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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

Did you know that millions of years ago, a dolphin bigger than a car roamed the rivers of the Amazon basin? Named Pebanista yacuruna, the species is the largest of its kind ever recorded, measuring over 11 feet in length.



Paleontologists from the University of Zurich (<a href="https://www.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UZH</a>) have discovered the fossil of a massive freshwater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-river-dolphins-are-at-great-risk-of-extinction-due-to-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphin</a> that lived in the Peruvian Amazon region around 16 million years ago. 



Pebanista yacuruna takes its name from the mythical 'Yacuruna', an aquatic people believed to inhabit the Amazon in local folklore. This legendary connection seems fitting, given how incredible and mysterious this creature would have been.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-and-pebanista">Amazon and Pebanista</h2>



"Sixteen million years ago, the Peruvian Amazonia looked very different from what it is today," said lead author <a href="https://www.pim.uzh.ch/apps/cms/pageframes/staff.php?show=1197&amp;get=cv" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aldo Benites-Palomino.</a>



Instead of a dense rainforest, the Amazon of Pebanista's time was dominated by a vast system of interconnected lakes and swamps known as "Pebas". 



This unique environment teemed with life, offering a bountiful habitat for the enormous <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/dolphin-everything-you-need-to-know-about-these-magical-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a>. Imagine a landscape closer to today's Florida Everglades than the jungles we associate with the Amazon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pebanista-s-unexpected-cousins">Pebanista's unexpected cousins</h2>



We discovered that its size is not the only remarkable aspect," noted Benites-Palomino. "With this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/280-million-year-old-fossil-of-tridentinosaurus-antiquus-proven-to-be-a-forgery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> record unearthed in the Amazon, we expected to find close relatives of the living Amazon River dolphin – but instead the closest cousins of Pebanista are the South Asian river dolphins (genus Platanista)."



This tells us that Pebanista belonged to a group called Platanistoidea, a lineage of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bottlenose-dolphins-have-a-newly-discovered-super-sense/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a> that ruled the world's oceans many millions of years ago. These ocean-dwelling ancestors journeyed into freshwater, making a home in the newly forming Amazon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-of-pebanista-yacuruna">Characteristics of Pebanista yacuruna</h2>



Pebanista wasn't just impressive due to its size. It had a suite of unique features that set it apart as a true freshwater specialist. The researchers suggest the following characteristics:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size">Size </h3>



As discussed, at an estimated 9.19 to 11.48 feet long, Pebanista yacuruna takes the crown as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trachelosaurus-fischeri-worlds-oldest-long-necked-marine-reptile-rediscovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">largest</a> freshwater dolphin ever discovered. This suggests it was likely a formidable predator within its ecosystem.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-skull-built-for-the-river">A skull built for the river</h3>



The skull of Pebanista reveals a long snout with large teeth, well-developed crests above the eyes, and a deep basin around the nostrils. All of these point towards a dolphin perfectly designed to navigate, hunt, and thrive in its freshwater world.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-snout">Powerful snout</h3>



Its snout, particularly strong and wide compared to other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-dolphins-suffer-from-the-highest-known-levels-of-pfas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a> in its family, and the presence of large teeth suggest Pebanista had a unique feeding strategy, likely involving large or hard-shelled prey.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eyes-on-the-sides">Eyes on the sides</h3>



While Pebanista had eyes, the most striking feature of its skull is the large crests above its eye sockets. This is a strong indication that, like modern river <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-use-baby-talk-to-communicate-with-their-young/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a>, it relied heavily on echolocation to navigate muddy waters and find prey with incredible precision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pebanista-extinction">Pebanista extinction</h2>



Sadly, despite its early success, Pebanista eventually went <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cape-lions-had-extremely-rich-genetic-variety-before-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinct</a>. Scientists think the reason lies in dramatic changes to its environment. 



"Much of the Amazonian plain was covered by a large system of lakes and swamps called Pebas,” said Benites-Palomino. 



Around 10 million years ago, this system gradually dried up and transformed into the Amazon basin we know today. This habitat shift likely made the giant dolphin's usual prey scarce, leading to its demise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-river-dolphins">Amazon river dolphins</h2>



Interestingly, the disappearance of Pebanista paved the way for a new group: the smaller ancestors of today’s Amazon River dolphins. 



Just like Pebanista before them, these newcomers left the ocean to adapt to the abundant freshwater habitats of the Amazon.



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



"After two decades of work in South America we had found several giant forms from the region, but this is the first dolphin of its kind,” added <a href="https://www.pim.uzh.ch/apps/cms/_downloads/sanchez_marcelo_CV.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marcelo R. Sánchez-Villagra</a>, director of the Department of Paleontology at UZH. “We were especially intrigued by its peculiar biogeographical deep-time history.”



The tale of Pebanista yacuruna showcases the dynamic history of the Amazon. It's a reminder that landscapes we take for granted were once vastly different. 



And somewhere out there, beneath those tangled vines and vibrant flowers, more secrets of this prehistoric world still await discovery.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adk6320" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Giant new dolphin species, Pebanista yacuruna, discovered in Peru

Did you know that millions of years ago, a dolphin...

A new study from the <a href="https://umich.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> has found that people hospitalized with severe flu infections may face a higher risk of long-term brain damage than those who were hospitalized with COVID.



We often see flu as a mere inconvenience – a week of misery, and then it's over. But the findings of the research suggest that the flu's shadow might extend far longer than we thought. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-flu-vs-long-covid">Long Flu vs. Long COVID</h2>



The concepts of "long flu" and "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-iron-may-be-a-key-driver-of-long-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long COVID</a>" are relatively new but undeniably concerning. These lingering conditions can appear in some individuals after the initial viral infection fades, leaving behind a constellation of debilitating symptoms. 



Brain fog, persistent headaches, crushing fatigue, and changes in mood are shared hallmarks of both syndromes.



So, why are we only now starting to recognize the potential severity of these long-term effects? It's partly because these conditions are complex and challenging to diagnose. Their symptoms overlap with other health problems, making it difficult to pinpoint the root cause.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-risks">Comparing Risks</h2>



Hoping to shed light on the neurological impact of flu and COVID, University of Michigan researchers conducted a large-scale study. They delved into the medical records of over 77,000 patients, comparing the risk of six common neurological disorders in those who were hospitalized with flu or COVID.



The scientists tracked patients hospitalized with COVID between March 2020 and November 2021. They compared this data to records of patients hospitalized with flu before 2020 (to avoid misattributing flu <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-waves-weaken-flu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cases</a> to COVID).



It's important to remember that this study focused on severe cases requiring hospitalization. Milder infections may carry different risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-flu-and-brain-damage">Long flu and brain damage</h2>



Severe flu might leave a longer-lasting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medical-oddity-people-born-in-october-are-least-likely-to-get-the-flu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact</a> on the brain than a comparably severe COVID infection. 



The study reveals that patients hospitalized with the flu were nearly twice as likely to seek medical help for neurological problems in the year after their illness compared to those hospitalized with COVID. 



This includes a 44% increased chance of needing treatment for nerve pain, a 35% higher likelihood of battling persistent migraines, and up to a 10% greater risk of needing care for stroke or dementia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-flu-risks-inflammation-and-beyond">Long flu risks: Inflammation and beyond</h2>



The question is, why might the flu pose a greater long-term risk to the brain than COVID? While the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-flu-emerges-as-a-public-health-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> is ongoing, here's what we know:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflammation">Inflammation</h3>



Both flu and COVID can cause widespread inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can harm blood vessels, including those within the brain, potentially setting the stage for complications.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-direct-brain-invasion">Direct brain invasion</h3>



In some cases, these viruses can directly infect the brain, leading to encephalitis (brain swelling).



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autoimmune-confusion">Autoimmune confusion</h3>



These infections may trigger autoimmune reactions, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks nerves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-the-findings">Insights from the findings</h2>



"While the results were not what we expected to find, they are reassuring in that we found being hospitalized with COVID did not lead to more care for common neurological conditions when compared to being hospitalized with influenza," explained lead researcher, Dr. Brian Callaghan.



This study underscores the importance of protecting our brains – not just from COVID but from a wide range of illnesses. Here's what you can do:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaccinate-for-long-flu-and-covid-19">Vaccinate for long flu and COVID-19</h3>



Flu and COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce your risk of severe illness and long-term complications.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-don-t-delay-your-treatments">Don't delay your treatments</h3>



Seek prompt medical care if you experience a severe infection of any kind. Early intervention can be a game-changer, significantly affecting the outcome.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthy-brain-habits">Healthy brain habits</h3>



<ul>
<li>Regular exercise: Exercise fuels your brain. It ramps up blood flow, stimulating new brain cell growth and strengthening connections. Aim for regular physical activity to protect your brainpower.</li>



<li>Balanced diet:&nbsp;Load up on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. These powerhouses deliver essential brain-boosting nutrients, including those amazing omega-3 fatty acids found in fish.</li>



<li>Adequate sleep:&nbsp;Don't skimp on sleep. While you rest, your brain clears away toxins, strengthens memories, and resets your mood. Consistent, restful sleep is crucial for a thriving brain.</li>



<li>Stress management:&nbsp;Chronic stress is a brain-drain. It weakens memory, disrupts your mood, and can even increase your risk of brain diseases. Find healthy ways to unwind, whether it's meditation, a relaxing hobby, or spending time in nature.</li>
</ul>



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000209248" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>.



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Long flu may be more harmful to the brain than COVID

A new study from the University of Michigan has found...

Electronic,Waste,And,Garbage,For,Recycling

The escalating global challenge of electronic waste (e-waste) generation significantly outstrips the pace at which we are recycling these materials, as highlighted in the UN's latest <a href="https://globalewaste.org/">Global E-waste Monitor report</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-millions-of-tons-of-electronic-waste">Millions of tons of electronic waste </h2>



The staggering 62 million tons of e-waste generated in 2022 paints a vivid picture of the severity of the issue; this amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-e-waste-millions-of-tons-discarded-in-the-us-each-year/">waste</a> could fill a line of 40-ton trucks encircling the Earth's equator.&nbsp;



Yet, a mere 22.3% of this e-waste was documented to have been recycled properly, spotlighting the vast amount of valuable resources - worth an estimated $62 billion - that remain untapped, and highlighting the increased pollution and health risks to communities across the globe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-than-half-the-world-is-addressing-the-issue-nbsp">Less than half the world is addressing the issue&nbsp;</h2>



“From discarded televisions to dumped telephones, an enormous amount of e-waste is generated around the world. The latest research shows that the global challenge posed by e-waste is only going to grow," said Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, the director of <a href="https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Pages/default.aspx">ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau</a>.



"With less than half of the world implementing and enforcing approaches to manage the problem, this raises the alarm for sound regulations to increase collection and recycling."



"The Global E-waste Monitor is the world's foremost source for e-waste data allowing us to track progress overtime and to make critical decisions when it comes to transitioning to a circular economy for electronics."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressing-need-to-amplify-our-recycling-endeavors">Pressing need to amplify our recycling endeavors</h2>



The annual rise of 2.6 million tons in e-waste production, with predictions set to soar to 82 million tons by 2030, underscores a pressing need to amplify our recycling endeavors to prevent further environmental degradation and safeguard human health.&nbsp;



E-waste, defined as any discarded <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-years-electronic-waste-outweighs-the-great-wall-of-china/">product</a> with a plug or battery, harbors toxic additives and hazardous substances, including mercury, posing grave threats to human health and environmental well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widening-gap-between-e-waste-and-recycling-nbsp">Widening gap between e-waste and recycling&nbsp;</h2>



The widening gap between e-waste production and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-recycling-day-creating-a-healthier-planet-for-all/">recycling</a> is attributed to several factors, including rapid technological advancements, higher consumption rates, limited repair options, shorter product life cycles, societal shifts towards greater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-waste-environmental-disaster/">electronification</a>, design challenges, and insufficient e-waste management infrastructure.&nbsp;



This complex web of challenges highlights the urgent need for integrated solutions that encompass technological innovation, policy reform, and community engagement to enhance e-waste recycling efforts globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-e-waste-generation-at-the-source">Reducing e-waste generation at the source</h2>



In response to these challenges, the report posits a holistic approach that emphasizes not only the economic and environmental benefits of enhanced e-waste recycling but also the critical importance of reducing e-waste generation at the source.&nbsp;



Through targeted initiatives that promote repair, reuse, and responsible consumption, alongside the development of more sustainable product designs and improved e-waste management systems, we can begin to address the root causes of the e-waste crisis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reclaiming-valuable-materials-from-e-waste">Reclaiming valuable materials from e-waste</h2>



One of the report's striking revelations is the current inefficiency in reclaiming valuable materials from e-waste, which presents both an economic loss and a missed opportunity for reducing reliance on primary resource extraction.&nbsp;



By improving recycling rates and adopting more circular economy practices, we can mitigate the environmental impact of e-waste and foster a more sustainable relationship with our electronic devices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collective-action-is-needed">Collective action is needed</h2>



As we navigate the complexities of the e-waste challenge, the report calls for collective action from policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and consumers to reimagine our approach to electronics consumption and waste <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-highlights-desperate-need-for-electronic-waste-management/">management</a>.&nbsp;



Through innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and public awareness campaigns, we can drive significant progress towards a future where electronic waste no longer poses a threat to our planet and our health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-e-waste-monitor-report">Global E-waste Monitor report</h2>



For a comprehensive understanding of the e-waste dilemma and the path forward, the Global E-waste Monitor report serves as an invaluable resource, offering detailed insights, data, and recommendations for tackling this pressing environmental issue.&nbsp;



By confronting the e-waste challenge head-on, we can unlock new opportunities for resource <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-goals-protect-ecosystems/">conservation</a>, environmental protection, and economic growth, ensuring a more sustainable and equitable world for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-business-as-usual-can-t-continue">Business as usual can't continue</h2>



“No more than 1% of demand for essential rare earth elements is met by e-waste recycling," said report lead author Kees Baldé, an expert in e-waste at the <a href="https://www.unitar.org/">United Nations Institute for Training and Research</a> (UNITAR).



"Simply put: Business as usual can't continue. This new report represents an immediate call for greater investment in infrastructure development, more promotion of repair and reuse, capacity building, and measures to stop illegal e-waste shipments. And the investment would pay for itself in spades.”&nbsp;



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Electronic waste is growing five times faster than recycling

The escalating global challenge of electronic waste (e-waste) generation significantly...

Little,Auk

Seabirds, specifically the little auk (Alle alle), the most populous seabird of the North Atlantic, animate the serene yet dynamic Arctic landscape with their vibrant calls at night. 



Recent research led by the Arctic Research Center at <a href="https://www.arc.hokudai.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hokkaido University</a>, Japan, and the Department of Ecoscience at <a href="https://www.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>, Denmark, provides an unprecedented look into the nightly behaviors of these captivating birds amidst the perpetual daylight of the Arctic summer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-echoes-in-the-arctic-silence">Echoes in the arctic silence</h2>



This innovative study, conducted in the remote expanses of Northwest Greenland, actively utilizes passive acoustic and <a href="https://youtu.be/f_9Q7o1xKRY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imaging technologies</a> to explore the hidden nocturnal activities of little auk colonies.



Meanwhile, about 60 million birds flock to the region each summer for breeding and foraging, marking their omnipresence. Yet, despite this abundance, the scientific understanding of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-survival-can-shorebirds-adjust-to-changes-in-their-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daily routines</a> and vocal patterns remains scant.



Surprisingly, the research reveals a significant increase in Arctic seabird vocalizations during the night. This finding starkly contrasts with the expected dawn chorus observed in mid-latitude regions. 



The nocturnal surge links to the reduced presence of birds in the afternoon, affecting both calling and wing-flapping rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-seabirds-at-night">Arctic seabirds at night</h2>



Associate Professor Evgeny A. Podolskiy, leading the study at Hokkaido University, emphasizes its insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-arctic-terns-may-navigate-the-challenges-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian behavior</a> under constant daylight. 



"These findings provide a fascinating glimpse into the intricate rhythms of Arctic life, and remind us that bird counts depend on the time of day," he remarks. 



The observed acoustic patterns in little auks mirror their behavioral cycles, including attendance, feeding, and fledging. These patterns offer valuable insights into their ecological dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guardians-of-the-arctic">Guardians of the Arctic</h2>



Dr. Anders Mosbech of Aarhus University points out the little auk, or dovekie, as essential for tracking Arctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-geese-adapt-by-finding-a-new-migratory-route/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental shifts</a>. 



"Understanding their behavior is key to effective conservation and ecosystem management, especially as the region undergoes rapid environmental transformations," he emphasizes.



The significance of this research extends to its methodological advancements. "The crucial role of passive acoustic monitoring in studying wildlife behavior in remote and difficult-to-access regions cannot be overstated," adds Podolskiy. 



This approach stands out for being non-invasive and efficient, making it especially advantageous over traditional field observation methods. Traditional methods prove more laborious and frequently impractical in the remote Arctic seabird breeding colonies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-the-future-of-arctic-seabirds">Implications and the future of Arctic seabirds</h2>



Monica Ogawa, a Ph.D. candidate at the Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, and co-author of the study, discusses the future implications of their work. 



"By integrating audio data with other monitoring techniques, such as time-lapse cameras or radar systems, and involving local communities, conservation efforts for seabird populations can be enhanced, promoting sustainability," she explains.



Looking ahead, the research team is eager to further investigate the acoustic ecology of Arctic seabirds. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, the team aims to deepen our understanding of avian biology and its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-may-be-ice-free-sooner-than-we-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental impacts</a>. They seek to illuminate the complex interactions sustaining life in one of Earth's most extreme environments.



This study expands our knowledge of the Arctic's ecological dynamics. Additionally, it exemplifies the potential of innovative research methods in contributing to global conservation efforts.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-05954-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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Arctic seabird audio recordings show they have a very active nightlife

Seabirds, specifically the little auk (Alle alle), the most populous...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a> has revealed the significant repercussions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-landscapes-are-being-transformed-by-climate-change/">climate change</a> on the Alps' biodiversity and ecosystem functions, spotlighting the intertwined effects of diminishing snow cover and the upward shift of vegetation patterns, such as the proliferation of dwarf-shrubs including heather. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-of-critical-alpine-ecosystem-functions">Timing of critical alpine ecosystem functions</h2>



Mountainous regions globally are experiencing a warming rate surpassing that of adjacent lowlands, precipitating a stark reduction in snow cover and encouraging the upward shift of certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greening-in-the-alps-is-visible-from-space/">vegetation</a> types.&nbsp;



The experts discovered that these environmental alterations are disrupting the timing of critical alpine ecosystem functions performed by plant and soil microorganism activities, which are vital for maintaining nutrient balance and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountains-biodiversity-hotspots/">biodiversity</a> in these extreme habitats.



“Our paper reveals how important the timing of many plant and soil processes are in seasonal ecosystems. People may be familiar with mismatches between plant flowering and the emergence of pollinators caused by climate change,” said lead author Arthur Broadbent, an expert in the functioning of mountain&nbsp; ecosystems at Manchester.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-seasonal-dynamics">Fascinating seasonal dynamics</h2>



“In our study, we have demonstrated that plant and soil processes show fascinating seasonal dynamics, and that the timing of these processes can also be disrupted by climate change. The high mountains are like a canary in the coalmine because they are warming much faster than the global average. That makes our findings particularly alarming.”



Typically, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-ecosystems-are-in-urgent-need-of-protection/">mountain ecosystems</a> undergo substantial nutrient exchanges between plants and soil microbes, influenced by seasonal dynamics. The onset of spring and subsequent snowmelt initiates a competition for nutrients between plants and soil microbes, facilitating a nutrient shift from soil to flora. This dynamic reverses in autumn as plants die, recycling nutrients back to the soil.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-altering-the-balance-of-alpine-ecosystems">Altering the balance of alpine ecosystems</h2>



Snow serves a critical insulating role across alpine ecosystems during the winter, enabling soil microbes to function and plants to withstand the frigid temperatures. However, climate projections suggest a dramatic reduction in snow cover by the end of the century, alongside significantly earlier snowmelts, altering this delicate balance.



"Declining winter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-has-decreased-in-recent-decades/">snow cover</a> is one of the most obvious and pronounced impacts of climate change in the Alps. Its effects on the functioning and biodiversity of alpine ecosystems are a major concern for people living in Alpine regions and beyond,” explained co-author Michael Bahn, an ecologist at the <a href="https://www.uibk.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Innsbruck</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-long-term-consequences">Potential long-term consequences</h2>



“Our work demonstrates how the combination of different facets of climate change can severely disrupt below-ground ecological processes that underpin plant growth in alpine ecosystems, with potential long-term consequences for their biodiversity and functioning,” added senior author Richard Bardgett, a professor of ecology at Manchester.



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17245" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>, sheds light on the complexity of ecosystem responses to the multifaceted impacts of climate change. It underscores the challenge scientists face in predicting these effects due to the intricate interplay between direct and indirect climate change factors.



The research also highlights the urgent need for integrated approaches to understand and mitigate the consequences of climate change on alpine ecosystems and their biodiversity.



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Alpine ecosystems are thrown off balance by climate change

A new study led by the University of Manchester has...

The concern about potential weight gain is often cited by smokers as a reason to avoid quitting. However, a new study led by the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> has recently found that both initiating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-cigarettes-accelerates-aging/">smoking</a> and prolonged smoking habits may lead to an increase in abdominal fat, particularly the dangerous kind known as visceral fat. 



This type of fat, nestled deep within the abdominal cavity, is associated with heightened risks of several severe health conditions, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-too-much-protein-greatly-increases-heart-disease-risk/">heart disease</a>, diabetes, stroke, and dementia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoking-and-visceral-fat">Smoking and visceral fat </h2>



Although smokers typically weigh less than non-smokers, they paradoxically tend to accumulate more fat in the abdominal region, including an increase in visceral fat.&nbsp;



This type of fat is insidious because it can accumulate significantly without visible signs, such as a protruding belly, yet significantly elevate the risk of critical health issues. The study provides compelling evidence that smoking may be a direct contributor to the accumulation of visceral fat.



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



Utilizing a statistical method known as <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43586-021-00092-5">Mendelian randomization</a> (MR), researchers from the NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research at the University of Copenhagen sought to establish a causal link between smoking and an increase in abdominal fat.&nbsp;



Mendelian randomization analyzes genetic information from various studies to explore the causal relationships between certain exposures (like smoking) and outcomes (such as increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-abdominal-fat-linked-to-alzheimers-disease/">abdominal fat</a>). 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoking-behaviors-and-body-fat">Smoking behaviors and body fat</h2>



The research combined multiple genetic findings from studies focusing on European ancestries that looked at smoking behaviors and body fat distribution indicators, like the waist-to-hip ratio and measurements of waist and hip circumferences.&nbsp;



The scientists incorporated data from two large-scale European ancestry studies: one examining the impact of starting smoking on 1.2 million individuals and another analyzing over 450,000 lifetime smokers.&nbsp;



The research on body fat distribution involved more than 600,000 participants, providing a robust dataset for these significant findings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-influencing-factors">Potential influencing factors</h2>



The experts first identified genetic markers linked to smoking habits and body fat distribution. They then leveraged this genetic data to assess whether individuals with genetic predispositions to smoking exhibited different body fat distributions.&nbsp;



Importantly, the experts adjusted for other potential influencing factors, such as alcohol intake or socioeconomic status, to isolate the impact of smoking on body fat distribution from other variables.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangerous-belly-fat">Dangerous belly fat</h2>



“This study found that starting to smoke and smoking over a lifetime might cause an increase in belly fat, as seen by measurements of waist-to-hip ratio,” said lead author Germán D. Carrasquilla, an epidemiologist at the University of Copenhagen. “In a further analysis, we also found that the type of fat that increases is more likely the visceral fat, rather than the fat just under the skin.”



“Previous studies have been prone to confounding, which happens when an independent variable affects the results. Because our study design uses genetic variations, it does a better job of reducing or controlling for those variables,” he added.&nbsp;



“The influence of smoking on belly fat seems to happen regardless of other factors such as socioeconomic status, alcohol use, ADHD, or how much of a risk-taker someone is.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-excess-abdominal-fat-in-smokers">Excess abdominal fat in smokers</h2>



According to the experts, from a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/">public health</a> point of view, these findings highlight the importance of large-scale efforts to prevent and reduce smoking in the general population, in order to help reduce abdominal visceral fat and the various chronic diseases that are related to it. Thus, reducing a major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quitting-smoking-at-any-age-brings-big-and-immediate-health-benefits/">health risk</a> in the population will, indirectly, reduce another major health risk.



The discovery that the excess abdominal fat in smokers is mainly visceral emerged from examining the relationship between DNA variants associated with smoking behaviors and abdominal fat and how these relate to different body fat compartments.&nbsp;



The analysis revealed that these genetic factors have a stronger connection to increased visceral adipose tissue - the deep fat surrounding abdominal organs - rather than to the subcutaneous fat located just below the skin.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/add.16454" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Addiction</a>.



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Study reveals that smoking increases abdominal fat

The concern about potential weight gain is often cited by...

Killer whales, also called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sign-of-the-times-solitary-orcas-are-hunting-great-whites/">orcas</a>, are renowned for their intelligence, social bonds, and deadly hunting skills. But, they are not all the same. There are populations of killer whales around the world specializing in different diets and hunting strategies. 



Scientists from the University of British Columbia&nbsp;are diving into the world of a less-understood group of these stunning creatures. The study sheds light on some of their secrets by focusing on a subpopulation of whales that frequents the deep canyons off the California coast. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transient-killer-whales">Transient killer whales</h2>



Imagine a group of killer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-resident-killer-whales-are-undernourished/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a> patrolling the California coast. Chances are, you're picturing the kind that go after fish, the gentler giants of their species. The researchers focused on an entirely different breed: the transient killer whale. 



These are the true hunters, honing their skills to capture some of the ocean's most capable creatures – seals, sea lions, even the calves of giant whales.



Scientists are realizing that within the "transient" category, there are smaller, specialized clans. Some keep to the coastline, while others venture into the open ocean, a realm with its own unique challenges and rewards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-strategies-of-transient-killer-whales">Hunting strategies of transient killer whales</h2>



"These results suggest that the outer coast whales are a distinct subpopulation that has developed specialized hunting techniques to catch marine mammals in this deep-water habitat," explained the study authors. So, what does a whale hunt in the open ocean actually look like?



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head-on-ram">The head-on ram</h3>



This technique involves a killer whale propelling itself at full speed towards its prey, leading with its head to create a forceful collision. This method is particularly effective in stunning or even killing the prey upon impact. 



The suddenness and intensity of the attack leave the prey disoriented or incapacitated, making it easier for the killer whale to secure its meal. This method showcases the killer whales' understanding of their own physical prowess and their ability to utilize it with precision.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-tail-slap-ko">The tail-slap KO</h3>



In this method, killer whales use their powerful tails to deliver a crushing blow to their prey. The force of the tail slap can be so immense that it disorients the prey, making it vulnerable to further attack. In some instances, smaller prey, such as sea lions, can be catapulted out of the water by the force of the tail slap. 



This technique highlights the killer whales' ability to leverage different parts of their body as tools for hunting, demonstrating their adaptability and ingenuity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-coordinated-ambush">The coordinated ambush</h3>



This strategy involves a group of killer whales working together to herd their prey towards the slopes of underwater canyons, effectively trapping them. The coordinated nature of this ambush prevents the prey from escaping and makes it easier for the killer whales to attack. 



This method also showcases their knowledge of the topography of their hunting grounds and how to use it to their advantage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-killer-whales-group-huntings">Killer whales group huntings</h2>



In the vast ocean, transient killer whales excel at hunting, skillfully using their environment. Additionally, their exceptional communication aids in tracking prey. They also employ echolocation, similar to natural radar, emitting clicks and listening for echoes to pinpoint locations, even in total darkness.



When the whales find a group of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lack-of-prey-is-changing-the-behavior-of-killer-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prey</a>, say sea lions, they work together to trap them. Some whales dive below the sea lions, blocking any escape into the deep canyon. Others charge straight ahead! The sea lions have nowhere to go.



When a killer whale attacks, the water bursts with noise and movement. They even slap their powerful tails to stun their prey. These are deadly, well-planned hunts. But they're not easy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-reactions">Hunting reactions</h2>



Seals are quick, sea lions fight back, and even whale calves under their mothers' protection are a formidable force. Killer whales risk injury or worse, demonstrating the hunger that drives them to master these techniques.



The most incredible part? Researchers believe these skills aren't purely instinctual. "Their distinct foraging behaviors may be culturally transmitted from generation to generation," explained the experts. Young killer whales likely learn from their elders, carrying on traditions just as rich as our own.



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



“Transient (mammal-hunting) killer whales have been studied primarily in coastal shallow water habitats, and there is currently little known regarding their behavior in offshore and deep pelagic systems," noted the researchers.



This study highlights the complex foraging behavior and ecology of transients and how they act as apex predators in productive&nbsp; deep submarine canyon systems and how their behavior is linked to multiple marine mammal prey populations in the North Pacific Ocean.”



It reminds us that protecting these amazing creatures means protecting the complex habitats they thrive in. And, most importantly, it reveals a piece of our planet as captivating as it is mysterious.



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



Killer whales are instantly recognizable by their black and white coloring, which helps them blend in with the changing light underwater. Their powerful bodies and tall dorsal fins (especially on male whales) are built for speed and long-distance travel. 



Inside those streamlined bodies are highly developed brains that power their complex social lives and clever hunting tactics. Remarkably, killer whales thrive in a huge range of ocean habitats, from icy seas to warm tropical waters.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-structure">Social structure</h3>



The social lives of killer whales are some of the most complex in the animal kingdom. They live in tight groups called pods, which are often led by a wise, experienced female. Pods are like extended families, including offspring, relatives, and even multiple generations living and hunting together.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pod-dynamics">Pod dynamics</h3>



Pods usually have anywhere from a few whales up to over 40 members. They do everything as a team: hunting, sharing food, swimming in sync, and communicating with their own unique language of whistles, clicks, and pulsed calls.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-and-learning">Culture and learning</h3>



Different pods of killer whales have their own distinct cultures – think of it like different human communities each having their own traditions. These include specialized hunting strategies for their local prey and even variations in their calls and whistles. 



As discussed, young killer whales learn these behaviors from their families, showing a form of cultural learning that's rarely seen outside of humans.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-human-impact">Conservation and human impact</h3>



Killer whales are top predators, but that doesn't mean they're safe. They face many threats caused by humans. Water pollution, reduced prey due to overfishing, and changes to their ocean habitats driven by climate change can all put their future in danger. 



The more we learn about the biology and social lives of killer whales, the better equipped we'll be to make choices that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-resident-killer-whales-endangered-by-inbreeding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protect</a> them for generations to come.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299291" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>.



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Killer whales use clever hunting strategies to outsmart prey

Killer whales, also called orcas, are renowned for their intelligence,...

A new study from the <a href="https://web.mit.edu/">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT) is forcing us to rethink just how unlikely life on Venus might be. The researchers discovered that some of the core building blocks of life on Earth are surprisingly stable when exposed to the corrosive sulfuric acid found in Venus's atmospheric clouds.



Until recently, most scientists wouldn't have given the notion of life on Venus a second thought. With surface temperatures hot enough to melt lead and a toxic atmosphere bursting with sulfuric acid, our neighbor Venus seems utterly inhospitable to any form of life we understand. 



But could there be something living in those swirling, fiery clouds?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-perspective-on-venus">A new perspective on Venus</h2>



While the surface of Venus might be the closest analog to an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanoes-cover-nearly-the-entire-surface-of-venus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inferno</a> that we know of, conditions in the planet's upper cloud layer are surprisingly temperate.



The challenge in imagining Venusian life is that its environment is so drastically different from Earth's. Those floating cities of sulfuric acid would dissolve most familiar biological materials in minutes. 



So, if life does exist on Venus, it must be very different from what we're used to.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amino-acids-and-venus">Amino acids and Venus</h2>



The MIT team looked specifically at amino acids. These tiny molecules are crucial for life on Earth because they link up to form proteins. 



“If you consider the four major building blocks of life as nucleic acid bases, amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates, we have demonstrated that some fatty acids can form micelles and vesicles in sulfuric acid, and the nucleic acid bases are stable in sulfuric acid," said study co-author Maxwell Seager, an undergraduate at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (<a href="https://www.wpi.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WPI</a>).



"Carbohydrates have been shown to be highly reactive in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-organisms-may-be-transforming-the-clouds-around-venus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sulfuric acid</a>. That only left us with amino acids as the last major building block to study.”



Proteins provide essential structure and perform countless functions in everything from microscopic bacteria to the biggest animal on our planet. If there's life out there, it almost certainly relies on proteins in some way.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amino-acids-stability-in-sulfuric-acid">Amino acids stability in sulfuric acid</h2>



The researchers dissolved 19 different amino acids – the types crucial for life on Earth – in sulfuric acid at concentrations matching the acidity in Venus's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/venus-and-jupiter-will-soon-enter-into-a-spectacular-conjunction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clouds</a>. Incredibly, the central structure of these amino acids remained stable for weeks under these incredibly harsh conditions.



“People have this perception that concentrated sulfuric acid is an extremely aggressive solvent that will chop everything to pieces,” said study co-author Janusz Petkowski, a research affiliate in MIT’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (<a href="https://eaps.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EAPS</a>). “But we are finding this is not necessarily true.”



“What is absolutely surprising is that concentrated sulfuric acid is not a solvent that is universally hostile to organic chemistry."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-there-life-on-venus">Is there life on Venus?</h2>



This study doesn't prove that life exists on Venus. We're a long way from discovering little floating Venusian microbes. But, it's a massive leap forward. 



“Just showing that this backbone is stable in sulfuric acid doesn’t mean there is life on Venus,” noted Maxwell Seager. “But if we had shown that this backbone was compromised, then there would be no chance of life as we know it.”&nbsp;



“We are finding that building blocks of life on Earth are stable in sulfuric acid, and this is very intriguing for the idea of the possibility of life on Venus,” added study author <a href="https://physics.mit.edu/faculty/sara-seager/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sara Seager</a>, MIT’s Class of 1941 Professor. 



It shows that the chemistry of Venus might not be as instantly destructive to organic molecules as we assumed. That opens the door to imagining the existence of life as we don't yet understand it.



Moreover, it directs future research. Scientists now know that amino acids – vital to terrestrial life – warrant a closer look regarding Venus's atmosphere. Future space probes and studies can build upon this knowledge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-on-venus-the-quest-goes-on">Life on Venus: The quest goes on</h2>



The search for life on Venus is gaining serious momentum. This MIT study, alongside the controversial detection of phosphine in Venus's atmosphere (another potential sign of life), has scientists around the world more curious about our neighbor than ever before.



“There are only a few groups in the world now that are working on chemistry in sulfuric acid, and they will all agree that no one has intuition,” added Sara Seager. “I think we are just more happy than anything that this latest result adds one more ‘yes’ for the possibility of life on Venus.”



Moreover, a privately-funded mission with MIT's Professor Sara Seager as the lead scientist is scheduled to launch in 2025. This probe will journey through Venus' clouds, analyzing the chemical makeup on its quest for signs of life.



Overall, it's an astonishing, humbling, and exciting time to be alive as we reach towards a greater understanding of our place in the cosmos.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/ast.2023.0082" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astrobiology</a>.



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Venus' environment could support certain types of life

A new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)...

On Wednesday, the Biden administration issued a major auto emission <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-plan-to-reduce-auto-emissions-received-with-skepticism/">regulation</a> with the ambitious aim of ensuring that by 2032, the majority of new passenger vehicles and light trucks sold in the United States will be powered by electricity or hybrid technology. 



This policy is not just a statement of intent but a significant stride towards a sustainable automotive future, reflecting a profound transformation in the way Americans will drive and contributing to the global fight against climate change.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cutting-carbon-emissions-from-transportation-nbsp">Cutting carbon emissions from transportation&nbsp;</h2>



Despite electric vehicles (EVs) accounting for only 7.6% of car sales in the previous year, this rule sets an aggressive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biden-lays-out-plan-for-electric-vehicle-charging-stations/">target</a> of 56% for EVs, with hybrids expected to make up an additional 16 percent.



The significance of this move cannot be understated. Transportation is the largest source of carbon emissions in the United States, making the shift to electric and hybrid vehicles crucial in the nation’s efforts to combat the adverse effects of climate change.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pursuing-an-ambitious-target">Pursuing an ambitious target</h2>



This strategy is at the core of President Biden's comprehensive plan to address global warming, aiming for a reduction of the country's emissions by half by the decade's end. However, the transition to EVs has become a contentious issue, sparking debate among politicians, especially as the 2024 presidential election approaches.



“Three years ago, I set an ambitious target: that half of all new cars and trucks sold in 2030 would be zero-emission,” Biden said. “Together, we’ve made historic progress. Hundreds of new expanded factories across the country. Hundreds of billions in private investment and thousands of good-paying union jobs. And we’ll meet my goal for 2030 and race forward in the years ahead.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rise-of-zero-emissions-vehicles">The rise of zero-emissions vehicles</h2>



Crafted by the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA), the new rule meticulously outlines the gradual reduction of permissible tailpipe emissions, paving the way for a future where over half of the new cars sold would likely be zero-emissions vehicles. 



This initiative is expected to mitigate over seven billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions across three decades, equating to eliminating a year's worth of the United States' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.&nbsp;



Beyond environmental preservation, the EPA projects nearly $100 billion in annual net benefits to society, with $13 billion attributed to annual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/auto-emission-climate-policies-save-children-boost-economies/">public health</a> benefits from enhanced air quality. Moreover, it estimates that the average American driver could save about $6,000 in reduced fuel and maintenance during the life of a vehicle.



The path to electric vehicles is fraught with challenges, demanding significant adjustments in manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, labor, global trade, and consumer habits.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-political-debate-on-electric-vehicles">Political debate on electric vehicles </h2>



Moreover, it has ignited a political firestorm. Former President Donald Trump has vocally criticized EVs, questioning their performance and cost-effectiveness, while the <a href="https://afpm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Fuel &amp; Petrochemical Manufacturers</a> have initiated a substantial campaign against what they inaccurately describe as “Biden’s EPA car ban.” 



However, as EPA argues, this regulation is far from being a ban. It does not mandate the sales of electric vehicles, and gas-powered cars and trucks could still be sold. Nonetheless, it will set stringent emissions standards for manufacturers to meet across their product lines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-is-electric-nbsp">The future is electric&nbsp;</h2>



The automotive industry has responded with cautious optimism to the new standards. For instance, John Bozzella, president of the <a href="https://www.autosinnovate.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alliance for Automotive Innovation</a>, which represents 42 car companies that produce most of the new vehicles sold in the United States, acknowledged the challenge but appreciated the rule's flexibility. 



“The future is electric,” he said. Yet, the rules “are mindful of the importance of choice to drivers and preserve their ability to choose the vehicle that’s right for them.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immediate-legal-challenges-nbsp">Immediate legal challenges&nbsp;</h2>



However, this rule is bracing for immediate legal challenges from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-current-fossil-fuel-plans-will-shatter-1-5c-climate-goal/">fossil fuel</a> companies and Republican attorneys general, with Elizabeth Murrill articulating the opposition's stance: "They may wish for us all to drive EVs or no cars at all, but at the end of the day that’s not their decision. There is a limit to their authority to remake society in their own vision and the court has realized that.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historic-climate-grand-slam-nbsp">Historic climate grand slam&nbsp;</h2>



Yet, this regulation is a cornerstone among several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ipcc-climate-action-urgently-needed-to-end-human-suffering/">climate actions</a> taken by the Biden administration, designed to dramatically reduce the nation's greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with ambitious 2030 and 2050 targets.&nbsp;



These efforts are bolstered by the <a href="https://www.energy.gov/lpo/inflation-reduction-act-2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022 Inflation Reduction Act</a>, representing the largest climate legislation in U.S. history. Environmental advocates like Manish Bapna have lauded these measures, considering them a “historic climate grand slam for the Biden administration.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-compromising-on-environmental-objectives-nbsp">No compromising on environmental objectives&nbsp;</h2>



Facing the complexities of a transition that intersects with economic, labor, and political realms, the administration has shown a willingness to adapt. This includes making concessions to the automotive industry and its workforce to ensure the regulation's feasibility without compromising on environmental objectives.&nbsp;



According to the <a href="https://uaw.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Auto Workers</a>, the EPA had “come a long way to create a more feasible emissions rule” which would protect workers who build gas-powered cars while opening a path for car makers to “implement the full range of automotive technologies to reduce emissions.”



As the Biden administration navigates the intricate balance between environmental sustainability, economic health, and political viability, it remains committed to a future where clean transportation is the norm.&nbsp;



This regulation not only embodies the administration's environmental ambitions but also underscores the pivotal role of political will, industrial innovation, and societal adaptation in achieving a more sustainable world.



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The future is electric: EPA sets strictest-ever vehicle emission rules

On Wednesday, the Biden administration issued a major auto emission...

Human activity is no longer subtly influencing the ocean's rhythm. According to the results of a new study, humans are dramatically reshaping how ocean seasons change throughout the year. Scientists have found a clear human imprint on the seasonal cycle of sea surface temperature.



The ocean temperatures in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-were-a-driving-force-behind-2023s-record-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023</a> broke all-time records. This unprecedented heat isn't just about rising numbers; it's fundamentally altering the ocean, its seasons and the delicate balance of life upon which we all depend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-ocean-surface-temperature">What is ocean surface temperature?</h2>



Sea surface temperature (<a href="https://www.earth.com/image/global-sea-surface-temperature-from-amsr-e/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SST</a>) refers to the temperature of the ocean's top layer. It's a crucial component of understanding our climate because the ocean absorbs about 90% of the excess heat. 



SST impacts weather patterns, marine ecosystems, and the ocean's ability to continue soaking up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disrupted-ocean-season-rhythm">Disrupted ocean season rhythm</h2>



This research by <a href="https://www.whoi.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)</a> shows that the seasonal swings in sea surface temperature are amplifying. Summers are getting significantly hotter compared to winters. 



This isn't happening everywhere in the same way. Researchers observed the following patterns:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northern-hemisphere">Northern hemisphere</h3>



Critically, the warming impact is most dramatic during summer months, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. Scientists found that shallower summertime "mixed layers" (the top, actively mixed part of the ocean) are trapping more heat.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southern-hemisphere">Southern hemisphere</h3>



Shifting wind patterns, themselves caused by warming, are the main culprits behind changing ocean temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-nature">More than 'just nature'</h2>



Skeptics try to downplay the seriousness of climate change by suggesting the warming is 'just nature.' This finding offers a powerful counterargument.



“This research rebuts claims that recent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-surface-temperatures-are-speeding-up-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> changes are natural, whether due to the Sun or due to internal cycles in the climate system. A natural explanation is virtually impossible in terms of what we are looking at here: changes in the seasonal temperatures of the ocean,” stated <a href="https://directory.whoi.edu/profile/jshi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Jia-Rui Shi</a>, a researcher at the WHOI. 



“This research further rules out the claim that we don’t need to treat climate change seriously because it is natural.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-changing-ocean-temperatures-and-seasons">Consequences of changing ocean temperatures and seasons</h2>



“This robust human fingerprint in the seasonal cycle of ocean surface temperature is expected to have wide-ranging impacts on marine ecosystems. This can dramatically influence fisheries and the distribution of nutrients,” said Shi. “Gaining insight into the anthropogenic influence on seasonality is of scientific, economic, and societal importance.”



More extreme summer temperatures will affect crucial food sources for countless species, disrupt migration patterns, and throw marine life cycles out of balance. 



This has profound implications for fisheries, which many communities around the world depend upon for their livelihoods.



Additionally, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-hit-a-record-high-this-week-with-the-worst-heat-still-to-come/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmer water</a> holds less carbon dioxide. As the ocean gets hotter, its ability to act as a buffer against the full force of climate change may falter, leading to even faster warming of the planet as a whole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-changing-ocean-seasons">Insights from changing ocean seasons</h2>



As Benjamin Santer, a leading climate scientist from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, points out, decisions about tackling climate change must be based on the best possible scientific understanding. 



“We now face important decisions, in the United States and globally, on what to do about climate change. Those decisions should be based on our best scientific understanding of the reality and seriousness of human effects on average climate and on the seasons,” noted Santer.



The seasons of the ocean are changing due to our actions, and those changes are accelerating. This research is a stark reminder that climate change is real, it's here, and it demands our urgent attention.



The study is published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-01958-8 ‌" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Humans are significantly changing ocean surface temperatures and seasons

Human activity is no longer subtly influencing the ocean's rhythm....

The Cape lion: a majestic predator vanished in the blink of an eye. Within a mere two centuries of European arrival, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-lion-day-celebrating-the-king-of-the-jungle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnificent beasts</a> were ruthlessly hunted to extinction. Yet, their story might not have ended there. Could their legacy still echo within the genes of other lions, hidden in plain sight?



Scientists from the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a> decided to find out. Harnessing the power of genomics, they looked deep into the past, searching for answers. Were Cape lions truly a unique subspecies, forever lost to history?



The results were astonishing. While endangered populations typically lose genetic diversity as they approach extinction, leading to inbreeding, the Cape lion defied expectations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflicting-cape-lion-descriptions">Conflicting Cape lion descriptions</h2>



European naturalists might have seen the black mane as a defining feature. However, for those living alongside Cape lions, their story included a broader spectrum of looks.



“What’s interesting is that the scientific name of the Cape lion, Panthera leo melanochaitus, literally means black mane, but this description was based on a single specimen,” noted Julian Kerbis Peterhans, an emeritus professor at <a href="https://www.roosevelt.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roosevelt University</a>.



But did all Cape lions share this trait? Indigenous accounts paint a different picture, describing lions with a range of mane colors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-of-extinct-cape-lions">DNA of extinct Cape lions</h2>



The researchers focused on two well-preserved Cape lion skulls housed at the Field Museum, originally displayed in taxidermy mounts back in the 1800s. 



"Unlike most other Cape Lion specimens around the world, these specimens had a traceable history and geographic collection location, so they had a pedigree,” explained Thomas Gnoske, a <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a> biologist.



The team meticulously extracted DNA from these skulls and compared it to a wealth of genetic data from 118 other lions across 13 African countries. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-diversity-in-extinct-cape-lions">Genetic diversity in extinct Cape lions</h2>



“One of the most surprising things was that we found such high genetic diversity in the Cape lion population,” said Alida de Flamingh, postdoctoral researcher and first-author of the study. 



Even though the skulls came from the same region, they showed different DNA lineages and varied nuclear genomes. This reveals that the Cape region once held a remarkably diverse lion <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-lion-populations-dynasties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population</a>.



The findings become even more intriguing. Despite hunters pushing Cape lions to the brink of extinction, their genomes showed no typical signs of inbreeding or the diversity loss often seen in small, endangered populations.



This was unexpected. "Contemporary species that are critically endangered and at high risk of extinction, such as the rhino or black-footed ferret, often have really small effective population sizes, which leads to inbreeding and lack of heterozygosity," explained de Flamingh. 



“The Cape lions didn’t have any of those genomic signatures. What this means is that the Cape lions were hunted so rapidly that their genomes didn't have time to accumulate the signatures of long-term small population size.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-old-views">Challenging old views</h2>



“The information we gained from the genomic data and analysis didn't fit what was thought about Cape lions based on colonial descriptions," said <a href="https://anthro.illinois.edu/directory/profile/malhi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ripan Malhi</a>, Professor of Anthropology. 



"This study is good example showing that identifying type specimens using information from people who are not originally from that area can result in ignoring diversity in a population that is important for understanding evolution." 



The Cape lion's extinction story is a stark reminder: even a genetically robust population with high diversity can vanish with shocking speed. The lack of inbreeding in these lions, despite their near extinction, underscores the critical role of genetic diversity in a species' survival. 



This emphasizes the urgent need to protect current endangered species and maintain their genetic health to prevent a similar fate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-you-can-support-lion-conservation">How you can support lion conservation</h2>



The Cape lion's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lions-are-dangling-precariously-on-the-brink-of-extinction-immediate-action-is-needed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a> story offers a valuable lesson for conservation today. It highlights the importance of large, interconnected protected areas to maintain healthy lion populations. 



Here's how you can become part of the effort to protect lions and their habitats:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adopt-a-lion">Adopt a lion </h3>



Many conservation organizations offer symbolic adoption programs. Your support can fund vital research, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat restoration.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-support-local">Support local</h3>



Purchase products from companies and organizations that back lion conservation. Your consumer choices can drive change and support communities living alongside these big cats.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-become-a-citizen-scientist">Become a citizen scientist</h3>



Participate in wildlife monitoring programs. Your observations can help track lion movements, monitor populations, and even identify threats.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educate-and-advocate">Educate and advocate</h3>



Spread awareness about the challenges facing lions and other wildlife. Education can inspire action, and advocating for policy changes can protect critical habitats.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volunteer">Volunteer</h3>



Offer your time to conservation projects or zoos involved in education and preservation of wildlife. Hands-on involvement makes a tangible difference.



By engaging with conservation efforts, you can help ensure that lions continue to roam the wild. Together, we can turn the lessons learned from the Cape lion into a brighter future for all species sharing our planet.



The study is published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jhered/esad081 ‌" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Heredity</a>.



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'Cape lions' had an extremely rich variety of genes before extinction

The Cape lion: a majestic predator vanished in the blink...

Abstract,Background.,Elegant,Glowing,Circle.,Light,Ring.,Atoms,And,Electrons.

In an unprecedented experiment, scientists have successfully created a massive quantum vortex within superfluid helium, a breakthrough that mirrors the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gravity-measured-in-the-quantum-realm-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational</a> dynamics of black holes. 



This fascinating research, a collaborative effort among the <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nottingham</a>, <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King's College London</a>, and <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newcastle University</a>, introduces a sophisticated experimental model dubbed the "quantum tornado." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-a-quantum-vortex-in-the-lab">Creating a quantum vortex in the lab</h2>



Their innovation allows for an in-depth exploration of the behaviors and interactions of analog <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-map-of-supermassive-black-holes-unveiled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> with their environments.



At the heart of this experiment is the creation of a colossal swirling vortex in superfluid helium, achieved by cooling it to the lowest temperatures imaginable. 



This setup has enabled researchers to observe the minute wave dynamics on the surface of the superfluid with unprecedented detail and precision. 



According to the study published in Nature, these observations have revealed that the quantum tornados effectively replicate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational</a> conditions found near rotating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-jets-are-like-million-light-year-long-jedi-lightsabers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-superfluid-helium-brought-theory-to-life">How superfluid helium brought theory to life</h2>



Dr. Patrik Svancara, a leading figure in the research and an author of the paper from the University of Nottingham's School of Mathematical Sciences, shared insights into the significance of using superfluid helium for their study. 



"Using superfluid helium has allowed us to study tiny surface waves in greater detail and accuracy than with our previous experiments in water," Svancara explained. 



"As the viscosity of superfluid helium is extremely small, we were able to meticulously investigate their interaction with the superfluid tornado and compare the findings with our own theoretical projections," he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cryogenic-system-that-created-the-quantum-vortex">Cryogenic system that created the quantum vortex</h2>



The research team developed a custom cryogenic system capable of maintaining several liters of superfluid helium at temperatures below -271°C. 



At such extreme temperatures, liquid helium exhibits unique quantum properties that are usually restrictive in forming giant vortices in other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> fluids. 



However, this experiment showcased how the interface of superfluid helium can act as a stabilizing mechanism for these phenomena.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-vortices-and-black-hole-analogies">Quantum vortices and black hole analogies</h2>



Dr. Svancara further elucidated the nature of their setup, which marked a record-breaking achievement in the strength of vortex flow within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-with-cream-can-teach-us-a-lot-about-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> fluids.



"Superfluid helium contains tiny objects called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-realm-controlled-at-room-temperature-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> vortices, which tend to spread apart from each other. In our set-up, we've managed to confine tens of thousands of these quanta in a compact object resembling a small tornado, achieving a vortex flow with record-breaking strength in the realm of quantum fluids," Dr. Svancara explained.



These quantum vortices, typically dispersed from each other in superfluid helium, were manipulated to create a concentrated vortex flow.



The parallels drawn between the behavior of the vortex flow and the gravitational effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-black-hole-ever-discovered-dates-back-to-the-dawn-of-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> on surrounding spacetime have unveiled new opportunities for simulating finite-temperature quantum field theories in the complex environment of curved spacetimes. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-simulating-black-holes">Implications of simulating black holes</h2>



Professor Silke Weinfurtner, who leads the Black Hole Laboratory where this experiment was conducted, reflected on the evolution of their research. 



She highlighted the initial discovery of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spin-of-a-new-black-hole-is-unlocking-galactic-mysteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> physics in their analog experiments in 2017 as a pivotal moment for studying the enigmatic phenomena of the universe. 



"When we first observed clear signatures of black hole physics in our initial analog experiment back in 2017, it was a breakthrough moment for understanding some of the bizarre phenomena that are often challenging, if not impossible, to study otherwise," Weinfurtner explained.



"Now, with our more sophisticated experiment, we have taken this research to the next level, which could eventually lead us to predict how quantum fields behave in curved spacetimes around astrophysical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-binary-black-holes-secrets-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>," she concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-lies-ahead-in-black-hole-research">What lies ahead in black hole research</h2>



With the advancements made in their current experiment, the team is optimistic about the potential to predict the behavior of quantum fields in curved spacetimes around astrophysical black holes, propelling the field into new dimensions of understanding and exploration.



In summary, this study marks a significant leap in quantum physics, demonstrating for the first time the creation of a giant quantum vortex within superfluid helium to mimic the gravitational dynamics of black holes. 



The collaborative effort has deepened our understanding of analog black holes and set the stage for future simulations of quantum fields in curved spacetimes. 



Through meticulous experimentation and innovative approaches, the research team has unveiled new avenues for exploring the complex interplay between quantum mechanics and general relativity, bringing us closer to unraveling the mysteries of the universe.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07176-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Quantum vortex created in the lab to mimic black hole behavior

In an unprecedented experiment, scientists have successfully created a massive...

<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.



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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...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
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On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
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A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. 



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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