For decades, researchers have questioned whether boys and girls are born with the same natural ability in math. In 2005, cognitive psychologist Elizabeth Spelke took a firm stand, stating that there are no differences in overall intrinsic aptitude for science and mathematics among women and men.



Now, the evidence is even stronger. In a new study, researchers from <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a> and several institutions across France examined math performance in more than 2.5 million French schoolchildren. 



The team found that at the very beginning of first grade, boys and girls start off nearly equal in math. But just four months into formal math instruction, a small gap appears - and it keeps growing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nationwide-study-tracks-the-math-gap">Nationwide study tracks the math gap</h2>



The research draws on a French government testing program that was launched in 2018. This nationwide effort tracked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reminiscing-can-boost-language-development-in-preschoolers/">language</a> and math skills of young students from first through sixth grade. 



Over five years and across four student cohorts, the program gave researchers an unmatched view of early math development.



At school entry, French girls scored slightly better than boys in language. Math scores, though, were essentially the same. 



"The headline conclusion is that the gender gap emerges when systematic instruction in mathematics begins," Spelke explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-for-gender-differences">Looking for gender differences </h2>



Spelke had already spent decades studying how young children understand numbers and shapes. Back in 2005, she wrote a major review for American Psychologist. The piece challenged the notion that boys are biologically wired for better math performance than girls.



"My argument was, 'OK, if there really were biological differences, maybe we would see them in the infancy period,'" said Spelke. 



She and her team always tracked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-children-learn-gender-stereotypes-from-storybooks/">gender</a> in their studies, but they never found infant boys outperforming girls in math, or vice versa. Still, Spelke admitted that something could be happening later in development.



"The fact that there are no differences in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conscious-awareness-when-does-our-sense-of-purpose-emerge/">infants</a> could be because the abilities that show gender effects actually emerge during preschool," she proposed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-math-instruction-for-boys-and-girls">Math instruction for boys and girls</h2>



In recent years, Spelke has turned her attention to how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-better-way-for-kids-to-learn-math/">children learn counting</a> and numbers in real classrooms. 



Spelke partnered with Nobel Prize-winning MIT economist Esther Duflo to advise the Delhi office of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). The team is helping four Indian states create and test math lessons for children in preschool through first grade.



In France, she works alongside her longtime collaborator, neuroscientist Stanislas Dehaene. Together, they serve on the French Ministry of Education's Scientific Council, which helped develop the EvalAide testing program. 



The idea was simple: measure where every child stands in math and language and use that data to guide better teaching.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-gap-emerges-in-math">Gender gap emerges in math</h2>



For this study, the team analyzed data from four full cohorts of first-graders entering school between 2018 and 2021. 



What they found was consistent: no math gap at the time of school entry, a small but significant gap favoring boys after four months, and a steadily widening gap by second, fourth, and even sixth grade.



"It was even bigger in fourth grade," Spelke said. "And in sixth grade it was bigger still."



Interestingly, the gender gap in language shrank slightly after the first few months of school and stayed relatively stable in later years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ruling-out-old-explanations">Ruling out old explanations</h2>



So why does the math gap grow with time in school? The researchers ruled out several familiar theories.



"If there was really a pervasive social bias, and the parents were susceptible to it, we would expect boys to be more oriented toward spatial and numerical tasks when they first got to school," said Spelke.



But that didn’t happen. At school entry, there was no math gap. This points away from both biological and early social bias explanations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-experiment-during-the-pandemic">An experiment during the pandemic </h2>



The EvalAide dataset offered other insights. French first-graders can be nearly a year apart in age, depending on when their birthday falls. 



The team wondered if the older students were skewing results. They weren’t. The widening gender gap aligned more closely with time spent in school than with age.



Then came an unusual variable: COVID-19. The 2019 cohort missed the final 2.5 months of first grade due to lockdowns. That gap year created a natural experiment.



"With less time in school, the amount of the gender gap grew by less than it did in the other years where there wasn't a long school closure," said Spelke.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confirming-the-math-gender-gap">Confirming the math gender gap</h2>



The cohort also began school just after a national education crisis. In early 2019, French students had scored <a href="https://www.polytechnique-insights.com/en/braincamps/society/how-to-improve-the-relationship-between-education-and-employment/maths-an-essential-subject-whose-level-is-falling-in-a-majority-of-countries/#:~:text=In%202003%2C%2015%25%20of%20French,European%20average%20of%20527%20points.">lowest</a> among 23 European countries in math, according to international rankings. 



In response, the French Education Ministry - guided by its Scientific Council - called for more math teaching in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-pandemic-setbacks-reduced-kindergarten-readiness/">kindergarten</a>.



Sure enough, a tiny math gender gap appeared in fall 2019 among new first-graders. That gap hadn’t shown up in 2018 but was still present in 2020 and 2021.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problems-in-early-math-instruction">Problems in early math instruction </h2>



The study doesn't pinpoint a single cause, but its message is clear: differences in math achievement between boys and girls seem to grow as a result of what happens in early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/schools-are-in-a-battle-with-cell-phones-to-keep-students-engaged/">school</a> instruction.



"We still don't know what that is exactly," Spelke said. "But now we have a chance to find out by randomized evaluations of changes to the curriculum."



The findings put pressure on education systems to ask hard questions about how math is taught in the early years - and what needs to change to make it fair for everyone.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09126-4">Nature</a>.



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Early math instruction may unintentionally favor boys

For decades, researchers have questioned whether boys and girls are born with the same natural ability in math. In 2005, cognitive psychologist Elizabeth Spelke took a firm stand, stating that there are no differences in overall intrinsic aptitude for science and mathematics among women and men. Now, the evidence is even stronger. In a new study, researchers from Harvard University and several institutions across France examined math performance in more than 2.5 million French schoolchildren. The team found that at the very beginning of first grade, boys...

Researchers have successfully mapped the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-primate-genome-project-reveals-hidden-evolutionary-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomes</a> of 51 diverse animals species, including cats, dolphins, kangaroos, penguins, sharks, and turtles. 



This significant achievement, spearheaded by a team from <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a>, marks a pivotal moment in our understanding of evolution and the intricate genetic ties that bind humans to the animal kingdom.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-human-health-and-evolution">Understanding human health and evolution</h2>



<a href="https://engineering.jhu.edu/faculty/michael-schatz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Schatz</a>, the lead author of the study and a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of computer science and biology at Johns Hopkins University, emphasizes the monumental impact of this discovery. 



“Being able to access that genetic information will have huge implications for understanding human health and evolution,” said Schatz. 



“A lot of work on drug compounds starts in mice and other animal models, so understanding their genomes and the genomes of other animals directly benefits us.”



The research was conducted in collaboration with the <a href="https://vertebrategenomesproject.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vertebrate Genomes Project</a>. The team focused on sequencing the genomes of 51 animal species, prioritizing those with significant relevance to human evolutionary studies.



They overcame previous technological constraints by developing innovative algorithms and software, remarkably reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/complete-sequencing-of-the-human-genome-reveals-new-findings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome sequencing</a> time from months or even decades to mere days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-connections-through-animal-genome-mapping">DNA connections through animal genome mapping</h2>



The study highlights an intriguing fact: mammals, which encompass primates, dogs, cats, mice, and humans, share between 50% to 99% of identical DNA. 



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genomes-from-240-mammals-show-what-makes-humans-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shared genetic heritage</a> traces back to a common ancestor who lived approximately 200 million years ago. 



By comparing complete genomes of these species, researchers are beginning to pinpoint when and where DNA sequences diverged, offering vital insights into human genetics. 



However, the limited number and quality of available vertebrate genomes had previously restricted such comparative studies.



Mapping animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-analysis-can-predict-which-animals-are-at-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomes</a>, which are billions of characters long, is no small feat. Traditional gene sequencing technologies faltered, akin to attempting a massive jigsaw puzzle where only blue sky pieces remain. 



“Have you ever done a massive jigsaw puzzle where at some point all that’s left is blue sky, and you don’t think you’ll ever be able to fit the right pieces together? The old software would basically give up on these hard parts of the genome. That’s the problem with genome assembly,” Schatz said. 



“Our new program, using the latest sequencing data and the latest assembly algorithms, knows how to work through those parts to get a more complete picture.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-democratizing-genome-assembly">Democratizing genome assembly</h2>



The team tested their technology by mapping the genome of the zebra finch, a bird previously sequenced for brain development research. 



The new technology proved vastly superior in reassembling genome segments, creating a more accurate and complete <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammalian-tree-of-life-traces-evolution-of-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic map</a>.



In a significant move towards open science, the team has made their software freely available online via Galaxy, a web-based platform. 



Based at Johns Hopkins and Penn State, Galaxy supports over half a million scientists and educators globally, offering scientific software at no cost. 



“In the past, only a handful of elite research groups would have had access to the resources needed to assemble these genomes. Now, anyone on the planet with access to the internet can visit the website and, with a few clicks of the button, run multiple scientific tools,” said <a href="https://galaxyproject.org/people/alex-ostrovsky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alex Ostrovsky</a>, a Johns Hopkins software engineer on the Galaxy team who was responsible for making the tools easy to use for noncoders.



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



The team, in continued collaboration with the Vertebrate Genomes Project, aims to sequence the genomes of at least one species from all 275 vertebrate orders. 



Schatz likens this endeavor to constructing an "evolutionary time machine." This ambitious project will trace vertebrate evolution, shedding light on genes and sequences unique to humans.



“In some ways, we’re building an evolutionary time machine,” Schatz said. “We can trace how vertebrates evolved over time and eventually gave rise to genes and sequences that are uniquely found in humans. Having the genes of our evolutionary cousins mapped out will help us better understand ourselves.”



In summary, this groundbreaking research by Michael Schatz and his team marks a significant advancement in the field of genomics, fundamentally transforming our understanding of the evolutionary connections between humans and other vertebrates. 



By mapping the genomes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/genome-mapping_51-vertebrate-species_diagram_NSF_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">51 diverse animal species</a> and making their innovative software publicly accessible via the Galaxy platform, the team has democratized the process of genome assembly, empowering researchers across the globe. 



Their work offers unprecedented insights into our genetic heritage and sets the stage for future scientific discoveries that could have profound implications for medicine, biology, and our comprehension of life's intricate web on Earth.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-023-02100-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Biotechnology</a>.



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Genome mapping completed for dozens of common animals

Researchers have successfully mapped the genomes of 51 diverse animals...

Old,Tyres,Polluting,The,Nature

Recent research has raised significant concerns about the environmental impact of plastic pollutants originating from common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-deadly-and-widespread-environmental-pollutants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">road tires</a>.



A study, spearheaded by the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> and the <a href="https://plymouth.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Plymouth</a>, reveals these microparticles should be considered a high concern pollutant, especially in areas heavily contaminated, where they may surpass chronic safety thresholds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-toxic-impact-of-tire-pollutants">The toxic impact of tire pollutants</h2>



The research team delved into the chronic toxicity of particles and chemical leachates emanating from a variety of popular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/goodyear-eco-friendly-tires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tire brands</a>. 



Their focus extended to the impact these substances have on small planktonic crustaceans, specifically the water flea (Daphnia magna). 



The findings were alarming, to put it mildly. The tire-derived pollutants adversely affected both the reproduction and development of these water fleas, which also showed visible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-hazardous-chemicals-found-in-recycled-plastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particle</a> ingestion within their digestive tracts.



The study also shed light on the leachates -- liquids that seep through tire material, carrying harmful chemicals. 



Notably, these leachates contained high levels of zinc, titanium, and strontium, along with numerous organic chemicals. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recognizing-the-hazard">Recognizing the hazard</h2>



Of the plethora of organic chemicals identified during the research, over 50 were detected across all five tire brands examined. Alarmingly, many of these chemicals were categorized as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-plastics-treaty-tackles-the-pollution-problem-directly-at-the-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">highly toxic</a>.



This comprehensive research underscores the hazardous nature of tire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-clouds-may-be-affecting-the-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a>, highlighting them as pollutants of significant concern. 



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-drinking-water-often-contains-unsafe-levels-of-toxic-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a>, the researchers suggest, could be close to, or even exceed, chronic environmental safety limits in some regions. 



Lead author Paul Boisseaux, from the University of Exeter, commented on the complexity of this issue, saying, “Tires exert a complex toxic pressure to wildlife because they release plenty of toxic chemicals as well as tiny particles that can be ingested, so both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxins-from-oil-spills-and-wildfires-are-found-in-killer-whales-and-their-offspring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical</a> and physical effects are occurring.”



The ubiquity of tire usage, essential to modern transportation, underscores the urgency of this issue. The global tire industry, growing by approximately 3% annually, generates tire-tread particles during roadway use that significantly pollute the environment. 



It is estimated that about 18% of these particles eventually reach freshwater systems, and 2% find their way into estuaries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-and-global-environmental-challenge">Growing and global environmental challenge</h2>



Previous studies hinted at environmental concentrations of these particles, but their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cigarette-butts-leak-thousands-of-deadly-toxins-into-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxicological impact</a> on aquatic organisms was less understood. 



To address this, the research team utilized several globally recognized tire brands to create a tire tread microparticle mixture. 



The toxicity of both the particles and the chemical leachates was then tested on the water flea over a three-week period. 



Surprisingly, the study found that pristine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/roadways-are-the-source-of-most-plastic-dust-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tire tread</a> microparticles were more toxic than the chemical leachates alone.



Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Head of the International Marine Litter Research Unit at the University of Plymouth and co-author of the study, emphasized the gravity of the findings. 



“Our previous work has shown that road debris is a major source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-shows-how-microplastics-are-harming-global-soil-and-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> in the environment. In recent years, we have been working with partners across research and industry to determine how those particles distribute and their potential to cause harm," Thompson explained.



“This new study is of key importance because it demonstrates the potential for harmful effects on an aquatic invertebrate species, at concentrations similar to those we have recorded near to roads in the UK. It is clearly an area we need to explore further,” Thompson concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-forward-fighting-toxic-tire-pollutants">Path forward: Fighting toxic tire pollutants</h2>



In summary, this pivotal research presents a clear and urgent call to action regarding the environmental hazards posed by tire pollutants. 



Uncovering the significant toxic impacts these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> have on aquatic life, particularly on crucial species like the water flea, it highlights an urgent need for regulatory attention and further scientific exploration. 



The findings challenge the global tire industry to consider more sustainable practices, while encouraging policymakers and environmental agencies to formulate strategies that mitigate this under-recognized but significant environmental threat. 



As we continue to rely on tires for transportation, understanding and addressing their environmental footprint becomes imperative for the health of our ecosystems and the future of our planet.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389424001596" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Hazardous Materials</a>.



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Car tires shed pollutants that are especially toxic for humans and wildlife

Recent research has raised significant concerns about the environmental impact...

In a startling revelation, experts have found that rising sea levels are leading to higher-than-anticipated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-finalizes-ambitious-rule-to-slash-methane-emissions/">methane emissions</a> from certain wetland areas. This finding challenges the previously held belief that increasing seawater in tidal wetlands would suppress methane production.



The study, conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.lbl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley Lab</a> and <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Berkeley</a>, involved an extensive examination of 11 different wetland zones. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-results">Unexpected results</h2>



Contrary to expectations, a low-salinity Bay Area estuary ecosystem was found to emit significantly high levels of methane. This was especially surprising given that freshwater sites were emitting far less methane.



The research team analyzed DNA from organisms in soil samples using high-throughput sequencing, identifying genes involved in various metabolic processes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complicated-dynamics">Complicated dynamics</h2>



The results indicate that the factors governing how much greenhouse gas is stored or emitted in natural landscapes are more complex and difficult to predict than we thought.&nbsp;



“We looked at how many methanogens, the organisms that make methane, are present in soils at these sites and it wasn't really well correlated with the amount of methane observed. And even if you look at the amount of methanotrophs, organisms that eat methane, in combination with methanogens, that doesn’t seem to fully explain it," said study senior author Susannah Tringe.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-methane-emissions-nbsp">Surprising methane emissions&nbsp;</h2>



One particular site, restored in 2010 from pastureland to its original wetland state, showed high methane emissions despite moderate seawater levels. This finding challenges the assumption that more sulfate from seawater would lead to less methane production, as sulfate-using bacteria were thought to outcompete methanogens.



“Ultimately, we found that there were significant influences from other bacterial groups like the ones that break down carbon and even organisms that are better known as nitrogen cyclers, and we couldn’t readily explain the methane emissions by something as simple as, for example, how much sulfate is available or how many methanogens are there,” explained Tringe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restored-wetlands">Restored wetlands</h2>



Wetlands are increasingly recognized as critical ecosystems that boost carbon storage, improve water quality, and support wildlife. In recent years, there have been widespread efforts to restore wetlands.&nbsp;



Modeling work by study co-author Dennis D. Baldocchi suggests that while the restored wetland site currently adds greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, it might become a net carbon sink within 100 to 150 years. This timeline is significant for stakeholders who aim for immediate carbon sequestration through ecosystem restoration.



“We want to know if these systems will act as long-term carbon sinks,” said Baldocchi. “And these microbiological investigations can help refine our models and predictions.”&nbsp;



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



Tringe noted that similar findings of increased methane production with increased salinity have been observed in other studies, including experiments by Duke University and North Carolina State University. Collectively, the research highlights that the effects of seawater intrusion and ecosystem restoration are more complicated than previously thought.



“There was this expectation that sulfate would be the most important thing. And in those studies, not only did salt water stimulate methane production, which again is kind of counter to the dogma that sulfate is important, it happened whether you had sulfate there or not; in fact the sulfate didn't have a big effect on the methane emissions,” said Tringe.&nbsp;



“So I think these experimental manipulations are reconfirming the story that there's more nuanced effects of seawater intrusion than just a sulfate addition, and also more nuanced factors behind ecosystem restoration.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/msystems.00936-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mSystems</a>. 



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Rising seas release more methane from wetlands than expected

In a startling revelation, experts have found that rising sea...

In a remarkable breakthrough for marine biology, a live newborn <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-whites-are-far-more-prevalent-than-expected-on-the-california-coast/">great white</a> shark has been observed in the wild for the first time.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newborn-great-white-shark_credit-UCR_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This historic sighting</a> was made along California’s central coast by wildlife filmmaker Carlos Gauna and Phillip Sternes, a doctoral student at <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-sighting">Extraordinary sighting</h2>



On July 9, 2023, Gauna and Sternes were scanning the ocean near Santa Barbara when their drone camera captured an extraordinary sight - a pure white, roughly 5-foot-long shark pup.&nbsp;



“We enlarged the images, put them in slow motion, and realized the white layer was being shed from the body as it was swimming,” said Sternes. “I believe it was a newborn white shark shedding its embryonic layer.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-longstanding-mystery-nbsp">A longstanding mystery&nbsp;</h2>



Gauna, also known as The Malibu Artist, has spent thousands of hours filming sharks around the world. 



In a paper published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-024-01512-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Biology of Fishes</a>, the team emphasizes the significance of witnessing a newborn great white shark. This observation could help solve the longstanding mystery of great white birthing habits.



“Where white sharks give birth is one of the holy grails of shark science. No one has ever been able to pinpoint where they are born, nor has anyone seen a newborn baby shark alive,” noted Gauna. “There have been dead white sharks found inside deceased pregnant mothers. But nothing like this.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-skin-condition">Possible skin condition</h2>



The study authors acknowledge that the white film being shed by the shark could have been related to a skin condition. But they do not believe this to be the case.&nbsp;



“If that is what we saw, then that too is monumental because no such condition has ever been reported for these sharks,” said Gauna.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-was-it-a-newborn-great-white-nbsp">Was it a newborn great white?&nbsp;</h2>



There are several factors that suggest the animal was a newborn great white shark.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intrauterine-milk">Intrauterine milk</h3>



Great white females give birth to live pups. The mothers provide nourishment to the embryos with a type of "milk" secreted in the uterus. “I believe what we saw was the baby shedding the intrauterine milk,” said Sternes.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pregnant-sharks">Pregnant sharks</h3>



In addition, Gauna had previously observed the presence of large great whites that were likely pregnant in this same location.&nbsp;



“I filmed three very large sharks that appeared pregnant at this specific location in the days prior. On this day, one of them dove down, and not long afterwards, this fully white shark appears,” said Gauna. “It’s not a stretch to deduce where the baby came from.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-nbsp">Appearance&nbsp;</h3>



The size and shape of the shark (thin, short and rounded) also indicated that it was a newborn. “In my opinion, this one was likely hours, maybe one day old at most,” said Sternes.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birthing-location">Birthing location</h3>



Furthermore, this particular location off the coast of central California near Santa Barbara has long been proposed as a birthing location for great whites.&nbsp;



“There are a lot of hypothetical areas, but despite intense interest in these sharks, no one’s seen a birth or a newborn pup in the wild,” said Sternes. “This may well be the first evidence we have of a pup in the wild, making this a definitive birthing location.”



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



The sighting is not just a scientific marvel but also a crucial development in great white shark conservation. 



Listed as an endangered species, the confirmation of this location as a breeding ground for great whites could prompt legislative action to protect these waters, thereby supporting the thriving of this species. 



“Further research is needed to confirm these waters are indeed a great white breeding ground. But if it does, we would want lawmakers to step in and protect these waters to help white sharks keep thriving,” said Sternes. 



Click here to see the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newborn-great-white-shark_credit-UCR_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photo of the newborn great white shark.</a>



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Newborn great white shark spotted for the first time ever

In a remarkable breakthrough for marine biology, a live newborn...

Lufengpithecus

Humans and apes share a fascinating array of locomotive abilities, ranging from upright walking to tree climbing and four-limbed movement. 



The transition from our quadrupedal ancestors to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earliest-humans-were-bipedal-and-could-swing-through-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bipedal</a> posture unique to humans has long captivated scientists. 



Despite extensive studies and fossil examinations, the early stages of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-lush-green-sahara-desert-helped-early-humans-migrate-out-of-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary journey</a> remained largely obscured -- until now.



A fascinating study, leveraging novel techniques and recent fossil discoveries, sheds new light on this mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-inner-ear-of-lufengpithecus">The inner ear of Lufengpithecus</h2>



At its core is the 6-million-year-old Lufengpithecus fossil, unearthed in China. 



The research team, using advanced three-dimensional CT scanning, focused on a previously overlooked area: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lufengpithecus_inner-ear_early-humans-learned-to-walk_Credit-Xiaocong-Guo_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bony inner ear</a> region of these ancient skulls. 



This approach has provided pivotal insights into the origins of bipedal locomotion.



Yinan Zhang, a doctoral student at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (<a href="http://english.ivpp.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IVPP</a>) and lead author, explains the significance of this approach.



“The semicircular canals, located in the skull between our brains and the external ear, are critical to providing our sense of balance and position when we move, and they provide a fundamental component of our locomotion that most people are probably unaware of,” Zhang said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-walking-happened-in-three-stages">Humans walking happened in three stages</h2>



Co-author Terry Harrison, a <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University</a> anthropologist, outlines a three-step evolutionary process that led to humans walking on two feet, as revealed by the study. 



Initially, early apes moved in trees, akin to modern-day <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earliest-gibbon-fossil-discovered-in-china/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gibbons</a>. The last common ancestor of apes and humans, similar to Lufengpithecus, displayed a mixed locomotion pattern -- climbing, suspension, arboreal bipedalism, and ground movement. 



This diverse locomotor repertoire laid the foundation for human bipedalism.



Prior research often focused on limb, shoulder, pelvis, and spine bones to understand ape and human movement. 



However, the variability in living ape locomotion and gaps in the fossil record have hindered a complete understanding of human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bipedalism-human-skull-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bipedalism's origins</a>.



The Lufengpithecus skulls, discovered in the 1980s in Yunnan Province, China, offered a new avenue for investigation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3d-insights-into-ancient-skulls">3D insights into ancient skulls</h2>



Earlier researchers, hindered by the skulls' distorted state, overlooked the ear region. Zhang, Ni, Harrison, and their colleagues at IVPP and the <a href="http://english.ynu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yunnan Institute</a> of Cultural Relics and Archaeology (YICRA) utilized 3D scanning technology to reconstruct the inner ear’s bony canals virtually. 



Comparing these reconstructions with data from other apes and humans, they unveiled a detailed picture of early ape locomotion.



Professor Xijun Ni of IVPP, who led the project, highlights the study's unique contribution. 



“Our analyses show that early apes shared a locomotor repertoire that was ancestral to human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-may-have-begun-to-stand-upright-in-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bipedalism</a>,” explains Ni. 



“It appears that the inner ear provides a unique record of the evolutionary history of ape locomotion that offers an invaluable alternative to the study of the postcranial skeleton.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-changes-also-led-to-humans-walking">Environmental changes also led to humans walking</h2>



Ni adds that most fossil apes represent an intermediate locomotor mode between gibbons and African apes. 



The human lineage diverged from great apes with the adoption of bipedalism, as evidenced in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hominin-fossils-are-a-million-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australopithecus</a>, an early human relative.



The team also proposed that climate change might have been a crucial factor in driving the locomotor diversification of apes and humans. 



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-cooling-event-caused-extinction-of-first-early-humans-in-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooler global temperatures</a>, associated with the build up of glacial ice sheets in the northern hemisphere approximately 3.2 million years ago, correspond with an uptick in the rate of change of the bony labyrinth and this may signal a rapid increase in the pace of ape and human locomotor evolution,” explains Harrison.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-our-evolutionary-bipedalism-legacy">Deciphering our evolutionary bipedalism legacy</h2>



In summary, this study marks a pivotal advancement in understanding the evolutionary path of human bipedalism. 



By innovatively analyzing the inner ear structure of the Lufengpithecus fossils through 3D CT scanning, the research team has shed light on the complex journey from arboreal locomotion to upright walking. 



This discovery challenges previous assumptions in paleoanthropology while highlighting the intricate interplay between our physical evolution and environmental shifts. 



As we continue to uncover these evolutionary mysteries, our comprehension of human origins becomes ever more nuanced, offering profound insights into the story of our species.



The full study was published in the journal The Innovation.



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How early humans learned to walk from an ancestor called Lufengpithecus

Humans and apes share a fascinating array of locomotive abilities,...

To explore the impact of dialects in social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-robots-with-charismatic-voices-get-better-results-from-students/">robot</a> communication, researchers at the <a href="https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/university-of-potsdam" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Potsdam</a> conducted a study focusing on the Berlin dialect versus standard German. The research, led by Katharina Kühne, uncovers varied preferences for robot speech styles.



“Robots are increasingly used as interaction partners with humans. Social robots are designed to follow expected behavioral norms when engaging with humans and are available with different voices and even accents. Some studies suggest that people prefer robots to speak in the user’s dialect, while others indicate a preference for different dialects,” the authors explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-perceptions">Human perceptions</h2>



The research indicates that a robot's speech affects human perceptions of trustworthiness and competence. Standard language often conveys intelligence, while familiar dialects offer comfort.&nbsp;



"Imagine a robot that can switch to a dialect. Now, consider what's more critical in your interaction with a robot: feeling a connection or perceiving it as competent," Kühne said.



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



Involving 120 participants from Berlin or Brandenburg, the study assessed responses to a robot using either standard German or the Berlin dialect, known for its working-class, informal image.&nbsp;



The participants watched videos of a robot with a male human voice in one of the two language styles and then rated its trustworthiness and competence.



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



The results showed a link between competence perception and trustworthiness. Overall, standard German was preferred, but those comfortable with the Berlin dialect tended to favor the robot using it.&nbsp;



Interestingly, the type of device used to view the videos influenced responses, with mobile device users giving lower ratings to standard German, potentially due to distractions.



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



The study suggests that dialect proficiency can influence trust in robots. "It seems people trust the robot more because they find a similarity," Kühne explained. However, factors like cognitive load during interactions and the prestige of a dialect also play significant roles.



The University of Potsdam team plans further research to investigate cognitive load during conversations and conduct real-life situation experiments. The findings highlight the importance of context in robot-human interactions and the potential for adaptable speech styles in social robots.



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



Social robots are a fascinating and rapidly evolving field of technology. These robots are designed to interact with humans in a social or collaborative manner, often exhibiting behaviors or characteristics that make them seem more lifelike or relatable.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environment">Environment</h3>



Unlike traditional industrial robots that are typically confined to specific tasks in controlled environments, social robots are intended for a variety of environments including homes, schools, hospitals, and care facilities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-purpose-nbsp">Purpose&nbsp;</h3>



The primary goal of social robots is to engage in meaningful interactions with people. This can include assisting with daily tasks, providing companionship, aiding in education, or assisting in therapy and healthcare. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-features">Features</h3>



These robots are often equipped with advanced features like facial and voice recognition, natural language processing, and emotional intelligence to better understand and respond to human emotions and cues.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-design">Design</h3>



A key aspect of social robots is their design. They are often designed to appear friendly and approachable, sometimes with humanoid features or resembling pets to help users feel more comfortable interacting with them. This is particularly important in applications involving children, the elderly, or those with special needs, where the robot's appearance can significantly impact its effectiveness.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-function">Function</h3>



Social robots can range from relatively simple devices designed for companionship or entertainment to highly sophisticated machines capable of learning and adapting to their user's preferences and behaviors. Some advanced models can remember personal details, adapt to different users, or even develop a personality over time.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-opportunities-nbsp">Challenges and opportunities&nbsp;</h3>



As the field progresses, ethical considerations are increasingly important. Issues such as privacy, security, and the potential impact on human jobs and social interactions are being closely examined. The integration of social robots into society presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, and their development continues to be an area of active research and debate.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp; <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/frobt.2023.1241519" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Robotics and AI</a>.



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Social robots with a local accent seem more trustworthy

To explore the impact of dialects in social robot communication,...

Spider,Web,(cobweb),Varicoloured,Background

Researchers have successfully engineered a device that creates artificial <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-spiders-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk, a material renowned for its remarkable properties. 



This innovation, led by Keiji Numata at the <a href="https://www.riken.jp/en/research/labs/csrs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RIKEN Center</a> for Sustainable Resource Science, Japan, represents a significant stride towards sustainable solutions in various industries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-qualities-of-spider-silk">Remarkable qualities of spider silk</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-pest-control-tree-species-diversity-increases-spider-density/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spider</a> silk, known for its exceptional strength, flexibility, and lightness, boasts a tensile strength comparable to steel and an unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio. 



It's not only biodegradable but also biocompatible, making it highly sought after for medical applications such as sutures and artificial ligaments. 



However, the challenge has been in its production. Harvesting spider silk on a large scale is impractical, prompting scientists to seek laboratory-based solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracking-the-code">Cracking the code</h2>



The artificial silk gland created by the researchers overcomes this hurdle. It meticulously simulates the intricate molecular structure of natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/riding-the-wind-joro-spiders-are-invading-the-u-s-at-an-alarming-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk by replicating the chemical and physical transformations occurring within a spider's silk gland. 



This biomimetic approach, which uses microfluidics -- the manipulation of small fluid amounts through narrow channels -- has been pivotal.



"In this study, we attempted to mimic natural spider silk production using microfluidics, essentially treating the spider's silk gland as a natural microfluidic device," explains Numata. 



This process involves guiding a precursor spidroin solution through microfluidic channels in a small rectangular box-like device. 



As the solution moves, influenced by negative pressure rather than force, it undergoes specific chemical and physical changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microfluidics-and-controlled-conditions">Microfluidics and controlled conditions</h2>



These meticulously controlled conditions allow the proteins to self-assemble into silk fibers, mirroring the complex structure of natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-find-a-colorful-jumping-spider-that-is-color-blind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk. 



The challenge lay in fine-tuning the microfluidic system's conditions to achieve the correct alignment of molecular substructures known as beta sheets, crucial for the silk's unique mechanical properties.



"It was surprising how robust the microfluidic system was, once the different conditions were established and optimized," remarks Senior Scientist Ali Malay, a co-author of the paper. 



"Fiber assembly was spontaneous, rapid, and highly reproducible, with the fibers exhibiting the distinct hierarchical structure found in natural silk fiber."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-artificial-spider-silk">The future of artificial spider silk</h2>



This method of producing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-trapdoor-spider-was-five-times-bigger-than-its-modern-relatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk has vast implications. It offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional textile manufacturing and opens new doors in biomedical applications. 



However, for these benefits to be fully realized, the process requires scaling up.



"Ideally, we want to have a real-world impact," says Numata, underlining the need to make fiber production continuous and to enhance the quality of the artificial silk further. 



The success of this endeavor could mark a new era in material science, offering a sustainable and versatile material that's both eco-friendly and medically beneficial.



In summary, the successful replication of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-venom-might-soon-be-the-new-viagra/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk by RIKEN researchers marks a significant milestone in material science. This breakthrough opens up a realm of possibilities in both environmental sustainability and medical innovation. 



As the team works towards scaling up production and refining the quality of the artificial silk, the potential impact of this eco-friendly, biocompatible material in various industries cannot be overstated.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/welcome-to-the-not-so-creepy-crawly-world-of-spider-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spider</a> silk captivates us with its extraordinary blend of strength and elasticity. 



As discussed above, this natural fiber, spun by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-can-protect-tomatoes-from-invasive-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a>, outperforms many human-made materials and holds immense potential for various applications.



What sets spider silk apart is its tensile strength, which rivals that of steel, and its impressive elasticity. 



Remarkably lightweight, spider silk can stretch up to five times its length without breaking. This combination of toughness and flexibility makes it an engineering marvel.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-silk-can-help-human-cells-kill-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiders</a> produce silk from specialized glands. They use it for a range of purposes: from constructing webs for trapping prey to creating egg sacs and even using it as a lifeline when dropping down or floating away.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-composition-and-applications-of-spider-silk">Composition and applications of spider silk</h3>



At a molecular level, spider silk consists of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-genetics-spider-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protein chains</a> organized in a specific way. This structure gives it its unique properties. 



Researchers study this composition, hoping to replicate or even enhance these qualities in synthetic materials.



The potential applications of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-silk-produced-by-genetically-modified-silkworms-is-6x-stronger-than-kevlar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk are vast. In medicine, its biocompatibility makes it ideal for sutures and tissue engineering. 



In the textile industry, its strength and durability offer an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers. 



Furthermore, its lightweight yet robust nature could revolutionize materials used in aerospace and military sectors.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harvesting-and-replicating-artificial-spider-silk">Harvesting and replicating artificial spider silk</h3>



Despite its potential, harvesting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-turn-to-cannibalism-when-food-sources-are-limited/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider</a> silk in large quantities remains a challenge, as spiders are territorial and cannibalistic, making farming difficult. 



Consequently, as discussed previously in this article, scientists are exploring synthetic production methods, including genetic engineering and microfluidics, to create artificial spider silk.



The quest to harness the properties of spider silk continues. Its replication and mass production could lead to significant advancements in various fields, offering a sustainable and high-performance material.



In summary, spider silk, both natural and artificial, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of nature, inspiring scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of material science. 



The future looks promising as we stand on the brink of harnessing one of nature's most remarkable creations for widespread human benefit.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-44733-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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New artificial spider silk is indistinguishable from natural silk

Researchers have successfully engineered a device that creates artificial spider...

The future of sustainable food production has taken a significant leap forward. Researchers at the <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a> Center for Cellular Agriculture (TUCCA), led by Professor David Kaplan, have engineered bovine muscle cells that could dramatically reduce the costs associated with cultivated meat production.&nbsp;



The innovative approach holds immense potential for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-the-world-at-a-cost-food-production-and-biodiversity-loss/">food industry</a>, steering it towards more eco-friendly and cost-effective practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fibroblast-growth-factor">Fibroblast growth factor</h2>



At the heart of this advancement is the modification of bovine (beef) muscle cells to produce their own growth factors, particularly fibroblast growth factor (FGF).&nbsp;



Skeletal muscle cells are the primary type found in products like steaks and hamburgers, and FGF plays a crucial role in the development and differentiation of these cells. 



Prior to this breakthrough, external addition of growth factors was necessary, significantly driving up production costs. 



“FGF is not exactly a nutrient,” said Andrew Stout, the lead researcher on the project. “It’s more like an instruction for the cells to behave in a certain way. What we did was engineer bovine muscle stem cells to produce these growth factors and turn on the signaling pathways themselves.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-breakthrough">Significant breakthrough</h2>



The traditional method of adding growth factors to the cell culture media is both costly and inefficient, as these factors need frequent replenishment.&nbsp;



By enabling the cells to produce their own FGF, the researchers have effectively eliminated a major cost component, potentially reducing overall meat production expenses by a staggering 90 percent. This advancement could pave the way for making cultivated meat more affordable and accessible to consumers.



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



However, the journey to commercial viability is not without its challenges. According to Stout, while the cost of media has been significantly reduced, further optimization is needed to make the process industry-ready.&nbsp;



The engineered cells exhibited slower growth, but Stout is optimistic about overcoming this hurdle through strategic modifications in the expression and timing of FGF or altering other cell growth pathways.&nbsp;



“While we significantly cut the cost of media, there is still some optimization that needs to be done to make it industry-ready,” said Stout. “We did see slower growth with the engineered cells, but I think we can overcome that.”&nbsp;



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



Notably, this method does not involve adding foreign genes but instead focuses on editing and expressing existing genes, which could simplify regulatory approvals.



The implications of this technology extend beyond beef production. Stout believes that this strategy could be applied to other types of meat, such as chicken, pork, or fish, since many cell types rely on FGF for growth. The variability in growth factors for different species presents an area for further research.



“Work is continuing at TUCCA and elsewhere to improve cultivated meat technology, including exploring ways to reduce the cost of nutrients in the growth media, and improving the texture, taste, and nutritional content of the meat," said Professor Kaplan.



"Products have already been awarded regulatory approval for consumption in the U.S. and globally, although costs and availability remain limiting. I think advances like this will bring us much closer to seeing affordable cultivated meat in our local supermarkets within the next few years.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-sustainability/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Reports Sustainability</a>. 



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Cultivated meat production costs slashed by 90 percent with new technology

The future of sustainable food production has taken a significant...

A new study reveals the presence of hazardous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creators-of-forever-chemicals-covered-up-the-toxic-dangers-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS chemicals</a> in the soils of ski mountains around the world, a discovery that has significant implications for both the environment and public health.



This disturbing research was conducted by <a href="https://www.hutton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The James Hutton Institute</a> in Aberdeen and the <a href="https://www.uni-graz.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Graz</a>, unveiling a concerning environmental issue plaguing popular skiing destinations. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevalence-of-pfas-in-ski-mountains">Prevalence of PFAS in ski mountains</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/banning-forever-chemicals-may-threaten-us-national-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a>, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and in human bodies, hence their nickname "forever chemicals." 



These substances, commonly found in ski wax, have been detected in alarmingly high concentrations in the soils of family-friendly skiing areas. 



The levels measured starkly contrast with those in non-skiing regions, highlighting the direct impact of skiing activities on environmental contamination.



Viktoria Müller, leading the study as part of her Ph.D. research at the University of Graz, states, "These chemicals are called forever chemicals because they take hundreds of years to break down. Their potential to accumulate or spread, including into groundwater systems, is our main concern."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-concerns-and-regulatory-actions">Health concerns and regulatory actions</h2>



The revelation of PFAS in ski mountains comes in the wake of a recent ban on PFAS-containing ski waxes in professional skiing due to their association with serious health issues such as cancer, fertility problems, and liver damage. This study underscores the urgency of this ban.



Despite the prohibition, Müller notes, "Even where there is no skiing, there are still small detections because of how widely this chemical has now spread in the environment."



The research team examined about 30 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-invention-turns-toxic-forever-chemicals-pfas-into-harmless-molecules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> compounds expected in ski wax and tested six commercially available waxes bought before the ban. 



Five of these contained fluorinated compounds, reflecting the widespread use of PFAS in ski products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-nature-of-pfas">Widespread nature of PFAS</h2>



The enforcement of the ban on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pfas-crisis-humans-are-early-warning-system-for-wildlife-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> waxes has been challenging. International skiing bodies only recently started implementing it in events, owing to the time required to develop effective testing methods. 



A notable case involved a two-time Olympic medalist disqualified for using PFAS-laden skis during the Alpine World Cup in Austria.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-dolphins-suffer-from-the-highest-known-levels-of-pfas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS chemicals</a>, first synthesized in the 1940s, are found in various household items, from non-stick cookware to waterproof clothing. 



Their ability to travel through the atmosphere has led to global contamination, with recent studies finding PFAS in unexpected places like bottled water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-current-action-and-future-research">Current action and future research</h2>



The health risks associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-are-an-underestimated-source-of-water-contamination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> have prompted calls for broader bans and ongoing research into safer alternatives. 



As these efforts continue, the skiing community and the public at large face the challenge of addressing the environmental impact of these persistent chemicals.



In summary, the study by The James Hutton Institute and the University of Graz highlights a critical environmental issue within popular skiing destinations. 



It brings to light the urgent need for effective regulation and the development of eco-friendly alternatives to protect both our health and the environment from the insidious spread of PFAS chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-pfas-and-ski-mountains">More about PFAS and ski mountains</h2>



As discussed above, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-encourage-cancer-to-spread-around-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a>) have emerged as a significant environmental concern. 



These synthetic chemicals, widely used for their water and stain-resistant properties, present a formidable challenge due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-pfas">What are PFAS?</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-so-green-hidden-chemicals-found-in-paper-straws/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> are a large family of over 12,000 human-made chemicals, first developed in the 1940s. They have found applications in numerous everyday products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams. 



Their unique molecular structure, which resists heat, water, and oil, has made them popular in various industries.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-ski-mountains-from-pfas">Protecting ski mountains from PFAS</h3>



The most alarming characteristic of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-us-drinking-water-taps-are-likely-to-contain-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> is their persistence. These chemicals do not break down easily in the environment, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." 



Once PFAS enter the ski mountain ecosystems, they remain for an extended period, accumulating in soil, water, and living organisms.



Health studies link PFAS exposure to several serious health issues. These include increased cancer risk, immune system disorders, and developmental problems in children. 



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-iss-is-contaminated-with-a-disturbing-amount-of-harmful-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> accumulate in the human body over time, their potential health impacts become a growing concern.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulatory-actions-and-public-response">Regulatory actions and public response</h3>



Governments and environmental agencies worldwide have started to take notice of the PFAS problem. Several countries have begun regulating the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-containers-may-release-forever-chemicals-into-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a>, and research is underway to find safer alternatives. 



In some cases, this has led to bans on specific PFAS compounds, especially in consumer products and industrial applications.



The public has also become increasingly aware of PFAS risks. Consumer demand for PFAS-free products is rising, prompting companies to reformulate their products and seek out safer alternatives.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward</h3>



Efforts to combat the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-drinking-water-often-contains-unsafe-levels-of-toxic-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> challenge involve a multi-faceted approach. This includes developing effective cleanup methods for contaminated sites, researching biodegradable alternatives, and enforcing stricter regulations on PFAS use and disposal.



As we gain a deeper understanding of PFAS and their impact, it becomes clear that proactive measures are essential to safeguard both the environment and public health from these persistent chemicals.



In summary, PFAS chemicals, both on ski mountains and every other region of the world, represent a complex environmental issue that requires immediate attention. 



By taking concerted actions across government, industry, and the public, we can mitigate the risks associated with these "forever chemicals" and work towards a safer, healthier environment.



The work is published in the journal <a href="http://xlink.rsc.org/?DOI=D3EM00375B" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science: Processes &amp; Impacts</a>.



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Skiers are spreading PFAS 'forever chemicals' around the world’s mountains

A new study reveals the presence of hazardous PFAS chemicals...

Researchers have unveiled new insights into how adolescent girls process social rejection.&nbsp;The study reveals a distinct pattern of brain activity in girls who tend to internalize rejection more deeply.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detrimental-dwelling">Detrimental dwelling</h2>



The phenomenon of rumination – the persistent dwelling on negative events – is common to most people.&nbsp;



Whether it is triggered by a distressing breakup, a humiliating failure, or a simple unkind remark, many find it challenging to escape the spiral of negative thoughts. This tendency can have detrimental effects on mental health, particularly among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marijuana-use-may-change-brain-structure-in-adolescents/">adolescents</a>.



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



Amanda Guyer, the associate director of the Center for Mind and Brain and professor of Human Ecology at <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a>, emphasized the significance of the research.&nbsp;



“Everyone experiences rejection, but not everyone experiences it in the same way,” said Professor Amanda Guyer. “By identifying what brain processes cause differences in the tendency to ruminate, we can provide people better ways to avoid long-term harm.”



"Rumination is a significant risk factor for psychopathology in adolescent girls and is associated with heightened and prolonged physiological arousal following social rejection," wrote the researchers.



"However, no study has examined how rumination relates to neural responses to social rejection in adolescent girls; thus, the current study aimed to address this gap."



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



The study involved 116 girls between the ages of 16 and 19. They were subjected to an innovative experiment that used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to observe real-time changes in blood flow and electrical activity in the brain during experiences of social rejection.



Initially, the participants selected peers they would like to interact with from a set of photographs. In a subsequent session, while in the fMRI scanner, they were informed about the peers who had reciprocated or rejected their interest.&nbsp;



During this process, the participants also shared their emotional responses to this social feedback. This unique setup provided an unprecedented glimpse into how social rejection impacts the adolescent brain.



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



The results revealed a striking pattern. The fMRI scans showed heightened activity in brain regions associated with self-perception and emotional processing, especially in girls who reported a higher tendency to ruminate.&nbsp;



These regions showed increased blood flow and electrical activity, signaling a deeper internalization of the rejection experience.



“Our results suggest that girls who tend to ruminate are experiencing more than just momentary sadness after rejection,” said Professor Guyer. “They are deeply internalizing this negative feedback into their self-concept.”



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



The research paves the way for targeted interventions. By understanding the unique brain processes that occur post-rejection in girls prone to rumination, it becomes possible to develop strategies that could effectively curb the tendency to ruminate, thereby preventing larger mental health issues.



“Our study suggests that it can make a difference to reframe their negative experiences in a way that makes them feel better afterward instead of worse,” said Professor Guyer



The research was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health. The findings are published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2023.101320" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience</a>.&nbsp;



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Social rejection impacts brain activity in adolescent girls

Researchers have unveiled new insights into how adolescent girls process...

Researchers from <a href="https://rutgershealth.org/">Rutgers Health</a> have analyzed millions of Medicare records, uncovering vital insights into the end-of-life care trajectories of older Americans.&nbsp;



"Older adults may require help managing their chronic conditions, taking medications, or performing personal care activities, such as eating, bathing, and dressing," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"The ability of patients, caregivers, and communities to support aging in place is impacted by advanced illness and the presence of multiple chronic conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-end-of-life-care-nbsp">Improving end-of-life care&nbsp;</h2>



The study presents a novel approach to improving end-of-life care by mapping out the distinct paths followed by individuals in their final years.



“Identifying which paths people actually take is a necessary precursor to identifying which factors send different people down different paths and designing interventions that send more people down whatever path is right for them," said study co-author Olga Jarrín.



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



The research team evaluated the final three years of clinical records from a randomly selected group of Medicare beneficiaries who died in 2018.&nbsp;



The analysis focused on the amount and location of personal care each patient received, leading to the identification of three major care clusters: home, skilled home care, and institutional care.



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



The researchers found that 59 percent of patients predominantly spent their last three years at home, relying on assistance from friends and family for daily tasks, with professional care being minimal until their final year.&nbsp;



Another 27 percent of patients were part of the "skilled home care" cluster, where nurses and other skilled professionals supplemented the care provided by family and friends within the patient's home.&nbsp;



The remaining 14 percent fell into the "institutional care" cluster, spending most of their last years in hospitals or nursing homes, where they received comprehensive professional care.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-insights">Additional insights</h2>



The researchers used a group-based trajectory modeling approach to correlate these care trajectories with sociodemographic and health-related metrics. They found notable differences among the clusters, with patients in the skilled home care and institutional care clusters more likely to be female, enrolled in Medicaid, or suffering from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-owners-are-much-less-likely-to-develop-dementia/">dementia</a>.&nbsp;



Geographic variations were also evident, with extensive use of skilled home care more prevalent in Southern states and institutional care more common in the Midwest.



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



Haiqun Lin, lead author of the study and a professor of Biostatistics at Rutgers, highlighted the broader implications of the findings.



“Our study not only identifies different patterns of care but also sheds light on the clinical and policy factors that dictate where and when patients receive care,” said Lin. 



“Understanding these patterns is crucial for advance care planning, and ultimately, for achieving the triple aim of improving care experiences, reducing care costs, and improving care quality.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supportive-interventions">Supportive interventions </h2>



The research lays the foundation for future studies aimed at identifying key factors that influence individual end-of-life care paths and developing interventions to support people in following their preferred trajectory.&nbsp;



“Most people want to stay at home with minimal professional help,” said Jarrín. “However, the goal for a significant minority of people is to avoid being a burden to family and friends, and such people tend to want professional care.”&nbsp;



“Our goal isn’t forcing people toward any particular type of care. It’s helping them to plan for and get the care that’s right for them.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12877-023-04610-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMC Geriatrics</a>.



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Studying how Americans die may improve end-of-life care

Researchers from Rutgers Health have analyzed millions of Medicare records,...

In the realm of quantum computing and molecular science, a new paper by Insilico Medicine, a leader in AI-driven drug discovery, is turning heads. 



The researchers, in collaboration with the University of Toronto’s <a href="https://acceleration.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Acceleration Consortium</a> and Foxconn Research Institute, have unveiled a novel approach that integrates quantum computing with the study of living organisms. 



This fascinating work holds the promise of deepening our understanding of complex biological processes like aging and disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-merging-ai-with-quantum-computing">Merging AI with quantum computing</h2>



The foundation for this innovative approach was laid in May 2023 when the collaborative team published their research on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-ping-pong-game-played-by-two-atoms-controlling-photons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> generative adversarial networks in generative chemistry in the American Chemical Society’s <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00562" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling</a>. 



This marked a significant stride in demonstrating the potential benefits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> computing in this field.



The latest <a href="https://wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wcms.1701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paper from Insilico</a> builds upon this foundation. It offers a comprehensive view of how a fusion of AI, quantum computing, and the physics of complex systems can lead to new insights into human health. 



The researchers highlight the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">latest advancements</a> in physics-guided AI, emphasizing its potential in revolutionizing our understanding of biological phenomena.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-challenge-in-biological-research">Complexity challenge in biological research</h2>



AI has been instrumental in helping scientists process and analyze vast, intricate biological datasets, uncovering new disease pathways and linking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-cells-could-be-used-to-slow-down-or-even-reverse-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a> and disease at the cellular level. 



However, applying these insights to more complex interactions within the body remains a challenge. 



According to the <a href="https://www.insilico.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insilico</a> team, overcoming this hurdle requires multimodal modeling methods that can handle the complexity of scale, algorithms, and ever-growing datasets.



“While we are not a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-chemical-complexity-of-quantum-decoherence-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> company, it is important to utilize capabilities to take advantage of the speed provided by the new hybrid computing solutions and hyperscalers," says co-author Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD, founder and co-CEO of Insilico Medicine. 



"As this computing goes mainstream, it may be possible to perform very complex biological simulations and discover personalized interventions with desired properties for a broad range of diseases and age-associated processes. We are very happy to see our research center in the UAE producing valuable insights in this area,” Zhavoronkov concludes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-computing-and-biological-analysis">Quantum computing and biological analysis</h2>



The paper delves into the intricate biological processes that span from cellular to organ to systemic levels, highlighting the need for simultaneous multi-scale analysis. 



With the advent of projects like the 1000 Genomes Project and the UK Biobank, which have generated an unprecedented volume of biological data, the necessity for immense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamonds-bring-quantum-networks-one-step-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">computing power</a> to process and analyze this data has never been greater.



Quantum computing emerges as a game-changer in this context. Its ability to augment AI methods, thanks to the unique properties of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lasers-make-quantum-materials-reveal-their-hidden-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">qubits</a> that hold values of both 0 and 1 simultaneously (unlike classical bits), provides vastly superior computing speed and capability. 



This advancement is evidenced by IBM’s recent developments in quantum computing, including a utility-scale <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 processor</a> and the first modular quantum computer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-in-computational-molecular-science">New era in computational molecular science</h2>



The authors advocate for a physics-guided <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-and-machine-learning-enhance-airplane-performance-and-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI approach</a> to gain a deeper understanding of human biology. 



This emerging field, combining physics-based and neural network models, is poised to unlock new dimensions of biological research. 



By leveraging AI, quantum computing, and complex systems physics, scientists are better equipped to understand how interactions at smaller scales within cells, organisms, or societies give rise to emergent characteristics observable at larger scales.



In summary, this research represents a significant leap forward in computational molecular science. By harnessing the combined powers of AI and quantum computing, researchers are on the cusp of unraveling some of the most intricate mysteries of life, paving the way for revolutionary discoveries in human health and disease.



-----



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Quantum computing can help decode the mysteries of aging and disease

In the realm of quantum computing and molecular science, a...

<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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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.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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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

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" 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.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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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"

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

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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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" 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.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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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.

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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.

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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