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...

Scientists have made progress in understanding how the brain processes time, potentially rewriting the narrative on neural flexibility and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cheese-may-contain-nutrients-that-prevent-cognitive-decline/">cognitive function</a>. 



The research, led by Professor Arkarup Banerjee in the <a href="https://www.cshl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</a>, focused on the vocalizations of Alston's singing mouse from Costa Rica, offers profound insights into how our brains may bend the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-perception-we-see-the-world-based-on-what-we-expect-to-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perception of time</a> to adapt to varying circumstances. 



This phenomenon could have far-reaching implications across numerous fields including technology, education, and therapy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rhythm-of-life">The rhythm of life</h2>



Life's rhythm is inherently unpredictable, oscillating between moments that seem to sprint past and those that trudge along. 



Humans exhibit a remarkable ability to adapt to these temporal shifts, whether it's keeping up the rhythm of a conversation or matching the pace of a busy crowd. 



The enigma of how the brain orchestrates these adjustments has long puzzled scientists. 



“There are many instances where we have to do the same action but at different tempos. So the question is, how does the brain do it," said Professor Banerjee. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alston-s-singing-mouse">Alston's singing mouse</h2>



The study's focus on Alston's singing mouse, a species known for its distinctive, human-audible vocalizations, provides a unique window into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neural mechanics</a> of temporal processing. 



These mice communicate through songs that vary in length and tempo, making them ideal subjects for investigating how neural circuits might govern the flexibility of timing in vocalization.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="k4kpWaed1x-3367443-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temporal-scaling-nbsp">Temporal scaling&nbsp;</h2>



By simulating duets with these mice and analyzing activity in the orofacial motor cortex (OMC), Professor Banerjee and his team observed a phenomenon they termed "temporal scaling." 



Unlike a clock that measures absolute time, OMC neurons appear to encode relative time, dynamically adjusting the interval between vocalizations. 



“Instead of encoding absolute time like a clock, the neurons track something like relative time,” explained Professor Banerjee. “They actually slow down or speed up the interval. So, it’s not like one or two seconds, but 10%, 20%.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adjusting-the-perception-of-brain-time">Adjusting the perception of brain time </h2>



This discovery not only sheds light on how the brain modulates vocal communication but also suggests a broader principle of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/playing-instrument-lifelong-music-engagement-better-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neural operation</a>. 



The ability to adjust the perception of time could be a fundamental aspect of how the brain processes various sensory and motor tasks, offering a glimpse into the intricate mechanisms that allow for the flexibility and adaptability of behaviors.



“It’s this three-pound block of flesh that allows you to do everything from reading a book to sending people to the moon," said Professor Banerjee. 



"It provides us with flexibility. We can change on the fly. We adapt. We learn. If everything was a stimulus-response, with no opportunity for learning, nothing that changes, no long-term goals, we wouldn’t need a brain. We believe the cortex exists to add flexibility to behavior.”



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



The implications of the study are vast, opening up new avenues for exploring how our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-screen-time-changes-the-brain-based-on-23-years-of-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brains</a> enable us to navigate the world. 



"These results provide a framework for studying hierarchical control circuits, a common design principle across many natural and artificial systems," wrote the researchers.



From enhancing educational methods to developing therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders, the potential applications of understanding how the brain bends time are as limitless as the human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-that-rats-have-an-imagination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imagination</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-perceives-time">How the brain perceives time</h2>



The human brain perceives time through a complex interplay of various regions, rather than through a single "time center." 



This perception is a result of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-is-constantly-working-to-learn-from-our-mistakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain's processing</a> of continuous information from the external environment and its internal states.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-regions">Key regions</h3>



At the core of time perception are the basal ganglia and the cerebellum, which are believed to play critical roles in processing temporal information, such as the duration of events.&nbsp;



The prefrontal cortex is involved in planning and anticipating future events, which is essential for our sense of the passage of time. 



Additionally, the hippocampus, known for its role in memory formation, allows us to place events in a temporal sequence, creating a coherent narrative of our past.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influential-factors">Influential factors</h3>



Time perception can be influenced by various factors, including attention, emotion, and the nature of the task at hand. 



For example, when we are focused on a task that is engaging, time may seem to pass more quickly, a phenomenon often referred to as "time flies when you're having fun." Conversely, when we are bored or waiting anxiously, time can seem to drag.



Moreover, individual differences in time perception highlight the subjective nature of time. Factors such as age, cognitive abilities, and even cultural background can influence how one perceives the duration of events.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-duration-and-the-brain">Time duration and the brain</h3>



Neuroscientific research has also shown that the brain can encode short and long durations differently, with different mechanisms and regions involved in the milliseconds to seconds range compared to hours to days.&nbsp;



The perception of very short durations, for example, is thought to involve sensory and motor systems, while longer durations involve more cognitive processes, such as memory and attention.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41593-023-01556-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Neuroscience</a>. 



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Our brains "bend time" to adapt and keep up with life's rhythm

Scientists have made progress in understanding how the brain processes...

Honeybees possess an extraordinary ability to adapt their flight mechanics and avoid overheating in response to rising temperatures, ensuring their survival and continued nectar foraging in a warming world.



This research from the <a href="https://www.uwyo.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wyoming</a> uncovered the resilience of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-celebrating-bees-and-beekeepers-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essential pollinators</a> and highlights their crucial role in the face of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honeybees-adapting-to-rising-temperatures">Honeybees adapting to rising temperatures</h2>



Jordan Glass, a postdoctoral research associate at the University's Department of Zoology and Physiology, embarked on this study to explore how extreme heat impacts the foraging capabilities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-are-very-loyal-to-their-flower-patches/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honeybees</a>. 



Amidst growing concerns over the rapid decline of insect pollinators, largely attributed to climate change, this research provides a glimmer of hope. 



It demonstrates that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybees-have-surprising-abilities-to-maintain-their-nest-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honeybees</a> can forage effectively, without risking their lives, across a wide temperature range, from 77 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.



The team meticulously analyzed the bees' flight muscle temperatures, metabolic rates, and water loss while carrying nectar in a controlled environment. 



Additionally, high-speed video recordings offered insights into adjustments in their wing flapping mechanics at different temperatures. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honeybees-ingenious-flight-adjustments">Honeybees' ingenious flight adjustments</h2>



The findings were remarkable: at temperatures up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, bees exhibited increased flight muscle temperatures and metabolism. 



However, at 104 degrees, these parameters remained stable, suggesting an adaptive mechanism to mitigate heat stress.



Glass's analysis revealed a fascinating adaptation: to counteract the risk of overheating at higher temperatures, bees decreased their wingbeat frequency and increased stroke amplitude. 



This adjustment not only enhances flight efficiency but also minimizes metabolic heat production, thus conserving water -- a crucial adaptation in hot, dry conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-of-honeybees-against-climate-change">Resilience of honeybees against climate change</h2>



This study illuminates the sophisticated strategies <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-type-of-sugar-that-kills-honeybees-could-help-fight-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honeybees</a> employ to combat the challenges posed by a warming climate. 



While the findings alleviate some concerns about the vulnerability of honeybees to climate-induced temperature increases, Glass warns that the threat is not entirely averted. 



“Due to the capacity of hot bees to reduce metabolic heat production during flight, our data suggest that, under dry and poor forage conditions, (dehydration) may limit activity before overheating, impairing critical pollination services provided by honeybees,” Glass wrote. 



“Even with reductions in metabolic heat production, (dehydration) likely limits foraging at temperatures well below bees’ critical thermal maxima in hot, dry conditions.”



As the planet continues to warm, the resilience of honeybees is very encouraging. Yet, the research underscores the importance of addressing the broader implications of climate change on our natural world. 



The adaptability of honeybees serves as a testament to the intricate balance of ecosystems and the critical need for conservation efforts to safeguard these essential pollinators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honeybees-higher-temperatures-and-climate-change">Honeybees, higher temperatures, and climate change</h2>



As discussed above, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybee-pollination-produces-plant-offspring-vastly-inferior-to-plants-pollinated-by-other-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honeybees</a> face mounting challenges in our warming world. Climate change, with its extreme weather patterns, rising temperatures, and altered landscapes, poses a significant threat to these vital pollinators. 



Honeybees, crucial for pollinating crops and wild plants, are now at the forefront of environmental concern, grappling with the direct and indirect effects of a changing climate.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disrupted-ecosystems-and-foraging-patterns">Disrupted ecosystems and foraging patterns</h3>



Climate change disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems, affecting the availability of flowering plants that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-inherit-altruistic-traits-from-their-mother/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honeybees</a> rely on for nectar and pollen. 



Altered blooming times and the reduced diversity of plants not only limit food sources but also force bees to venture further afield in search of sustenance, increasing their exposure to risks and energy expenditure.



Rising temperatures challenge honeybees' ability to maintain optimal hive temperatures. While bees are adept at adapting their flight behavior to avoid overheating, as revealed in recent studies, extreme heat can still push them beyond their limits. 



High temperatures can lead to increased water needs for cooling hives, exacerbating the risk of dehydration and impairing their ability to forage effectively.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pesticides-and-pathogens-a-double-whammy">Pesticides and pathogens: A double whammy</h3>



Climate change also exacerbates the threat of pesticides and pathogens. Warmer temperatures can enhance the toxicity of certain chemicals and increase the prevalence of diseases and parasites that afflict honeybee colonies. 



These factors, combined with habitat loss and pollution, contribute to the declining bee populations observed worldwide.



The plight of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-came-first-bee-venom-or-bee-stingers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honeybees</a> underlines the urgent need for global action against climate change. Protecting and restoring habitats, reducing pesticide use, and supporting sustainable agriculture are critical steps toward ensuring the survival of honeybees. 



Moreover, fostering biodiversity and creating bee-friendly environments can help mitigate the impacts of climate change on these essential pollinators.



In summary, the impact of climate change on honeybees is a stark reminder of our interconnectedness with nature. As stewards of the planet, it is our collective responsibility to combat climate change and protect the biodiversity that sustains our food systems and natural ecosystems. 



The survival of honeybees and, by extension, our own future, depends on our actions today to create a more sustainable and resilient world.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2311025121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Why honeybees don't overheat when loaded with nectar in rising temperatures

Honeybees possess an extraordinary ability to adapt their flight mechanics...

Earth's global expanse of coral reefs is significantly larger than previously known to science. Recent research spearheaded by the University of Queensland made this encouraging discovery using advanced satellite mapping. Their work marks a pivotal step forward in the conservation of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-bleaching-releases-bacteria-that-put-further-strain-on-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crucial ecosystems</a>.



<a href="https://researchers.uq.edu.au/researcher/22630" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Mitchell Lyons</a>, a key figure from UQ’s School of the Environment and a contributor to the <a href="https://allencoralatlas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Allen Coral Atlas project</a>, shared that scientists have identified approximately 348,000 square kilometers of shallow coral reefs, extending down to depths of 20-30 meters. 



“This revises up our previous estimate of shallow reefs in the world’s oceans,” Dr Lyons said. “Importantly, the high-resolution, up-to-date mapping satellite technology also allows us to see what these habitats are made from."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-true-global-scale-of-earth-s-coral-reefs">The true global scale of Earth's coral reefs</h2>



Of particular note is the discovery that 80,000 square kilometers of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-growth-cannot-keep-pace-with-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reefs</a> boast a hard bottom surface, an environment conducive to coral growth, in stark contrast to areas characterized by sand, rubble, or seagrass. 



"This data will allow scientists, conservationists, and policymakers to better understand and manage reef systems," Dr. Lyons added.



The project utilized over 1.5 million samples and 100 trillion pixels from the <a href="https://sentinels.copernicus.eu/web/sentinel/missions/sentinel-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sentinel-2</a> and <a href="https://www.planet.com/our-constellations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planet Dove CubeSat satellites</a>, creating a high-resolution global map that offers an unprecedented view of the world's coral reefs. 



“This is the first accurate depiction of the distribution and composition of the world’s coral reefs, with clear and consistent terminology,” Dr Lyons said. “It’s more than just a map -- it’s a tool for positive change for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-nurseries-need-protection-equal-to-that-of-established-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reefs</a> and coastal and marine environments at large.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worldwide-effort-of-science-and-conservation">Worldwide effort of science and conservation</h2>



Associate Professor Chris Roelfsema, also from UQ, highlighted the collaborative nature of the reef mapping project, which involved over 480 contributors. 



The resultant maps and data are publicly available through the Allen Coral Atlas and Google Earth Engine, ensuring widespread access. 



"These resources are already being utilized in coral reef <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-some-corals-more-resilient-to-climate-change-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a> across the globe," Dr. Roelfsema noted, listing countries from Australia to Kenya and regions extending to western Micronesia.



The detailed insights provided by these maps equip scientists, policymakers, and local communities with the information needed to make informed decisions aimed at preserving our coral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-light-pollution-from-coastal-cities-is-damaging-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reefs</a>. 



This compelling research highlights the underestimated extent of coral reefs and sets a new standard for how we approach their protection. 



With the power of detailed, accessible data, we are now better positioned than ever to safeguard these vital ecosystems for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vital-role-of-coral-reefs-in-the-global-environment">Vital role of coral reefs in the global environment</h2>



As discussed above, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-fish-have-feces-that-is-deadly-to-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> reefs, often described as the rainforests of the sea, are among the most valuable ecosystems on our planet. 



These underwater marvels play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the global environment, supporting an incredible diversity of marine life, protecting coastlines, and sustaining economies. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-hotspots">Biodiversity hotspots</h3>



Coral reefs support an astonishing variety of organisms. They provide habitat, breeding grounds, and nursery areas for an estimated 25% of all marine species, despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. 



This biodiversity not only makes reefs hotbeds for marine life but also crucial for the genetic diversity that underpins resilience to environmental changes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-coastal-protection">Earth's coastal protection</h3>



Coral reefs act as natural barriers, absorbing the energy of waves and storms, and thereby protecting coastal communities, habitats, and shorelines from erosion and flooding. 



This buffering capacity is invaluable, especially for low-lying island nations and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arise-project-will-coral-islands-survive-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal regions</a> that are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and intensified storm events.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-value-of-global-coral-reefs">Economic value of global coral reefs</h3>



The economic contribution of coral reefs is immense, supporting millions of jobs worldwide through fisheries, tourism, and medicine. 



Reefs are vital for commercial and subsistence fisheries, providing a source of protein for millions of people. 



The allure of their biodiversity also underpins a thriving marine tourism industry, from snorkeling and diving to educational and conservation activities. 



Moreover, coral reef organisms are a source of potential pharmaceutical compounds for medicines.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-regulation">Climate regulation</h3>



Coral reefs play a role in the global carbon cycle. Although less recognized than forests for their carbon sequestration capabilities, reefs contribute to the ocean's role as a carbon sink by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 



The process of calcification, by which corals build their skeletons, indirectly removes carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgency-of-conservation">Urgency of conservation</h3>



Despite their importance, coral reefs face unprecedented threats from climate change, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollutants-from-fossil-fuels-are-embedded-in-coral-skeletons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>, overfishing, and destructive fishing practices. 



The increasing frequency of coral bleaching events, driven by rising sea temperatures, threatens their survival. 



Conserving and restoring coral reefs is not just an environmental imperative but a necessity for human well-being and economic stability.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-call-to-action">Global call to action</h3>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crust-forming-algae-have-the-potential-to-dominate-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation of coral reefs</a> requires global cooperation and action. Protecting these ecosystems means reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing sustainable fishing practices, managing tourism responsibly, and investing in restoration efforts. 



Each action taken to preserve coral reefs contributes to the health of our planet and secures the livelihoods and futures of communities worldwide.



Coral reefs are irreplaceable treasures of the Earth, embodying the interconnectedness of life and the urgency of environmental stewardship. Their conservation is a testament to our commitment to a sustainable and resilient global environment.



The Allen Coral Atlas, a vision brought to life with funding from the late Paul Allen’s Vulcan Inc. and managed by Arizona State University in partnership with Planet, the Coral Reef Alliance, and The University of Queensland, stands as a testament to collaborative innovation in environmental conservation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949790624000016?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Reports Sustainability</a>.



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Satellites discover huge expanse of Earth's coral reefs that were previously unknown

Earth's global expanse of coral reefs is significantly larger than...

Reforestation,Through,Replanting,In,Mixed,Forest

Recent research unveils a compelling narrative about the eastern United States' reforestation efforts in the 20th century and their significant role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-planting-campaigns-fall-short-of-successful-reforestation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mitigating climate change</a>. 



This important study serves as a prime example of the vital function forests play in cooling our environment, offering a dual strategy of climate adaptation alongside reducing carbon emissions.



“It’s all about figuring out how much forests can cool down our environment and the extent of the effect,” said Mallory Barnes, lead author of the study and an environmental scientist at <a href="https://www.iu.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indiana University</a>. 



“This knowledge is key not only for large-scale reforestation projections aimed at climate mitigation, but also for initiatives like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/us-cities-are-about-to-get-a-lot-greener-with-1-billion-for-tree-planting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban tree planting</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reforestation-as-a-climate-shield">Reforestation as a climate shield</h2>



Historically, the eastern United States was a vast expanse of temperate forests, which underwent drastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-directly-linked-to-atmospheric-mercury-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a> from the late 18th to the early 20th centuries due to timber harvests and agricultural expansion. 



Remarkably, around 15 million hectares of forest have regrown since the 1930s, marking a significant ecological recovery. 



Kim Novick, is co-author of the study and also an environmental scientist at Indiana University, reflected on the scale of this transformation. 



“The extent of the deforestation that happened in the eastern United States is remarkable, and the consequences were grave. It was a dramatic land cover change, and not that long ago," Novick explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-cooling-effect">Science behind the cooling effect</h2>



This reforestation has occurred parallel to global warming, with North America experiencing an average <a href="https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-us-and-global-temperature" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature rise</a> of 0.7°C (1.23°F). 



However, the East Coast and Southeast of the United States have seen a cooling of about 0.3°C (0.5°F) from 1900 to 2000, intriguingly referred to as a "warming hole" by climate scientists due to its unexpected lack of warming. 



While previous theories pointed to aerosols, agriculture, or increased precipitation as potential causes, Barnes and Novick's research suggests the significant impact of reforestation in this cooling phenomenon.



“This widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-plants-used-in-reforestation-projects-do-not-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">history of reforestation</a>, a huge shift in land cover, hasn’t been widely studied for how it could’ve contributed to the anomalous lack of warming in the eastern U.S., which climate scientists call a ‘warming hole,’” Barnes said. “That’s why we initially set out to do this work.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-as-natural-air-conditioners">Forests as natural air conditioners</h2>



Their investigation employed satellite data and measurements from 58 meteorological towers to compare forested areas with grasslands and croplands. 



They discovered that today's forests in the eastern U.S. cool the land's surface by 1 to 2°C (1.8 to 3.6°F) annually, with the most substantial cooling during midday in summer. 



This effect extends beyond the surface, as forests also lower near-surface air temperatures by up to 1°C (1.8°F), providing critical relief during the hottest parts of the day.



By analyzing historical land cover and daily weather data from 398 weather stations, the team found that weather stations surrounded by forests were up to 1°C (1.8°F) cooler than those in deforested areas. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-us-climate-impact-of-reforestation">Broader US climate impact of reforestation</h2>



This cooling even affected areas up to 300 meters (984 feet) from the forests, indicating the broad reach of reforestation's cooling effect. 



Although other factors like agricultural irrigation might also influence regional temperatures, reforestation emerges as a significant contributor to the observed cooling.



Barnes expressed enthusiasm about their contribution to resolving the mystery behind the eastern United States' lesser warming rate.



“It’s exciting to be able to contribute additional information to the long-standing and perplexing question of, ‘Why hasn’t the eastern United States warmed at a rate commensurate with the rest of the world?’” Barnes said. “We can’t explain all of the cooling, but we propose that reforestation is an important part of the story.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-reforestation-in-us-climate-strategy">Future of reforestation in US climate strategy</h2>



In summary, this research highlights the carbon sequestration and storage benefits of reforestation in the eastern United States and positions it as a crucial tool for climate adaptation. 



However, the authors caution that reforestation's impact can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazonian-dark-earth-could-be-used-to-boost-tree-reforestation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vary by region</a>. In snow-covered boreal areas, for example, adding trees could lead to warming. 



Moreover, reforestation can influence precipitation, cloud cover, and other regional processes, underscoring the need for careful consideration of environmental factors in forest management strategies.



In essence, the study affirms the pivotal role of reforestation in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, providing future guidance in the battle against climate change. 



Through careful planning and continued research, forests can serve as invaluable allies in securing a cooler, more sustainable future for our planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF003663" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s Future</a>.



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Success story: Reforestation has helped keep the eastern US relatively cool

Recent research unveils a compelling narrative about the eastern United...

In the vast and often harsh landscapes of the desert, where survival hinges on the ability to navigate effectively, ants of the genus Cataglyphis exhibit a remarkable feat of orientation.&nbsp;



These desert ants - though diminutive in size and possessing brains with less than one million neurons - have been found to use the Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-can-switch-their-perception-of-earths-magnetic-field-on-and-off/">magnetic field</a> for navigation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-processing-magnetic-information-nbsp">Processing magnetic information&nbsp;</h2>



The remarkable discovery, which was initially made by researchers from the <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/university/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Würzburg</a> (JMU), challenged previous understandings of animal navigation and prompted further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.



The latest study provides brand new insights into how desert ants process magnetic information. The researchers have discovered that the ants' internal compass, known as the central complex, is a key site for processing Earth's magnetic signals. These signals are also processed in "mushroom bodies" that are responsible for learning and memory in the ant's brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-walks">Learning walks</h2>



Dr. Pauline Fleischmann elaborated on the ants' preparatory behaviors, noting that before venturing out for the first time, the ants perform learning walks to calibrate their navigation systems. "Before an ant leaves its underground nest for the first time and goes in search of food, it has to calibrate its navigation system."



These walks involve intricate movements and orientations that align them with the magnetic field, even when the nest entrance - a mere hole in the ground - is out of sight. The team's field studies in southern Greece, where these ants are native, have demonstrated that these orientation behaviors are indeed influenced by Earth's magnetic field.



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



The experts analyzed young workers that had not yet undertaken any learning walks. The desert ants were observed in experiments that were precisely planned out.&nbsp;



The ants were sometimes allowed to venture out under natural conditions, and other times they were allowed to venture out in a manipulated magnetic field that displayed chaotic directions or did not allow horizontal orientation.&nbsp;



With this faulty directional information, it was not suitable as a reliable reference system for the ants' behavior to look back to the nest entrance during the learning walks, noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spatial-memory-formation-nbsp">Spatial memory formation&nbsp;</h2>



"Our neuroanatomical brain analyses show that ants exposed to an altered magnetic field have a smaller volume and fewer synaptic complexes in an area of the brain responsible for the integration of visual information and learning, the so-called mushroom body," explained the study authors.



This contrasted sharply with ants that experienced natural magnetic conditions, whose sensory experiences led to an increase in synaptic connections in these brain regions. The results demonstrate the importance of magnetic information for spatial memory formation.



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



According to the experts, the research extends beyond the calibration of the ants' compass. It sheds light on the broader implications of multisensory stimuli on neuronal plasticity and navigation.



Going forward, the team plans to investigate which sensory organ receives the magnetic information and via which sensory pathways it is transmitted and processed. Ultimately, the desert ant may be used as a model organism for studying the neuronal underpinnings of navigation.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2320764121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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How desert ants use Earth's magnetic field for navigation 

In the vast and often harsh landscapes of the desert,...

A,Joro,Spider,In,A,Web,On,A,Rainy,Morning

In the past decade, Joro spiders, an orb-weaving species native to East Asia, has made a conspicuous invasion across Georgia and the Southeastern United States. 



Since its first sighting in the U.S. around 2013, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/riding-the-wind-joro-spiders-are-invading-the-u-s-at-an-alarming-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this invasive species</a> has not only adapted but thrived, raising questions about its success in urban environments. 



Recent research from the <a href="https://www.uga.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a> sheds light on this phenomenon, revealing the spider's remarkable resilience and ability to tolerate urban stressors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-city-vibes-how-joro-spiders-deal-with-urban-areas">City vibes: How Joro spiders deal with urban areas</h2>



The study focused on the Joro spider's surprising tolerance for vibrations and noise, common elements in urban landscapes that typically stress many animals. 



Researchers found that despite living near busy roads, Joro spiders maintain their health and body mass, comparable to their counterparts in quieter areas. 



This adaptability suggests that the Joro spider can compensate for the challenges of a human-dominated environment.



<a href="https://www.ecology.uga.edu/directory/andy-davis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andy Davis</a>, a research scientist at UGA's<a href="https://www.ecology.uga.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Odum School of Ecology</a> and the corresponding author of the study, emphasized the importance of vibrations for spiders, a key sensory input for detecting prey. 



"But these Joro webs are everywhere in the fall, including right next to busy roads, and the spiders seem to be able to make a living there. For some reason, these spiders seem urban tolerant," Davis explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surviving-and-thriving-in-the-fast-lane">Surviving and thriving in the fast lane</h2>



Joro spiders are frequently found in places where native Georgia spiders are absent, constructing their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/joro-spiders-they-may-be-massive-but-they-are-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distinctive golden webs</a> in high-traffic areas such as between power lines, atop stoplights, and over gas station pumps. 



This prompted Davis and his team to investigate their behavior near roadsides using a tuning fork to simulate prey vibrations. 



The findings showed that Joro spiders attacked simulated prey 59% of the time, with a slight decrease in attack frequency near busier roads compared to quieter areas. However, this did not affect their overall health or body mass.



Alexa Schultz, a third-year ecology student at UGA and co-author of the study, noted, "It looks like Joro spiders are not going to shy away from building a web under a stoplight or an area where you wouldn’t imagine a spider to be. I don’t know how happy people are going to be about it, but I think the spiders are here to stay."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-joro-spiders-in-concrete-jungles">Joro spiders in concrete jungles</h2>



The Joro spider's native habitat in Japan shares a similar climate and latitude with the U.S., suggesting a predisposition for adaptation. 



<a href="https://news.uga.edu/joro-spiders-likely-to-spread-beyond-georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Previous research</a> from Davis' lab highlighted the spider's high metabolism, heart rate, and cold tolerance as factors contributing to its rapid population growth in the U.S. The current study adds urban vibration and sound tolerance to the list of traits facilitating the Joro spider's expansion.



Despite their proliferation and the unease they may cause, researchers assure that the spiders are relatively timid and pose no significant threat. 



In summary, the Joro spider's successful colonization of urban environments underscores a remarkable example of nature's adaptability in the face of human expansion. 



Through resilience and an uncanny ability to tolerate urban stressors like noise and vibrations, these spiders not only survive but thrive, creating new ecosystems within our bustling cities. 



This alarming research from the University of Georgia illuminates the unexpected ways in which wildlife can adapt to urban landscapes, challenging us to reconsider our perceptions of nature in the city. 



As we move forward, embracing the presence of the Joro spider and other adaptable species offers a unique opportunity to foster biodiversity and balance within our urban ecosystems, highlighting the importance of coexistence in an ever-changing world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-joro-spiders-in-cities">More about Joro spiders in cities</h2>



As discussed above, the Joro spider is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/joro-spiders-may-soon-colonize-the-entire-east-coast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beautiful orb-weaver</a> from East Asia that is known for its vivid colors and impressive web-spinning skills. 



This species made its first appearance in the United States around 2013 in the state of Georgia. Since then, it has rapidly expanded its territory across the Southeastern U.S., captivating scientists and citizens alike with its resilience and adaptability.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-characteristics">Physical characteristics </h3>



Characterized by a bright yellow and blue body, with distinctive red markings, the Joro spider is not only a marvel of nature's artistry but also an engineering genius. 



Females, significantly larger than males, can weave webs that span up to three feet in diameter. These webs are not only traps for prey but also serve as a testament to the spider's intricate architectural abilities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptation-and-habitat">Adaptation and habitat </h3>



The Joro spider's successful establishment in the U.S. is a fascinating study of ecological adaptation. Thriving in both rural and urban areas, Joro spiders demonstrate a remarkable tolerance for varied climates and environments. 



Originally hailing from a climate similar to the U.S. Southeast, they've shown an impressive ability to withstand the region's temperature fluctuations and even brief freezes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-predation">Diet and predation </h3>



As predators, Joro spiders play a crucial role in controlling insect populations. They primarily feed on small insects caught in their resilient webs, which are known for their strength and durability. 



The spiders' predation habits contribute to the ecological balance by regulating pest populations, showcasing their integral role in their new ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-and-growth">Reproduction and growth </h3>



The reproductive cycle of the Joro spider is another area of interest for researchers. In late summer to early fall, females lay egg sacs that can contain hundreds of eggs, ensuring the continued expansion of their population. 



The rapid growth of their numbers in the U.S. underscores the spider's robust adaptability and the absence of natural predators in their new environment.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-ecological-impact">Cultural and ecological impact </h3>



In their native Japan, Joro spiders are woven into the cultural fabric, often celebrated for their diligent web-weaving. 



In the U.S., while they have stirred some concern due to their menacing size and invasive status, researchers emphasize their potential benefits, particularly in pest control. 



The Joro spider's presence challenges us to consider the delicate balance between native and non-native species, and the potential for symbiotic relationships within ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbol-of-adaptation-and-coexistence">Symbol of adaptation and coexistence </h3>



The history and details of the Joro spider encapsulate a remarkable journey of migration, adaptation, and coexistence. 



As we learn more about these colorful arachnids, their story offers valuable lessons on resilience, ecological balance, and the interconnectivity of global ecosystems. 



The Joro spider's successful integration into the Southeastern U.S. landscape, and now into the heart of U.S. cities, serves as a reminder of nature's endless capacity for adaptation and the intricate tapestry of life that supports our world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2813-3323/2/1/4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arthropoda</a>.



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Menacing Joro spiders are now moving their invasion into US cities

In the past decade, Joro spiders, an orb-weaving species native...

In recent years, the Arctic Ocean has been facing an unprecedented environmental challenge that is set to redefine its landscape. A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Armineh Barkhordarian from <a href="https://www.uni-hamburg.de/">Universität Hamburg</a> has shed light on a distressing trend that has become a new norm in the Arctic: frequent marine heatwaves.&nbsp;



The study highlights a stark reality linked to higher anthropogenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/">greenhouse gas emissions</a> and their profound impact on the Arctic's marine environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-transformation-nbsp">Dramatic transformation&nbsp;</h2>



Since 2007, the Arctic Ocean has undergone a dramatic transformation. The researchers found that between 2007 and 2021, the marginal zones of this frigid expanse have been the stage for 11 marine heatwaves, each marking an average temperature increase of 2.2 degrees Celsius above the seasonal norm and lasting an average of 37 days.&nbsp;



A pattern has emerged since 2015 where marine heatwaves are occurring every year, underscoring a worrying trend of increasing frequency and intensity.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-human-activity-nbsp">The role of human activity&nbsp;</h2>



The year 2020 was particularly alarming, witnessing the most severe marine heatwave recorded to date in the Arctic Ocean, which persisted for 103 days, reaching peak temperatures that were four degrees Celsius above the long-term average.&nbsp;



The results of the analysis indicate that the likelihood of such an event happening in the absence of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions is less than one percent, effectively highlighting the significant role of human activity in these changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accumulation-of-heat">Accumulation of heat</h2>



Dr. Barkhordarian’s study provides critical insights into the mechanisms behind these heatwaves. The research proves, for the first time, that heatwaves are produced when sea ice melts early and rapidly after the winter. This process allows for the accumulation of considerable heat in the water by July, when solar radiation reaches its peak.&nbsp;



“In 2007, a new phase began in the Arctic,” said Dr. Barkhordarian, who is an expert on climate statistics. “There is less and less of the thicker, several-year-old ice, while the percentage of thin, seasonal ice is consistently increasing.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-consequences-nbsp">Potential consequences&nbsp;</h2>



The implications of these findings are far-reaching. Marine heatwaves, as defined by the study, occur when temperatures at the water’s surface are higher than 95 percent of the values from the past 30 years for at least five consecutive days.



This new climate in the Arctic not only leads to the continual loss of sea ice but also results in warmer waters, both of which pose substantial threats to the Arctic ecosystem. The potential consequences include the collapse of food chains, reduction in fish stocks, and an overall decline in biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sobering-projection-nbsp">Sobering projection&nbsp;</h2>



At the heart of this study is the concept of attribution research, which seeks to delineate the extent of human influence on climate events. By comparing the observed phenomena with models of a world unaffected by anthropogenic greenhouse gases, the research underscores the undeniable impact of human activity on the frequency and severity of marine heatwaves in the Arctic.&nbsp;



Through the use of satellite data and coupled climate models, the study not only documents the current state of the Arctic Ocean but also provides a sobering projection of its future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-factor">The human factor</h2>



"Event attribution analysis demonstrates that the 103-day long 2020 event – the most intense (4 ∘C) recorded so far in the Arctic – would be exceptionally unlikely in the absence of greenhouse gas forcing in terms of both intensity and duration," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"Our further results imply that if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, along with the expansion of first-year ice extent, moderate marine heatwaves in the Arctic will very likely persistently reoccur."



As marine heatwaves become an annual occurrence in the Arctic, the study highlights the critical importance of understanding and addressing the human contributions to climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-heatwave-of-2020">Arctic heatwave of 2020</h2>



The Arctic heatwave of 2020 was marked by record-breaking temperatures, with a staggering 38°C (100.4°F) recorded in the Siberian town of Verkhoyansk on June 20, 2020. This temperature was confirmed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as a new Arctic record. 



The heatwave led to devastating wildfires, significant sea ice loss, and contributed to making 2020 one of the three warmest years on record. The average temperatures over Arctic Siberia reached up to 10°C above normal for much of the summer, emphasizing the rapid warming of the Arctic region.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01215-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Frequent heatwaves have become the norm in the Arctic Ocean

In recent years, the Arctic Ocean has been facing an...

A recent study has uncovered promising evidence that men who eat a plant-based, vegan diet exhibit better sexual health and a lower instance of erectile dysfunction.



According to new research conducted by leading researchers at NYU <a href="https://med.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grossman School of Medicine</a> and <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard T.H. Chan</a> School of Public Health, a diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts -- while limiting meat and dairy -- may significantly mitigate common complications experienced by prostate cancer patients, such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.



This important analysis sheds light on the potential for dietary choices, namely plant-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diet-improves-heart-health-in-a-matter-of-weeks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegan diets</a>, to enhance the quality of life in individuals undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, or simply for men who would like to improve their sexual health



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vegan-power-boosting-male-sexual-health">Vegan power: Boosting male sexual health</h2>



The research, engaging over 3,500 men diagnosed with the disease, sought to determine if a shift towards more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-and-keto-diets-rapidly-transform-the-immune-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based vegan</a> foods could alleviate the myriad of sexual health and quality-of-life challenges that typically follow prostate cancer treatments.



By categorizing participants into five distinct groups based on their dietary habits -- specifically, the ratio of plant to animal foods consumed -- the study found notable improvements in sexual and urinary health, as well as hormonal well-being, among those who favored a plant-centric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dont-say-vegan-food-labeling-should-focus-on-health-and-sustainability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegan diet</a>.



Men in the top quintile for plant food consumption reported an 8% to 11% enhancement in sexual function and up to a 14% improvement in urinary health, experiencing fewer issues related to incontinence, obstruction, and irritation. 



Additionally, this group also saw up to a 13% increase in scores related to hormonal health, indicating fewer symptoms associated with low energy, depression, and hot flashes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-plants-to-prostate-health-unpacking-the-study">From plants to prostate health: Unpacking the study</h2>



Dr. Stacy Loeb, the study's lead author and a distinguished urologist and professor at NYU Langone Health, emphasized the significance of these findings. 



“Our findings offer hope for those looking for ways to improve their quality of life after undergoing surgery, radiation, and other common therapies for prostate cancer, which can cause significant side effects,” said Dr. Loeb. 



“Adding more fruits and vegetables to their diet, while reducing meat and dairy, is a simple step that patients can take.”



Loeb's research is pioneering in its discovery of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/is-a-plant-based-diet-healthy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based</a> vegan dietary impacts on sexual and urinary health among prostate cancer patients, while also reinforcing previous research indicating a plant-based diet's role in reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer. 



It challenges longstanding myths about meat consumption and male sexual health, suggesting that plant-based vegan foods may, in fact, offer superior benefits in this area.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digging-deeper-the-science-behind-the-greens">Digging deeper: The science behind the greens</h2>



Prostate cancer stands as one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers affecting American men, underscoring the importance of this research. 



The study leveraged data from the <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/hpfs/">Health Professionals Follow-Up Study</a>. This massive dataset is a comprehensive project initiated in 1986 by the Harvard Chan School.



Their initiative collects detailed nutritional and health-related information from over 50,000 male health professionals to understand how diet influences cancer, heart disease, and other serious health outcomes.



Participants, primarily treated for early stages of prostate cancer, provided dietary information every four years through questionnaires. 



Additionally, surveys conducted biennially helped assess various health and sexual health issues, including incontinence, erectile dysfunction, bowel function, energy levels, and mood. 



The study controlled for factors such as weight, physical activity, and other lifestyle choices to isolate the effects of normal or vegan diet on health outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-and-the-future-of-male-sexual-health">Plants and the future of male sexual health</h2>



Remarkably, the research indicated that high consumption of any plant-based or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-meat-diets-have-four-times-the-environmental-impacts-of-vegan-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegan</a> food was associated with better sexual, urinary, and vitality scores, irrespective of demographic or lifestyle differences, or even a history of medical conditions like diabetes. 



The improvement in bowel function observed in those consuming more plant-based foods likely stems from the dietary fiber present in these diets.



Dr. Loeb's team plans to extend their research to include a more diverse patient population and those with advanced stages of the disease, given the initial study's demographic was predominantly White healthcare professionals. 



“These results add to the long list of health and environmental benefits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-foods-are-great-for-weight-loss-regardless-of-the-type/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating more plants</a> and fewer animal products,” said Loeb. “They also clearly challenge the historical misconception that eating meat boosts sexual function in men, when in fact the opposite seems to be the case.”



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



In summary, Dr. Loeb's breakthrough study illuminates the powerful role a plant-based vegan diet can play in enhancing the quality of life and sexual health for men, particularly prostate cancer patients. 



By embracing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts, and reducing meat and dairy intake, individuals can significantly improve sexual, urinary, and hormonal health, challenging old myths and setting a new standard for dietary recommendations in cancer care. 



This research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the health benefits of plant-based diets while offering hope for men seeking natural ways to mitigate the side effects of prostate cancer treatment, thereby improving their overall sexual health.



Next steps will include further studies to broaden these findings across more diverse populations and stages of the disease.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.35172" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cancer</a>.



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Men exhibit better sexual health eating a plant-based vegan diet

A recent study has uncovered promising evidence that men who...

Over the past 30 years, Greenland has witnessed a significant transformation of its land mass. The warming climate has transformed once icy and snowy regions of the country into barren landscapes, wetlands, and shrubby areas ripe with plants and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-a-greener-greenland-reveals-shocking-reality-of-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green vegetation</a>. 



Approximately 11,000 square miles (28,707 square kilometers) of its ice sheet and glaciers have melted, an area comparable to the size of Albania. This significant loss accounts for about 1.6% of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-shelves-have-lost-over-35-percent-of-their-volume/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">total ice coverage</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-stories-uncovering-greenland-s-vegetation">Satellite stories: Uncovering Greenland's vegetation</h2>



This transformation is a direct consequence of rising air temperatures, which not only accelerate ice retreat but also affect land surface temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions, and landscape stability.



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a> have meticulously analyzed satellite data from the 1980s to the 2010s to track these changes. Their findings reveal the profound impact of warmer temperatures on Greenland's land cover.



<a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/faculty/staff/1012/jonathan-carrivick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jonathan Carrivick</a>, a key author of the study, emphasizes the linkage between rising temperatures and the observed land cover changes.



“Warmer temperatures are linked to the land cover changes that we are seeing on Greenland," Carrivick said. “By analyzing high resolution satellite images, we have been able to produce a detailed record of the land cover changes that are taking place.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vanishing-vistas-greenland-s-ice-loss-exposed">Vanishing vistas: Greenland's ice loss exposed</h2>



The ice loss predominantly occurs around the peripheries of existing glaciers and is notably pronounced in the north, south-west, west, mid-north-west, and south-east of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland</a>. 



Concurrently, the land area covered by vegetation has more than doubled, expanding by 33,774 square miles (87,475 square kilometers) over three decades. 



This increase in vegetation is especially marked in the south-west, east, and north-east of Greenland, with a significant rise in dense wetland vegetation near Kangerlussuaq in the south-west and in isolated regions in the north-east.



Carrivick points out that the receding ice is setting off a cascade of environmental responses, leading to further ice loss and the 'greening' of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mysterious-arc-joins-ice-on-a-fjord-in-western-greenland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland</a>. 



"We have seen signs that the loss of ice is triggering other reactions which will result in further loss of ice and further ‘greening’ of Greenland, where shrinking ice exposes bare rock that is then colonized by tundra and eventually shrub," Carrivick explained.



“At the same time, water released from the melting ice is moving sediment and silt, and that eventually forms wetlands and fenlands.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disappearing-ice-alters-global-temperatures">Disappearing ice alters global temperatures</h2>



This phenomenon sees exposed bare rock gradually become colonized by tundra and eventually shrub. The melting ice also contributes to the formation of wetlands and fenlands by moving sediment and silt.



The retreat of ice impacts land surface temperatures through the albedo effect, where snow and ice, being highly reflective, help maintain cooler global temperatures. 



As ice recedes, it unveils bedrock that absorbs more solar energy, thereby increasing land surface temperatures. 



Melting ice also feeds into lakes, further raising temperatures since water absorbs more solar energy than snow and ice.



The research highlights a near fourfold increase in wetlands across Greenland, particularly in the east and north-east, which are significant sources of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-absorbs-more-methane-than-it-emits-surprising-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane emissions</a>. 



The expansion of vegetation and wetlands not only signals but also exacerbates permafrost thaw, active layer thickening, and the release of greenhouse gases previously trapped in Arctic soils.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-floods-flora-and-vegetation-for-future-greenland">Floods, flora and vegetation for future Greenland</h2>



The team also developed a model predicting areas on Greenland likely to undergo marked and accelerated changes in the future. 



Dr. Michael Grimes, lead author of the report, notes the simultaneous expansion of vegetation and retreat of ice and glaciers as significantly altering the flow of sediments and nutrients into coastal waters. 



“These changes are critical, particularly for the indigenous populations whose traditional subsistence hunting practices rely on the stability of these delicate ecosystems," says Grimes.



"The loss of ice mass in Greenland is a substantial contributor to global sea level rise, a trend that poses significant challenges both now and in the future.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenland-s-wake-up-call">Greenland's wake-up call</h2>



In summary, Greenland's dramatic transformation underscores the urgent need for global action against climate change. 



As ice retreats and vegetation expands, the island's landscape undergoes profound changes, signaling broader environmental shifts that affect not only local ecosystems and indigenous communities but also contribute significantly to rising global sea levels. 



The results of the University of Leeds' study presented above vividly illustrates the cascading effects of warmer temperatures, offering an urgent call to action to address the root causes of climate change. 



By understanding these changes and their impacts, we can work towards mitigating future risks and preserving the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-52124-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Greenland is becoming a 'green' land as melting ice is replaced with vegetation

Over the past 30 years, Greenland has witnessed a significant...

Scents may offer a new avenue for treating individuals who are struggling with depression, according to a new study from the <a href="https://www.pitt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pittsburgh</a> School of Medicine. 



The research highlights the power of familiar scents in triggering autobiographical memory recall, potentially offering a unique tool for therapeutic intervention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotionally-vivid-memories-nbsp">Emotionally vivid memories&nbsp;</h2>



The study's findings suggest that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-treatment-restores-sense-of-smell-in-long-covid-patients/">olfactory system</a> - our sense of smell - may play a crucial role in the mental health recovery process.&nbsp;



Unlike traditional approaches that often rely on verbal or visual cues to stimulate memory and emotional response, this research indicates that scents can evoke more specific and emotionally vivid memories, potentially helping individuals break free from the cycle of negative thoughts that often characterize depression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanisms-of-memory-recall">Mechanisms of memory recall</h2>



With a background in neuroscience focusing on autobiographical memories, study senior author Dr. Kymberly Young has long been interested in the mechanisms of memory recall. She noted the challenge that depressed individuals face in recalling specific autobiographical memories and the strong, vivid memories healthy individuals can trigger through scents.&nbsp;



Given the direct connection between the olfactory bulb and the amygdala - the part of the brain responsible for emotional processing and memory recall - Dr. Young hypothesized that scents might offer a more effective cue for memory recall in depressed individuals.



“It was surprising to me that nobody thought to look at memory recall in depressed individuals using odor cues before,” said Dr. Young.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



To test this theory, the researchers conducted an experiment using opaque glass vials filled with various potent, familiar scents, such as oranges, ground coffee, shoe polish, and Vicks VapoRub.&nbsp;



Participants in the study, including individuals diagnosed with depression, were asked to smell the contents of the vials and then recall a specific memory, regardless of its emotional valence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-striking-results-nbsp">Striking results&nbsp;</h2>



The study revealed that participants who were exposed to odor cues demonstrated a significantly higher ability to recall specific events, rather than general memories, compared to those who received word cues.&nbsp;



Moreover, the memories recalled with the help of scents were described as more vivid and immersive, enhancing the feeling of reliving the event.&nbsp;



Dr. Young noted that even though she did not direct participants to specifically recall positive memories, the results showed that participants were more likely to remember positive events when prompted by scents.



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



The research opens up new possibilities for therapeutic interventions for depression, suggesting that engaging the amygdala through olfactory cues could be a simple yet effective strategy to enhance memory recall and emotional processing.&nbsp;



This approach could complement existing treatments, offering a low-tech, accessible method to assist individuals in overcoming depression by leveraging the natural connections between scent, memory, and emotion.



As Dr. Young prepares for more technologically advanced studies using brain scanners to further explore the connection between scents and amygdala activation in depressed individuals, the implications of her current findings are already generating excitement.&nbsp;



The potential to improve memory recall, and consequently, problem-solving and emotion regulation, offers hope for addressing some of the core challenges faced by individuals with depression.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.55958" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Network Open</a>.



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Unlocking memories with scents may help treat depression

Scents may offer a new avenue for treating individuals who...

Many,Red,Worms,In,Dirt,-,Bait,For,Fishing

The quiet invasion of non-native earthworms across North America, once considered benign, has been revealed as a significant threat to the continent's ecosystems. According to a new study led by <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/">Stanford University</a>, at least 70 species of invasive earthworms have made their way into North American soil. 



The study presents the largest database of alien <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthworms-are-important-drivers-of-global-food-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthworms</a> to date, shedding light on a critical yet underappreciated ecological issue.



“Earthworms tell the story of the Anthropocene, the age we live in,” said study senior author Professor Elizabeth Hadly.&nbsp;



“It is a story of global homogenization of biodiversity by humans, which often leads to the decline of unique local species and the disruption of native ecosystem processes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-introduction-of-invasive-earthworms-nbsp">Introduction of invasive earthworms&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthworms-are-unseen-heroes-in-food-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earthworms</a>, generally hailed for their beneficial roles in agriculture and gardening, are now under scrutiny for their potential as antagonists in native ecosystems.&nbsp;



The introduction of alien earthworm species to North America, a practice dating back to the late 1800s, aimed to exploit their positive contributions to soil health. 



These creatures aerate the soil, facilitate water and nutrient penetration, and enrich the ground with their castings. However, the study highlights a darker side to this narrative.&nbsp;



Non-native earthworms have begun to stress native plants, trees, and wildlife by altering soil properties and encouraging the spread of invasive plant species.



For example, in the northern broadleaf forests of the U.S. and Canada, alien earthworms’ impact on soil stresses trees such as sugar maples by altering the microhabitat of their soils. This triggers a cascading series of impacts on the food web that help invasive plants spread.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-displacement-of-native-earthworms">Displacement of native earthworms</h2>



One of the most striking findings of the research is the sheer scale of alien <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthworms-invade-north-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthworm</a> colonization, with these species found in 97% of studied soils across North America. 



These invaders now account for 23% of the continent's earthworms, showcasing a significant displacement of native species.&nbsp;



The researchers noted that invasive earthworms are at a distinct advantage, considering that many female alien earthworm species can produce offspring without fertilization from a male. 



Furthermore, melting permafrost in the northern parts of the continent is providing brand new habitats for invasive earthworms.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-action-against-invasive-earthworms">Urgent need for action against invasive earthworms</h2>



The study's lead author, Jérôme Mathieu, an associate professor of Ecology at the <a href="https://www.sorbonne-universite.fr/en">Sorbonne University</a>, emphasized the urgent need for attention to this phenomenon, pointing out that human activities continue to facilitate the proliferation of these alien species, threatening the survival of native earthworms.



The researchers utilized a vast collection of records spanning from 1891 to 2021, combined with data on U.S. border interceptions of alien earthworms from 1945 to 1975, to map out the introduction pathways and spread of these species across North America.&nbsp;



The experts found that overall, invasive earthworms represent 23% of the continent’s 308 earthworm species, and account for 12 of the 13 most widespread earthworm species. &nbsp;



The proportion of alien <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-soil-ecosystems-earthworms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthworms</a> in Canada was found to be three times greater than that of native earthworms. 



Furthermore, the study revealed that there is about one alien earthworm for every two native species across most of the lower 48 U.S. states and Mexico.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings-and-implications-nbsp">Key findings and implications&nbsp;</h2>



The analysis, bolstered by machine learning techniques, reveals a complex web of introduction and dissemination, highlighting the adaptability and resilience of these organisms. 



The study also underscores the importance of prevention and early detection in managing the threat posed by alien earthworms.&nbsp;



“These ratios are likely to increase because human activities facilitate the development of alien species that threaten native earthworm species, a phenomenon still largely overlooked,” said Professor Mathieu.



“This is most likely the tip of the iceberg,” said study co-author John Warren Reynolds. “Many other soil organisms may have been introduced, but we know very little about their impacts.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-remarkable-world-of-earthworms">The remarkable world of earthworms</h2>



As discussed above, earthworms, both invasive and native, play a pivotal role in maintaining the health and fertility of our soil.



These invertebrates, belonging to the class Oligochaeta, thrive in moist environments, burrowing through the earth to create intricate tunnel systems. 



Their activities significantly benefit the ecosystem, making them unsung heroes of the agricultural world.



Earthworms consume organic matter, including dead leaves and decaying plant materials, as they navigate through the soil. 



This diet not only helps to break down organic waste but also aids in the recycling of nutrients. As they digest this material, earthworms produce castings -- nutrient-rich waste that serves as a powerful natural fertilizer. 



These castings enrich the soil, boosting its fertility and enhancing plant growth.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-earthworms-and-biodiversity">Invasive earthworms and biodiversity</h3>



The physical movement of earthworms through the soil is equally beneficial. Their burrowing action creates channels that improve soil structure by increasing aeration and drainage. 



This enhanced soil environment allows for better root penetration and water retention, crucial factors for healthy plant development. 



Moreover, the tunnels they create serve as conduits for root growth, enabling plants to access nutrients and water more efficiently.



Earthworms also play a critical role in the soil food web. They serve as a food source for a variety of predators, including birds, rodents, and insects, thus contributing to the biodiversity of their ecosystems. 



Their presence and activity indirectly support a wide range of above-ground biodiversity, highlighting their importance in sustaining both soil health and overall ecosystem balance.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-agriculture-and-combating-climate-change">Supporting agriculture and combating climate change</h3>



The impact of earthworms extends beyond their immediate environment. By improving soil health, they support agriculture and horticulture, ensuring that soil is fertile and productive for food crops and ornamental plants alike. 



Their contribution to carbon sequestration, through the incorporation of organic matter into the soil, further underscores their role in combating climate change.



Despite their silent work beneath our feet, earthworms face threats from human activities, such as the excessive use of pesticides and habitat destruction. 



Recognizing and mitigating these threats is essential to preserving the health of our soils and the broader environment.



In summary, earthworms are vital yet often unnoticed engineers of the earth. Their continuous labor transforms the soil, making it a hospitable place for plants to thrive. 



By understanding and appreciating the role of earthworms, we can better steward the land, ensuring the health and vitality of our planet for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02310-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Invasive earthworms are reshaping North American ecosystems

The quiet invasion of non-native earthworms across North America, once...

Kp,5,Northern,Light,Over,Kirkjufell,Mountain,In,Iceland

The sun has been exhibiting heightened levels of activity, marked by a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-massive-solar-flare-struck-earth-on-monday-but-what-does-this-mean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CMEs</a>) that have captured the attention of astronomers and space weather forecasters alike.



There is no need for alarm from the general public. However, according to the <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/g1-g2-minor-moderate-geomagnetic-storm-watches-12-14-feb-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center</a>, there will be increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-storms-will-intensify-then-slow-as-the-solar-cycle-peaks-in-early-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aurora activity</a> over the next few days in Canada and the northern and Midwest U.S. states.



This recent surge in solar phenomena has implications not only for our understanding of solar dynamics but also for space weather forecasting, which is vital for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ongoing-solar-storms-spectacular-auroras-and-radio-blackouts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellite operations</a>, communication systems, and even power grids on Earth. The most recent, detailed forecast is below.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recent-solar-flares-and-regions-of-interest">Recent solar flares and regions of interest</h2>



At the heart of the recent activity is an impulsive M6.5/2b flare that erupted on February 12 at 03:48 UTC from Region 3576, located at the solar coordinates S16W30. 



This region, characterized by a complex magnetic configuration known as Fkc/beta-gamma-delta, has been particularly active, also producing a C6.9 flare shortly thereafter at 05:54 UTC. 



This latter event was accompanied by a Type IV radio sweep, indicative of significant magnetic restructuring in the sun's atmosphere.



Another noteworthy flare, an M1.0, was observed from a region just beyond the northeast limb of the sun on February 11 at 22:45 UTC. 



This activity underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of the sun's surface and atmosphere.



The solar regions numbered 3576 and 3583 (N09E22, characterized as Eki/beta-gamma) have been sources of C-class flaring, demonstrating the widespread nature of the current solar activity. 



While Region 3576 showed some decay in its trailing spots, Regions 3582 (N06W07, Dai/beta) and 3583 exhibited rapid growth and development, highlighting the volatile and unpredictable nature of solar magnetic regions.



An additional solar event of note was a filament eruption near N28E19, which began on February 11 at 06:40 UTC. 



This eruption may be associated with a CME observed off the northeast limb, further illustrating the complex interplay of solar phenomena.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analysis-of-recent-coronal-mass-ejections-cmes">Analysis of recent Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)</h2>



The CME associated with the M9.0 flare from Region 3576, observed in SOHO/LASCO C2 imagery beginning on February 10 at 23:36 UTC, has been carefully analyzed. 



This analysis revealed two distinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canyon-of-fire-solar-eruption-extended-more-than-60000-miles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CMEs</a>: a full halo CME visible by February 11 at 00:00 UTC and a slower, narrower CME, with the majority of its ejecta directed off the north-northeast limb. 



Modeling of these CMEs suggests an expected arrival at Earth early on February 13, highlighting the importance of monitoring and forecasting these solar emissions for their potential impact on space weather.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-activity-forecast">Solar activity forecast</h2>



Looking ahead, solar activity is projected to reach moderate levels (R1-R2/Minor-Moderate) from February 12 to 14, with a slight chance of X-class flares (R3/Strong). 



This forecast is based on the current behavior of the sun's surface and atmospheric conditions, which continue to be closely monitored by astronomers and space weather experts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energetic-particles-and-their-impact">Energetic particles and their impact</h3>



The recent solar activity has also been characterized by energetic particle events, including a minor (S1) solar radiation storm that peaked at 187 pfu on February 9. 



A new 10 MeV proton event, associated with the C6.9 flare, began on February 12 at 08:05 UTC. These events, while minor, underscore the potential for increased solar radiation, which can affect satellite operations and astronaut safety.



The greater than 2 MeV electron flux has been at normal to moderate levels, with expectations for this trend to continue in the short term. 



However, there remains a chance for further minor solar radiation storm enhancements, particularly in light of the flare potential of Regions 3576 and 3583 and possible shock enhancements from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aurora-borealis-seen-as-far-south-as-the-equator-after-largest-known-solar-storm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inbound CMEs</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-wind-and-geospace-impact">Solar wind and geospace impact</h3>



The solar wind has seen fluctuations, with parameters indicating the arrival of a CME that may be related to the X3.3 flare on February 9. 



Wind speeds have ranged between 500-600 km/s, with total magnetic field strengths varying. These conditions are expected to be further influenced by the combination of CMEs from February 8 and 10, likely leading to enhancements in solar wind conditions through February 14.



In terms of geospace, the geomagnetic field has been relatively quiet but is expected to become unsettled to active due to ongoing CME activity. 



This shift could escalate from unsettled to G1 (Minor) storming conditions on February 12, with the potential for active to G2 (Moderate) storming on February 13. 



These conditions serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness between solar and terrestrial environments, with solar activity having direct implications for space weather and, by extension, technological systems on Earth.



This detailed overview of recent solar activity from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, its analysis, and forecast underscores the dynamic and interconnected nature of our solar system. 



By closely monitoring and studying these phenomena, scientists and forecasters can better predict the potential impacts of space weather and aurora activity, ensuring that we remain prepared for the diverse effects of solar activity on our technological infrastructure and daily lives.



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NOAA: Auroras expected in the US this week from strong solar flares

The sun has been exhibiting heightened levels of activity, marked...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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