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...

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University embarked on a unique exploration of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-diet-deer-and-trout-were-on-the-menu-10000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stone Age</a>, expanding our knowledge of the evolution of human tool use and woodworking technology.



By meticulously crafting and employing replica stone age tools for various tasks, the team, led by Assistant Professor Akira Iwase, has unveiled how different activities leave distinct traces on <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/stone-age-tools_microscope_how-they-were-used_Tokyo-Metropolitan-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tool edges</a>. 



This research enhances our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-discovery-challenges-entire-theory-of-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient tools</a> and paves the way for identifying the advent of timber utilization among early humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-mystery-of-stone-age-tools">Unraveling the mystery of Stone Age tools</h2>



The study's foundation lies in the intricate examination of macroscopic and microscopic traces left on stone tools. These traces serve as silent witnesses to the tools' historical usage. 



The researchers' innovative methodology distinguishes between Stone Age tools used for specific activities, such as woodworking, from those employed for other tasks. 



This distinction is crucial for archeologists attempting to piece together the technological advancements of our ancestors.



Woodworking technology marks a pivotal chapter in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-artists-carved-incredibly-detailed-animal-tracks-onto-rocks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human history</a>. From the simple wooden spears and throwing sticks of the Paleolithic era to the sophisticated construction of houses, canoes, bows, and wells in later periods, the evolution of tool use is evident. 



The advent of polished stone axes heralded a new era of craftsmanship, enabling the creation of increasingly complex wooden instruments.



Despite the common association of advanced wood-processing technology with the Neolithic age, evidence suggests that such technology was in use far earlier. 



Ground stone axes, dating back to Marine Isotope Stage 3 (approximately 60,000 - 30,000 years ago), found in Australia and Japan, raise questions about their purpose during such an early period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hands-on-approach-to-stone-age-woodworking">Hands-on approach to Stone Age woodworking</h2>



To demystify the use of these ancient tools, Professor Iwase's team embarked on a hands-on archaeological experiment. 



They crafted replicas of tools from the Early Upper Paleolithic age, employing techniques that would have been available to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kids-in-hunter-gatherer-stone-age-societies-had-better-parenting-than-modern-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our ancestors</a>. 



Despite the absence of hafts in Japanese archaeological sites from this period, the team drew inspiration from Irian Jaya, attaching handles to create adzes, axes, and chisels.



The researchers then subjected these tools to 15 different activities, ranging from tree-felling to hide-processing and butchering, alongside "non-use" events such as carrying and trampling. 



This comprehensive testing allowed for an in-depth analysis of the wear patterns on the tools, revealing that specific activities, especially those requiring significant impact like tree-felling, leave distinguishable macroscopic and microscopic marks on the tools.



The study's findings are profound. The presence of both macroscopic fractures and microscopic wear patterns provides a reliable means to deduce the tools' usage, particularly in Stone Age woodworking. 



If similar traces are identified on real artifacts from the same era, it could signify that humans developed woodworking technology much earlier than previously believed. 



This revelation has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-humans-from-magdalenian-culture-practiced-cannibalism-as-part-of-funeral-rituals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stone Age humans</a>, their technological prowess, and how they adapted their tools to diverse environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-stone-age-tools">Evolution of Stone Age tools</h2>



Stone Age tools mark the earliest known use of technology by humans and their ancestors. These tools, which span from roughly 3.3 million years ago to about 2,000 BCE, encapsulate the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and Neolithic (New Stone Age) periods. 



Each period reflects significant advancements in tool-making techniques and their applications, highlighting the ingenuity and adaptability of early humans.



During the Paleolithic era, humans primarily used simple stone tools. These included flakes, which they chipped off from larger stones to create sharp edges for cutting, and core tools, like hand axes, which served as multi-purpose tools for chopping, scraping, and butchering. 



Early humans crafted these tools using the "knapping" technique, where they struck a stone with another stone or a harder material to shape it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polishing-and-ground-edge-tools">Polishing and ground-edge tools</h2>



As humans progressed into the Mesolithic era, their tool-making techniques became more refined. They developed microliths, small stone tools that were often attached to wooden shafts to create more complex tools like sickles and arrows. 



This period saw an increase in the specialization of tools, reflecting a more sedentary lifestyle and advances in agriculture.



The Neolithic era brought about the most significant changes in stone tool technology. During this time, humans began to polish stone tools, making them sharper and more durable. 



They also developed ground-edge tools, such as axes, which were essential for clearing forests for agriculture and settlement. 



The invention of the plow marked a revolutionary step in farming, further establishing the foundations of modern civilization.



Stone Age tools were not limited to stone. Early humans also used bone, wood, and other materials available in their environment. 



They created needles for sewing, harpoons for fishing, and even early forms of art. The variety and complexity of these tools reflect the evolving needs and intellect of human societies over millennia.



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



The discovery and study of Stone Age tools provide invaluable insights into the daily lives, environments, and cognitive development of early humans. 



Archaeologists and researchers analyze wear patterns on these tools to understand their uses, ranging from hunting and food preparation to woodworking and construction. 



This research helps to piece together the story of human evolution and the rise of technology that shaped the world we know today.



In summary, the meticulous work of Tokyo Metropolitan University's researchers enriches our comprehension of prehistoric life while challenging existing notions about the timeline of technological advancements.



By combining archaeological evidence with experimental archaeology, we gain a more nuanced understanding of our ancestors' capabilities and innovations, marking a significant step forward in unraveling the complexities of human history.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305440323001711?via%3Dihub">Journal of Archaeological Science</a>.

Stone age humans used tools to make timber for woodworking

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University embarked on a unique exploration...

Sleepless nights might not just leave you grumpy, but could also raise your risk of heart trouble later in life.



A new study from the <a href="https://www.pitt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pittsburgh</a> School of Medicine takes a look at this unexpected link. It shows that sleep patterns during midlife may strongly influence the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/portfolio-diet-a-plant-forward-strategy-to-reduce-heart-disease-risk/">heart disease</a> in the latter part of life, especially among women.



The research, known as the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), tracked 2964 women’s sleep habits (insomnia symptoms and sleep duration) over several years and monitored heart disease events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-of-heart-related-events-nbsp">Risk of heart-related events&nbsp;</h2>



During the study, 202 women had heart-related events. The findings revealed that middle-aged women who <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-counteracts-negative-effects-of-sleep-deprivation/">sleep</a> less than five hours every night on a consistent basis have up to 75 percent higher risk of developing cardiovascular issues like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stroke-deaths-expected-to-rise-to-five-million-by-2030/">strokes</a>, heart attacks, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.



The elevated risk remained even after accounting for other health factors, such as weight (BMI) and pre-existing conditions. It can be interpreted that the duration of sleep has a direct relationship with the health of the heart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-duration">Sleep duration</h2>



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that adults should get between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. However, most polls show that up to one-third of adults and about half of middle-aged women do not meet those recommendations.



The researchers also reported that women who slept for less than five hours had a 72% higher risk of heart disease compared to the women who averaged about six and a half hours.



As expected, women who had shorter sleep times and often experienced symptoms of insomnia turned out to be at greater risk of heart disease (by 75%) compared to women who reported ideal sleeping durations and very rarely had any insomnia problems. Race and ethnicity did not seem to affect the link between sleep and heart problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disrupting-the-body-s-natural-rhythm-nbsp">Disrupting the body's natural rhythm&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers explained how the combination of different physical components become problematic when you do not get enough rest.&nbsp;



When a person is asleep, the body automatically goes into a state of "rest and repair." This includes, among other things, a usual dip in your blood pressure to a level typically about 10-20% lower than when you're awake. This nightly decrease allows your heart and your blood vessels the necessary time to recuperate from the stresses encountered during the day.



However, this normal rhythm is disrupted by sleepless nights. Additional hours of higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-pollution-has-an-immediate-impact-on-blood-pressure/">blood pressure</a> puts extra strain on the heart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-sleep-deprivation-nbsp">Consequences of sleep deprivation&nbsp;</h2>



Each night during sleep, it is not only your mind and body that take a break. Your blood vessels also repair themselves in a very important way. The endothelium - the inner lining of your vessels - regulates blood flow, stops dangerous clots from forming, and keeps inflammation at bay.



Chronic sleep deprivation, however, disrupts this harmonious coordination. Sleep loss essentially dampens the endothelium's ability to regulate blood flow and prevent clotting.&nbsp;



This can result in increased blood pressure and higher chances of development of blood clots, which are known to obstruct vital highways in the circulatory system.



Sleepless nights can also make you feel hungrier and less satisfied after eating, making it easier to pack on the pounds. Extra weight puts more strain on the heart, increasing the risk of heart problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-for-getting-better-sleep-nbsp">Tips for getting better sleep&nbsp;</h2>



<ul>
<li>First, establish a routine. Go to bed at the same time every day and get up at the same time every day, even at weekends. This trains your body to sleep and wake at certain times, regulating your natural sleep-wake routine.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Get rid of any electronics before bed. An eye mask or blackout curtains are also great investments.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Avoid caffeine and heavy meals near your bedtime for they stimulate your body and do not help you in winding it down. Try reading or light stretching to bring you to sleep.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Get moving! Regular physical activity also ensures better sleep. But avoid engaging in strenuous workouts just before sleep. Schedule moderate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-exercise-routine-can-cut-your-risk-of-early-death-in-half/">exercise</a> earlier in the day.</li>
</ul>



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1161/circulationaha.123.066491%20%20%E2%80%8C" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Circulation</a>.



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Sleepless nights may increase heart disease risk by 75%

Sleepless nights might not just leave you grumpy, but could...

About 56 million years ago, Earth went through a super-fast global warming spell called the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM). It was one of the most intense warmings ever. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-hit-a-record-high-this-week-with-the-worst-heat-still-to-come/">temperatures</a> jumped by 5-8 degrees Celsius (9-14 degrees Fahrenheit) in just a few thousand years.



Scientists from the <a href="https://www.mpic.de/2285/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Chemistry</a> and <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University</a> studied how the oceans responded to PETM.&nbsp;



Surprisingly, this period is similar to our current climate challenges. So, the study helps us understand how oceans handled oxygen levels during such dramatic warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-secrets-of-ocean-warming">Surprising secrets of ocean warming</h2>



To uncover secrets from the past, the researchers needed to go back in time. 



“Marine sediments are the history book of the ocean. By studying past intervals of time in which temperatures increased rapidly, we can gain precious insights on how ocean oxygen and biology responded to changes in climate," said study lead author Simone Moretti.



Therefore, the team dug into the ocean floor, looking at clues in the sediment to understand old nutrient cycles and oxygen levels. 



Usually, when water gets warmer, it cannot hold as much air. So, during the PETM, the ocean's top layers should have been warm and contain less oxygen.



Surprisingly, the study found increased oxygen levels in the upper ocean during the PETM. This challenges our current understanding of how oceans react to warming.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-fossils">Ocean fossils</h2>



Other areas with very low oxygen, called "dead zones," actually got smaller during the PETM. The shrinking dead zones also indicate increased oxygen in the upper ocean.



The study suggests that the ocean has a way of balancing itself when things change rapidly. This discovery is important because it shows how the ocean can adapt to big environmental changes.



The scientists also examined any fossils they came across. They found fossils of microscopic creatures called foraminifera, which lived in the ocean and built miniature shells from minerals.&nbsp;



These tiny fossils held a big secret. During PETM, the foraminifera had larger shells than usual. This suggested they responded to their environment, hinting at warmer waters with more oxygen.



Foraminifera are sensitive to changes in temperature, acidity, and oxygen levels. So, their bigger shells during the PETM suggest they flourished in the warmer, more oxygen-rich conditions of that time.



"Remarkably, and unexpectedly, evidence shows that planktonic foraminifera from the central tropical Pacific got bigger during the PETM warming, implying a tropical oxygen rise in the upper layers of the ocean," said study co-author Professor Curtis Deutsch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-adaptation">Animal adaptation</h2>



The deep ocean, sensitive to temperature and oxygen shifts, likely suffered during the PETM's rapid warming. Many deep-sea creatures, pushed beyond their limits, couldn't adapt, leading to a sharp drop in the variety of life there.



On the other hand, surface dwellers in the ocean's top layers may have fared better. A temporary boost in oxygen during this period gave them a breathing room, allowing them to keep their living conditions somewhat stable despite the chaos around them.&nbsp;



This extra oxygen might have even lessened the warming's impact, making the upper ocean a more welcoming place for these surface-dwelling marine animals than their deep-sea neighbors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-warming-recovery-period">Ocean warming recovery period</h2>



Marine ecosystems took a long and arduous journey to recover even with a temporary oxygen boost. Over 100,000 years passed before they fully bounced back, highlighting the lasting effects of rapid climate change on ocean life.



The reason for this slow recovery lies in the complex interplay of factors triggered by the PETM. It wasn't just warming temperatures but also changes in ocean chemistry, like acidification and disruptions to nutrient cycles. These factors continued to stress marine life long after the initial warming event.



Organisms had to adjust to new conditions, repopulate lost habitats, and rebuild the life that the PETM had disrupted. This process unfolded gradually over millennia, a testament to the resilience of marine ecosystems.



But their resilience has limits. The extended recovery also underscores the long-term consequences of rapid climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Studying the PETM's recovery helps us understand how modern marine ecosystems might respond to current climate challenges.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh4893" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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'History book' of the ocean reveals future impacts of warming 

About 56 million years ago, Earth went through a super-fast...

In an astonishing revelation, a Tridentinosaurus antiquus fossil that has mystified scientists for nearly a century has been partially exposed as a forgery. 



This 280-million-year-old specimen was discovered in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-large-predator-dinosaur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Italian Alps</a> in 1931 and has since played a pivotal role in our understanding of early reptile evolution. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fascination-with-tridentinosaurus-antiquus">The fascination with Tridentinosaurus antiquus</h2>



Initially hailed for its remarkable preservation, including what appeared to be soft tissues, the fossil's true nature has come to light thanks to the meticulous work of Dr. Valentina Rossi and her team at University College Cork, Ireland (<a href="https://www.ucc.ie/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCC</a>).



For decades, Tridentinosaurus antiquus was celebrated in scientific circles as a critical piece of the puzzle in reptile ancestry. 



Its dark outline against the rock was thought to represent preserved soft tissues, leading to its classification within the Protorosauria group of reptiles. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behind-the-paint-shocking-forgery-revelation">Behind the paint: Shocking forgery revelation</h2>



However, new research published in the journal Palaeontology has debunked this long-held belief, revealing that the fossil's "remarkable preservation" was, in fact, the result of black paint on a lizard-shaped rock surface.



Dr. Rossi, from UCC’s School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, emphasized the importance of detailed examination in uncovering the truth. 



"Fossil soft tissues are rare, but when found in a fossil they can reveal important biological information, for instance, the external coloration, internal anatomy and physiology," she explained. 



"The answer to all our questions was right in front of us, we had to study this fossil specimen in details to reveal its secrets -- even those that perhaps we did not want to know."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-modern-science-in-exposing-the-truth">Role of modern science in exposing the truth</h2>



The team's microscopic analysis indicated a stark difference in texture and composition between the supposed fossilized soft tissues and genuine specimens. 



A preliminary investigation using UV photography further revealed that the entire specimen had been coated, a practice once common for preserving fossils in museums. 



This discovery dashed hopes that beneath the coating, original soft tissues might still be intact, offering valuable paleobiological insights.



This revelation has significant implications for the scientific community, prompting a call for caution in future research involving this specimen. 



The investigation, which included contributions from Italy's <a href="https://www.unipd.it/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Padua</a>, Museum of Nature South Tyrol, and Museo delle Scienze in Trento, highlights the necessity of skepticism and verification in scientific inquiry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cautionary-tale-the-legacy-of-tridentinosaurus-antiquus">Cautionary tale: The legacy of Tridentinosaurus antiquus</h2>



Despite the forgery, the research team found that not all was lost. The fossil's hindlimb bones, particularly the femurs, were determined to be genuine, albeit poorly preserved. 



Additionally, the team discovered the presence of tiny bony scales, or osteoderms, similar to those of crocodiles, on what is believed to be the animal's back. 



These findings provide a silver lining, offering new avenues for understanding the creature's biology and evolution.



Co-author Prof. Evelyn Kustatscher, involved in the "Living with the supervolcano" project funded by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, reflected on the discovery.



“The peculiar preservation of Tridentinosaurus had puzzled experts for decades. Now, it all makes sense. What it was described as carbonized skin, is just paint," Kustatscher said.



In summary, this study serves as a testament to the power of modern analytical paleontology and rigorous scientific methods in solving long-standing mysteries. 



By exposing the Tridentinosaurus antiquus fossil as a forgery, the research team has corrected a historical misconception and reinforced the importance of integrity and thoroughness in scientific exploration.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pala.12690" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paleontology</a>.



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280-million-year-old fossil of Tridentinosaurus antiquus proven to be a forgery

In an astonishing revelation, a Tridentinosaurus antiquus fossil that has...

A recent study from the <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nottingham</a> sheds light on the complexity of emoji interpretation, revealing that factors such as gender, culture, and age significantly influence how these symbols are understood.



Emojis - digital images that are used to express ideas or emotions - have become an integral part of our online interactions. These icons offer a way to convey feelings and reactions in a visual form, bridging the gap between text-based communication and face-to-face conversation.&nbsp;



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



The research team set out to explore how different demographic groups interpret emojis. The study was focused on 24 emojis selected to represent six basic emotional states: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-the-path-to-happiness-the-science-is-still-not-clear/">happiness</a>, disgust, fear, sadness, surprise, and anger.&nbsp;



These emojis were chosen from four major platforms: Apple, Windows, Android, and WeChat, highlighting slight variations in design that could affect interpretation.&nbsp;



The researchers recruited a diverse group of 523 participants from China and the UK, with an almost even distribution of genders and an age range spanning from 18 to 84 years.



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



The study revealed that older participants were less likely to match the researchers' assigned emotional labels for emojis expressing surprise, fear, sadness, and anger.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-generational-gap-nbsp">Generational gap&nbsp;</h3>



The research suggests that there is a generational gap in emoji literacy, with younger users potentially having a more nuanced understanding of these symbols.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender">Gender</h3>



Gender also played a role, with women's interpretations of emojis for happiness, fear, sadness, and anger more frequently aligning with the labels assigned by the study authors compared to men's interpretations. This could indicate that women are more attuned to the emotional nuances conveyed by emojis.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-differences-nbsp">Cultural differences&nbsp;</h3>



Cultural differences also emerged as a significant factor in emoji interpretation. UK participants were generally more likely than their Chinese counterparts to match the researchers' labels for the emojis, with the exception of the one meant to convey disgust. This particular emoji, classified as "confounded face" on Unicode.org, highlights the challenges in selecting emojis that universally represent specific emotions.&nbsp;



The difficulty in classifying this emoji across both participant groups underscores the potential for misunderstanding when emojis are used in cross-cultural communication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-importance-of-context-nbsp">The importance of context&nbsp;</h2>



The study's findings emphasize the importance of context in emoji use. For example, the "smile" emoji, categorized as representing happiness in the study, may not universally signify joy, especially among Chinese participants.&nbsp;



This variation underscores the potential for emojis to convey different meanings in different cultural contexts, leading to misinterpretations in cross-cultural communications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personal-experience-with-emojis-nbsp">Personal experience with emojis&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers also noted that some of the demographic differences in emoji interpretation could be partially explained by participants' familiarity with specific emojis.&nbsp;



This observation suggests that personal experience with emojis plays a role in how they are understood, pointing to the need for further research into how individuals interpret a broader range of emojis in various contexts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-layer-of-ambiguity-nbsp">A layer of ambiguity&nbsp;</h2>



Ultimately, the research highlights the complex interplay between gender, culture, and age in emoji interpretation.&nbsp;



The study reveals that while emojis offer a powerful tool for adding emotional depth to digital communication, they also introduce a layer of ambiguity. This vagueness can lead to misunderstandings, especially in messages exchanged across cultural, generational, and gender divides.&nbsp;



The research underscores the need for greater awareness of these factors when using emojis and suggests avenues for future studies to explore the nuances of emoji interpretation further.&nbsp;



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



As our digital communication landscapes continue to evolve, understanding the subtleties of emoji use will become increasingly important in facilitating clear and empathetic interactions online.



"The current results have important implications when considering emoji use in online communication, for example, with conversation partners from different cultures or of different ages," concluded the study authors.&nbsp;



"Given the broad and expanding use of emoji in other domains, the findings of individual differences in their interpretation also has more wide-reaching implications - for instance, in improving classification accuracy in sentiment analysis, and regarding digital advertising within marketing, multinational corporations may need to apply different emoji for marketing purposes in different nations."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297379" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>. 



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Sending the right message? Emojis can mean different things in different cultures

A recent study from the University of Nottingham sheds light...

A recent study offers new insights into the battle against air pollution in the United States, focusing on the evolution of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels across the nation from 2006 to 2020.



This comprehensive research by the <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill</a> reveals the impact of regulatory efforts by federal, state, and local authorities to improve air quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-the-pm2-5-challenge">Invisible threat: The PM2.5 challenge</h2>



PM2.5, a complex mixture of tiny particles smaller than 2.5 microns, poses <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-air-pollution-levels-have-dropped-but-not-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant health risks</a>, including premature death, and contributes to reduced visibility through haze formation. 



The study's findings highlight a notable reduction in the annual average concentration of PM2.5, alongside shifts in its chemical makeup, suggesting that pollution control strategies tailored to specific regional needs could further diminish air pollution and its adverse health effects.



“The results from this study are especially timely given the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-finalizes-stronger-standards-harmful-soot-pollution-significantly-increasing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPA’s revision</a> of the health-based standard for PM2.5 from 12 µg/m3 to 9 µg/m3 that was just announced this month,” said <a href="https://ie.unc.edu/people/arunachalam/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saravanan Arunachalam</a>, senior author of the study and deputy director of the UNC Institute for the Environment. 



“States with monitors that are exceeding the new standard for PM2.5 will be looking to understand the chemical constituents of PM2.5, and how they have changed over time, and this will be key to developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions reductions</a> policies to address potential future nonattainment designations.”  



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decade-of-progress-how-america-cleaned-its-skies">Decade of progress: How America cleaned its skies</h2>



Utilizing data from the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/aqs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. EPA Air Quality System</a>, the research team scrutinized PM2.5 trends across 48 states, identifying a range of chemical species originating from both human activities and natural sources. 



Their analysis revealed significant air quality improvements in regions with historically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/short-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-increases-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor air quality</a>, such as the Ohio Valley and southeastern states, largely due to stringent controls on emissions from coal-burning power plants and industrial sources.



The period studied saw a dramatic 91.5% reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants, particularly in the Ohio Valley and southeastern U.S., areas previously known for high sulfur dioxide levels. 



Additionally, the study noted a temporary deterioration in air quality along the West Coast in 2020, attributed to extensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-farming-and-wildfires-is-more-likely-to-cause-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest fires</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-chemical-puzzle-of-air-pollution">The chemical puzzle of air pollution</h2>



Despite a nationwide decrease in sulfate and ammonium levels, the researchers advocate for measures targeting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-exposure-in-the-womb-harms-offspring-reproductive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a>, which increasingly contribute to PM2.5 levels. 



They observed a decline in high pollution days, with a notable rise in primary organic carbon during winter, attributed to the slower formation of secondary organic aerosols in lower temperatures.



Highlighting the significance of regional differences in pollution sources and effects, the study supports the adoption of targeted air pollution mitigation strategies. 



"Region-specific approaches are essential for further enhancing air quality, reducing healthcare costs related to air pollution, and saving lives," the researchers emphasized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-clean-air-removing-pollution-from-us-skies">Future of clean air: Removing pollution from US skies</h2>



<a href="https://ie.unc.edu/people/cheng/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bin Cheng</a>, a co-author and research associate at the Institute, stressed the importance of a detailed analysis of PM2.5's chemical composition and its emission sources for future emissions control strategies. 



"Different chemical constituents of PM2.5 are linked to various emissions sources, thus, the development of future emissions control strategies to reduce PM2.5 concentrations should be based on the comprehensive analysis of spatiotemporal trends of PM2.5 chemical composition and deep understanding of the relationships between changes in emissions and ambient concentrations," explained Cheng.



In summary, this important study contributes valuable data for policy development and lays the groundwork for future epidemiological research to pinpoint the PM2.5 components most harmful to human health. 



Through such comprehensive research, the journey towards cleaner air and healthier communities continues, informed by science and guided by effective policy.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1352231023006143" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atmospheric Environment</a>.



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Chemical composition of US air pollution has changed over time

A recent study offers new insights into the battle against...

The Arctic, a realm often perceived as desolate and inhospitable, teems with life at the microscopic level. These microorganisms, particularly Arctic seabed bacteria, play a crucial role in Earth's ecological balance.



This bacteria transforms biomass into substances that sequester carbon for extended periods. Their work is vital in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/">cycle of life</a>, yet their existence and function remain largely underexplored.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-arctic-s-microbial-universe-life-beneath-the-ice">The Arctic's microbial universe: Life beneath the ice</h2>



Polar regions are characterized by extreme seasonality, diverging from the typical diurnal cycle to oscillate between the midnight sun of summer and the polar night of winter. 



This stark contrast affects local ecosystems, especially primary producers that rely on sunlight. Summer brings a flourish of algae and terrestrial life, while winter sees a dramatic pause in productivity. 



The impact of these seasonal shifts on seabed bacterial communities had not been thoroughly investigated until recently.



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.mpi-bremen.de/en/Home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology</a> in Bremen, Germany, embarked on a mission to the Svalbard archipelago to delve into the dynamics of these microbial communities. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-the-mysteries-of-arctic-seabed-bacteria">Uncovering the mysteries of Arctic seabed bacteria</h2>



Their findings reveal surprising insights into the resilience and complexity of seabed bacteria.



Contrary to expectations, the composition of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-algae-heavily-contaminated-with-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacterial community</a> remains remarkably consistent throughout the year, despite significant fluctuations in organic matter and environmental conditions. 



This stability contrasts with the more variable communities found in the water column, showcasing the seabed bacteria's robustness. 



According to principal investigator Katrin Knittel, this complexity poses challenges but also highlights the community's resilience.



“Benthic bacterial communities -- i.e., those in the seabed -- are very complex,” Knittel adds. “That's what makes them so stable and robust, and it makes it very challenging for us to investigate their dynamics.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-the-arctic-s-algal-bounty">Transforming the Arctic's algal bounty</h2>



To understand this phenomenon, Knittel's team investigated the functional diversity of these microbes, focusing on their ability to degrade algal sugars. 



Their research uncovered seasonal variations in gene expression related to carbohydrate-degrading enzymes. 



In winter, enzymes targeting a-glucans predominate, reflecting the microbes' reliance on intracellular storage compounds. 



Spring sees a shift towards enzymes that break down b-glucans, like laminarin, indicating a change in dietary sources corresponding to the availability of fresh algal material.



These findings underscore the adaptability of seabed bacteria to their environment, utilizing different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-awakening-arctic-food-webs-are-transforming-from-green-to-brown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food sources</a> based on seasonal availability. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-implications-tiny-microbes-tremendous-impact">Global implications: Tiny microbes, tremendous impact</h2>



Their ability to switch between fresh material from the water column and reserves within the seabed demonstrates a remarkable ecological efficiency. This versatility is essential for their survival, especially in winter when external inputs are minimal.



The implications of this research extend beyond the confines of microbial ecology. As these bacteria process algal sugars, they release carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas. 



Thus, these microorganisms, though small in scale, play a significant role in global carbon cycling and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate processes</a>.



The Arctic seabed's bacterial community maintains a surprisingly consistent presence across the seasons, actively thriving despite the region's pronounced seasonality. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-arctic-seabed-bacteria-is-a-challenge">Studying Arctic seabed bacteria is a challenge</h2>



However, the challenge of studying these bacteria in Spitsbergen's seabed wasn't solely due to their internal dynamics; the methodology also posed significant hurdles. 



Doctoral student Chyrene Moncada, a member of Knittel's team, explains the difficulties encountered in sample collection. 



“It is very difficult to obtain undisturbed samples of the seabed and the pore water contained between the sand grains,” explains doctoral student Chyrene Moncada, who is also working on the project. “That's why we developed our own device: the Ellrott grab.”



Named after its creator and co-author Andreas Ellrott, this sampling tool allows for the undisturbed collection of sediment from sandy beds. Its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for small research vessels. 



“Andreas is a brilliant engineer and designed and built the grab from scratch, manufacturing many of the components himself in a 3D printer,” says Moncada. 



“To date, we have already collected over 100 sediment samples from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-north-frisian-islands-and-the-wadden-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wadden Sea</a> and the fjords of Svalbard with the Ellrott grab - and we plan to collect many more!”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-future-implications">Conservation and future implications</h2>



In summary, this fascinating research has unveiled the remarkable resilience and stability of the Arctic seabed bacteria microbial communities, challenging previous assumptions about their variability across seasons. 



Through innovative methodologies, the team has successfully navigated the methodological challenges of sampling, enabling the detailed study of these vital ecosystems. 



The findings highlight the complexity and adaptability of Arctic seabed bacteria to extreme seasonal changes and underscore their significant role in global carbon cycles and climate change. 



As the team plans to expand their research with further sediment samples, their work continues to expand our knowledge on the hidden dynamics of the Arctic's underexplored microbial world, offering new insights into the intricate connections between microorganisms and global environmental processes.



The full study was published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ismej/article/18/1/wrad005/7512817" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The ISME Journal</a>.



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Arctic seabed bacteria play a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth

The Arctic, a realm often perceived as desolate and inhospitable,...

Did you know there’s more to tea than just its flavor? Every sip of tea holds a hidden universe that was born in the plant, teeming with microscopic life that shapes its unique flavor. 



Scientists from Chinese universities including <a href="https://english.fafu.edu.cn/main.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University</a> have revealed the secrets of this miniature world within the roots of tea plants.



The experts have uncovered how specific microbes at the roots act as tiny alchemists coordinating the chemical reactions defining a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-delays-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perfect cup of tea</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mini-tea-ecosystem">Mini tea ecosystem</h2>



Curious about how tiny creatures in tea plant roots impact flavor, the scientists started collecting samples from different tea plants, especially the prized Rougui variety, known for its calming taste. They identified the different types of microorganisms living in the roots and soil.&nbsp;



Next, to see how these organisms work together, the experts created a mini-version of the community. Basically, they created a tiny tea plant ecosystem in a lab. The researchers named this synthetic community “SynCom21.”



Then came the fun part: growing plants. The researchers planted tea plants and even lab plants like Arabidopsis, both within and without SynCom21. 



This experiment was conducted under conditions where there wasn't enough nitrogen in the soil, a nutrient crucial for plant growth. 



By carefully watching how the plants grew and how much nitrogen they absorbed, the experts could see how the microbes made a difference.



Outside the SynCom21, the researchers also wanted to understand the natural production of a calming compound called theanine. 



To gauge this, they compared the roots of two different tea plants- Rougui, known for its high theanine content, to Maoxie, which has lower levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-tea-plant-growth">Enhanced tea plant growth</h2>



Plants with SynCom21 grew taller and stronger, and were better at using nitrogen. Even better, they made more theanine.



“Crucially, through the isolation and assembly of a synthetic microbial community from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matcha-tea-relieves-symptoms-of-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-quality tea</a> roots, we managed to notably enhance the amino acid content in various tea plant varieties, resulting in an improvement in tea quality," said Tongda Xu from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in Fujian, China.



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



High-theanine roots had more "good" microbes that helped grab nitrogen from the soil. The plant uses this nitrogen to make theanine, especially in the fall when it makes the most.



The experts also found that the tiny microbes living in tea plant roots change throughout the year, especially those that help the plant use nitrogen. These "nitrogen helpers" are most plentiful in the fall, which is also when the tea plant makes the most of calming theanine.&nbsp;



The results suggest that the relationship between plants and these tiny helpers is constantly changing and depends on the time of year.



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



The discovery could help farmers grow more food while being kinder to the Earth. It isn't just about delicious, calming tea. It suggests similar strategies could be used for other crops.&nbsp;



“The initial expectation for the synthetic microbial community derived from high-quality tea plant roots was to enhance the quality of low-quality tea plants," said study co-author Wenxin Tang.



"However, to our astonishment, we discovered that the synthetic microbial community not only enhances the quality of low-quality tea plants but also exerts a significant promoting effect on certain high-quality tea varieties. Furthermore, this effect is particularly pronounced in low-nitrogen soil conditions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-food">Sustainable food</h2>



The tiny helpers in the roots seem to make plants better at using nitrogen and creating special compounds, like theanine in tea. This means we might be able to use the same idea to make fruits, vegetables, and grains tastier, healthier, and even tougher in changing weather.&nbsp;



The research could be a big step towards growing food in a way that's good for both humans and the planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.044" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Great tasting tea comes from healthy root microbes in the plants

Did you know there’s more to tea than just its...

Sorbitol, a common sugar alcohol found in various sugar-free products and natural foods, has long puzzled those who experience gas and discomfort upon consumption. 



Researchers at <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> have made significant strides in understanding the root cause of sorbitol intolerance, shedding light on how changes in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mothers-hardships-are-reflected-in-their-childs-gut-microbiome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiome</a> can affect one's ability to digest this compound. Their findings point to a promising new direction for treating and managing this condition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-culprit-a-common-sugar-free-ingredient">The culprit: A common sugar-free ingredient</h2>



Sorbitol is widely used in sugar-free gum, candies, and diet foods, and occurs naturally in fruits like apricots, apples, and avocados. 



While beneficial for those seeking lower-calorie options, sorbitol can cause bloating, cramps, and diarrhea at high levels. 



A condition known as sorbitol intolerance arises in some individuals from even minimal intake, leading to significant discomfort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sorbitol-and-the-gut-microbiome">Sorbitol and the gut microbiome</h2>



The study conducted on mice revealed a fascinating interaction between antibiotics, a high-fat diet, and the gut microbiome's ability to process sorbitol. 



Specifically, such a diet, when combined with antibiotic use, diminishes the population of Clostridia -- a key group of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beer-may-be-better-for-your-gut-than-probiotics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbes</a> responsible for breaking down sorbitol.



Jee-Yon Lee is the study's lead author and an assistant project scientist at the UC Davis <a href="https://health.ucdavis.edu/medmicro/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology</a> 



She explains, "Our research suggests that microbial sorbitol degradation normally protects the host against sorbitol intolerance. However, an impairment in the microbial ability to break down sorbitol causes sorbitol intolerance."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-oxygen-in-the-gut-microbiome">Role of oxygen in the gut microbiome</h2>



The team utilized metagenomic analysis to identify gut bacteria equipped with genes for producing the enzyme needed to digest sorbitol. 



Their research highlighted the drastic reduction in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-use-bacteria-to-convert-co2-into-valuable-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clostridium bacteria</a>, which thrive in low-oxygen environments, following antibiotic treatment.



Following antibiotic administration and a high-saturated fat diet, the cells lining the gut consumed less oxygen. This led to increased oxygen levels in the gut, which adversely affected Clostridia populations, impairing sorbitol digestion.



To counteract this, the researchers experimented with reintroducing specific gut bacteria to restore sorbitol digestion capabilities. 



One successful method involved administering Anaerostipes caccae, a bacterium that produces butyrate. 



This compound improves oxygen consumption by gut lining cells, thereby reducing oxygen levels in the intestine and allowing Clostridia levels to normalize. 



This adjustment helped protect mice from sorbitol-induced diarrhea, showcasing a potential pathway for treating sorbitol intolerance in humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-guilt-free-treats">New perspective on guilt-free treats</h2>



The study suggests that mesalazine, a drug commonly used for treating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-dye-linked-to-inflammatory-bowel-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflammatory bowel diseases</a>, could offer a new treatment avenue for sorbitol intolerance. 



By mimicking the oxygen-lowering effects of butyrate-producing bacteria, mesalazine could encourage a gut environment where Clostridia can thrive, mitigating sorbitol intolerance symptoms.



"This discovery is crucial, given the prevalent use of sorbitol in keto-friendly diet foods and other high-fat content products," Lee added. 



Highlighting the importance of oxygen consumption in the gut's epithelial lining, the research underscores the delicate balance required among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-have-very-clever-ways-of-supporting-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut bacteria</a> for effective digestion of certain sugars.



However, the researchers caution that mice, unlike humans, possess a cecum that aids in digesting carbohydrates, allowing them to tolerate higher levels of sorbitol. 



Clinical studies are necessary to confirm whether mesalazine could effectively treat sorbitol intolerance in humans.



"Our study provides a completely new starting point for approaches to diagnose, prevent, and treat sorbitol intolerance," said Andreas Bäumler, the study's senior author and a distinguished professor at UC Davis. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-our-lives-in-a-sugar-free-future">Improving our lives in a sugar-free future</h2>



In summary, this discovery by the team at UC Davis offers new insights into the causes of sorbitol intolerance and opens up promising avenues for its treatment. 



By identifying the critical role of gut microbiome composition and oxygen levels in the digestion of sorbitol, this study offers innovative approaches to manage and alleviate the discomfort associated with sorbitol intolerance. 



The potential application of mesalazine as a treatment underscores the importance of ongoing research in understanding gut health and its impact on our overall well-being. 



With further clinical studies, these findings could lead to more effective strategies for those affected by sorbitol intolerance, enhancing the quality of life for many.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0092867424000667" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>.



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Why sugar-free candy and sugar-free gum give many people gas

Sorbitol, a common sugar alcohol found in various sugar-free products...

The arrival of spring in the Santa Monica Mountains, located northwest of Los Angeles, signals a vibrant bloom of native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildflowers-are-self-fertilizing-to-deal-with-a-lack-of-pollinators/">wildflowers</a>. These floral displays are not just a feast for the eyes; they play crucial roles in supporting local ecosystems by providing sustenance for insects, enhancing soil health, and facilitating water filtration into the earth.&nbsp;



Despite their resilience and ability to recover from wildfire - a phenomenon they have adapted to over millennia - recent findings indicate that these native wildflowers are facing increasing challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vehicle-emissions-nbsp">Vehicle emissions&nbsp;</h2>



In groundbreaking research led by Justin Valliere, an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis </a>Department of Plant Sciences, it has been discovered that the regrowth of native wildflowers and plants, typically expected post-wildfire, is being hindered by invasive species. 



This shift is attributed to the nitrogen found in vehicle emissions, marking a significant departure from the natural rejuvenation process following fires.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-vulnerability-nbsp">Increasing vulnerability&nbsp;</h2>



“Many native plants in fire-prone areas rely on fire, and some are entirely dependent on it. Some are even most abundant after a fire. But we found that these fire-following species may be especially vulnerable to the combination of nitrogen pollution and invasive plants,” Valliere explained. This vulnerability is contributing to a noticeable decline in the native plant population within these mountains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-for-resources-nbsp">Fighting for resources&nbsp;</h2>



The ecological dynamic described by Valliere can be likened to a depleting bank account, where the "deposits" - in the form of seeds ready to sprout following fires - are not being adequately replenished.&nbsp;



While fire serves as a vital ecological catalyst, recycling nutrients back into the soil for the dormant seeds to utilize upon the next rainfall, invasive species, benefiting from an early start, rapid growth, and higher seed production, are outcompeting the natives.&nbsp;



These invaders exploit the nitrogen and other nutrients from vehicle emissions, effectively winning the essential resources of water and sunlight and inhibiting the growth and maturation of native plants.



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



The 2013 Springs Fire offered Valliere and his team, including colleagues from <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/">UC Riverside </a>and the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/index.htm">National Park Service</a>, a unique window to study the effects of wildfire coupled with nitrogen enrichment on native vegetation.&nbsp;



By simulating the nitrogen levels typical of Los Angeles smog in the Santa Monica Mountains test plots, the research demonstrated an accelerated decline of native plants in nitrogen-enhanced soils, post-wildfire.



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



The study's findings underscore the precarious balance native plants maintain and the dire consequences of their decline, including the potential loss of native pollinators and increased risk of mudslides.&nbsp;



Valliere's research serves as a stark reminder of the broader implications of air pollution on fire-adapted ecosystems globally, raising concerns about biodiversity in regions similar to the Mediterranean basin, southern Africa, and Australia.



As Valliere warns, the intrusion of urban smog into these delicate ecosystems could spell disaster for their biodiversity, emphasizing the urgent need for strategies to mitigate these impacts and preserve the natural splendor and ecological balance of fire-prone landscapes.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17117" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Native wildflowers that thrive after fire are facing new challenges

The arrival of spring in the Santa Monica Mountains, located...

A new study utilizing advanced computational models has made a startling prediction about the future of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-rainfall/">Atlantic</a> Ocean. 



Researchers suggest that a subduction zone located beneath the Gibraltar Strait is set to extend further into the Atlantic, potentially giving rise to an Atlantic Ring of Fire, akin to the Pacific's notorious volcanic and seismic belt.&nbsp;



This significant geological shift is expected to occur 'soon' on a geological scale, approximately 20 million years from now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-wilson-cycle-nbsp">The Wilson Cycle&nbsp;</h2>



The concept of oceans as permanent fixtures on Earth's surface is challenged by the reality of the Wilson Cycle, which describes the birth, growth, and eventual closure of oceanic bodies over hundreds of millions of years.&nbsp;



The Atlantic Ocean itself, formed from the breakup of the supercontinent Pangea around 180 million years ago, is destined to follow this cycle and eventually close. The Mediterranean Sea stands as a remnant of the once vast Tethys Ocean that lay between Africa and Eurasia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subduction-invasion-nbsp">Subduction invasion&nbsp;</h2>



For the Atlantic to transition from expansion to closure, new subduction zones, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, must emerge. However, the formation of subduction zones is a complex process due to the immense strength of tectonic plates.&nbsp;



A potential resolution to this "paradox" is the migration of subduction zones from older, contracting oceans, like the Mediterranean, to younger basins, such as the Atlantic - a process termed "subduction invasion."



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



This research marks the first illustration of such an invasion occurring directly. A sophisticated, gravity-driven 3-D model forecasts the expansion of a subduction zone beneath the Gibraltar Strait into the Atlantic, laying the groundwork for an Atlantic subduction system. This transformative event is predicted to unfold in roughly 20 million years.



João Duarte, the study's lead author from the Instituto Dom Luiz at the <a href="https://www.ulisboa.pt/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lisbon</a>'s Faculty of Sciences (Ciências ULisboa), Portugal, highlights the technological advancements enabling this discovery: “Subduction invasion is inherently a three-dimensional process that requires advanced modeling tools and supercomputers that were not available a few years ago. We can now simulate the formation of the Gibraltar Arc with great detail and also how it may evolve in the deep future.”



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



The study also re-evaluates the activity of the Gibraltar subduction zone, which some researchers previously thought was dormant due to a slowdown in activity over the last million years. The findings suggest this lull will persist for another 20 million years before the zone invades the Atlantic and intensifies, marking the onset of crustal recycling on the Atlantic's eastern flank and potentially the beginning of the ocean's closure.



Duarte further explains the significance of studying the Gibraltar zone: “There are two other subduction zones on the other side of the Atlantic – the Lesser Antilles, in the Caribbean, and the Scotia Arc, near Antarctica. However, these subduction zones invaded the Atlantic several million years ago. Studying Gibraltar is an invaluable opportunity because it allows observing the process in its early stages when it is just happening.”



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



This research posits subduction invasion as a likely mechanism for initiating subduction in Atlantic-type oceans, underscoring its importance in Earth's geological evolution.&nbsp;



Moreover, the confirmation of ongoing activity in the Gibraltar subduction zone carries implications for seismic risk in the region, emphasizing the need for preparedness against potentially devastating earthquakes, reminiscent of the 1755 Great Lisbon Earthquake.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1130/G51654.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>.



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The Atlantic Ocean may soon enter its declining phase

A new study utilizing advanced computational models has made a...

The,Great,Migration,,Serengeti,National,Park,,Tanzania

The Great Migration is a remarkable phenomenon that takes place each year in the Serengeti National Park and involves more than two million animals.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-links-zebras-to-sperm-swimming-science-never-ceases-to-amaze/">Zebras</a>, wildebeest, and gazelle follow the same migratory routes, one after another, in a body-size dependent way. This "grazing succession" has long puzzled scientists, especially considering that the animals are sharing limited food resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grazing-succession-nbsp">Grazing succession&nbsp;</h2>



A recent study led by Michael Anderson of <a href="https://www.wfu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wake Forest University</a> has shed light on the intricate dynamics that govern this grazing succession, revealing a complex interplay of competition and facilitation at work.



During this migratory journey, animals of varying body sizes follow one another in a specific order due to differences in their grazing habits and the impact on the vegetation. 



The Serengeti's zebra, weighing approximately 230 kilograms, lead the migration, followed by the wildebeest at about 180 kilograms, and finally, the much smaller gazelle, weighing around 20 kilograms.&nbsp;



This sequential movement has intrigued researchers, leading to the question: Why do these species, competing for limited food resources, migrate in such a harmonized manner?



"Disentangling the potential mechanisms that drive the movement patterns, arrival times, and foraging behaviors of the three migrating species has been hampered by a lack of long-term, detailed data at the appropriate scale," said the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-migration-patterns">Animal migration patterns</h2>



To investigate, the team used a variety of modern research tools including an 8-year camera-trap survey, GPS-collared animal tracking, and fecal DNA metabarcoding.&nbsp;



This innovative approach allowed the team to analyze the timing, arrival, and interactions among the zebra, wildebeest, and gazelle with unprecedented detail. 



The findings offer a new perspective on the drivers behind the migratory patterns of these herbivores.



The research highlights a delicate balance between competitive and facilitative interactions among the species. Zebras, it appears, are pushed ahead in the migration by competition for food resources with wildebeest. 



As the dominant grazers, wildebeest play a central role in this ecosystem, shaping the environment in a way that both challenges and benefits their fellow migrants. 



By grazing, wildebeest reduce grass biomass, which in turn stimulates the growth of new vegetation. This newer growth is then ideally suited for the trailing gazelle, who specialize in capitalizing on such opportunities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-push-and-pull-dynamic-of-grazing-succession">Push-and-pull dynamic of grazing succession</h2>



This "push-and-pull" dynamic, as the researchers describe, underscores the complexity of ecological interactions and the role of facilitation in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. 



Interestingly, the study found no evidence that predation influences the order of grazing succession, a factor that has been considered in previous theories.



Furthermore, the team observed that external factors like wildfires and rainfall have a significant impact on successional grazing patterns.&nbsp;



Intense wildfires and periods of rainfall were found to strengthen the observed patterns, suggesting that environmental conditions play a crucial role in shaping the migratory behaviors of these species.



“Our results highlight a balance between facilitative and competitive forces,” said the researchers, emphasizing the nuanced relationship between the species and their environment.&nbsp;



The study not only deepens our understanding of migration and grazing patterns in the Serengeti and illustrates the importance of long-term, detailed data in unraveling the complex mechanisms that govern natural ecosystems.



"Multiple lines of evidence point to a 'push-and-pull' dynamic in which wildebeest, the dominant grazer, push zebra ahead by reducing grass biomass while pulling along gazelle through facilitation," wrote the study authors.



"Our study helps to reconcile decades of conflicting results by demonstrating that competition and facilitation operate concurrently during animal migration with effect sizes that depend on resource availability."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-chapter-for-the-serengeti">A new chapter for the Serengeti</h2>



In summary, this important research by Wake Forest University challenges the conventional wisdom of harmonious interspecies relationships with compelling evidence of competition. 



By utilizing an extensive array of data collection methods, the team has unveiled the complex interplay between wildebeests and zebras, fundamentally altering our perception of ecological interactions and migration patterns. 



Their findings illuminate the intricacies of animal behavior in one of the world's most iconic ecosystems and offer invaluable insights for global conservation efforts and ecosystem management in the face of changing environmental conditions. 



This research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in uncovering the truths of nature, marking a significant advancement in our quest to comprehend and preserve the natural world.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adg0744" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>. 



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Driving force discovered behind mass migration of large grazing animals

The Great Migration is a remarkable phenomenon that takes place...

<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.

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</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.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



---



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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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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