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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

Deep,Space,Alien,Planet,,Scifi,3d,Illustration

Billions of years ago, Earth was a fiery young world. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/">Volcanoes</a> erupted, oceans churned, and the key compounds of life were just starting to blend. Fast forward to today, scientists have made a discovery that sheds light on this mysterious time.



Researchers from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> have created the compound pantetheine, a crucial ingredient for life, using conditions that mimic early Earth. This isn't just science fiction; it's a real breakthrough that helps us understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/origin-of-life-on-earth-may-have-been-found-in-ancient-hot-springs/">life</a> might have begun. The achievement also opens doors to finding life beyond our planet.



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



Pantetheine is a vital molecule found in all living things. It's part of a bigger molecule called coenzyme A (CoA), which helps cells with essential tasks like making energy, breaking down food, and building new molecules. But pantetheine isn't just important for life today; it might also hold clues about how life began.



Some scientists believe pantetheine could be one of the very first molecules that appeared on the early Earth and paved the way for more complex life forms.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creation-of-pantetheine">Creation of pantetheine</h2>



The researchers didn't directly synthesize pantetheine from scratch. Instead, they designed a series of reactions inspired by the conditions and available molecules on early Earth. 



This means they used simple building blocks like water, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/">methane</a>, and ammonia, which were likely abundant in Earth's early atmosphere.



Pantetheine has a complex structure made of connected carbon atoms. The researchers linked these carbon atoms together, forming the basic skeleton of the molecule.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intermediate-pantetheine-compounds">Intermediate pantetheine compounds </h3>



Building the frame isn't enough. Pantetheine has unique functional groups that give it specific properties. The researchers used intermediate compounds like "sculpting clay" to refine the structure and add these groups. Here, nitriles come into play as critical intermediates. 



Derived from simple precursors like hydrogen cyanide (HCN), nitriles are versatile molecules that can be transformed into a variety of functional groups found in biological molecules, including those present in pantetheine.



For the final touches, amino acid-like molecules played a crucial role in the final step. They provided energy for the reactions and helped guide the final arrangement of atoms.&nbsp;



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



What makes this study truly groundbreaking is that it demonstrates the formation of life's building blocks at ordinary room temperature.&nbsp;



This exciting discovery suggests that these crucial molecules could have arisen not in extreme environments like volcanoes or space, but in the everyday settings of early Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-life-nbsp">Origins of life&nbsp;</h2>



The study shows a realistic way to build pantetheine from basic materials like hydrogen cyanide and water. This changes our understanding of how diverse and potentially fertile early Earth was.&nbsp;



The results also change the way we see water's role in the origin of life. Instead of just breaking down complex molecules, water could actually help build important ones like pantetheine. This means life could have begun in more places than we thought.



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



The unique discovery suggests that key molecules for life, like RNA, proteins, and even pantetheine, might have formed together, not one after another. This challenges the popular "RNA world" idea, where RNA came first and led to DNA and protein life later.&nbsp;



The study hints at a complex network of prebiotic reactions. The network could have led to many different life molecules forming at the same time.&nbsp;



“This new study is further evidence that the basic structures of biology, the primary molecules that biology is built from, are predisposed to form through nitrile chemistry," said study senior author Professor Powner from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a>.



"The ease with which different classes of biological molecules can be made using nitriles has convinced me that, rather than life being preceded by one molecule such as RNA, and there being an ‘RNA world’ before life began, the basic molecules of biology emerged alongside each other – a network of RNAs, proteins, enzymes and cofactors leading to the first living organisms.”



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



The research is exciting because it shows how a crucial building block of life, like pantetheine, could form under conditions that might exist on other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trillions-of-rogue-planets-may-be-wandering-alone-in-our-galaxy/">planets</a> or moons. This raises the possibility that life could be much more common than we think.



We could look for life beyond just Earth-like planets, expanding our search to places like icy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-now-leads-the-solar-system-moon-race-with-145/">moons</a> with hidden oceans or planets with lots of nitrogen in the air.



Moreover, the process used to make pantetheine could be used to create other important molecules for life, opening new doors in the field of synthetic biology. We could build new drugs, materials, and even better understand the chemistry that makes life possible.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk4432" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Pantetheine: Key compound suggests that life beyond Earth could be common

Billions of years ago, Earth was a fiery young world....

Every parent wants to raise a bright and curious kid, and the good news is, everyday moments hold surprising power when it comes to shaping their intelligence.&nbsp;



Researchers from <a href="https://www.fau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Atlantic University</a> have been exploring how different activities, from playtime to bedtime stories, can influence a child's language development in fascinating ways.



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



The researchers looked at three common activities: reading books, sharing memories, and playing with toys (LEGO). They chose families with young children (3-5 years old) in Denmark and observed how parents talked during each activity.&nbsp;



The experts recorded the conversations and analyzed them to see how complex the words were, how open-ended the questions were, and how well parents responded to their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-causes-of-sedentary-behavior-in-children/">children</a>.



The researchers expected that reading and reminiscing would lead to richer conversations than playing with toys, because they involve more storytelling and reflection. The goal wasn't just to see how conversations differed, but also to understand how each activity helps or hinders language development. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-type-of-activity-matters">Type of activity matters</h2>



The experts found that parents use more complex and descriptive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-have-a-much-more-complex-language-than-we-thought/">language</a> when reading and reminiscing compared to playing with toys. This means they ask more "what/who/where" and "why/how" questions, which encourage longer and more detailed responses from children.



Reading and reminiscing help children learn more vocabulary and sentence structures. These activities expose children to a wider range of language in a natural and engaging way.



Parents of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/every-year-of-education-reduces-mortality-risk/">education</a> levels benefit from these activities. While education might play a small role in how parents talk, the type of activity has a bigger impact.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-playing-with-lego-was-least-engaging">Playing with LEGO was least engaging</h2>



Building with LEGO involves hands-on activities, and not as much back-and-forth talk. The study found that playing with LEGO wasn't as good as other activities for encouraging parents to use rich language with their children.&nbsp;



When playing with LEGO, the focus might be on completing a specific project, leading to more instruction-like talk ("Put this here") instead of open-ended questions and rich descriptions.



This suggests that LEGO play led to less stimulating conversations and potentially less educational interaction for the children. Another key finding was that parents used more "labeling" (describing actions and objects) when reminiscing, but less when playing with LEGO. Activities like remembering old stories together can lead to more descriptive language, which is important for children to learn new words.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-parents-education-level-nbsp">Impact of parents' education level&nbsp;</h2>



While parents' education level somewhat impacted how they spoke, the activity context had a bigger effect. Even highly educated parents used simpler language during playtime.&nbsp;



Interestingly, the researchers found that parents with higher education tend to have more in-depth and detailed conversations with their kids when reminiscing. They ask more open-ended questions, explain things in detail, and encourage their children to think and talk about their feelings and thoughts about past experiences.



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



Reminiscing offers a unique opportunity for both cognitive and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-promotes-social-development-in-infants/">emotional development</a>. It helps kids learn how to tell stories, understand cause and effect, and even develop empathy by thinking about their feelings and reactions during past events. Parents with higher education might be more aware of these benefits and use reminiscing as a teaching moment more often.



Additionally, the researchers found no significant difference between how moms and dads talk to their children, regardless of the activity. This challenges the idea that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sex-roles-among-animals-are-driven-by-gender-ratios/">gender</a> plays a major role in shaping parent-child language interactions.



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



Activities like reading books together and reminiscing about fun memories are powerful tools for language development.&nbsp;



“I would suggest to parents that it’s not just important to spend time with your children. What you’re doing when you’re spending time with them also is important,” said study senior author Professor Erika Hoff.&nbsp;



“It’s good to carve out some time just to have a conversation. If you like reading books, read books, if you would rather talk about planning the future or talking about the past, do that. Make time to have conversations with your children.”



These activities naturally encourage parents to use richer language, asking more engaging questions like "what happened next?" and "how did you feel?" This exposes children to a wider range of vocabulary and sentence structures, building a strong foundation for their own language skills.&nbsp;



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



The experts warn that activities like remembering past experiences, though helpful, may accidentally make the gap between children from families with different education levels wider if not adjusted carefully.&nbsp;



This means we need different ways of doing these activities depending on the parents' education level. It is important to make sure these activities don't make the existing differences in language learning even bigger.



“Reminiscing is good, but it’s not a magic bullet that closes societal and educational gaps. The applied motivation behind our line of research is to find ways that will close the gap in the language experience of children from more advantaged and less advantaged families,” said Dr Hoff.&nbsp;



“Of course, it’s good to find activities that enrich all children’s language experience, and all children will benefit from such experiences. However, such activities can’t be expected to eliminate all differences in children’s experience.”



The study is published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2024.101632" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology</a>.



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Reminiscing can boost language development in preschoolers

Every parent wants to raise a bright and curious kid,...

In a thrilling scientific adventure, researchers on a <a href="https://schmidtocean.org/">Schmidt Ocean Institute</a> expedition have made a remarkable discovery: a multitude of never-before-seen life forms thriving off the Chilean coast.



From the dark depths to towering underwater mountains, this expedition revealed a hidden world teeming with life. Each dive brought new discoveries, challenging our understanding of the ocean's depths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salas-y-gomez-ridge">Salas y Gomez Ridge</h2>



Dr. Javier Sellanes and his team plunged into the unknown, uncovering an unexplored water mountain: the Salas y Gomez Ridge. Spanning an impressive distance of over 1,800 miles, this underwater mountain range emerged as a focal point of the expedition.



As the team dove deeper, they discovered a world teeming with life. From tiny fish to giant whales, the ridge was like a bustling underwater city.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-100-new-species">100 new species</h2>



The team made an astounding discovery: they found over 100 sea creatures living in the deep ocean that nobody knew existed before. These animals come in all shapes and sizes, and they each play a special role in the ocean ecosystem.



For example, the researchers found colorful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-some-corals-more-resilient-to-climate-change-than-others/">corals</a> that build homes for other animals on the dark ocean floor. They saw strange lobsters with long bodies and thin legs that scurry around rocks looking for food. 



There were even delicate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sponges-sneeze-to-get-rid-of-unwanted-waste/">sponges</a> that filter tiny particles from the water and spiraling corals that sway in the currents. Spiky urchins were also found, with shells that protect them from danger.



“We far exceeded our hopes on this expedition,” said Dr. Sellanes, who led the study. “You always expect to find new species in these remote and poorly explored areas, but the amount we found, especially for some groups like sponges, is mind-blowing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-four-previously-unknown-seamounts">Four previously unknown seamounts</h2>



In addition to discovering new species, Dr. Sellanes’s team mapped four previously unknown seamounts within the Salas y Gomez Ridge. Each mountain harbored its own distinct ecosystem.&nbsp;



Among them, the tallest seamount, unofficially named Solito, stood as a towering giant, reaching an astonishing height of 3,530 meters. To put this into perspective, Solito reaches nearly 70% of the height of Mount Everest (8,848 meters).&nbsp;



The discovery of these seamounts provides valuable insights into the geological diversity of the Salas y Gomez Ridge and the habitats it supports. Each seamount creates a unique environment, offering refuge and resources for a variety of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-noise-is-getting-louder-what-does-this-mean-for-animals/">marine life</a>. From the depths of the ocean floor to the sunlit shallows near the summit, these landforms contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region.



Furthermore, the identification and mapping of the seamounts contribute to our understanding of the broader marine ecosystem. By studying the geological features and associated marine life of these underwater mountains, scientists can gain valuable insights into oceanic processes and the interconnectedness of marine habitats.



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



Over 100 new species show how much unseen life exists in the ocean. This means we urgently need to protect these fragile ecosystems from stressors like fishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. 



The deep sea helps regulate Earth's climate by storing carbon and supporting food webs. Knowing more about these ecosystems helps us understand how they'll respond to climate change. The expedition's findings give us valuable data to predict and address these challenges.



Moreover, the giant underwater mountain range shows how much of the ocean remains unexplored. We must keep exploring and mapping these areas to better understand Earth's geology, life, and ocean currents. This knowledge helps us learn more about our planet and guides future research and conservation efforts.



Image Credit: ROV SuBastian/ Schmidt Ocean Institute&nbsp;



License link: <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/</a>



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Ocean life: 100 new sea creatures found in Chile

In a thrilling scientific adventure, researchers on a Schmidt Ocean...

The <a href="https://www.globalvaccinedatanetwork.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Vaccine Data Network</a> (GVDN) recently conducted a comprehensive evaluation of 13 neurological, blood, and heart-related medical conditions to determine if there is an increased risk following <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-vaccination-reduces-mortality-risk-but-only-for-6-months/">COVID-19 vaccination</a>.&nbsp;



The research, hosted at the University of Auckland, is part of the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38350768/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global COVID Vaccine Safety Project</a>. The experts analyzed a vast dataset covering 99 million individuals across eight countries. Overall, the data encompassed more than 23 million person-years of follow-up.



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



"As of November 2023, at least 70.5% of the world’s population had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine," wrote the researchers.



"This unparalleled scenario underscores the pressing need for comprehensive vaccine safety monitoring as very rare adverse events associated with COVID-19 vaccines may only come to light after administration to millions of individuals."



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



The research pinpointed pre-established safety signals for myocarditis and pericarditis after mRNA vaccines. In addition, the experts identified safety signals for Guillain-Barré syndrome alongside cerebral venous sinus thrombosis post-viral vector vaccines.&nbsp;



The team also identified possible safety signals for transverse myelitis following viral vector vaccines and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis after both viral vector and mRNA vaccines.



A detailed follow-up of these findings was carried out by the GVDN's site in Victoria, Australia, with the outcomes and data accessible on GVDN’s interactive data dashboards for public scrutiny.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-vaccine-safety-signals-nbsp">Identifying vaccine safety signals&nbsp;</h2>



The methodology used for the study was an observed versus expected rates analysis. This type of evaluation is valuable for spotting potential vaccine safety signals. It scrutinizes the risk of developing a medical condition post-vaccination against a timeframe prior to the vaccine's availability.



Study lead author Kristýna Faksová is an expert in the Department of Epidemiology Research at <a href="https://en.ssi.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Statens Serum Institut</a> in Copenhagen, Denmark.



“The size of the population in this study increased the possibility of identifying rare potential vaccine safety signals. Single sites or regions are unlikely to have a large enough population to detect very rare signals,” explained Faksová.



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



The initiative emphasizes transparency and effective communication with both the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harmful-microbes-persist-on-hospital-surfaces-after-disinfection/">healthcare</a> sector and the general public by making these data dashboards widely available.&nbsp;



“GVDN supports a coordinated global effort to assess vaccine safety and effectiveness so that vaccine questions can be addressed in a more rapid, efficient, and cost-effective manner. We have a number of studies underway to build upon our understanding of vaccines and how we understand vaccine safety using big data,” said GVDN Co-Director Dr. Steven Black.



“By making the data dashboards publicly available, we are able to support greater transparency, and stronger communications to the health sector and public,” added GVDN Co-Director Dr. Helen Petousis-Harris.



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



The GCoVS Project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The project enables the comparison of vaccine safety across a wide range of global populations. This highlights its significance in the broader context of vaccine research and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/">public health</a>.



"While our study confirmed previously identified rare safety signals following COVID-19 vaccination and contributed evidence on several other important outcomes, further investigation is warranted to confirm associations and assess clinical significance," concluded the study authors.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-vaccines-nbsp">COVID vaccines&nbsp;</h2>



Covid vaccines represent a monumental effort in the history of medicine. Researchers around the world quickly identified the genetic makeup of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-unleashing-ancient-zombie-viruses/">virus</a>, laying the groundwork for vaccine development.&nbsp;



Next, companies and academic institutions rapidly developed and tested vaccine candidates through unprecedented collaboration.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-various-technologies-nbsp">Various technologies&nbsp;</h3>



The most notable COVID vaccines, such as those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, employ various technologies. These vaccines use mRNA technology, which instructs cells to produce a protein that triggers an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extra-weight-impairs-the-bodys-immune-response-to-covid-19/">immune response</a>.&nbsp;



AstraZeneca-Oxford and Johnson &amp; Johnson, on the other hand, use viral vector technology. This involves a harmless virus delivering genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 to stimulate the body's immune defense.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-campaigns">Massive campaigns</h3>



Regulatory agencies across the globe conducted rigorous reviews to ensure the vaccines' safety and efficacy before granting emergency use authorizations. Following approval, governments and health organizations launched massive vaccination campaigns to distribute doses worldwide.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.100" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vaccine</a>.



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COVID vaccines linked to many serious health-related issues

The Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) recently conducted a comprehensive...

Stone,Age,Tools,On,Wooden,Background,-,Panoramic,View

Recent research has unveiled that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reconstructed-face-of-a-neanderthal-reveals-a-softer-side-of-the-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a>, the predecessors to modern humans, developed stone tools using a sophisticated multi-component adhesive glue, challenging our previous understanding of their cognitive abilities and cultural sophistication. 



This discovery, the earliest evidence of such complex adhesive usage in Europe, suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-neanderthals-may-belong-to-the-same-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a> possessed a higher level of thought and cultural development than previously recognized.



The findings are the result of collaborative efforts by scientists from <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University</a>, the <a href="https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tübingen</a>, and the <a href="https://www.smb.museum/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Museums in Berlin</a>. 



This fascinating research not only sheds light on the technological capabilities of Neanderthals but also places them on a closer intellectual footing with early modern humans in Africa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stone-tools-and-sophisticated-neanderthal-glue">Stone tools and sophisticated Neanderthal glue</h2>



<a href="https://as.nyu.edu/faculty/radu-iovita.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Radu Iovita</a>, an associate professor at New York University’s Center for the Study of Human Origins, highlighted the remarkable preservation of these tools, which exhibit a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-and-humans-lived-side-by-side-45000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthal innovation</a> in creating handles for hand-held tools. 



“These astonishingly well-preserved tools showcase a technical solution broadly similar to examples of tools made by early modern humans in Africa, but the exact recipe reflects a Neanderthal ‘spin,’ which is the production of grips for handheld tools,” said Iovita.



These tools bear a striking resemblance to those made by early modern humans, yet they carry a distinct Neanderthal signature in their fabrication.



The research was spearheaded by Patrick Schmidt from the University of Tübingen and Ewa Dutkiewicz from the National Museums in Berlin. 



Their focus was on <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/neanderthal-glue_stone-tool-handle_credit-Patrick-Schmidt_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artifacts from Le Moustier</a>, a French archaeological site with finds dating back to the Middle Palaeolithic period, approximately 120,000 to 40,000 years ago. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-neanderthal-ingenuity">Unraveling Neanderthal ingenuity</h2>



These artifacts, which had been largely overlooked since their last examination, revealed upon closer inspection, traces of a complex Neanderthal adhesive glue made from ochre and bitumen.



“The items had been individually wrapped and untouched since the 1960s,” says Dutkiewicz. “As a result, the adhering remains of organic substances were very well preserved.”



The researchers expressed surprise at the high ochre content in the adhesive, noting its significant impact on the mixture's properties. 



“We were surprised that the ochre content was more than 50 percent,” Schmidt explained. “This is because air-dried bitumen can be used unaltered as an adhesive, but loses its adhesive properties when such large proportions of ochre are added.” 



This blend, they found, was just sticky enough to hold the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-discovery-challenges-entire-theory-of-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stone tools</a> in place without sticking to the users' hands, indicating a sophisticated understanding of material properties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-neanderthal-glue">Deciphering Neanderthal glue</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/neanderthal-glue_evidence_micrographs_credit-Greinert_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microscopic analysis</a> conducted by Iovita on the wear patterns of these tools further confirmed their use in conjunction with adhesives. 



The distinct polish and abrasion patterns provided evidence of how these tools were likely held and used, showcasing the Neanderthals' practical ingenuity and the effectiveness of their adhesive glue technology.



“The tools showed two kinds of microscopic wear: one is the typical polish on the sharp edges that is generally caused by working other materials,” explains Iovita, who conducted this analysis. 



“The other is a bright polish distributed all over the presumed hand-held part, but not elsewhere, which we interpreted as the results of abrasion from the ochre due to movement of the tool within the grip.”



The study underscores the significance of adhesive technology in understanding the cognitive capabilities and cultural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-can-thank-neanderthals-for-the-size-and-shape-of-our-noses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of early humans. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reassessing-neanderthal-intelligence">Reassessing Neanderthal intelligence</h2>



The development and use of such complex adhesives were once thought to be exclusive to Homo sapiens in Africa. However, this discovery reveals that Neanderthals in Europe shared similar technological insights and thought processes.



Moreover, the effort and planning required to source materials like ochre and bitumen from distant locations speak to the Neanderthals' advanced planning abilities and their strategic approach to tool-making. This level of sophistication suggests a deliberate and thoughtful process in their technological practices.



Dutkiewicz and Schmidt conclude that the adhesive material was undoubtedly produced by Neanderthals, adding a significant chapter to our understanding of human evolution. 



“Taking into account the overall context of the finds, we assume that this adhesive material was made by Neanderthals,” concludes Dutkiewicz.&nbsp;



“What our study shows is that early Homo sapiens in Africa and Neanderthals in Europe had similar thought patterns,” adds Schmidt. “Their adhesive technologies have the same significance for our understanding of human evolution.”



This parallel in adhesive technologies emphasizes the cognitive and cultural parallels between these two groups, enriching our appreciation of Neanderthals' place in human history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-human-history-with-neanderthal-glue">Redefining human history with Neanderthal glue</h2>



In summary, this study shatters long-held stereotypes about Neanderthals and illuminates the rich tapestry of human evolution. Neanderthals were not mere rudimentary beings, but very innovative and thoughtful toolmakers. 



By uncovering the sophisticated use of multi-component adhesives in stone tool construction, researchers have provided compelling evidence of Neanderthals' cognitive capabilities and cultural sophistication. 



Their discovery, bridging the gap between Neanderthals and early modern humans, underscores the complexity of our ancestors' lives and challenges us to rethink the narrative of human progress and ingenuity.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adl0822" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Neanderthals created and used glue, proving to be much smarter than we thought

Recent research has unveiled that Neanderthals, the predecessors to modern...

Orchids are one of the oldest families of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-true-survivors-flowering-plants-lived-through-the-dinosaur-extinction/">flowering plants</a>, with fossil evidence suggesting that they have been around for at least 80 to 100 million years. This timeline places them in the Cretaceous period, meaning they coexisted with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-coexisted-with-dinosaurs-yes-according-to-shocking-new-research/">dinosaurs</a>.&nbsp;



The longevity and evolutionary success of orchids are attributed to their remarkable adaptability and symbiotic relationships with pollinators and fungi, allowing them to colonize a wide range of habitats across the world.&nbsp;



Recent discoveries by researchers at the <a href="https://www.kew.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Botanic Gardens</a> have shed light on the orchids' ancient origins and the ingenious strategies they employ to flourish worldwide. The study authors hope their findings will help inform conservation planning to protect orchids, many of which are disappearing at an alarming rate. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchid-evolution">Orchid evolution</h2>



The study involved collecting different samples of the vast orchid family. Study co-author Dr. Natalia Przelomska is a lecturer at the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a>.



"I had the privilege of extracting DNA from field samples ranging from those recently collected by multiple field botanists involved in this research, going back to botanists such as A.C. Maingay and E.L. Ekman, who were exploring the Old-World tropics and Neotropics in the 19th and 20th centuries," said Dr. Przelomska.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-techniques-nbsp">Advanced techniques&nbsp;</h2>



The team used two advanced techniques to study the history of orchids: a newer method called high-throughput sequencing and a traditional method called Sanger sequencing.&nbsp;



Combining these techniques allowed the experts to create a detailed map of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/masters-of-deception-orchids-use-trickery-to-get-what-they-need/">orchid</a> family's genes. The goal was to build a family tree showing how these species evolved over time.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-very-long-legacy">A very long legacy</h2>



The study suggests that orchids are ancient survivors, rooted in the time of dinosaurs. Imagine Earth millions of years ago, ruled by giants like Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. In the shadows, under the leaves and branches, the first orchids sprouted and thrived.



This time was a big turning point for Earth. Everything changed, including the climate, which eventually led to the end of dinosaurs and the rise of mammals. But through it all, the orchids kept going, slowly changing into the many types we know today. The findings emphasize how tough and adaptable these flowers are.&nbsp;



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



The orchid family, with over 25,000 members, is a stunning example of evolution and adaptation in the plant world.



When orchid populations get separated by mountains, rivers, or other barriers, they experience different pressures and mutations. This "moving apart" process, called allopatric speciation, can lead to the birth of entirely new orchid species. The wind helps by carrying orchid seeds far and wide, creating opportunities for isolation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fibonacci-spirals-an-unexpected-twist-in-plant-evolution/">evolution</a>.



Even without moving apart, orchids can evolve new species within the same habitat. This "staying together" process, called sympatric speciation, often happens when orchids attract different pollinators with unique flower shapes or smells. This selective mating prevents them from mixing with relatives, paving the way for new species.



From steamy rainforests to dry deserts, orchids have conquered it all. This incredible adaptability is partly thanks to their partnership with fungi (mycorrhizae) that help them get nutrients from the soil.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-reproductive-strategies-nbsp">Fascinating reproductive strategies&nbsp;</h2>



Orchids have a unique relationship with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-moths-are-more-efficient-pollinators-than-bees/">pollinators</a>. A pollinator is an animal that carries pollen from one flower to another, helping plants reproduce and make new seeds. Their partnership with orchids is a dance of evolution, where both sides have adapted to create a mutually beneficial bond. This co-evolution has led to a stunning array of pollination strategies, each as fascinating as the orchids themselves.



Some orchids are masters of disguise. The Ophrys orchid, for example, looks and smells just like a female bee or wasp. Male insects, fooled by this trickery, try to mate with the flower, leaving pollen behind in the process. This shows the amazing lengths orchids go to to get pollinated.



However, not all orchids rely on trickery. Some offer a genuine reward: nectar. This sweet treat attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, who happily visit the orchid and carry pollen between flowers in their search for more.



The relationship between orchids and pollinators is like an ongoing competition. Each new adaptation by one side is met by a counter-adaptation by the other. This constant push and pull has led to the incredible diversity of orchids, each with unique strategies to attract its specific pollinator.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchids-on-the-brink-of-extinction-nbsp">Orchids on the brink of extinction&nbsp;</h2>



Orchids are disappearing faster than they ever evolved. It took them around 5 million years to become the diverse family we know today. Sadly, this means they might not be able to come back from extinction even if we stop the current threats right now.&nbsp;



Habitat loss due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-brands-fail-to-fight-against-deforestation-and-human-rights-violations/">deforestation</a>, urban sprawl, and agriculture erodes their very foundation. Climate change adds another layer of danger, disrupting delicate ecosystems where orchids thrived for millennia. Additionally, their captivating beauty makes them targets for illegal collection, further jeopardizing their survival.



"Orchids are not only extraordinary jewels of nature, they also hold untold mysteries about life on Earth: how species evolve, adapt and move. Safeguarding their future is critical for protecting the complex interactions they play in ecosystems and making sure those stories can one day be unveiled by scientists," said study senior author Professor Alexandre Antonelli.



We must act now. Conservation efforts need to prioritize protecting natural habitats, the foundation of orchid diversity. This means legal protections for key areas, but also active management practices to ensure healthy ecosystems. Reforestation and habitat restoration offer lifelines to species suffering from habitat loss.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.19580" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>. 



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Despite their incredible adaptability, orchids are disappearing

Orchids are one of the oldest families of flowering plants,...

Most people are fond of talking and sometimes, that talk is about other people. This "gossip" is often seen as just chatter or guilty pleasure. Scientists have been wondering for ages why gossip sticks around. Now, researchers from <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a> and <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> have some answers.



Gossiping, which involves exchange of personal information about people who are not present, can offer a "social benefit," as stated by the experts. They found it is like a secret weapon against people who try to cheat or take advantage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designing-a-computer-simulation">Designing a computer simulation</h2>



The researchers designed a simulation to understand how gossip influences real-world behavior. They created "agents" in the simulation who could cooperate, compete, and even spread rumors about each other.&nbsp;



By adjusting the rules of this virtual world, like how easily information spreads, the researchers could observe how gossip affected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-cooperation-challenges-beliefs-about-human-evolution/">cooperation</a>. This allowed them to explore the link between communication, reputation, and social interaction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gossiping-as-an-evolutionary-advantage">Gossiping as an evolutionary advantage</h2>



The study proposed that gossip isn't just harmless chatter, but a tool with evolutionary advantages. People who gossip gain an edge over those who don't, due to several key reasons.



First, gossip discourages bad <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pandemic-restrictions-had-a-lasting-effect-on-behavior-patterns/">behavior</a>. Knowing their actions might be spread through gossip, people are less likely to act selfishly. Since cooperation is generally valued in groups, gossiping helps keep people on their toes and encourages good behavior.&nbsp;



“If other people are going to be on their best behavior because they know that you gossip, then they're more likely to cooperate with you on things,” explained study co-author Dana Nau.&nbsp;



“The fact that you gossip ends up providing a benefit to you as a gossiper. That then inspires others to gossip because they can see that it provides a reward."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gossipers-form-more-social-connections">Gossipers form more social connections</h2>



More than just chatty individuals, "social butterflies" often excel at gossiping due to their extensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secret-social-lives-pandas-have-their-own-version-of-facebook/">social networks</a>. These connections grant access to information, support, and opportunities to build new relationships. By gossiping, they further solidify their standing as influential figures in their communities.&nbsp;



This elevated social status brings not only a sense of belonging but also opens doors to new circles and collaborative opportunities. In short, these individuals leverage their connections and communication skills to navigate and thrive within their social environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gossiping-is-a-part-of-cooperation">Gossiping is a part of cooperation</h2>



Humans are naturally inclined to talk about each other's behavior, and this chatter can surprisingly promote cooperation.&nbsp;



When people share positive experiences about helpful actions, it sets a social norm and encourages others to act similarly to maintain their reputation. As cooperation becomes more prevalent, the conversation around it naturally increases, helping manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-symbiotic-relationships-evolve-between-species/">relationships</a> and ensure everything runs smoothly.&nbsp;



“When people are interested in knowing if someone is a good person to interact with, if they can get information from gossiping - assuming the information is honest - that can be a very useful thing to have,” explained Dr. Nau.



The increased communication itself further fuels cooperation, creating a self-reinforcing cycle. This dynamic has woven gossip into the fabric of human societies across cultures and time periods, solidifying its role as a tool for social connection and collaboration.&nbsp;



In essence, our tendency to talk about each other, both good and bad, has evolved alongside our desire to work together, creating a unique symbiosis that shapes our social landscape.&nbsp;



“Positive and negative gossip are both important because gossip plays an important role in sharing information about people’s reputations,” said study first author Professor Xinyue Pan.



“Once people have this information, cooperative people can find other good people to cooperate with, and this is actually beneficial for the group. So gossiping is not always a bad thing. It can be a positive thing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gossiping-should-have-boundaries">Gossiping should have boundaries</h2>



While the study mainly focuses on the positive aspects of gossip, the experts acknowledge the possibility of its downsides.



Gossip can be used to spread lies or half-truths to gain an advantage over someone or hurt them. This can lead to arguments, misunderstandings, and a breakdown of trust within groups.



It can also be used to exclude people from social circles, making existing social hierarchies stronger and making those excluded feel isolated and marginalized.



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



Humans have always used gossip to navigate the social world. Sharing information about others helps us build bonds, trust, and cooperation. However, gossip can be used for good or bad. It's important to be mindful of its potential downsides.&nbsp;



Spreading rumors, causing conflict, or excluding others are negative consequences of using gossip irresponsibly. To maintain trust and healthy social connections, we need to ensure gossip stays truthful and avoids malicious intent.



The key lies in promoting positive communication practices. When we gossip with honesty, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sports-coaches-are-more-effective-when-they-lead-with-empathy/">empathy</a>, and respect, we create a culture of transparency and understanding. This helps us reap the benefits of gossip while minimizing the potential harm.



So, the next time you hear someone whispering, remember, it might be more important than you think!



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2214160121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America</a>.



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Gossiping may actually be beneficial to society

Most people are fond of talking and sometimes, that talk...

The air we breathe, the weather we play in, the world we know – it's all changing fast. Unfortunately, kids are the first to feel it. Climate change is the culprit behind this rapid shift in the wellbeing of children. 



To understand how it impacts children's health, researchers at the <a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Western Australia</a> embarked on an innovative study.



The team took a massive data dive, scouring scientific databases for connections between any type of climate change and any kind of health concern in children under 18.



“We’ve crunched the data to show how certain types of future weather events will worsen particular medical issues in the population,” explained study co-author Professor Corey Bradshaw of Flinders University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-children-and-climate-change">Studying children and climate change</h2>



The study reveals a worrying 60% surge in the risk of preterm birth associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ticks-are-highly-resilient-to-extreme-temperatures/">temperature extremes</a>. Preterm birth, occurring before 37 weeks, is not only a leading cause of infant death, but also carries lifelong health and developmental repercussions for children.



This isn't just a personal tragedy, it's a societal one. Premature births translate to higher healthcare costs, longer hospital stays, and a cascade of challenges for families and communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-air-pollution-nbsp">Impact of air pollution&nbsp;</h2>



Children are more vulnerable to air pollution from climate change than adults. Their developing bodies, especially their lungs, are affected by the harmful effects of air pollution. This study shines a light on the invisible dangers lurking in car fumes, factory smoke, and even dust, revealing a devastating impact on young lives.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen-oxides">Nitrogen oxides</h3>



Nitrogen oxides, spewed by vehicles and factories, top the list of culprits. These invisible gases inflame delicate lung airways and worsen asthma. For children, this translates to stunted growth and a lifetime of breathing difficulties.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoke-and-fine-dust">Smoke and fine dust</h3>



The study also exposes the silent threat of fine dust, a ubiquitous enemy that triggers infections, exacerbates asthma, and throws a wrench into lung development. Smoke from burning materials, another common foe, adds to the misery, causing bronchitis and further hindering young lungs.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifetime-of-health-challenges-nbsp">Lifetime of health challenges&nbsp;</h3>



The message is clear: air pollution, in all its forms, is a silent menace for children. It's not just about coughs and wheezes; it's about stolen breaths, stunted growth, and a lifetime of health challenges. We can't afford to ignore this invisible enemy any longer.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ticks-are-highly-resilient-to-extreme-temperatures/">Extreme temperatures</a>, both hot and cold, pose a significant threat to children's health, according to the study. Hospital and emergency room admissions for children spiked during these periods, which were instigated by climate change. Tragically, extreme temperatures are also claiming the lives of children. 



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



Moreover, children from low-income families face a heightened risk of illness due to temperature fluctuations. This exposes them to greater vulnerability in the face of climate change's impacts on health.



Children, particularly those in poverty-stricken nations, bear the brunt of climate change's burden. The study reveals a troubling research gap in poorer regions, suggesting that the true impact on children's health might be significantly worse than what we currently know.



Climate change acts as a health inequity amplifier, jeopardizing the well-being of young lives. The researchers are calling for immediate global action to mitigate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/">climate change</a> and prioritize support for vulnerable children.



“Our research recognizes some important areas where children are most vulnerable to climate change,” said Dr. Lewis Weeda, who led the study. “The development of public health policies to counter these climate-related diseases, alongside efforts to reduce anthropogenic climate change, must be addressed if we are to protect current and future children.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-un-sustainable-development-goals-nbsp">UN Sustainable Development Goals&nbsp;</h2>



The research makes it clear: we absolutely need to put the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the top of our list if we want to protect children from the adverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fear-and-anxiety-the-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires/">health effects</a> of climate change.&nbsp;



These goals, created by the UN, were designed to make the world a better place by 2030, a world without <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-imagery-used-to-map-global-poverty/">poverty</a> that is filled with peace and good things for everyone.&nbsp;



To make this big dream come true, they created a plan with 17 connected goals that tackle the hardest problems everyone faces.



Some of the SDGs include:



<ul>
<li>Zero Hunger: Ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture are crucial because climate change disrupts food production and availability, directly impacting children's nutrition and health.</li>



<li>Good Health and Well-being: Guaranteeing healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages is essential, as research confirms the detrimental effects of climate change on children's health, including increased respiratory illnesses, higher mortality rates, and more hospitalizations.</li>



<li>Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensuring access to clean water and sustainable sanitation for all is paramount for preventing diseases worsened by climate change.</li>



<li>Decent Work and Economic Growth: Sustainable, inclusive economic growth, full employment, and decent work for all are key to providing the infrastructure and healthcare services needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change on children.</li>



<li>Sustainable Cities and Communities: Building inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements is crucial. Urban planning and infrastructure development that consider climate change impacts can protect children in urban areas.</li>



<li>Responsible Consumption and Production: Achieving sustainable consumption and production patterns is vital. This highlights the need to reduce the environmental footprint of human activities that contribute to climate change.</li>



<li>Climate Action: Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts is essential. This directly addresses the need to protect vulnerable populations, including children, from the effects of climate change.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-new-insights-on-children-and-climate-change">Critical new insights on children and climate change</h2>



“We identified many direct links between climate change and child health, the strongest of which was a 60% increased risk on average of preterm birth from exposure to temperature extremes. Respiratory diseases, mortality, and morbidity, among others, were also made worse by climate change,” noted Professor Bradshaw.



“The effects of different air pollutants on children’s health outcomes were smaller compared to temperature effects, but most pollutants still had an effect of some type, so the news is concerning. The children’s health issues we identified depend on weather extremes - cold extremes give rise to respiratory diseases, while drought and extreme rainfall can result in stunted growth for a population.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-climate-change-s-impact-on-children">Broader implications of climate change's impact on children</h2>



The study emphasizes the urgent need to understand the far-reaching effects of climate change on children's health. It seeks to measure the extent of this impact, pinpoint areas most vulnerable to climate-related illnesses, and establish a framework for identifying risks specific to different populations.&nbsp;



“Given that climate influences childhood disease, social and financial costs will continue to rise as climate change progresses, placing increasing pressure on families and health services. For example, asthma has been estimated to cost as much as US$1.5 billion due to a single fire season in the future, while another study estimated the costs of a single case of childhood asthma at up to US$23,573 in the coming years,” said Professor Bradshaw.



The analysis forms a crucial step in tackling this ecological and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/">health crisis</a>. By providing evidence-based insights, it paves the way for effective interventions and policies to safeguard child health amidst a changing climate.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170944" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of the Total Environment</a>.



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Climate change takes a major toll on children's health

The air we breathe, the weather we play in, the...

Researchers at <a href="https://duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a>'s Department of Biomedical Engineering have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how antibiotic resistance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/river-plastics-may-harbor-antimicrobial-resistance-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genes</a> spread among pathogens and contribute to the development of resistance against new antibiotics. 



This critical research, led by Professor Lingchong You and the team working in his lab, has identified a direct correlation between the exposure of bacteria to antibiotics and the increase in identical copies of resistance genes within their genomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria">Studying antibiotic resistant bacteria</h2>



The study reveals that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-bacteria-has-an-ally-lurking-in-our-guts/">bacteria</a> in environments with high antibiotic usage tend to possess numerous copies of antibiotic resistance genes. 



These genes are often associated with transposons, or "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-fungus-has-become-more-deadly-thanks-to-jumping-genes/">jumping genes</a>," that facilitate their transfer across different bacterial strains. 



This not only enables the rapid dissemination of resistance traits but also sets the stage for the evolutionary adaptation of bacteria to resist new antibiotics.



Previously, the You lab demonstrated that 25% of bacterial pathogens could spread antibiotic resistance through horizontal gene transfer.&nbsp;



However, they found that the presence of antibiotics did not accelerate this gene transfer, suggesting an alternate mechanism at play for the proliferation of resistance genes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-evolutionary-adaptation-nbsp">Rapid evolutionary adaptation&nbsp;</h2>



Rohan Maddamsetti, a postdoctoral fellow in You's lab, likened the duplication of certain genes to a "fingerprint" that indicates rapid evolutionary adaptation under antibiotic pressure.&nbsp;



"We hypothesized that bacteria under attack from antibiotics would often have multiple copies of protective resistance genes, but until recently we didn’t have the technology to find the smoking gun,” he said.



Advancements in long-read genome sequencing over the past five years have now made it possible to identify these genetic repetitions, revealing that bacteria from environments with prevalent antibiotic use - such as in humans and livestock - are more likely to have these gene duplications.&nbsp;



In contrast, such duplications are seldom found in bacteria from natural settings like wild plants, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/">animals</a>, soil, and water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-settings">Clinical settings</h2>



The study also highlighted that the duplication of resistance genes is even more pronounced in clinical settings, where antibiotic use is common.&nbsp;



This suggests that the overuse of antibiotics not only promotes the spread of existing resistance but also enhances the bacteria's capability to evolve resistance against newly developed treatments.



"Constantly creating copies of genes for resistance to penicillin, for example, may be the first step toward being able to break down a new kind of drug. It gives evolution more rolls of the dice to find a special mutation," Maddamsetti explained.



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



Professor You underscored the broader implications of the findings, critiquing the prevailing approach to the antibiotic resistance crisis, which often focuses on developing new drugs. He argued for more efficient and effective use of antibiotics, especially in <a href="https://ourworldindata.org/global-land-for-agriculture">agriculture</a>, where the majority of antibiotics in the U.S. are utilized.&nbsp;



"The majority of antibiotics used in the United States are not used on patients, they’re used in agriculture," You remarked, highlighting the significant role the livestock industry plays in perpetuating antibiotic resistance.&nbsp;



“So this is an especially important message for the livestock industry, which is a major driver of why antibiotic resistance is always out there and becoming more serious.”



The research not only advances our understanding of bacterial adaptation but also calls for a reevaluation of antibiotic usage practices to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance more effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-bacterial-antibiotic-resistance">More about bacterial antibiotic resistance</h2>



As discussed above, bacterial antibiotic resistance represents one of the most daunting challenges in the medical field today. It occurs when bacteria evolve mechanisms to resist the effects of antibiotics, making standard treatments ineffective and infections harder to control. 



This resistance emerges from the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in both human medicine and agriculture.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-bacteria-develop-resistance">How bacteria develop resistance</h3>



Bacteria develop resistance through several mechanisms. One common method is through genetic mutations. These spontaneous changes in their DNA allow some bacteria to survive exposure to antibiotics, which they then pass on to their offspring. 



Additionally, bacteria can acquire resistance genes from other bacteria through horizontal gene transfer, a process that allows them to share genetic material, including resistance genes, even between different species.



The impact of antibiotic resistance on public health is profound. It leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and an increased mortality rate. Infections that were once easily treatable, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and gonorrhea, are becoming more difficult to manage and cure. This resistance crisis threatens to undermine decades of progress in fighting bacterial infections.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combating-antibiotic-resistance">Combating antibiotic resistance</h3>



One of the key strategies to combat antibiotic resistance is the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs. These programs aim to optimize the use of antibiotics in hospitals and clinics, ensuring they are prescribed only when necessary and in the right dosages. 



By doing so, they help minimize the unnecessary exposure of bacteria to antibiotics, slowing down the development of resistance.



There's a pressing need for ongoing research and development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments. 



As many pharmaceutical companies have deprioritized antibiotic development due to low financial returns, governments and private sectors are encouraged to invest in research to discover novel antibiotics and develop alternative therapies, such as bacteriophage therapy and the use of probiotics.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-awareness-and-education">Public awareness and education</h3>



Increasing public awareness and education about the proper use of antibiotics is crucial. Patients and healthcare providers must understand the importance of using antibiotics responsibly. 



This includes not pressuring healthcare providers for antibiotics for viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, against which antibiotics are ineffective.



In summary, bacterial antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to global health, with the potential to turn treatable infections into deadly diseases. It requires a concerted effort from governments, the healthcare sector, and the public to tackle this issue. 



Through stewardship programs, research, and education, we can slow the spread of resistance and protect the efficacy of antibiotics for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45638-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Bacteria in livestock are major drivers of human antibiotic resistance

Researchers at Duke University's Department of Biomedical Engineering have made...

In a significant technological breakthrough, scientists have unveiled a pioneering technology, named PSiFI, capable of recognizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-decipher-every-possible-facial-expression-outperforming-therapists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human emotions</a> in real-time. 



This development from Professor Jiyun Kim and his team from the Department of Material Science and Engineering at <a href="https://www.unist.ac.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNIST</a> is set to transform a variety of sectors by integrating emotion-based services into next-generation wearable devices, enhancing how we interact with technology on a profound level.



Historically, accurately discerning emotional states has been a formidable challenge due to the inherently abstract and multifaceted nature of human emotions, moods, and feelings. 



Addressing this challenge, Professor Kim's team has introduced a cutting-edge multi-modal human emotion recognition system. This system uniquely merges verbal and non-verbal cues, offering a holistic approach to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/27-different-human-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human emotions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psifi-the-heart-of-emotion-recognition">PSiFI: The heart of emotion recognition</h2>



At the heart of this innovative system is the Personalized Skin-Integrated Facial Interface (PSiFI) system. Distinguished by its self-sufficiency, simplicity, flexibility, and transparency, the PSiFI system incorporates a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/emotion-recognition-system_illustration_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bidirectional triboelectric strain and vibration sensor</a>. 



This sensor is pivotal in concurrently capturing and processing both verbal and non-verbal expressions. Coupled with a sophisticated data processing circuit, the system facilitates seamless wireless data transfer, enabling the instantaneous recognition of emotions.



Empowered by machine learning algorithms, the technology showcases remarkable efficiency in recognizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/goats-can-recognize-human-emotions-in-the-sound-of-a-voice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human emotions</a> accurately and promptly, even in scenarios where individuals wear masks. 



Its practical application has already been demonstrated in a digital concierge service within a virtual reality (VR) environment, underscoring its versatility and potential for widespread adoption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-psifi-ai-technology">Science behind the PSiFI AI technology</h2>



The foundation of this PSiFI AI technology lies in the phenomenon of friction charging, which generates power through the separation of charges upon friction, eliminating the need for external power sources or intricate measurement devices. 



Professor Kim elaborated on the development process, highlighting the use of a semi-curing technique for creating a transparent conductor crucial for the friction charging electrodes. 



“Based on these technologies, we have developed a skin-integrated face interface (PSiFI) system that can be customized for individuals," Kim explained.



A personalized mask, crafted using a multi-angle shooting technique, ensures the system's adaptability, combining flexibility, elasticity, and transparency seamlessly.



Jin Pyo Lee, the lead author of the study, expressed optimism about the system's capability to facilitate real-time <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-deprivation-has-a-big-impact-on-emotional-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotion</a> recognition with minimal learning steps and without the necessity for complex equipment. 



“With this developed system, it is possible to implement real-time emotion recognition with just a few learning steps and without complex measurement equipment," Lee said. 



"This opens up possibilities for portable emotion recognition devices and next-generation emotion-based digital platform services in the future.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-possibilities-and-applications">Future possibilities and applications</h2>



This breakthrough heralds the advent of portable emotion recognition devices and paves the way for future emotion-based digital platforms.



The team's experiments in real-time <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-robots-be-programmed-to-have-human-consciousness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotion</a> recognition, involving the collection of multimodal data like facial muscle deformation and voice, demonstrated high accuracy with minimal training. The PSiFI system's wireless, customizable nature promises easy wearability and convenience.



Expanding its application to VR environments, the system acts as a digital concierge in various settings such as smart homes, private movie theaters, and smart offices. 



By identifying individual emotions, it offers personalized recommendations for music, movies, and books, showcasing its potential to create more intuitive and personalized user experiences.



Professor Kim emphasized the crucial role of Human-Machine Interface (HMI) devices in facilitating effective interactions between humans and machines. 



“For effective interaction between humans and machines, human-machine interface (HMI) devices must be capable of collecting diverse data types and handling complex integrated information," says Kim. 



"This study exemplifies the potential of using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exposure-to-womens-tears-decreases-aggression-in-men/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotions</a>, which are complex forms of human information, in next-generation wearable systems.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-psifi-steps-harmonizing-humanity-and-technology">Next PSiFI steps: Harmonizing humanity and technology</h2>



In summary, Professor Jiyun Kim and his team at UNIST have propelled us into a new era of technological intimacy with their pioneering emotion recognition technology. 



By seamlessly integrating verbal and non-verbal cues through the innovative PSiFI system, they've unlocked the potential for machines to understand human emotions in real-time, making it possible for more empathetic and personalized digital interactions. 



This fascinating technology marks a significant leap in human-machine interfaces and opens the door to a future where technology can adapt to our emotional states, enhancing our daily lives in ways we've only begun to imagine. 



As we stand on the brink of this exciting frontier, the possibilities for deepening our connection with the digital world are limitless, promising a future where technology truly understands us.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-44673-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Wearable "PSiFI" AI tech device interprets emotions of any human nearby

In a significant technological breakthrough, scientists have unveiled a pioneering...

Every decision, big or small, good or bad, starts somewhere in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/">brain</a>. But how does it reach that final conclusion?



Deep within the brain lies a decision-making powerhouse: the posterior parietal cortex (PPC). It's not just a control center, but a network of neurons. <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard</a> researchers have unlocked some of the secrets of how these neurons work together, giving us a better understanding of how we make decisions. 



“How the brain is organized to help make decisions is a big, fundamental question, and the neural circuitry - how neurons are connected to one another - in brain areas that are important for decision-making isn’t well understood,” said&nbsp;



Study co-author Wei-Chung Allen Lee is an associate professor of Neurobiology in the <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu/research/blavatnik-institute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blavatnik Institute</a> at Harvard Medical School. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observation-in-a-maze">Observation in a maze</h2>



The researchers studied decision-making processes in the brains of mice by observing their behavior in a maze. Trained to turn left or right depending on visual cues, the mice provided behavioral data on how they make decisions.&nbsp;



To peek inside the brains (specifically PPC) of these decision-makers, the researchers used a technique called 2-photon calcium imaging. This allowed them to observe activity patterns of individual neurons in the PPC, essentially witnessing how different brain cells "voted" during each choice.



Next, the team analyzed how the neurons were "wired" together, uncovering excitatory connections that boost activity and inhibitory connections that dampen it.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decision-making-inside-the-mice-brain">Decision-making inside the mice brain</h2>



The researchers found that when a mouse explores a maze, it chooses a direction beforehand, like turning left. This activates groups of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-impacts-the-brain-through-inflammation-not-infection/">nerve cells</a> in its brain that process that decision. The active groups become stronger, making the chosen path seem more attractive the next time.



Other nerve cells, groups that favored a different option like turning right, were silenced. This helps the mouse stick to its chosen path.&nbsp;



“As the animal is expressing one choice, the wiring of the neuronal circuit may help stabilize that choice by suppressing other choices,” said Dr. Lee. “This could be a mechanism that helps an animal maintain a decision and prevents ‘changes of mind’.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-makes-clear-decisions">How the brain makes clear decisions</h2>



The study suggests a clear pattern in the PPC. When you decide something, like what to eat for dinner, two teams of brain cells battle it out. These are “excitatory” and “inhibitory” neurons.



When you start leaning towards one option, say pasta, the PPC sends out signals to reinforce that choice. The signals are amplified by excitatory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-cell-origins-traced-to-creatures-that-lived-800-million-years-ago/">neurons</a>. They excite and activate other neurons, making your chosen meal seem more appealing and solidifying your decision in your mind.



But the PPC doesn't just boost your preferred choice. It also actively suppresses signals related to options that are not “pasta.” This suppression comes from inhibitory neurons. They slow down or even stop other neurons from sending messages related to the alternative meal, preventing confusion and helping maintain balance in the decision-making process. This ensures that only one meal wins out, ultimately leading to a clear and focused decision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-decision-making-process">The decision-making process</h2>



Several factors influence which neurons get activated during decision-making:



What you sense: Your eyes, ears, skin, and nose send information about your surroundings and yourself to your brain. This information, like seeing paths in a maze, triggers specific neurons related to navigation and choosing.



What you've learned: Past experiences and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rewriting-negative-memories-by-activating-positive-ones/">memories</a> shape how your brain reacts to situations. Neurons involved in remembering and connecting things might activate based on what you've learned in similar situations before.



What you need to do: What you're trying to achieve influences which neurons get involved. Neurons related to planning, taking action, and getting rewards might light up depending on your goal and the likely outcomes of your choices.



How you're feeling: Interestingly, hunger, thirst, tiredness, or excitement can all affect your brain activity and decisions. Neurons that manage these internal states might activate to guide your choices towards fulfilling your needs.



How neurons talk: Brain cells don't work alone. They send signals to each other, exciting or calming each other down. This creates groups of active neurons representing different parts of the decision-making process.



So, when you're making a choice, your brain has a lot to consider. This complex interplay determines which neurons activate and ultimately guides your decision.



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



The study shows brain cells in mice activate in a specific order, and those representing "wrong" choices get suppressed as the decision becomes clear. Understanding this process in mice helps us understand how decisions "solidify" in humans.



By learning how animals make decisions, we can learn more about disorders like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diet-plays-a-major-role-in-preventing-alzheimers-disease/">Alzheimer's</a>, schizophrenia, and addiction, where people struggle to make good choices. This knowledge might lead to better treatments for these conditions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07088-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Brain cells communicate to support decision-making

Every decision, big or small, good or bad, starts somewhere...

Across Southeast Asia's lush rice fields, a hidden drama unfolds. Cultivated rice, our staple food, faces a persistent challenger: the "weedy rice," a wild relative that thrives where it shouldn't.&nbsp;



A study from <a href="https://wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a> has cracked the code of this rebellious rice. By studying the DNA of various rice types, they've uncovered the secrets behind its resilience. The findings revealed how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/">plants</a> adapt and survive, even when we try to control them.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-the-study">Importance of the study</h1>



Weedy rice, the wild cousin of cultivated rice, has been growing alongside its domesticated relative for so long that it's picked up some unwanted traits, making it a tough competitor in rice fields.



Understanding how weedy rice evolved is not just interesting science, it's crucial for farmers. By knowing its tricks, they can develop better ways to control it and protect their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-malnutrition-new-satellite-can-monitor-nutrients-in-crops-from-space/">crops</a>, ensuring food security for millions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-rice">Types of rice</h2>



Rice has a fascinating family tree. There are three main types:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-rice">Wild rice</h3>



Think of wild rice as the original, untamed versions of the rice we eat. They thrive naturally in marshes and rivers, unlike their farm-grown cousins. These are the ancestors of cultivated rice, boasting diverse genetic traits and contributing to natural balance. While not directly harvested, they offer valuable genes for improving future crops.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weedy-rice">Weedy rice</h3>



Weedy rice is the unwanted guest. This "rebel" cousin shares similar roots with cultivated rice but wreaks havoc in farm fields. They steal resources from the good rice, making it grow worse and giving less food. Its resilience, with easy-spreading seeds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-herbicides-linked-to-diminished-brain-functioning-in-young-adults/">herbicide</a> resistance, adds to the frustration.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultivated-rice">Cultivated rice</h3>



Cultivated rice is the rice we all know and love, carefully grown for us to eat. Through thousands of years of careful selection, farmers nurtured desired traits like higher yields, specific grain types, and reduced seed shattering. From fluffy white rice to nutty basmati, it's a staple food for half the world.



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



The researchers investigated the genetic interactions between wild rice, cultivated rice, and weedy rice in Southeast Asia. They collected 217 samples from the region, combining new data with existing information.&nbsp;



“Farmers in mainland Southeast Asia - including Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam - and most of the island regions of Indonesia, Philippines and parts of Malaysia grow a wide range of lowland and upland rice varieties,” said B.K. Song, a Malaysian weedy rice researcher and corresponding author of the study. “These include modern elite varieties and traditional landraces.”&nbsp;



DNA was extracted and sequenced from the rice types to create a detailed picture of their genetic makeup. The researchers then analyzed the data in several steps. They built a "family tree" to understand how the different rice types are related and also looked for signs of mixing between wild and cultivated rice, and how this might have contributed to the evolution of weedy rice.&nbsp;



This involved searching for specific regions in the rice genome that showed evidence of past adaptations and selection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similarities-and-variations-nbsp">Similarities and variations&nbsp;</h2>



The analysis showed that weedy rice shares a lot of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-collect-human-dna-from-water-air-and-basically-everywhere/">DNA</a> with wild rice, suggesting recent "breeding" between the two. This explains why weedy rice is so good at competing with crops.



The researchers found specific wild rice genes in weedy rice that help it thrive in harsh environments and spread easily, like genes that make seeds fall off the plant easily.



The study also revealed that weedy rice in different regions has adapted in unique ways. Some have picked up genes from wild rice that make them resistant to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-technology-can-detect-plant-diseases-from-above/">diseases</a>, while others have genes that help them survive in stressful conditions.



The research paints a picture of a complex relationship between cultivated rice, wild rice, and weedy rice. Their genes get mixed up, creating new and sometimes troublesome forms of rice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-weedy-rice-thrive">How the weedy rice thrive</h2>



The study reveals that these weeds haven't followed a single path, but rather evolved in unique ways depending on their environment and human farming practices.



The researchers found that weedy rice has undergone intense selection, leading to specific regions in their DNA linked to beneficial traits like faster growth and stress resistance. These adaptations have allowed them to thrive in different conditions than their domesticated cousins.



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



Even more interesting, the researchers found genes associated with weedy lifestyles, including resistance to diseases and harsh weather. This explains their ability to survive and spread, becoming major agricultural headaches.



But this knowledge can be used as a weapon. By understanding how these weeds tick, scientists can develop strategies to fight back. This could involve breeding rice varieties less susceptible to invasion or even creating targeted weed control methods that exploit the weaknesses of specific weedy rice populations.



“Our study highlights how adaptive introgression - in other words, gene flow - from wild species can contribute to agricultural weed evolution,” said Olsen. “We’ve known that this process occurs for some time. But this is the first study to provide a detailed genomic characterization of the phenomenon.



“It’s important to recognize that crop domestication is an incremental evolutionary process, and not a single-step event,” he said. “Likewise, I think we run the risk of oversimplifying the picture by categorizing every rice plant as wild or weed or crop. The true dynamics are much more complex.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-for-agriculture-and-conservation">Benefits for agriculture and conservation</h2>



Weed management: Studying weedy rice's DNA and how it evolves can help farmers fight it better. This could involve creating crops resistant to specific weed killers or planting different crops in rotation to reduce its spread.



Conserving wild rice: By understanding how weedy rice adapts and spreads, scientists can better protect wild rice species. This could prevent the loss of valuable genetic diversity for both wild and cultivated rice.



Improving rice crops: Studying how weedy rice survives harsh conditions can help breeders develop new rice varieties that are more resistant to drought, disease, and poor soil.



Keeping ecosystems healthy: Understanding how weedy rice interacts with other plants and its environment can help farmers manage their land sustainably. This includes maintaining healthy soil and protecting other species that share the same habitat.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45447-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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DNA study reveals secrets of weedy rice invasion

Across Southeast Asia's lush rice fields, a hidden drama unfolds....

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



-----



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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