado area will experience some level of species replacement due to climate change, and this will be most intense in highland areas. Meanwhile, lowland areas will have less plant diversity as some species become unable to tolerate the new conditions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-optimistic-worst-case-scenario">The "optimistic" worst case scenario?</h2>



The scientists call their predictions "optimistic." Why? Because they've only looked at the impact of changing temperatures and rainfall. They haven't yet factored in the Cerrado's terrible habitat destruction or the tangled mess of how one species being affected can have a ripple effect on others.



"The range loss highlighted by our study will be compounded by this habitat loss and fragmentation, which makes it harder for species to move to new areas,” Silva added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cerrado-ascends-as-climate-changes">Cerrado ascends as climate changes</h2>



The Cerrado's highlands are unique. They aren't like the lowlands, offering cooler temperatures and different conditions. Since those uphill areas are likely refuges, they need special <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-americas-largest-savanna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> efforts tailored to their unique needs. 



The study looked specifically at the short-term future for a reason – these are the time frames in which conservation efforts could make a real difference.



“It’s also important to note that our study did not examine interactions between species – this complex ecology is also likely to play an important role," said Silva.



"At this stage, we wanted to highlight the likely impact of large-scale patterns. The Cerrado highland areas reach 700-1,200m above sea level and they provide different conditions from the lowlands, highlighting the need for distinct conservation actions.”



Remember, the Cerrado is a remarkable and irreplaceable part of our planet. Its thousands of plant species, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world, are in a race for survival. Climate change is pushing them uphill, but human destruction is cutting off their escape route. While the science is important, it's time to move beyond simply watching and start taking serious action.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13832" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diversity and Distributions</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Climate change triggers migration of thousands of plant species

We all know the phrase "the grass is always greener...",...

The global surge in extreme wildfires has sparked an urgent re-evaluation of current wildfire management practices. A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.umt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Montana</a> has found that the prevalent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fire-suppression-drought-sensitive/">approach</a> of fire suppression not only fails to mitigate wildfire severity but, paradoxically, may lead to more devastating fires by intensifying the conditions under which wildfires burn.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-suppression-has-unintended-consequences">Fire suppression has unintended consequences</h2>



Using sophisticated computer simulations, the experts discovered that a policy of blanket wildfire suppression contributes to fires with more severe ecological consequences, further fueled by climate change and the accumulation of combustible materials in forests.



“Fire suppression has unintended consequences,” said lead author Mark Kreider, a Ph.D. student in forest and conservation sciences at the University of Montana. “We’ve known for a long time that suppressing fires leads to fuel accumulation. Here, we show a separate counter-intuitive outcome.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-landscape-more-prone-to-severe-wildfires-nbsp">A landscape more prone to severe wildfires&nbsp;</h2>



To explain this, the researchers introduce the concept of “suppression bias,” highlighting how current firefighting efforts, while reducing the total area affected by fires, disproportionately eliminate low- and moderate-intensity fires. This, in turn, leaves a landscape more prone to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/severe-wildfires-could-prove-beneficial-for-mountain-quail/">severe wildfires</a>.



“Over a human lifespan, the modeled impacts of the suppression bias outweigh those from fuel accumulation or climate change alone,” Kreider said. “This suggests that suppression may exert a significant and underappreciated influence on patterns of fire globally.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-suppression-exacerbates-the-challenges-of-climate-change">Fire suppression exacerbates the challenges of climate change</h2>



Supported by a <a href="https://www.nsfgrfp.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship</a>, Kreider's doctoral work reveals that suppression strategies exacerbate the challenges posed by climate change and fuel buildup, potentially accelerating the increase in burned areas by three to five times compared to scenarios without suppression efforts. “By attempting to suppress all fires, we are bringing a more severe future to the present,” he warned.



Andrew Larson, Kreider’s doctoral advisor and a professor of forest ecology, emphasized the ecological implications of favoring suppression, noting the disruption to natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-forest-management-regeneration/">forest regeneration</a> processes and potential alterations to evolutionary pressures on flora and fauna.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-altering-natural-selection-with-fire-suppression">Altering natural selection with fire suppression</h2>



“Traditional suppression removes the low-severity fires that help perpetuate healthy forests by consuming fuels and preferentially killing thin-barked tree species. I wonder how much we are altering natural selection with fire suppression by exposing plants and animals to relatively less low-severity fire and relatively more high-severity fire,” he explained.



However, the study also offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that a more nuanced approach to fire management - allowing for low- and moderate-intensity fires under controlled conditions - can mitigate or even reverse the adverse effects of the suppression bias. 



Such a strategy, which entails letting fires burn when conditions are less severe, could lead to a reduction in overall fire severity and a more sustainable rate of area burned.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effective-strategies-and-technologies-are-needed">Effective strategies and technologies are needed</h2>



“It may seem counterintuitive, but our work clearly highlights that part of addressing our nation’s fire crisis is learning how to accept more fires burning when safely possible,” said study co-author Philip Higuera, a professor of fire ecology at the University of Montana.



Professor Higuera highlighted the importance of this approach alongside other critical measures such as addressing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-impacts-are-evolving-due-to-climate-change-but-in-what-ways/">climate change</a> and reducing human-caused fire ignitions.



The experts stress the necessity of developing and implementing effective strategies and technologies to manage wildfires under moderate conditions. This balanced approach is essential for confronting the fire crisis, alongside broader efforts to mitigate climate change and decrease accidental ignitions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-46702-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Fire suppression methods increase the severity of wildfires

The global surge in extreme wildfires has sparked an urgent...

A team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> (UCL) has recently found that humans transmit viruses to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-discovery-cats-play-a-role-in-spreading-covid-19/">domestic</a> and wild animals more frequently than they contract them from these animals. This major analysis of viral genomes offers new insights into the dynamics of disease transmission across species.



Through an exhaustive examination of all publicly available viral genome sequences, the experts aimed to trace the cross-species transmission - or host jumps - of viruses.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-humans-at-the-receiving-end-of-viruses">Are humans at the receiving end of viruses?</h2>



The team sought to challenge the prevailing view that humans are primarily at the receiving end of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reverse-zoonoses-humans-are-getting-their-pets-sick/">zoonotic</a> diseases, which are infections that jump from animals to humans. These diseases have been responsible for outbreaks such as Ebola, flu, and COVID-19.



The research team developed and applied methodological tools to analyze the nearly 12 million viral genomes that have been published on public databases to date, outlining the scale of their investigation into the evolutionary paths and mutations of viruses as they adapt to new hosts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bidirectional-exchange-of-pathogens">Bidirectional exchange of pathogens</h2>



Contrary to the common perception of humans as mere recipients of animal viruses, the study's findings suggest a more bidirectional exchange of pathogens.&nbsp;



“We should consider humans just as one node in a vast network of hosts endlessly exchanging pathogens, rather than a sink for zoonotic bugs,” said co-author Francois Balloux, a professor at the UCL Genetics Institute.



“By surveying and monitoring transmission of viruses between animals and humans, in either direction, we can better understand viral evolution and hopefully be more prepared for future outbreaks and epidemics of novel illnesses, while also aiding conservation efforts.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-me-viruses-emerge-in-humans-and-animals">How do me viruses emerge in humans and animals?</h2>



Study lead author Cedric Tan, a PhD student at the UCL Genetics Institute and <a href="https://www.crick.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Francis Crick Institute</a>, pointed out the broader implications of their findings, especially concerning conservation and food security. 



“When animals catch viruses from humans, this can not only harm the animal and potentially pose a conservation threat to the species, but it may also cause new problems for humans by impacting food security if large numbers of livestock need to be culled to prevent an epidemic, as has been happening over recent years with the H5N1 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-is-killing-thousands-of-seals-and-sea-lions-globally/">bird flu</a> strain.”



“Additionally, if a virus carried by humans infects a new animal species, the virus might continue to thrive even if eradicated among humans, or even evolve new adaptations before it winds up infecting humans again. Understanding how and why viruses evolve to jump into different hosts across the wider tree of life may help us figure out how new viral diseases emerge in humans and animals.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viruses-with-a-wider-range-of-animal-hosts-nbsp">Viruses with a wider range of animal hosts&nbsp;</h2>



Interestingly, viruses with a wider range of animal hosts showed a lesser need for such adaptations, suggesting inherent capabilities in some viruses to infect diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pigs-and-humans-are-sharing-antibiotic-resistance-genes/">hosts</a> without extensive genetic changes.



While cell entry is generally considered as the first step for a virus to infect a host, the scientists discovered that many of the adaptations associated with host jumps were not found in the viral proteins which enable them to attach to and enter host cells. This finding suggests that viral host adaptation is a complex process in need of further research to be fully understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-our-understanding-of-host-jumps-nbsp">Enhancing our understanding of host jumps&nbsp;</h2>



“Our research was made possible only by the countless research teams that have openly shared their data via public databases. The key challenge, moving forward, is to integrate the knowledge and tools from diverse disciplines including genomics, epidemiology, and ecology to enhance our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-jump-related-species/">host jumps</a>,” said co-author Lucy van Dorp, a researcher in microbial and population genetics at UCL.



Thus, the study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02353-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>, not only sheds light on the underestimated role of humans in transmitting viruses to other species but also underscores the importance of a holistic approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-new-rna-viruses-identified-in-ocean-waters/">monitoring</a> and managing disease outbreaks, reinforcing the need for a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/onehealth/basics/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Health</a> perspective that recognizes the health of humans, animals, and the environment as interconnected.



-----



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



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



-----

Humans transmit more viruses to animals than we catch from them

A team of researchers from the University College London (UCL)...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



—–



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



—–



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



—–

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



-----



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



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



-----

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



---



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



---



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



---



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



---



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

News coming your way