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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Forests rely on animals to help fight climate change

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

Supportive and stable caregiving during childhood significantly improves cardiovascular health in adulthood, according to a new study led by <a href="https://med.nyu.edu/our-community/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU Grossman School of Medicine</a> and The Ohio State University Wexler Medical Center.&nbsp;



The research marks a pivotal shift in understanding the long-term impacts of early childhood environments on heart health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-adversity-and-heart-health">Early adversity and heart health</h2>



The connection between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adverse-childhood-experiences-lead-to-lifelong-health-consequences/">childhood adversity</a> - such as abuse, neglect, and household substance use - and deteriorating heart health in later life has been well-documented. However, the new study provides a fresh perspective by highlighting the protective role of positive childhood experiences.



The researchers said the findings are the first to frame adversity and protective factors across a large group when it comes to cardiovascular health over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-risk-factors">Mitigating risk factors</h2>



Study lead author Dr. Robin Ortiz is a professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health at NYU Langone.&nbsp;



“We know that mitigating risk factors for cardiovascular disease must begin in childhood,” said Dr. Ortiz. “At the same time, our findings show that adversity in early childhood does not equal destiny."&nbsp;



"While adverse childhood family environments were associated with lower odds of cardiovascular health in adulthood, our findings suggest that supportive and, importantly, stable caregiving may have a stronger influence on later heart health than early adversity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



The researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 participants in the CARDIA study, a long-term project tracking cardiovascular disease risks in more than 5,000 adults. This cohort was examined at the baseline average age of 25 and followed up at seven and 20-year intervals.



The team used scales to measure childhood adversity, such as child abuse and caregiver warmth.&nbsp;



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



The experts discovered that for each increase in overall family environment adversity and child abuse, there was a corresponding 3.6% and 12.8% lower likelihood of achieving ideal cardiovascular health (CVH), respectively. Conversely, each increase in caregiver warmth was linked to an 11.7% higher chance of better heart health.



Exposure to caregiver warmth in childhood was associated with the highest cardiovascular health scores in adults.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stability-and-consistency-nbsp">Stability and consistency&nbsp;</h2>



What was most unique about the findings, said Dr. Ortiz, was that of all adults with high levels of child abuse exposure, those who also reported high levels of caregiver warmth exposure had lower CVH scores than those with high child abuse but low levels of caregiver warmth exposure.&nbsp;



According to Dr. Ortiz, this suggests that while having a supportive caregiver is crucial to a life course of health, the stability and consistency of that support and warmth in childhood is just as important of a predictor of heart health in later life.



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



Dr. Ortiz noted that individuals who have experienced both abuse and warmth in childhood might face the inability to predict the presence of support overall in their childhood environment.&nbsp;



The results suggest that an unpredictable or unstable relational environment may be associated with poor heart health later in life, while predictable support in childhood may optimize physiology and behavior to result in greater cardiovascular health later in life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-nbsp">Future research&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Ortiz said the hope is that this study offers insight into how supportive and stable caregiving relationships in childhood can offer greater attainment of cardiovascular health at a population level. Future research will focus on the complex relationship between cardiovascular health and economic hardship.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“We have to address healthy caregiver relationships as well as address socioeconomic hardship,” said Dr. Ortiz. “We need policies and programs that support both caregivers and children in order to achieve greater health equity.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.122.009794" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes</a>.



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Support in childhood linked to better heart health in adulthood 

Supportive and stable caregiving during childhood significantly improves cardiovascular health...

Salads and leafy greens, like lettuce, are essential components of a healthy diet on Earth, and they're also crucial for astronauts embarking on space missions. 



Since the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>) introduced <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/exploration-research-and-technology/growing-plants-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space-grown</a> lettuce to the International Space Station (ISS) menu over three years ago, it has become a vital part of astronauts' diets, complementing staples like flour tortillas and powdered coffee. 



However, growing lettuce in space presents unique challenges, especially concerning food safety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problem-lettuce-pathogens-in-space">Problem: Lettuce pathogens in space </h2>



The ISS harbors numerous pathogenic bacteria and fungi, posing a significant risk to astronauts' health. 



These pathogens, including E. coli and Salmonella, can aggressively colonize plant tissues, such as lettuce, leading to potential foodborne illnesses. 



With billions invested annually in space exploration by entities like NASA and <a href="https://www.spacex.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SpaceX</a>, an outbreak aboard the ISS could severely impact mission success.



A team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.udel.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Delaware</a>, including lead author Noah Totsline, recently published studies in Scientific Reports and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41526-023-00323-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Microgravity</a>, exploring this issue in depth. 



They replicated the weightless environment of the ISS to study how lettuce plants respond to these conditions, particularly in terms of pathogen susceptibility.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravity-plant-defense-and-pathogen-invasion">Gravity, plant defense, and pathogen invasion </h2>



Plants typically use their roots to sense gravity, but the University of Delaware team disrupted this process by rotating the plants, simulating microgravity. 



Surprisingly, they found that plants grown under these conditions were more prone to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salmonella-has-found-a-way-to-evade-plant-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salmonella</a> infection. 



The researchers attributed this to an unusual response in the plants' stomata – the tiny pores responsible for gas exchange. Noah Totsline, an alumnus of UD’s <a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/departments/plant-and-soil-sciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Plant and Soil Sciences</a>, explained why in the study.



“The fact that they were remaining open when we were presenting them with what would appear to be a stress was really unexpected. In effect, the plant would not know which way was up or down,” Totsline said. “We were kind of confusing their response to gravity.”



This reaction inadvertently makes the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/special-lettuce-could-protect-astronauts-from-bone-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> more vulnerable to Salmonella invasion.



To achieve the simulation of microgravity, the team utilized a clinostat, a device that rotates plants similarly to a rotisserie chicken. "The plant would not know which way was up or down," Totsline describes. 



This disorientation, while not true microgravity, effectively helped the plants lose their sense of direction, making the conditions right for studying pathogen interaction.



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



The study's findings highlight a critical area of concern for space agriculture: ensuring food safety under unique environmental conditions. 



The propensity for increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-treatment-protects-tomatoes-from-salmonella-and-e-coli/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salmonella</a> invasion in space-grown lettuce underlines the need for continued research and innovative solutions to protect astronauts' health.



UD researchers, led by <a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/departments/plant-and-soil-sciences/faculty-staff/harsh-bais/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Harsh Bais</a>, have been investigating the role of a helper bacteria, <a href="https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2019/may/beneficial-bacteria-basf-soil-plants-licensing-patent-oeip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bacillus subtilis UD1022</a>, in enhancing plant growth and resilience against various stressors, including pathogens and drought. 



This bacterium, previously effective in protecting plants against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-vegetables-often-harbor-human-pathogens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salmonella</a> on Earth, was added to a microgravity simulation to assess its protective capabilities in space-like conditions. 



Contrary to expectations, Bais and his team discovered that UD1022 did not safeguard plants in these simulated conditions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks-of-lettuce-microbes-in-space">Risks of lettuce microbes in space</h2>



This failure is attributed to the bacterium’s inability to induce a biochemical response in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-extract-mars-astronauts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, crucial for closing their stomata and preventing pathogen invasion.



“The failure of UD1022 to close stomata under simulated microgravity is both surprising and interesting and opens another can of worms,” Bais said, expressing surprise at these findings. 



“I suspect the ability of UD1022 to negate the stomata closure under microgravity simulation may overwhelm the plant and make the plant and UD1022 unable to communicate with each other, helping Salmonella invade a plant," Bais concluded.



<a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/departments/animal-and-food-sciences/faculty-staff/kali-kniel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kali Kniel</a>, a microbial food safety professor at UD, emphasizes the ubiquity of microbes and the consequent risk of bacterial pathogens in any human-inhabited space, including the International Space Station (ISS). 



“We need to be prepared for and reduce risks in space for those living now on the International Space Station and for those who might live there in the future,” Kniel said, stressing the importance of mitigating these risks. 



With around seven astronauts working on the ISS at any given time, the environment, comparable to a six-bedroom house, is prone to microbial havoc.



“It is important to better understand how bacterial pathogens react to microgravity in order to develop appropriate mitigation strategies," said Kniel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-a-solution-for-safe-space-agriculture">Finding a solution for safe space agriculture</h2>



The collaboration between Kniel and Bais, blending expertise in microbial food safety and plant biology, is pivotal in studying human pathogens on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-space-radiation-affect-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants in space</a>. 



“To best develop ways to reduce risks associated with the contamination of leafy greens and other produce commodities we need to better understand the interactions between human pathogens on plants grown in space,” Kniel said. “And the best way to do this is with a multidisciplinary approach.”



As Earth's population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and 10.4 billion by 2100, according to a United Nations report, the demand for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/watermeal-may-become-an-essential-food-for-astronauts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safe food in space</a> becomes increasingly critical. 



Bais points out the urgency of exploring alternate living spaces due to diminishing agricultural land on Earth. He notes, “people are going to soon think seriously about alternate habitation spaces. These are not fiction anymore.”



The significance of this research is underscored by the frequent food safety issues on Earth, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-treatment-protects-tomatoes-from-salmonella-and-e-coli/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">E. coli</a> or Salmonella outbreaks in leafy greens. 



With such greens being a primary food source for astronauts and easily cultivable in controlled environments like the ISS, ensuring their safety is paramount. Bais emphasizes, “You don’t want the whole mission to fail just because of a food safety outbreak.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sterilized-seeds-and-genetic-modifications">Sterilized seeds and genetic modifications</h2>



Addressing the challenge of plant vulnerability in microgravity environments, Kniel suggests starting with sterilized seeds to minimize microbial presence. 



However, she acknowledges the possibility of microbes in the space environment contaminating the plants. 



“Starting with sterilized seeds is a way to reduce risks of having microbes on plants,” Kniel said. “But then microbes may be in the space environment and can get onto plants that way.” 



Bais proposes genetic modifications to plants to prevent them from excessively opening their stomata in space. 



His lab is evaluating different lettuce varieties under simulated microgravity to identify genetic factors that influence stomatal behavior.



“If, for example, we find one that closes their stomata compared to another we have already tested that opens their stomata, then we can try to compare the genetics of these two different cultivars,” Bais said. “That will give us a lot of questions in terms of what is changing.” 



The outcomes of this research could be crucial in preventing food safety issues with plants grown in space, ensuring the well-being of astronauts and paving the way for sustainable living beyond Earth.



Looking ahead, the work of Totsline and his team opens the door to further studies on how microgravity affects plant physiology and pathogen interaction. 



These insights will not only benefit space missions but also enhance our understanding of plant biology and disease management in agriculture. 



As we venture further into space, ensuring the safety and nutritional value of astronaut diets remains a top priority, guiding the future of space farming and habitation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1038/s41598-024-51573-y">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Eating lettuce and salads in space is a bad idea, according to a new study

Salads and leafy greens, like lettuce, are essential components of...

Robotic,Cyborg,Hand,,Nature,And,Technology,Abstract,Concept,,3d,Rendering

Researchers have made a significant leap in artificial intelligence (AI) by successfully simulating the growth and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-still-have-much-to-learn-about-tree-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">form of trees</a>. This achievement, a blend of technology and nature, marks a pivotal moment in digital modeling.



The team comprised scientists from Purdue University’s Department of <a href="https://cs.purdue.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Computer Science</a> and Institute for Digital Forestry, along with Sören Pirk from <a href="https://www.uni-kiel.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kiel University</a> in Germany.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-inspired-ai-modeling-tree-growth">DNA-inspired AI: Modeling tree growth</h2>



At the heart of their endeavor is the DNA molecule, a master blueprint for both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-dark-earth-could-revolutionize-forest-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree shape</a> and environmental response. 



<a href="https://www.cs.purdue.edu/people/faculty/bbenes.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedrich Benes</a>, a professor at Purdue, and his team have drawn inspiration from this natural phenomenon to craft innovative AI models. 



“The AI models learn from large data sets to mimic the intrinsic discovered behavior,” Benes said.



These models are remarkable for their efficiency, distilling the complex information needed to replicate tree forms into a neural model barely a megabyte in size.



“It's complex behavior, but it has been compressed to rather a small amount of data,” Benes explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-applications">Real-world applications</h2>



The practical applications of these AI models are profound. After a period of rigorous training, they are capable of encoding the local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-will-cause-massive-declines-in-tree-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">development of trees</a>, allowing for the generation of intricate tree models with detailed geometries that span several gigabytes. 



This technology stands to revolutionize fields ranging from architecture and urban planning to gaming and entertainment, offering a new level of realism in digital environments.



Benes, reflecting on a decade of working with AI models, shared his anticipation of these advancements significantly enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-trees-surrounded-by-less-asphalt-grow-taller-and-stronger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital tree models</a>. 



Yet, the compact size of these models, encapsulating complex behaviors in a small data footprint, was an unexpected and pleasant surprise.



The research, detailed in two papers published in the prestigious ACM Transactions on Graphics and IEEE Transactions on Visualizations and Computer Graphics, represents a collaborative effort. 



Purdue graduate students <a href="https://www.cs.purdue.edu/people/graduate-students/lee2161.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jae Joong Lee</a>, <a href="https://www.cs.purdue.edu/cgvlab/www/team/bosheng-li/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bosheng Li</a>, and Xiaochen Zhou, alongside <a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/directory/sfei" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Songlin Fei</a>, a key figure in remote sensing and director of the <a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/digital-forestry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Digital Forestry</a>, contributed significantly to this breakthrough.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-machine-learning-and-tree-growth">AI machine learning and tree growth</h2>



The team employed deep learning, an advanced branch of AI, to develop <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-outpaces-the-ability-for-trees-to-adapt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth models</a> for various tree species like maple, oak, pine, and walnut, both with and without leaves. 



This method involves training AI models through interconnected neural networks, an approach that seeks to replicate aspects of human brain functionality.



Despite AI's increasing prevalence in various fields, its success in modeling 3D geometries, particularly those related to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-becoming-less-productive-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a>, has been limited. 



According to Benes, generating 3D models of vegetation has been a long-standing challenge in computer graphics. 



“Although AI has become seemingly pervasive, thus far it has mostly proved highly successful in modeling 3D geometries unrelated to nature,” Benes said.



Traditional approaches to tree-growth simulations, often led by experts with biological expertise, have focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pine-trees-grow-toward-equator/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how trees interact</a> with their environment. 



These interactions are governed by both genetic factors, like branching angles, and environmental influences, resulting in diverse tree shapes even within the same species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Future of tree growth and artificial intelligence</h2>



In their quest to untangle this complexity, the researchers turned to AI. By feeding thousands of trees' worth of data into their models, they aimed to let AI learn and distill the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-fate-of-our-forests-new-tool-predicts-tree-survival-amidst-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essence of tree form</a>. 



This approach marks a departure from traditional model building, which is based on human-generated hypotheses and observations. 



“Decoupling the tree’s intrinsic properties and its environmental response is extremely complicated,” Benes said. “We looked at thousands of trees, and we thought, ‘Hey, let AI learn it.’ And maybe we can then learn the essence of tree form with AI.”



Instead, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-monitor-biodiversity-through-animal-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI generalizes behavior</a> from a vast input dataset, with subsequent validation to ensure the models mirror the observed behaviors.



One current limitation is the lack of training data that accurately describes real-world 3D tree geometry. The team's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-modeling-study-reveals-new-insights-into-carbon-sequestration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI models</a> simulate tree developmental algorithms rather than directly mimicking nature. 



Benes envisions a future where capturing a tree's image with a cellphone could generate its 3D geometry within a computer, offering new perspectives and interaction possibilities. 



“In our methods, we needed to generate the data. So our AI models are not simulating nature. They are simulating tree developmental algorithms,” Benes said. He aspires to reconstruct 3D geometry data from real trees inside a computer.



“You take your cellphone, take a picture of a tree, and you get a 3D geometry inside the computer. It could be rotated. Zoom in. Zoom out,” he said. “This is next. And it’s perfectly aligned with the mission of digital forestry.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digital-forestry-and-the-future">Digital forestry and the future</h2>



This vision aligns seamlessly with the mission of digital forestry, heralding a new era of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technological and natural integration</a>.



In summary, the pioneering work of these scientists represents a significant milestone in the intersection of artificial intelligence and natural modeling. 



Their innovative approach, harnessing the power of AI to simulate the growth and form of trees, demonstrates the potential of technology to replicate complex natural phenomena, while opening a realm of possibilities for practical applications in diverse fields. 



From enhancing the realism in digital entertainment to aiding urban planning and architectural designs, this breakthrough sets the stage for future advancements where technology and nature coalesce, offering new insights and capabilities that were once beyond our reach.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3627101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACM Transactions on Graphics</a>.



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Artificial intelligence can now simulate tree growth and shape

Researchers have made a significant leap in artificial intelligence (AI)...

Researchers have recently uncovered the origins of the farthest-known fast radio burst (FRB), tracing it back to an unusual cluster of at least seven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/">galaxies</a>. This discovery, which was based on observations by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, is a remarkable development in the field of astronomy.&nbsp;



At the same time, the study presents a significant challenge to existing scientific models of fast radio burst production and their sources.



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



During the summer of 2022, astronomers detected what is now known as the most powerful fast radio burst ever observed. This FRB, also the farthest known to date, has its origins dating back halfway to the Big Bang, a period when the universe was a mere 5 billion years old – significantly younger than its current age of 13.8 billion years.



The research was led by a team of astronomers from <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a>. The experts utilized the advanced imaging capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope to trace the origins of this extraordinary fast radio burst, named FRB 20220610A. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-phenomenon-nbsp">Rare phenomenon&nbsp;</h2>



The findings have contradicted initial beliefs that the radio burst originated from a single galaxy. Instead, the scientists have traced its birthplace to a collection of at least seven galaxies, closely packed and possibly interacting with each other, a phenomenon that is exceedingly rare in the universe.



Study lead author Alexa Gordon, a graduate student in astronomy at Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, emphasized the critical role of Hubble's imaging in unraveling this mystery.&nbsp;



"Without the Hubble's imaging, it would still remain a mystery as to whether this FRB originated from one monolithic galaxy or from some type of interacting system," said Gordon. "It's these types of environments - these weird ones - that drive us toward a better understanding of the mystery of FRBs."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-radio-bursts-nbsp">Fast radio bursts&nbsp;</h2>



The study, which will be presented at the 243rd meeting of the <a href="https://www.aas.org/">American Astronomical Society</a> in New Orleans, offers new insights into the nature of FRBs. These are brief, intense bursts of radio waves that emit more energy in milliseconds than our sun does in an entire year.&nbsp;



The fast radio burst in question was notably four times more energetic than previously observed FRBs and has set a new record for distance.



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



Initially, the source of FRB 20220610A appeared as an indistinct, blob-like structure. This led to early assumptions that it originated from either a single irregular galaxy or a cluster of distant galaxies.&nbsp;



However, Hubble's sharp imagery revealed a more complex scenario – a compact group of galaxies so densely packed that they could fit within the Milky Way. This discovery has led to speculation about the galaxies possibly exchanging material or even merging.



Professor Wen-fai Fong, a co-author of the study, pointed out the rarity of such compact galaxy groups and the potential for this interaction to trigger bursts of star formation.&nbsp;



"There are some signs that the group members are 'interacting,'" Fong said. "In other words, they could be trading materials or possibly on a path to merging. These groups of galaxies (called compact groups) are incredibly rare environments in the universe and are the densest galaxy-scale structures we know of."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-birthplace-nbsp">Rare birthplace&nbsp;</h2>



"This interaction could trigger bursts of star formation," said Gordon. "That might indicate that the progenitor of FRB 20220610A is associated with a fairly recent population of stars which matches what we've learned from other FRBs."



"Despite hundreds of FRB events discovered to date, only a fraction of those have been pinpointed to their host galaxies," said study co-author Yuxin (Vic) Dong. "Within that small fraction, only a few came from a dense galactic environment, but none have ever been seen in such a compact group. So, its birthplace is truly rare."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unknown-mechanisms-nbsp">Unknown mechanisms&nbsp;</h2>



In the years since astronomers first discovered fast radio bursts in 2007, up to 1,000 FRBs have been discovered. Experts generally agree that FRBs must involve a compact object, such as a black hole or neutron star, but the exact mechanisms remain a mystery.



"Radio waves, in particular, are sensitive to any intervening material along the line of sight - from the FRB location to us," said Fong.&nbsp;



"That means the waves have to travel through any cloud of material around the FRB site, through its host galaxy, across the universe and finally through the Milky Way. From a time delay in the FRB signal itself, we can measure the sum of all of these contributions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-nbsp">Future research&nbsp;</h2>



Gordon noted that with technology continually becoming more sensitive, improved detections are right around the corner.



"With a larger sample of distant FRBs, we can begin to study the evolution of FRBs and their host properties by connecting them to more nearby ones and perhaps even start to identify more strange populations," said Dong.



"In the near future, FRB experiments will increase their sensitivity, leading to an unprecedented rate in the number of FRBs detected at these distances," said Gordon. "Astronomers will soon learn just how special the environment of this FRB was."



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Fast radio burst traced to rare cluster of interacting galaxies

Researchers have recently uncovered the origins of the farthest-known fast...

Giant,Isopod,Up,Close

In the vast and mysterious world of marine biology, a recent crustacean discovery has sparked excitement and opened doors to further understanding of our planet's oceans. 



A team of international marine biologists, including <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/somas/people/_profiles/oliver-shipley.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Oliver Shipley</a> from Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (<a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/somas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SoMAS</a>), has identified a new species of isopod, a type of crustacean, in the deep waters of The Bahamas.



This finding of the new species, named <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Booralana_deep-sea-crustacean_discovered-Bahamas_credit-Oliver-Shipley_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Booralana nickorum</a>, emphasizes how much we have yet to learn about oceanic life. 



This discovery furthers our understanding of the integral role these creatures play in the deep-sea ecosystem and their contribution to overall ocean biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpse-into-isopod-diversity">Glimpse into isopod diversity</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-isopod/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isopods</a>, often only a few centimeters long, are a diverse group of crustaceans found in all major ecosystems on Earth. 



Dating back over 300 million years, they have adapted to various environments. In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-pressure-preserves-food-for-microbes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea habitats</a>, they primarily act as scavengers, playing a crucial role in recycling energy. 



Remarkably, some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-pollination-discovered-between-red-seaweed-and-crustaceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">isopods</a> can survive years without food, a trait Booralana nickorum seems to share.



Dr. Shipley highlights the importance of this discovery, saying, “This work sheds light on the hidden diversity of these species and reveals how little we know about deep-sea ecosystems in The Bahamas."



He also suggests that these waters might hold a “potentially hidden ‘treasure chest’ of unrecognized biodiversity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-crustaceans">Discovering new crustaceans</h2>



The journey to this discovery began back in 2013, with Dr. Shipley’s focus on the Exuma Sound for his MS research. 



In 2019, in collaboration with <a href="https://oceanx.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OceanX</a> and the <a href="https://islandschool.org/cape-eleuthera-institute/about-us-cei/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cape Eleuthera Institute</a>, he led an expedition into the Exuma Sound's deep waters. 



This expedition, part of a series aimed at documenting <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/seven-surprising-secrets-of-the-deepest-sea-creatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea biodiversity</a> in previously unexplored areas, led to the recovery of specimens for genetic sequencing and, ultimately, to the discovery of Booralana nickorum.



This is not the team's first significant find in The Bahamas’ Exuma Sound. In 2016, they described another new isopod species, Bathynomus maxeyorum. 



These discoveries are part of a larger project exploring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-surveys-identify-over-5000-species-in-future-mining-hotspot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity patterns</a> and food web structures in the region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinguishing-new-booralana-species">Distinguishing new Booralana species</h2>



Interestingly, before these findings, only a single Booralana species, Booralana tricarinata, was known to exist in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. 



The new species, Booralana nickorum, is distinguished by unique morphological features, particularly in its pleotelson or ‘tail.’



The discovery was made possible through a collaboration that included experts from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a>, like Professor Duncan Irschick.



Professor Irschick employed novel technologies to create <a href="https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/model-103a-deep-sea-booralana-isopod-d033ca11dc94474aabd45a723fc5d707" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3D models of the specimen</a> that are quite impressive.



Dr. Shipley also points out the broader implications of these discoveries. 



“The Caribbean houses many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-shows-giant-sea-spiders-mating-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea ecosystems</a> that could be considered pristine, mostly hidden from anthropogenic exploitation, such as deep-sea fisheries and mining,” explains Shipley. 



“Therefore, they provide a baseline from which to compare exploitation effects occurring in less pristine regions. However, these systems are not immune from the increasing impacts of climate changes and pollution, so it is critical that we understand the full extent of the biodiversity supported by these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-upheaval-the-ecological-impact-of-deep-sea-mining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea environments</a>.”



However, he warns that these ecosystems are not immune to the broader impacts of climate change and pollution, making it crucial to understand the biodiversity these environments support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educational-impact-and-student-involvement">Educational impact and student involvement</h2>



At <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stony Brook University</a>, Dr. Shipley extends his passion for marine discovery to the classroom. He conducts an annual field course at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, where students, both undergraduate and graduate, engage directly in active discovery alongside Bahamian scientists. 



This environment enriches the educational experience of Stony Brook students and contributes to the ongoing exploration of subtropical ecosystems, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-life-disappear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep sea</a>.



In summary, the discovery of Booralana nickorum represents a window into the largely unexplored marine life of The Bahamas, and underscores the importance of continued research in these critical ecosystems. 



As we delve deeper into the ocean's mysteries, we expand our scientific knowledge while enhancing our ability to protect these vital habitats for future generations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5399.3.4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zootaxa</a>.



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New deep-sea crustacean species discovered

In the vast and mysterious world of marine biology, a...

In a fascinating exploration of the bond between humans and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-humans-close/">dogs</a>, scientists from the <a href="https://www.mpi.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics</a> have delved into the reasons behind dogs' distinctive tail wagging behavior. The relationship between humans and dogs, a bond that dates back to the dawn of civilization, has always included the enigmatic aspect of why dogs wag their tails more than other canines.



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



The researchers, in an opinion piece in <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2023.0407">Biology Letters</a>, propose a theory linking human enjoyment of rhythmic movements to the evolution of dogs' tail wagging behavior. They suggest that early humans might have unconsciously preferred dogs that exhibited more rhythmic movements. 



However, they acknowledge that this is just one theory and that the behavior could also be a byproduct of dogs becoming more sociable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tail-wagging-behavior-nbsp">Tail wagging behavior&nbsp;</h2>



Despite the mutual enjoyment derived from tail wagging, there's been limited research into its evolutionary origins. Unlike domesticated dogs, undomesticated canines like wolves wag their tails less frequently and primarily for communication.&nbsp;



The researchers point out that tail wagging in dogs seems innate rather than learned, as evidenced by the behavior of wolf and dog pups raised by humans, with dog pups beginning to wag their tails much more frequently as early as three weeks old.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domesticated-rhythmic-wagging-nbsp">Domesticated rhythmic wagging&nbsp;</h2>



The scientists propose two theories. The first, termed "domesticated rhythmic wagging," suggests that humans may have selectively bred dogs for more frequent and rhythmic tail wagging.&nbsp;



"Humans have remarkable abilities to perceive and produce rhythmic sequences, particularly isochronous patterns where events are evenly spaced in time," the authors wrote. The preference for rhythmic stimuli, ingrained in human cognitive neuroscience and linked to pleasurable responses and reward system engagement, could have influenced this selection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domestication-syndrome-hypothesis-nbsp">Domestication syndrome hypothesis&nbsp;</h2>



The second theory, known as the "domestication syndrome" hypothesis, posits that tail wagging could be an incidental result of breeding for friendliness. This idea is supported by a study on silver foxes selectively bred for tameness, which showed that friendlier foxes in later generations exhibited more dog-like tail wagging, even though this trait wasn't specifically selected for.



The researchers also discuss the variation in tail wagging behavior across different dog breeds, noting that selection may not have been uniform; for instance, hunting-type dogs wag their tails more than shepherd-type dogs.



Ultimately, the scientists acknowledge that further experiments are necessary to conclusively determine the true reason behind dogs' tail-wagging behavior. Their insights provide a thought-provoking look at how human preferences and evolutionary processes might have shaped one of our closest animal companions' most endearing traits.



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



Tail wagging in dogs is a form of canine communication that can express a variety of emotions and intentions. Contrary to popular belief, tail wagging doesn't always mean a dog is happy. The nature of the tail wag can convey different messages.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speed">Speed</h3>



The speed of the wag is significant. A rapid wag is generally a sign of excitement or happiness. If a dog wags its tail slowly, it might be unsure or assessing a situation.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-height">Height</h3>



The height at which a dog holds its tail while wagging can also be telling. A high tail often indicates confidence or aggression, while a lower tail might signify fear, submission, or anxiety.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-direction">Direction</h3>



The direction of the tail wag also plays a role. Recent studies suggest that a tail wagging more to the right might be associated with positive feelings, while a left-biased wag could indicate negative emotions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-language-nbsp">Body language&nbsp;</h3>



It's important to consider the whole body language of the dog, not just the tail. Other cues like ear position, posture, and facial expression provide context to the meaning of a tail wag.&nbsp;



For instance, a wagging tail combined with relaxed body language and a playful stance often means the dog is happy and inviting interaction. Conversely, a wagging tail with stiff body posture or bared teeth could signal aggression.



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Study explores the mystery of why dogs wag their tails

In a fascinating exploration of the bond between humans and...

Evening,View,Of,The,Industrial,Landscape,Of,The,City,With

The Met Office in Britain, in its recent announcement, has raised significant concerns about 2024 and the escalating levels of CO2 in the atmosphere.



The forecast predicts that in 2024, the increase in carbon dioxide levels will surpass critical trajectories, crucial for limiting global warming to 1.5°C.



The assertion from researchers is stark: only "drastic" reductions in emissions can retain this target within achievable bounds.



 “This year’s estimated rise in atmospheric carbon-dioxide concentration is well above all three 1.5°C-compatible scenarios highlighted in the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/">IPCC report</a>," said <a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/people/richard-betts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Richard Betts</a>, the Met Office author of the CO2 forecast.



"Even when we compensate for the temporary effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mountains-impact-el-nino-winters-and-snowfall-amounts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a>, we find that human-induced emissions would still cause the CO2 rise in 2024 to be on the absolute limits of compliance with the 1.5°C pathways," Betts added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-paris-agreement-s-goal-is-slipping-away">The Paris Agreement's goal is slipping away</h2>



A key driver of this anticipated rise is the dual impact of escalating emissions from fossil fuels and deforestation. 



Compounding this effect in 2024 is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forecasters-warn-of-weather-chaos-as-el-nino-arrives-early/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> weather pattern, known to diminish the carbon-absorbing capacity of tropical forests. 



Consequently, the <a href="https://gml.noaa.gov/obop/mlo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mauna Loa Observatory</a> in Hawaii anticipates a "relatively large" surge in annual average CO2 concentrations, estimating an increase of approximately 2.84 parts per million (ppm) from the previous year.



This increase is likely to steer the world away from the main pathways outlined by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a>) for maintaining global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. 



This goal, set by the 2015 Paris Agreement, is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve. 



“The atmospheric CO2 rise has accelerated over the last six decades. If global warming is to stay below 1.5°C, the rate of build-up of CO2 in the atmosphere would need to slow substantially in the coming years, and halt altogether before mid-century. The forecast for 2024 CO2 levels does not show such a slowing," Betts explained further.



He further noted that while technically possible, meeting this target requires immediate and significant emission reductions, a scenario not currently reflected in the IPCC's projections.



The impending risk is clear: the world is inching closer to witnessing individual years where warming exceeds 1.5°C. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surge-in-2024-atmospheric-co2-levels">Surge in 2024 atmospheric CO2 levels</h2>



Although such instances would not constitute a direct breach of the Paris Agreement, which averages these figures over two decades, they are a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis. 



The IPCC has already warned that, should emissions continue unabated, the 1.5°C threshold could be surpassed in the early 2030s. 



"We're not seeing any signs of avoiding that in terms of the buildup of CO2 in the atmosphere," Betts added.



The <a href="https://wmo.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Meteorological Organization</a> confirmed last week that 2023 was the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-heat-of-2023-likely-exceeds-that-of-the-last-100000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmest year on record</a>, with an average global temperature of 1.45C above pre-industrial levels. 



The emerging El Niño climate pattern, which began in mid-2023, is expected to further exacerbate this trend. 



El Niño typically results in hotter, drier conditions in tropical forests and peatlands, impairing their ability to sequester carbon. 



Normally, ecosystems and ocean absorption offset about half of humanity's emissions, but El Niño's presence weakens this natural mitigation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-emissions-reductions-required">Urgent emissions reductions required</h2>



Regions like the Amazon, already grappling with severe drought, heat, and fires, are of particular concern. 



To maintain the 1.5°C limit, UN experts have estimated that emissions need to be cut nearly in half this decade. However, carbon pollution continues to rise.



Monitoring at Mauna Loa, ongoing since 1958, reveals a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/annual-CO2-concentration-change_graph_Met-Office_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consistently upward trend in CO2 levels</a>. 



To forecast this year's concentrations, the Met Office utilized emissions data alongside observations and predictions of ocean surface temperatures in the equatorial east Pacific, an El Niño indicator. 



Betts emphasized that even without El Niño's impact, the projected CO2 accumulation would be at the "very, very upper limit of consistency" with the IPCC's 1.5°C scenarios.



In summary, these findings underscore the urgency for "urgent emissions cuts," as emphasized by Betts. While multiple pathways exist to maintain the 1.5°C limit, all require immediate and significant action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 



The current situation highlights a critical juncture in the fight against climate change, where decisive and collective action is paramount.



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Met Office: 2024 CO2 levels will surpass the point of no return

The Met Office in Britain, in its recent announcement, has...

A new study led by Dr. Cristiane Duarte of <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a> has revealed a significant insight into mental health issues. The research team found that supportive relationships with adults during childhood can significantly mitigate the risks of depression and anxiety in adulthood, even in the face of adverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adverse-childhood-experiences-lead-to-lifelong-health-consequences/">childhood</a> experiences. 



"For kids, an extremely important resilience factor is a warm, nurturing relationship with a parent, caregiver, or other adult," said lead author Dr. Sara VanBronkhorst. "Our study demonstrates that children who have at least one positive, committed adult-child relationship are less likely to experience depression, anxiety and perceived stress later in life."



This finding is crucial as it underlines the protective role these relationships play against long-term mental health issues.



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



The experts targeted a critical research gap by focusing on marginalized and minoritized youth, who often face multiple adversities. To better understand resilience factors, the team used data from the Boricua Youth Study, which tracked three generations of Puerto Rican families over 20 years.&nbsp;



The team looked at adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) at three points during childhood. These experiences include physical or emotional abuse; household violence; neglect; and caregiver mental illness, death, or incarceration.



The researchers measured seven sociocultural factors associated with resilience, which included social relationships (maternal warmth and friendships). They also measured the following mental health outcomes during young adulthood: generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, substance use disorder, and perceived stress.



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



The analysis revealed that positive social relationships, specifically non-peer relationships, were linked to lower instances of mental health issues in adulthood.&nbsp;



This finding is pivotal, suggesting that the presence of at least one positive adult-child relationship can significantly reduce the likelihood of these mental health issues later in life.



The study also uncovered some unexpected results regarding religion. Contrary to common belief, high levels of family devoutness were associated with increased perceived stress among young adults who had experienced high ACEs.&nbsp;



"With factors such as religiosity, the story may be more nuanced," said Dr. VanBronkhorst. "One explanation for this unexpected finding could be that religious families may experience higher levels of shame and guilt related to ACEs, such as parental substance use or incarceration."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-factors-nbsp">Resilience factors&nbsp;</h2>



Furthermore, the study authors noted that while certain resilience factors were associated with reduced stress and mental health disorders, none were linked to a decrease in substance use disorders. This observation highlights the complexity of mental health and the necessity for multifaceted approaches to prevention and intervention.



Dr. Duarte emphasized the need to expand our understanding of resilience, suggesting future studies should explore the impact of factors like financial resources, racism, and social equity.&nbsp;



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



Dr. VanBronkhorst, who also works as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, sees firsthand the challenges families face in forming these protective relationships.&nbsp;



"The parents I work with see their kids struggling, they want to form these positive relationships, but so much gets in the way," said Dr. VanBronkhorst.



"We should be helping them with parenting classes and family therapy; we can educate teachers and community members. But we should also be looking at larger, structural, interventions that could reduce the experiences of adversities and the causes of stress that interfere with adults forming bonds that can buffer children from stress."



"In this study we wanted to acknowledge that resilience cannot be reduced to individual attributes that one may be born with," added Dr. Duarte. "Resilience is a process. To engage in this process, children and caregivers need access to resources in their environment that foster strong, responsive relationships and meaningful experiences."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.4900" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Psychiatry</a>.



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Supportive adults help protect children from mental health issues 

A new study led by Dr. Cristiane Duarte of Columbia...

Air conditioning systems can significantly reduce the risk of harm from wildfire smoke, according to a new study led by the <a href="https://www.uts.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Technology Sydney</a> (UTS).&nbsp;



The researchers found that air conditioning units trap particles from wildfire smoke and reduce our exposure to potentially harmful elements like soluble mercury, sulfate, and nitrate. This revelation adds a new dimension to the understanding of air conditioning beyond its primary function of cooling spaces.



Wildfire smoke, as highlighted by the UTS study, is not just an environmental concern but a significant health hazard. It can exacerbate conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease, leading to increased hospitalizations and even fatalities.&nbsp;



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



The study’s insights are particularly relevant in the wake of increasing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/">wildfires</a> globally, which have been a source of major air pollution.



“The wildfires that raged across Australia during the 2019–2020 ‘Black Summer’ produced an enormous amount of air pollution, with plumes of smoke traveling long distances and cloaking Sydney and surrounding areas,” said study lead author and PhD candidate Raissa Gill.



“We wanted to find out more about what was in the wildfire smoke we were breathing. By using commercial air conditioning filters, we were able to capture and analyze the chemical composition of particles that would otherwise have been inhaled."



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



The team used commercial air conditioning filters to collect and analyze the chemical composition of airborne particles during the wildfires. Filters from UTS Buildings 4 and 7 served as the primary source for sample collection.&nbsp;



The results showed that particulate matter concentrations were 2–3 times higher than normal, with spikes reaching 10.5 times the usual maximum. These levels exceeded national standards on 19% of the days across the four-month sampling period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-aerosols-nbsp">Wildfire aerosols&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Professor Martina Doblin noted significant differences in the physical and chemical properties of wildfire aerosols compared to typical urban aerosols.&nbsp;



“Wildfire aerosols contained much smaller, rounder particles than urban aerosols, making them more likely to be inhaled into our lungs and to transfer toxic elements into our blood stream,” said Professor Doblin. 



“These particles also contained more soluble forms of mercury, as well as higher concentrations of sulfate, nitrate and fluoride ions and metals including manganese, cobalt, and antimony. Mercury is quite toxic even in low concentrations and can cause neurological problems and lung damage.”



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



The study not only highlights the immediate risks posed by wildfire smoke but also emphasizes the long-term environmental and health impacts.&nbsp;



“While air quality in Sydney is usually good by world standards, recent evidence has clearly shown that the handful of days that we get every year with high pollution loads from wildfires and dust storms lead to significant disease and death in the community," said study co-author Professor Fraser Torpy. 



"Studies that build an understanding of these high pollution events are critical in helping us determine what is causing these health crises, and will lead towards a better understanding of how we can protect the vulnerable members of the community that suffer from them."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hvac-systems">HVAC systems</h2>



Interestingly, the researchers found that HVAC systems, though not specifically designed for wildfire smoke, played a significant role in reducing indoor exposure to toxic particles. This was evidenced by the lower concentrations of fine particulate matter indoors compared to outdoors during the Canberra wildfires in 2019-2020.&nbsp;



The study suggests that considering higher-rated HVAC filters during fire seasons, and their regular maintenance and replacement, could be vital in reducing exposure to toxic particles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-future-directions">Challenges and future directions</h2>



Despite these findings, Gill pointed out that many Australian homes and older buildings, which rely on natural ventilation or have inefficient HVAC systems, remain vulnerable to wildfire smoke.&nbsp;



“Australians face significant obstacles in achieving satisfactory air quality during major wildfire events. Many homes and older buildings rely on natural ventilation or have poor HVAC filtration efficiency and gaps that allow smoke to enter. These systems can also be costly and complicated to manage for effective protection during wildfires,” said Gill.



“Given that severe wildfires are projected to increase with climate change, the role of wildfire-ready infrastructure in maintaining public health, as well as the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is now more pressing than ever."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123306" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Pollution</a>.



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Air conditioning systems trap harmful particles from wildfire smoke 

Air conditioning systems can significantly reduce the risk of harm...

In a discovery that could redefine dietary interventions, experts at the <a href="https://monell.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monell Chemical Senses Center</a> have identified neural pathways specifically linked to cravings for fats and sugars. 



The study not only demystifies the internal mechanisms driving our appetite for unhealthy foods, but also raises important questions about how these cravings may hinder <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diet-improves-heart-health-in-a-matter-of-weeks/">dieting</a> efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-brain-pathways-nbsp">Gut-brain pathways&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers have found distinct gut-brain pathways that are separately activated by fatty and sugary foods. When these pathways combine, they amplify our desire to eat, potentially leading to overconsumption.



Study lead author Dr. Guillaume de Lartigue described this as a "one-two punch" to the brain's reward system. 



"Food is nature's ultimate reinforcer," said Dr. de Lartigue. "But why fats and sugars are particularly appealing has been a puzzle. We've now identified nerve cells in the gut rather than taste cells in the mouth are a key driver. We found that distinct gut-brain pathways are recruited by fats and sugars, explaining why that donut can be so irresistible."&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vagus-nerve-system-nbsp">Vagus nerve system&nbsp;</h2>



The study highlights the role of the vagus nerve in transmitting nutritional information from the gut to the brain. This neural communication goes beyond the sensory experience of taste, originating instead in the gut, thereby affecting our eating behavior on a more primal level.



Using cutting-edge technology, the research team was able to directly manipulate neurons in the vagus nerve system of mice.&nbsp;



By stimulating these neurons with light, the experts observed a subsequent dopamine release in the brain's reward center. This approach allowed the team to isolate and identify the separate pathways for fat and sugar cravings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-dieting">Challenges of dieting</h2>



"It's like a one-two punch to the brain's reward system," said Dr. de Lartigue. "Even if the total calories consumed in sugar and fats stays the same, combining fats and sugars leads to significantly more dopamine release and, ultimately, overeating in the mice."



This finding suggests that human brains may be naturally inclined to seek out foods high in both fats and sugars, making conscious efforts to resist these foods more difficult than previously understood.



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



The implications of this research extend far beyond academic interest, opening new avenues for anti-obesity strategies. By targeting and regulating these newly discovered gut-brain reward circuits, there is potential for creating more effective interventions to curb unhealthy eating habits.



"The communication between our gut and brain happens below the level of consciousness," said Dr. de Lartigue. "We may be craving these types of food without even realizing it."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-possibilities-nbsp">Exciting possibilities&nbsp;</h2>



The team predicts that this line of research offers hope for future development of anti-obesity treatments.&nbsp;



"Understanding the wiring diagram of our innate motivation to consume fats and sugars is the first step towards rewiring it," said Dr. de Lartigue. "This research unlocks exciting possibilities for personalized interventions that could help people make healthier choices, even when faced with tempting treats."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2023.12.014">Cell Metabolism</a>.&nbsp;



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Why do some foods seem irresistible? The answer is in your gut

In a discovery that could redefine dietary interventions, experts at...

Recent research has unveiled surprising details about the Megalodon, a colossal shark species that became extinct approximately 3.6 million years ago. Contrary to earlier beliefs, this study reveals that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megalodon-was-a-truly-vicious-killer-but-not-a-cold-blooded-one/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a> was much thinner than previously thought. 



This new understanding significantly alters our perception of Megalodon behavior, its role in ancient ocean ecosystems, and the factors contributing to its extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-megalodon-in-popular-culture">Megalodon in popular culture</h2>



In popular culture, notably in sci-fi films like “The Meg” (2018) and “Meg 2: The Trench” (2023), the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megalodon-shark-was-a-very-slow-swimmer-with-an-enormous-appetite/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a> is often depicted as a gargantuan and bulky creature. 



Previous scientific studies, largely based on its teeth and vertebrae fossils, supported this portrayal, estimating the shark's length to range from 50 feet to a staggering 65 feet. 



However, this new study challenges these assumptions and reshapes our understanding of this ancient predator.



“Our team reexamined the fossil record, and discovered the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megalodon-devoured-huge-prey-up-to-eight-meters-long/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a> was more slender and possibly even longer than we thought. Therefore, a better model might be the modern mako shark,” said <a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCR</a> biologist and paper first author <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Megalodon-shark_tooth_Douglas-Long_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phillip Sternes</a>.



“It still would have been a formidable predator at the top of the ancient marine food chain, but it would have behaved differently based on this new understanding of its body.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-thinner-megalodon-surmised">A thinner Megalodon surmised</h2>



This revelation suggests that while still a formidable apex predator, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-white-sharks-may-have-sped-up-megalodon-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a>'s hunting and feeding behavior might have been different than previously imagined.



The research involved an international team of 26 scientists, co-led by Sternes and Kenshu Shimada, a paleobiology professor at <a href="https://www.depaul.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DePaul University</a>. 



The team's 'eureka moment' occurred when they noticed discrepancies in the estimated body lengths for the same <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-white-sharks-may-have-sped-up-megalodon-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a> specimen. This inconsistency prompted a deeper investigation.



“We measured the whole vertebral skeleton of a living great white shark with a CT scanner and compared that to the previous reconstruction of the Megalodon vertebral column,” Sternes elaborated. 



The findings indicated that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megalodons-appearance-still-remains-a-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a> was not just a larger version of the modern great white shark.



This revised understanding of the Megalodon's body type has far-reaching implications. 



“The remarkably simple evidence that O. megalodon had a more slender body than the great white shark was hidden in plain sight,” said Kenshu Shimada, a co-leader and the senior author of the new study.



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



This stunning discovery alters our view of not only the giant shark itself, but also its impact on the evolution and ecology of marine ecosystems that have shaped today's oceans. 



A thinner, more <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Megalodon-shark_body-form_graphic_credit-Depaul-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elongated Megalodon body</a> suggests a longer digestive canal, implying enhanced nutrient absorption and potentially less frequent feeding needs.



Sternes added, “With increased ability to digest its food, it could have gone for longer without needing to hunt. This means less predation pressure on other marine creatures.” 



This insight offers a new perspective on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-caused-a-giant-megalodon-tooth-to-split/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a>'s ecological role and its interactions with other marine life.



While some scientists believe a natural decrease in prey led to the Megalodon's extinction, Sternes proposes a different theory, influenced by the new understanding of its shape. 



“I believe there were a combination of factors that led to the extinction, but one of them may have been the emergence of the great white shark, which was possibly more agile, making it an even better predator than the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megalodons-grew-larger-in-cold-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a>,” he suggested. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-and-extinction-of-a-thinner-megalodon">Lifestyle and extinction of a thinner Megalodon</h2>



This competitive dynamic might have been a significant factor in the decline and ultimate extinction of a thinner <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megalodons-feasted-on-sperm-whales-enormous-noses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a>.



The international team of researchers from countries including the U.S., UK, Austria, France, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia agree that this new understanding of the Megalodon necessitates a reevaluation of ancient marine life. 



“Now that we know it was a thinner shark, we need to reinvestigate its lifestyle, how it really lived, and what caused it to die,” Sternes concluded. 



“Despite the major scientific advancement in our new study, the fact that we still don’t know exactly how O. megalodon looked keeps our imagination going,” Shimada said. 



“The continued mystery like this makes paleontology, the study of prehistoric life, a fascinating and exciting scientific field.”



In summary, this study challenges existing beliefs about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-megatooth-sharks-were-apex-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a> sharks and proves the need for more research in the future. 



Concurrently, Shimada and Sternes' new research offers exciting opportunities to unravel the mysteries of ancient marine life and its enduring influence on our oceans.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://palaeo-electronica.org/content/2024/5079-megalodon-body-form" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palaeontologia Electronica</a>.



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Megalodon sharks were much thinner than previously believed

Recent research has unveiled surprising details about the Megalodon, a...

Sunset,In,The,Sonoran,Desert,Near,Phoenix,,Arizona

Contrary to the long-held Clausius-Clapeyron relationship, which suggests that a warmer atmosphere should contain more water vapor, a new study finds that atmospheric moisture has not increased as expected, particularly over dry and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deserts-as-carbon-sinks-study-reveals-potential-for-greening-arid-regions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">semi-arid regions</a>.



This revelation raises new questions about the future of these regions in the face of climate change.



Recent research spearheaded by the U.S. National Science Foundation's National Center for Atmospheric Research (<a href="https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/national-center-atmospheric-research-ncar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF NCAR</a>) has revealed a puzzling anomaly in our understanding of climate science. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-regions-are-getting-dryer-instead-of-wetter">Dry regions are getting dryer instead of wetter</h2>



The study's results are alarming, as they suggest that dry and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-is-frozen-ground-responding-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">semi-arid regions</a> could be more vulnerable to wildfires and extreme heat than previously projected.



“The impacts could be potentially severe,” said NSF NCAR scientist Isla Simpson, lead author of the study. “This is a global problem, and it’s something that is completely unexpected given our climate model results.”



The study, a collaborative effort involving scientists from various esteemed institutions, including <a href="https://www.ucla.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a>, <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSB</a>, <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>, <a href="https://polarbearsinternational.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polar Bears International</a>, and <a href="https://www.columbia.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a>, delved into decades of atmospheric data. 



From 1980 to 2020, the team analyzed data from weather stations, weather balloons, and satellites, expecting to find an increase in atmospheric water vapor in line with climate models. However, the results were contrary to expectations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clausius-clapeyron-relationship-challenged">Clausius-Clapeyron relationship challenged</h2>



The Clausius-Clapeyron relationship has been a fundamental principle in climate science, suggesting that with every 1°C rise in temperature, atmospheric moisture should increase by about 7%. 



Surprisingly, the research found that over dry and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoration-of-drylands-essential-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">semi-arid regions</a>, moisture levels have remained constant or even declined, as observed in the Southwestern United States.



“This is contrary to all climate model simulations in which it rises at a rate close to theoretical expectations, even over dry regions,” the authors wrote in the new paper. 



“Given close links between water vapor and wildfire, ecosystem functioning, and temperature extremes, this issue must be resolved in order to provide credible climate projections for dry and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drier-savannas-store-more-soil-carbon-than-previously-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">semi-arid regions</a> of the world.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-regions-will-face-greater-challenges">Dry regions will face greater challenges</h2>



This discrepancy poses a significant challenge to climate models, which have consistently projected rising atmospheric moisture even over dry regions. 



Simpson, who first noticed this trend while working on a <a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a> report about climate change in the southwestern U.S., emphasizes the urgency of resolving this issue to provide credible climate projections.



“We could be facing even higher risks than what’s been projected for dry and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-driving-forces-behind-greening-in-the-sahara-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">semi-arid regions</a> like the Southwest, which has already been affected by unprecedented water shortages and extreme wildfire seasons,” Simpson said.



Interestingly, the study found that humid regions exhibit a different pattern. Here, water vapor increased during wetter months as expected, but the increase was not as pronounced during the driest months. 



This pattern contrasts sharply with the arid and semi-arid regions, further complicating the overall understanding of atmospheric moisture dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-possible-explanations">Exploring possible explanations</h2>



The researchers propose several theories to explain these unexpected findings. One possibility is that the transfer of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-is-the-main-source-of-rain-in-the-atacama-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moisture</a> from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere is not occurring as the models suggest. 



Another theory is that atmospheric circulation patterns may be moving moisture in unexpected ways. Additionally, the land surface itself might be retaining more moisture than anticipated, affecting its availability to the atmosphere.



Despite considering errors in observational data, the team found the discrepancy too consistent across different regions and time frames to be attributed to measurement errors.



Simpson emphasized the urgent need for more research to determine the cause.



“It is a really tricky problem to solve, because we don't have global observations of all the processes that matter to tell us about how water is being transferred from the land surface to the atmosphere," she said.&nbsp; 



"But we absolutely need to figure out what's going wrong because the situation is not what we expected and could have very serious implications for the future.”



In summary, this study opens a new chapter in climate science, challenging existing models and highlighting the complexity of Earth's climate system.



As the researchers continue to explore this surprising anomaly, their work reminds us of the ever-evolving nature of scientific understanding and the critical need for continuous observation and analysis in the face of global climate change.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2302480120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Weather in dry regions isn’t behaving as climate models predict

Contrary to the long-held Clausius-Clapeyron relationship, which suggests that 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.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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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;



---



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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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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

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