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...

In an era where the distinction between nuclear testing and other seismic activities presents a significant challenge, a game-changing scientific advancement has emerged. 



A collaborative effort by Earth scientists and statisticians has led to a method that can identify underground <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-war-would-cause-global-famine-and-kill-billions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nuclear</a> tests with an unprecedented 99% accuracy. 



This leap from the previous 82% accuracy marks a pivotal moment in nuclear monitoring, leveraging data from known tests in the US as reported in the Geophysical Journal International.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-nuclear-testing-vs-natural-earthquakes">Detecting nuclear testing vs natural earthquakes</h2>



Understanding the nuances of seismic waves generated by nuclear explosions, compared to those from natural earthquakes or human-made disturbances, has long been a complex issue. 



Dr. Mark Hoggard of The Australian National University (<a href="https://www.anu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ANU</a>) highlights the core challenge: distinguishing these events using the energy patterns captured by seismometers. 



“The explosion goes off and you have all this energy that radiates out, which can be measured on seismometers,” said Hoggard. “So, the science problem becomes how do we tell the difference between that and a naturally-occurring earthquake?”



This distinction is crucial, especially in light of past scenarios where existing methods failed to confirm nuclear tests, such as North Korea's undisclosed detonation, later revealed to possess a force significantly surpassing the Hiroshima bomb.



The urgency of refining detection methods is underscored by recent activities. Despite North Korea being the sole nation to conduct an underground nuclear test in the 21st century, satellite images have disclosed new facilities at nuclear sites in Russia, the US, and China. 



While there's no indication of imminent testing by these superpowers, the evolving geopolitical landscape, including the conflict in Ukraine, underscores the necessity for vigilant monitoring.



The team's innovative approach utilizes advanced mathematical and statistical techniques to enhance detection success rates significantly. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mathematical-marvel-in-nuclear-testing">Mathematical marvel in nuclear testing</h2>



By analyzing a comprehensive dataset of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radioactive-carbon-from-nuclear-bomb-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">140 known explosions</a> in the US, primarily conducted in Nevada's deserts, the researchers have fine-tuned their method. 



This new model not only boasts a high success rate but also confirmed all six North Korean tests between 2006 and 2017.



Dr. Hoggard acknowledges the potential for covert nuclear tests and the challenges posed by the vast number of earthquakes worldwide. 



The new method's importance is amplified by its efficiency and the fact that it requires no new equipment, relying instead on existing seismic data for potentially real-time monitoring.



The research, a collaboration between ANU and the Los Alamos government research lab in the US, presents a swift and reliable tool for assessing the likelihood of an event being a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-tests-exposed-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nuclear</a> explosion. 



By comparing the physical patterns of rock deformation caused by nuclear blasts and earthquakes, the model aids in accurately classifying seismic events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-advanced-monitoring">Importance of advanced monitoring</h2>



This advancement is a boon for global monitoring efforts, especially for organizations like the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (<a href="https://www.ctbto.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CTBTO</a>), tasked with overseeing nuclear testing surveillance. 



In the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in the 1960s, which restricted nuclear tests to underground to mitigate environmental damage, distinguishing between nuclear and non-nuclear seismic sources has been a persistent challenge. 



Now, over six decades later, this new method promises to significantly streamline the detection process, offering CTBTO an additional, powerful tool in its surveillance arsenal.



While a complete ban on nuclear tests remains elusive, with several major nations yet to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, enhanced monitoring programs are vital. 



These programs ensure accountability for the environmental and societal impacts of nuclear weapons testing, reinforcing the global commitment to security and environmental preservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-in-nuclear-surveillance">New era in nuclear surveillance</h2>



In summary, this breakthrough in nuclear test detection technology represents a monumental stride toward enhancing global security and environmental preservation. 



By delivering a method that can distinguish between nuclear explosions and other seismic activities with unprecedented accuracy, the team of Earth scientists and statisticians has provided a crucial tool for international monitoring organizations. 



The ability to rapidly and reliably identify underground nuclear tests empowers nations and bodies like the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization to enforce accountability, safeguard against environmental damage, and navigate the intricate landscape of global diplomacy with greater confidence. 



As we move forward, this innovation underscores the importance of collaborative scientific endeavor and bolsters the world's collective efforts to maintain peace and stability amidst evolving geopolitical challenges.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/gji/article/237/1/1/7597260?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Journal International</a>.



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Underground nuclear testing will no longer be a secret thanks to new technology

In an era where the distinction between nuclear testing and...

Recent findings indicate that "green" cleaning products may not be as environmentally friendly or safe as presumed, emitting harmful chemicals at levels comparable to traditional cleaning products. 



This surprising finding calls for enhanced regulations and clearer consumer guidance regarding the safety of so-called "green" cleaning products, as well as their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-household-cleaning-products-release-hundreds-of-toxic-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traditional counterparts</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volatile-organic-compounds-vocs">Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)</h2>



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D3EM00439B" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science Processes &amp; Impacts</a> by The Royal Society of Chemistry, the research underscores the potential air quality hazards posed by fragranced cleaning products within homes.&nbsp;



These products release a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which are dangerous or can transform into harmful secondary pollutants. 



Despite the rising popularity of "green" cleaners under the belief of their health and environmental benefits, the study conducted by the <a href="https://www.york.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of York</a> challenges this assumption.



The investigation focused on comparing the VOC output of 10 traditional and 13 "green" cleaning products, finding that the latter tend to release more monoterpenes. 



This increase in monoterpene emissions can lead to higher concentrations of secondary pollutants like formaldehyde and peroxyacyl nitrates.



These chemicals pose significant health risks, including respiratory issues and potential skin irritation. Long-term exposure to certain pollutants like formaldehyde may even increase cancer risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-cleaning-products-and-misleading-marketing">"Green" cleaning products and misleading marketing</h2>



“Our research found there is no strong evidence to suggest that clean green products are better for indoor air quality compared to regular products. In fact, there was very little difference,” said lead author Ellen Harding-Smith, an Environmental Chemistry researcher at the Department of Environment &amp; Geography.&nbsp;



“Many consumers are being misled by the marketing of these products and could be damaging the air quality in their homes as a result - potentially putting their health at risk. For so many products on the supermarket shelves, green doesn’t mean clean.”



To mitigate the potential harm caused by these products, Harding-Smith advises manufacturers to disclose more information about their ingredients and to educate consumers on improving indoor air quality, such as increasing ventilation and opening windows during use. 



This approach could significantly enhance the safety and environmental friendliness of cleaning products used in homes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-indoor-air-quality">Importance of indoor air quality</h2>



Poor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indoor-air-quality-influences-creativity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indoor air quality</a> can lead to a range of health issues, from short-term effects such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, to long-term effects including respiratory diseases, heart disease, and even cancer. 



People with pre-existing health conditions, older people, and children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of poor indoor air quality.



Improving indoor air quality involves several strategies including increasing ventilation to bring in fresh outdoor air, using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/special-coating-transforms-a-lampshade-into-an-air-purifier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air purifiers</a> to remove pollutants from indoor air, maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, controlling sources of pollution by choosing low-emission materials and products, and keeping the indoor environment clean through regular cleaning and dusting. 



Monitoring indoor air quality through various sensors and indicators can also help identify and mitigate pollution sources effectively, ensuring a healthier indoor environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-vocs-and-green-cleaning-products">Understanding VOCs and "green" cleaning products</h2>



As discussed above, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-household-products-expose-people-to-dangerous-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Volatile Organic Compounds</a> (VOCs) play a significant role in environmental chemistry and public health, warranting closer scrutiny due to their widespread presence and complex effects. 



These organic chemicals, characterized by their high vapor pressure at room temperature, are prevalent in industrial settings and everyday environments, ranging from homes to offices. 



Understanding VOCs, both from traditional and "green" cleaning products, involves exploring their sources, effects, and the measures we can take to mitigate their impact.



VOCs originate from a diverse array of sources. Inside homes, common contributors include paints, varnishes, and solvents, which release VOCs during application and as they dry. 



Manufacturers incorporate VOCs into cleaning products to improve their efficiency in dissolving dirt, grease, and grime. From disinfectants and deodorizers to laundry detergents and floor cleaners, VOCs are common. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vocs-impact-on-health-and-environment">VOCs impact on health and environment</h2>



However, the convenience these chemicals offer comes with a downside. During use, and as they evaporate, these products release VOCs into the indoor environment, contributing to indoor air pollution.



Outside, vehicles and industrial processes are major sources, releasing VOCs into the atmosphere where they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-increases-the-risk-of-non-lung-cancers-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contribute to air pollution</a> and form ground-level ozone, a key component of smog.



The impact of VOCs on human health and the environment is profound. Short-term exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and dizziness. 



Long-term exposure raises more serious concerns, including liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage, and some VOCs have been linked to cancer in humans.



Environmentally, VOCs play a critical role in the formation of ground-level ozone and particulate matter, two of the main pollutants that contribute to smog and poor air quality. 



This not only affects human health but also damages crops, ecosystems, and buildings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-green-cleaning-products">Future of "green" cleaning products</h2>



Addressing the challenges posed by VOCs requires a multifaceted approach. At the individual level, choosing low-VOC or VOC-free products, ensuring proper ventilation when using products that emit VOCs, and adopting green cleaning alternatives can significantly reduce personal and household exposure. 



On a broader scale, regulations and policies aimed at reducing VOC emissions from industrial sources, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/windshield-wiper-fluid-accounts-for-large-percentage-of-toxic-vehicle-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicles</a>, and consumer products are critical. These include setting emission limits, promoting cleaner production processes, and encouraging the development and use of alternative, less harmful substances.



In summary, Volatile Organic Compounds are ubiquitous and multifaceted, posing challenges to public health and environmental quality. 



By understanding their sources, effects, and the strategies for mitigation, individuals and communities can take meaningful steps towards minimizing their impact. 



It is through informed choices and stringent regulations that we can protect both our health and the environment from the adverse effects of VOCs.



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"Green" cleaning products are often as harmful as traditional ones

Recent findings indicate that "green" cleaning products may not be...

Beautiful,Iceberg,,Antarctica

A disturbing study in Antarctica has brought to light the dramatic and swift reduction of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet at the conclusion of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clues-from-the-last-ice-age-help-predict-oceans-response-to-continued-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Last Ice Age</a>, approximately 8,000 years ago. 



The discovery, encapsulated in an ice core, reveals an astonishing reduction of 1500 feet (450 meters) in ice thickness in less than two centuries, a scale surpassing the height of the Empire State Building. 



This unprecedented finding, uncovered by researchers from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> and the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>, marks the first evidence of such rapid ice loss in Antarctica.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-of-the-west-antarctic-ice-sheet">Vulnerability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet</h2>



Their research has ignited concerns over the potential instability of Antarctica ice, particularly of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, in response to today's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-experienced-the-most-intense-heat-wave-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">escalating temperatures</a>.



The implications of this study are profound, especially considering the Antarctic ice sheets' capacity to elevate global sea levels by about 187 feet (57 meters). 



The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is under particular scrutiny due to its position on bedrock below sea level, rendering it especially susceptible to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-in-distress-the-escalating-consequences-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate-induced changes</a>.



“We now have direct evidence that this ice sheet suffered rapid ice loss in the past,” said Professor Eric Wolff, senior author of the new study from Cambridge’s Department of Earth Sciences. 



“This scenario isn’t something that exists only in our model predictions and it could happen again if parts of this ice sheet becomes unstable.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-cores-time-capsules-of-antarctic-ice-history">Ice cores: Time capsules of Antarctic ice history</h2>



The study utilized ice cores, which are essentially archives of past climates and environmental conditions, to understand the historical dynamics of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-has-lost-3000-billion-tons-of-ice-in-25-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheet</a>. 



By drilling a 651-meter-long ice core from Skytrain Ice Rise in 2019, the researchers were able to analyze indicators such as stable water isotopes and air bubble pressure to deduce past temperatures and ice thickness.



“We wanted to know what happened to the West Antarctic Ice Sheet at the end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-last-ice-age-shows-how-rising-sea-levels-will-transform-coastal-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Last Ice Age</a>, when temperatures on Earth were rising, albeit at a slower rate than current anthropogenic warming,” said Dr Isobel Rowell, study co-author from the British Antarctic Survey. “Using ice cores we can go back to that time and estimate the ice sheet’s thickness and extent.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tipping-points-mechanisms-of-ice-loss-in-antarctica">Tipping points: Mechanisms of ice loss in Antarctica</h2>



The study suggests that the rapid thinning 8,000 years ago was likely initiated by warm water infiltrating beneath the ice sheet's edge, leading to a dramatic detachment and the formation of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-largest-iceberg-a23a-undergoing-major-erosion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ronne Ice Shelf</a>. 



This event resulted in significant geographic changes, evidenced by an increase in sodium content in the ice, indicative of the sea advancing closer to the drilling site following the ice shelf's retreat.



The precision of the data obtained from the ice cores provides a more accurate timeline for these events, refining previous models that estimated the retreat to have occurred between 12,000 and 5,000 years ago. This specificity is a critical advancement for future modeling efforts.



“We already knew from models that the ice thinned at around this time, but the date of this was uncertain,” said Rowell. “We now have a very precisely dated observation of that retreat which can be built into improved models.”



Despite the historical instability, the ice sheet stabilized once it receded to its present extent. However, the study underscores the urgent need to determine whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-is-experiencing-rapid-plant-growth-concerning-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contemporary warming</a> could trigger a similar or even more drastic response.



As Professor Wolff succinctly put it, understanding whether additional warmth could destabilize the ice and induce a new phase of retreat is now of paramount importance. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward-learning-from-the-past">The path forward: Learning from the past</h2>



In summary, this distressing study revealed a critical historical moment when the West Antarctic Ice Sheet underwent a dramatic and swift reduction at the end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consequences-of-climate-changes-after-the-last-ice-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Last Ice Age</a>, highlighting the extreme vulnerability of Antarctica ice sheets to climate change. 



By utilizing ice cores as natural archives, researchers have provided direct evidence of rapid ice loss, emphasizing the potential for current global warming to trigger similar destabilizing effects in the future. 



The findings underscore the urgent need for precise climate models and further research to assess the risks of ice sheet collapse, aiming to mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels on global communities. 



The work by this dedicated team of scientists deepens our understanding of ice sheet dynamics and serves as a stark reminder of the pressing challenges posed by climate change, urging immediate action to safeguard our planet's future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01375-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Antarctica suffered extremely rapid ice loss after the Last Ice Age, alarming scientists

A disturbing study in Antarctica has brought to light the...

Visualization,Of,A,Black,Hole,In,Space,,3d,Illustration

In a remarkable new analysis of data from the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers have found evidence that black holes played a central role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primordial-black-holes-may-be-shifting-earths-orbit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shaping the universe</a> as we know it -- and much earlier than previously believed.



The experts propose that black holes not only existed at the dawn of the universe but also catalyzed the birth of new stars, acting as colossal accelerators for galaxy formation. 



This research contradicts the long-held belief that black holes emerged after the formation of the first stars and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/">galaxies</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amplifiers-of-star-formation-nbsp">Amplifiers of star formation&nbsp;</h2>



"We know these monster black holes exist at the center of galaxies near our Milky Way, but the big surprise now is that they were present at the beginning of the universe as well and were almost like building blocks or seeds for early galaxies," said study lead author Joseph Silk, a professor of physics and astronomy at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a>.&nbsp;



"They really boosted everything, like gigantic amplifiers of star formation, which is a whole turnaround of what we thought possible before - so much so that this could completely shake up our understanding of how galaxies form."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-distant-galaxies">Observations of distant galaxies</h2>



This novel perspective is backed by observations of distant galaxies from the universe's earliest epochs, which appear significantly brighter than anticipated, boasting high numbers of young stars and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/18-black-holes-captured-devouring-nearby-stars-in-dramatic-tidal-disruption-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a>. 



These observations challenge the prevailing model of cosmic evolution, suggesting instead a symbiotic existence of black holes and galaxies that influenced each other's development during the universe's first 100 million years. 



This time period, in the grand timeline of the cosmos, equates to the initial days of January on a calendar that represents the universe's 13.8 billion-year history.



"We're arguing that black hole outflows crushed gas clouds, turning them into stars and greatly accelerating the rate of star formation," explained Professor Silk.&nbsp;



"Otherwise, it's very hard to understand where these bright galaxies came from because they're typically smaller in the early universe. Why on earth should they be making stars so rapidly?"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-holes-and-bright-galaxies">Black holes and bright galaxies</h2>



Black holes are regions in space where gravity's pull is so intense that not even light can escape. 



Because of this force, they generate powerful magnetic fields that make violent storms, ejecting turbulent plasma and ultimately acting like enormous particle accelerators, noted Professor Silk. 



He explained that this process is likely why <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb</a>'s detectors have spotted more of these black holes and bright galaxies than scientists anticipated.



"We can't quite see these violent winds or jets far, far away, but we know they must be present because we see many black holes early on in the universe," said Silk. 



"These enormous winds coming from the black holes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-jets-are-like-million-light-year-long-jedi-lightsabers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crush nearby gas clouds</a> and turn them into stars. That's the missing link that explains why these first galaxies are so much brighter than we expected."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-phase-early-universe">Two-phase early universe</h2>



The analysis suggests a two-phase early universe: an initial period where black hole outflows spurred rapid star formation followed by a slowdown as these outflows transitioned to a more energy-conservative state.&nbsp;



A few hundred million years after the big bang, gas clouds collapsed because of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-black-holes-are-very-messy-eaters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black hole</a> magnetic storms, and new stars were born at a rate far exceeding that observed billions of years later in normal galaxies, explained Professor Silk. 



The creation of stars slowed down because these powerful outflows transitioned into a state of energy conservation, he said, reducing the gas available to form stars in galaxies.



"We thought that in the beginning, galaxies formed when a giant gas cloud collapsed. The big surprise is that there was a seed in the middle of that cloud - a big black hole - and that helped rapidly turn the inner part of that cloud into stars at a rate much greater than we ever expected. And so the first galaxies are incredibly bright."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-questions-remain-about-black-holes">Many questions remain about black holes </h2>



The researchers are optimistic that future observations from the Webb telescope will further substantiate their findings and contribute to a deeper understanding of the universe's evolution. 



They anticipate that forthcoming data will offer more precise counts of stars and supermassive black holes in the early universe, aiding in the elucidation of the relationship between black holes and galaxy formation. 



"The big question is, what were our beginnings? The sun is one star in 100 billion in the Milky Way galaxy, and there's a massive black hole sitting in the middle, too. What's the connection between the two?" said Professor Silk. "Within a year we'll have so much better data, and a lot of our questions will begin to get answers."



The study is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ad1bf0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>.



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Did black holes exist before galaxies formed in the universe?

In a remarkable new analysis of data from the James...

In recent years, psilocybin -- the psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms -- has seen a remarkable uptick in both interest, scrutiny, and now law enforcement seizures. 



A study spearheaded by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, alongside the National Drug Early Warning System, highlights a significant increase in law enforcement seizures of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-psilocybin-mushrooms-got-their-magic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> mushrooms, suggesting a rise in its availability and use. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-presence-of-psilocybin-mushrooms">Growing presence of psilocybin mushrooms</h2>



From 2017 to 2022, seizures surged by 369%, jumping from 402 to 1,393 instances, while the quantity of psilocybin confiscated quadrupled from 226 to 844 kilograms.



Joseph Palamar, PhD, MPH, the lead author of the study and an associate professor in the <a href="https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/population-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Population Health</a> at <a href="https://nyulangone.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU Langone Health</a>, emphasized the implications of their findings. 



“Our findings, which uncover an increase in confiscations of psilocybin mushrooms, suggest that popularity and availability of this psychedelic may be increasing,” said Palamar. 



He further highlighted the necessity for enhanced prevention and harm-reduction education, acknowledging the potential adverse effects of unsupervised <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-learn-why-psilocybin-mushrooms-make-you-hallucinate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> use.



“Although psilocybin is by no means the most dangerous drug, adverse effects do happen, so heightened prevention efforts and harm-reduction education may be necessary,” he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Psilocybin mushrooms: A therapeutic enigma</h2>



The resurgence of interest in psilocybin mushrooms can be attributed to its potential therapeutic benefits. 



Recent research trials have delved into its efficacy in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-offers-new-explanation-for-how-psychedelic-drugs-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treating conditions</a> such as alcohol use disorder, post-traumatic stress, and depression related to cancer, within controlled clinical settings. 



These studies are crucial for understanding psilocybin's broader impacts, particularly as societal and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australia-is-the-first-country-to-legalize-psychedelics-for-mental-health-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legal attitudes</a> towards it begin to shift.



Palamar points out that several American cities, especially in the Midwest and West, have started to relax restrictions on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-diversity-of-magic-mushrooms-leaves-room-for-new-cultivars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> mushrooms, reflecting a changing landscape of drug policy and public perception. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-legal-landscape-and-availability">Shifting legal landscape and availability</h2>



Despite this, the recreational use of psilocybin and its implications remain underexplored areas that warrant further investigation.



The study is pioneering in its examination of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hallucinogen-use-is-on-the-rise-among-young-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> mushroom seizure trends across the United States. 



Utilizing data from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (<a href="https://www.dea.gov/operations/hidta" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HIDTA</a>) program, the research team analyzed over 4,500 psilocybin seizure reports spanning from January 2017 through December 2022. 



This comprehensive analysis not only quantified the seizures but also categorized them by state and main census regions, offering a detailed overview of psilocybin's presence across the country.



Interestingly, the Midwest and West emerged as hotspots for psilocybin seizures, with the environmental conditions in the West potentially facilitating the cultivation of psilocybin-producing mushrooms. 



This geographic distribution underscores the varied landscape of psilocybin use and enforcement across regions, highlighting the complexity of addressing its rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-and-responding-to-psilocybin-s-rise">Understanding and responding to psilocybin's rise</h2>



Palamar's research emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamics behind the growing availability and use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-microdosing-may-improve-mental-health-by-boosting-stress-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a>. 



"These results highlight the need to better understand not only how the availability and popularity of psilocybin is changing and why, but also how the drug affects those who use it recreationally," he remarked.



The study also raises questions about the impact of decriminalization efforts on psilocybin use and seizures, suggesting a need for more targeted research in this area. 



Moreover, Palamar cautions against over-relying on law enforcement seizures as a sole indicator of drug availability or use, noting the limitations of such data in reflecting the nuances of drug trafficking and consumption patterns.



In summary, the rise in psilocybin seizures signals a pivotal moment in the discourse surrounding psychedelic substances. 



As society grapples with changing perceptions and the potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin, these findings offer a crucial foundation for future discussions, policies, and research aimed at navigating the complexities of psychedelic drug use in a rapidly evolving landscape.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871624000073?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drug and Alcohol Dependence</a>.



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Police seizures of psilocybin ‘magic’ mushrooms have increased dramatically

In recent years, psilocybin -- the psychoactive compound found in...

In recent years, the conversation around cannabis use has shifted dramatically, with an increasing number of countries and states re-evaluating its legal status. 



Amidst this evolving landscape, a study led by Natasha E. Wade, an assistant professor at the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California at San Diego</a> and head of the Neuro D-Tox Lab, sheds new light on the potential impacts of cannabis use on adolescents. 



Based on data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, the research presents compelling evidence that even light to moderate cannabis use during early adolescence can lead to cognitive deficits, especially in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/">memory</a> and attention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-developing-brain">The developing brain</h2>



Cannabis contains the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has led to its widespread use both medicinally and recreationally. However, there are growing concerns about its use among adolescents - whose brains are still undergoing critical developmental phases.&nbsp;



The potency of cannabis and the methods of its use have changed significantly over the years, prompting a deeper investigation into its effects on the developing brain. The research team aimed to address the challenges in accurately identifying adolescent cannabis users.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accurate-group-categorization-nbsp">Accurate group categorization&nbsp;</h2>



"Cannabis use in adolescents is not uncommon, though it is unclear if younger teens are comfortable disclosing their use," said Professor Wade. “We wanted to improve our methods for identifying those who have used cannabis by both asking teens if they had use and by using objective, toxicological testing through hair samples."



"Having more accurate group categorization may improve our ability to determine cognitive correlates of cannabis use - which we also assessed here.”



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



The researchers focused on a subset of participants in the ABCD study. They analyzed 2,971 hair samples from the fourth-year follow-up when the participants were around 13-14 years old.&nbsp;



The experts looked for THC, THCCOOH (an inactive metabolite indicating personal use), and cannabidiol (CBD), aiming to objectively measure cannabis exposure.



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



The researchers found significant cognitive differences between adolescents who used cannabis and those who did not. Specifically, cannabis users exhibited poorer performance in episodic memory tasks, which involve recalling specific events or experiences, and showed marginal deficits in receptive language skills, crucial for understanding words and sentences.&nbsp;



Furthermore, higher concentrations of THCCOOH were associated with lower scores in receptive language and attention tasks, underscoring the potential for cannabis to impact key cognitive functions during a critical period of brain development.



The findings emphasize the importance of using objective measures in research to uncover more accurate relationships between brain behavior and substance use.&nbsp;



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



“When we carefully determine cannabis use group status in teens 13-14 years-old and match those with cannabis use to socio-demographically matched controls, we do see that there are group differences in memory, and that more cannabis use was associated with poor verbal abilities, inhibition, working memory, and episodic memory,” Professor Wade told PsyPost.



“We also found that combining hair toxicology with self-report data shows more brain-behavior relationships than self-report data alone. This indicates that within substance use research and in other domains, too, we need to use more objective measurement to improve our ability to accurately investigate important research questions.”



The study not only provides valuable insights into the cognitive effects of adolescent cannabis use but also sets the stage for future research. Professor Wade and her team plan to leverage the ABCD study's longitudinal data to explore cognitive changes over time in relation to cannabis use, as well as to investigate patterns of substance use initiation and escalation in teens.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460323003258?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Addictive Behaviors</a>. 



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Cannabis use in adolescence linked to cognitive deficits

In recent years, the conversation around cannabis use has shifted...

In Africa, pangolins are equipped with a distinctive armor of overlapping scales, made of keratin - the same material as human fingernails - providing them with protection against predators such as lions, hyenas, snakes, and wild dogs. This natural defense mechanism allows them to curl into a ball, shielding their soft underbellies.&nbsp;



However, these very scales make pangolins a target for illegal wildlife traffickers, driving a lucrative and unlawful trade that poses a significant threat to wildlife and human communities globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-forensics-laboratory-nbsp">Wildlife forensics laboratory&nbsp;</h2>



To address the pressing issue of wildlife <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/internet-global-wildlife-trafficking/">trafficking</a>, the College of Natural Resources and Environment at <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> has been granted $2.6 million by the <a href="https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-civilian-security-democracy-and-human-rights/bureau-of-international-narcotics-and-law-enforcement-affairs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs</a>. 



This funding is allocated for the establishment of a cutting-edge wildlife forensics laboratory in Kasane, Botswana, which will operate in partnership with the Botswana government.&nbsp;



Professor Kathleen Alexander of Virginia Tech’s Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation will lead this initiative, significantly enhancing the institution's research capabilities in Botswana.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-effort">Collaborative effort</h2>



The lab aims to facilitate swift DNA evidence processing to aid the investigation and prosecution of wildlife trafficking cases in the region, and it will also support the launch of Botswana's multiagency wildlife crime training and response units, dubbed the Elite Team.



The project is a collaborative effort between Virginia Tech, the Republic of Botswana, and the <a href="https://www.caracal.info/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for African Resources: Animals, Communities, and Land Use</a> (CARACAL), a nongovernmental organization founded by Alexander in 2001. Additionally, the <a href="https://witatrain.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildlife Investigation Training Alliance</a>, a nonprofit conservation organization, will oversee the educational aspects of the initiative.



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



Alexander, the project's principal investigator, emphasized the increasing global threat of wildlife trafficking, highlighting its implications not only for conservation but also for national and global security.&nbsp;



“Wildlife trafficking is escalating across the globe and is increasingly seen as a threat to conservation and local livelihoods. But more significantly, we’re seeing that wildlife trafficking is part of an integrated system that allows criminal syndicates to operate and grow. Tackling wildlife crime is not just about conservation related impacts, it’s about national and global security,” she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combating-wildlife-crime">Combating wildlife crime</h2>



The establishment of the wildlife forensic center builds upon Virginia Tech's ongoing collaboration with the Botswana government. This partnership was underscored by the visits of Botswana President Eric Mokgweetsi Keabetswe Masisi to Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech President Tim Sands to Botswana, marking significant milestones in the relationship between the two entities.



President Masisi acknowledged Botswana's leadership in conservation but pointed out the need to bridge gaps in the country's capacity to combat wildlife crime. He believes the forensic center will serve as a crucial resource in protecting Botswana's natural heritage.



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



Illegal wildlife trade, encompassing products ranging from pangolin scales to elephant ivory, poses one of the largest threats to global biodiversity and public health, facilitating zoonotic disease spread and funding criminal networks. Botswana, with its rich biodiversity including the world's largest elephant population, is strategically positioned in the fight against this illicit trade.



Alexander's work in Botswana takes a One Health approach, addressing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The new forensic center represents a significant step forward in combating wildlife trafficking and its broader implications for security and conservation in southern Africa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-technologies-nbsp">Innovative technologies&nbsp;</h2>



The forensic center will employ innovative technologies to trace the origins of trafficked animal products and develop strategies to combat wildlife smuggling. This initiative underscores a collective effort to tackle wildlife trafficking within and beyond Botswana's borders, leveraging advanced DNA sequencing technologies to analyze complex samples.



The collaboration between Virginia Tech and the Botswana government exemplifies a model for how academic institutions and governments can unite to address global challenges, reflecting Virginia Tech's commitment to service and providing a blueprint for future partnerships aimed at securing peace, democracy, and equity worldwide.



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Experts are using forensic science to fight wildlife trafficking

In Africa, pangolins are equipped with a distinctive armor of...

A recent study in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316623726783#abs0010" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Nutrition</a> reveals that consuming salmon as part of a diet can introduce at least 30 metabolites into the body. These metabolites, which are substances produced through digestion and other biochemical processes, include four that are associated with significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-sleep-linked-to-earlier-onset-of-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular health</a> benefits.



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



The research - led by the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado</a> - involved 41 participants aged between 30 and 69, who were instructed to follow a Mediterranean diet. This diet included a variety of fish, low-fat meats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.&nbsp;



The health of their cardiovascular system was evaluated through blood analysis and other diagnostic tests before and after adhering to the diet. Specifically, the diet incorporated two servings of salmon per week over two five-week intervals, separated by a month-long break.&nbsp;



The participants were selected based on being overweight or obese, yet none had any active metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmon-food-specific-compounds">Salmon food-specific compounds</h2>



Additionally, the study involved laboratory analysis of the food provided to participants to identify the metabolites present. Of the 1,518 compounds detected in the food, 508 were unique to salmon. The researchers designated compounds found exclusively in salmon as salmon food-specific compounds.



The findings highlighted an increase in two salmon-specific compounds and two metabolites known for their cholesterol-reducing properties and links to improved cardiovascular health.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-results">Remarkable results</h2>



Many of these beneficial substances were identified as fats, underscoring the health advantages of omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon. Remarkably, participants with higher levels of these substances in their bloodstream exhibited more significant reductions in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B, a marker of heart disease risk.



"We are the first to identify salmon-specific bioactive compounds that increase in plasma after consuming [a Mediterranean diet] with ~4-8oz (one to two filets) of salmon per week. Further, several of these food-specific compounds were associated with short-term improvement in cardiometabolic health indicators," the authors wrote.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmon-varieties-nbsp">Salmon varieties&nbsp;</h2>



Salmon varieties include five types of Pacific salmon and two types of Atlantic salmon, with wild-caught Pacific salmon often regarded as the most beneficial for health. The nutritional value, particularly the omega-3 content in wild salmon, depends on their natural diet, whereas in farmed salmon, it varies with the feed they are given.



The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, has been extensively studied and hailed as the optimal eating plan for health. Research indicates that transitioning to a Mediterranean diet from a typical Western diet can extend life expectancy, with greater benefits the earlier it is adopted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-health-benefits-of-salmon">Additional health benefits of salmon</h2>



Salmon is widely recognized for its impressive health benefits, largely due to its rich content of nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-health">Heart health</h3>



One of the most notable benefits of consuming salmon is its contribution to heart health. The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon can help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, decrease triglycerides, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, it is a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-health">Brain health</h3>



Another significant benefit is its role in brain health. The omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are vital for maintaining brain function and are linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline as we age. These fatty acids can also be beneficial for mental health, helping to manage depression and anxiety.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vitamins-and-minerals">Vitamins and minerals</h3>



Salmon also provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, and potassium. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune function, while selenium helps protect bone health, decreases thyroid antibodies in people with autoimmune thyroid disease, and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antioxidants">Antioxidants</h3>



Furthermore, the astaxanthin antioxidant in salmon, which gives it its red color, has been linked to several health benefits. It may help protect against heart disease, reduce the risk of brain damage from strokes, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may protect against aging and help with skin elasticity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weight-management-nbsp">Weight management&nbsp;</h3>



Incorporating salmon into your diet can support weight management as well. Its high protein content can promote feelings of fullness, which may lead to reduced calorie intake throughout the day. This, combined with the metabolic boost from omega-3 fatty acids, makes salmon a beneficial food for weight control.



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Eating salmon can help lower your cholesterol

A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition reveals that...

1826989610

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.bu.edu/sph/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston University School of Public Health</a> (BUSPH) challenges prevailing narratives about the causes of excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;



The research has produced compelling evidence that many deaths previously attributed to natural causes were, in fact, uncounted fatalities from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-associated-with-lower-covid-19-vaccine-responses/">COVID-19</a>.&nbsp;



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



"Official COVID-19 mortality statistics have not fully captured deaths attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection in the United States," wrote the researchers.



"While some excess deaths were likely related to pandemic health care interruptions and socioeconomic disruptions, temporal correlations between reported COVID-19 deaths and excess deaths reported to non-COVID-19 natural causes suggest that many of those excess deaths were unrecognized COVID-19 deaths."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-true-toll">Understanding the true toll</h2>



The investigation represents a significant stride in understanding the true toll of the pandemic.&nbsp;



Kristin Urquiza co-founded Marked By COVID, a justice and remembrance movement, after losing her father to COVID. “This study documents the deadliness of COVID-19 and the effectiveness of public health interventions,” said Urquiza. “The least we can do to honor those who died is to accurately account for what happened.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-excess-mortality-nbsp">Excess mortality&nbsp;</h2>



The official count of COVID-19 deaths in the United States stands at nearly 1.17 million, according to federal data. However, this figure is believed to be an underestimation, as suggested by multiple excess mortality studies.&nbsp;



Excess mortality refers to the number of deaths during a given time period that surpasses the number expected under normal circumstances.&nbsp;



Until now, the challenge has been to determine whether these additional deaths were directly due to COVID-19 or resulted from indirect consequences of the pandemic, such as healthcare disruptions or socioeconomic factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unrecognized-covid-19-fatalities">Unrecognized COVID-19 fatalities</h2>



In collaboration with researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, the BUSPH team provides the first definitive evidence linking a significant portion of excess deaths during the pandemic directly to COVID-19, rather than to non-COVID natural causes like chronic illnesses.&nbsp;



By analyzing monthly data on natural-cause deaths and reported COVID-19 fatalities across 3,127 U.S. counties from March 2020 to August 2022, the team discovered that spikes in non-COVID natural cause deaths coincided with or preceded surges in COVID-19 deaths in most regions. This pattern suggests that many deaths were misclassified and should have been attributed to COVID-19.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-deaths-went-uncounted">Many deaths went uncounted</h2>



“Our findings show that many COVID-19 deaths went uncounted during the pandemic. Surprisingly, these undercounts persisted well beyond the initial phase of the pandemic,” said study co-author Dr. Andrew Stokes, who has led numerous studies analyzing excess mortality patterns and drivers during the pandemic.



According to Dr. Stokes, the temporal correlation between reported COVID-19 deaths and excess deaths reported to non-COVID-19 natural causes offers insight into the causes of these deaths.



“We observed peaks in non-COVID-19 excess deaths in the same or prior month as COVID-19 deaths, a pattern consistent with these being unrecognized COVID-19 deaths that were missed due to low community awareness and a lack of COVID-19 testing.”



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



Study lead author Eugenio Paglino, a PhD student at UPenn, noted that if the primary explanation for these deaths were healthcare interruptions and delays in care, the non-COVID excess deaths would likely occur after a peak in reported COVID-19 deaths and subsequent interruptions in care. “However, this pattern was not observed nationally or in any of the geographic subregions we assessed,” said Paglino.



The study also disproves any claims that mortality during the pandemic can be attributed to COVID-19 vaccinations or shelter-in-place policies.&nbsp;



Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, founding director of the Boston University Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Policy and Research, said that the research is important because our ability to detect and correctly assign deaths during an epidemic goes to the heart of our understanding of the disease and how we organize our response.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2313661121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Hidden death toll of COVID-19 pandemic revealed

A new study led by the Boston University School of...

Volcano,And,Lightning,3d,Illustration,-,Lightning,And,Thunder,Crack

A new study challenges the extraterrestrial origins of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/origin-of-life-on-earth-may-have-been-found-in-ancient-hot-springs/">life</a>, positing that life began on Earth itself. This research, led by the <a href="https://www.sorbonne-universite.fr/en/university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sorbonne University</a> in Paris, has uncovered that lightning strikes hitting volcanic eruptions across what is now known as Turkey, Peru, and Italy played a crucial role in producing extreme levels of nitrogen, thereby facilitating the birth of the earliest life forms. 



Nitrogen, a fundamental element for life on Earth, when combined with lightning, reacts with oxygen to form nitrogen oxide, which then gets released into the soil, creating a fertile ground for life to emerge and thrive.



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



"Nitrogen (N) fixation is an essential process for life as it converts atmospheric dinitrogen into biologically assimilable forms," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"Experimental and theoretical studies have proposed that volcanic lightning could have contributed to N-fixation in early prebiotic environments on Earth but geological evidence are still lacking."&nbsp;



"For the first time, significant amounts of nitrate have been discovered in volcanic deposits from very large explosive eruptions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-nitrate">Atmospheric nitrate</h2>



The researchers analyzed samples from three ancient volcanic sites, which revealed that the substantial amounts of nitrates found were of atmospheric origin, suggesting that these essential life-giving elements were delivered by lightning, not derived from the volcanic eruptions themselves.



"When you look at the different possibilities, the most likely was volcanic lightning," said study lead author Slimane Bekki, an expert in atmospheric sciences at the Sorbonne. “We know that you get a lot of lightning when you have a massive volcanic eruption.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-lightning-nbsp">Volcanic lightning&nbsp;</h2>



The phenomenon of volcanic lightning, which typically occurs at the eruption's onset, was observed in two key areas: near the ground within ash clouds and higher up in the plume of volcanic smoke that reaches the stratosphere.



To investigate these phenomena, Bekki and his team conducted fieldwork in southern Peru, central Turkey, and off the coast of Naples, Italy, focusing on regions known for their ancient volcanic activities. Their research confirmed that the large quantities of nitrates detected in the soil were indeed atmospheric, brought about by lightning, rather than being directly emitted by the volcanoes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-blocks-of-life">Building blocks of life</h2>



“Indeed, nitrate produced by storm lightning all around the world are spread out on the Earth's surface, while volcanic deposits are formed locally in a very short period of time and, according to our results, can contain large amounts of fixed N [nitrogen], a prerequisite for the development of life,” the authors wrote.



This groundbreaking research not only provides insight into the atmospheric processes that could have supported the emergence of life on Earth but also emphasizes the unique contributions of volcanic lightning to this complex puzzle.



"These findings provide geological support for a unique role played by subaerial explosive eruptions in high energy–demanding processes, which were essential in supplying building blocks for life during its emergence on Earth," wrote the researchers.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2309131121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Life on Earth may have been created by volcanic lightning

A new study challenges the extraterrestrial origins of life, positing...

Researchers from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> have unveiled new insights into the locomotive versatility of dinosaurs, attributing their adaptability as a key factor to their dominance on Earth for 160 million years. 



This study, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.231495" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>, demonstrates that the earliest dinosaurs possessed superior speed and dynamism compared to their contemporaries, which significantly contributed to their evolutionary success.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-locomotion-styles-nbsp">Locomotion styles&nbsp;</h2>



By analyzing limb proportions of various reptiles from the Triassic period (252 to 201 million years ago) - the era marking the emergence and ascendancy of dinosaurs - the team was able to discern the locomotion styles of these ancient creatures.&nbsp;



They distinguished between quadrupedal (four-footed) and bipedal (two-footed) species, additionally evaluating their cursoriality index, indicative of their running capabilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-advantage-nbsp">Evolutionary advantage&nbsp;</h2>



The findings revealed that dinosaurs and their close relatives were inherently bipedal and cursorial, meaning their limbs were evolutionarily fashioned for running. This adaptability allowed them a broader spectrum of running styles than their rivals, the Pseudosuchia, which included the progenitors of today's crocodiles.



“When the crunch came, 233 million years ago, dinosaurs won out,” said lead author Amy Shipley, an MSc Palaeobiology student at Bristol. “At that time, climates shifted from wet to dry, intensifying the competition for food. Despite being relatively few in number for 20 million years, dinosaurs managed to flourish while the pseudosuchians faltered.”



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



The study suggests that dinosaurs' capability for water conservation, akin to many of today's reptiles and birds, alongside their versatile mobility, were crucial to their survival and expansion, especially following the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-may-be-enduring-its-seventh-mass-extinction-not-sixth/">mass extinction</a> at the Triassic's close.&nbsp;



“After the end of the Triassic, when there was a mass extinction, the dinosaurs expanded again,” said study senior author Mike Benton, a professor of Paleontology at the same university.&nbsp;



“Most of the pseudosuchians were wiped out by the mass extinction, except for the ancestors of crocodiles, and we found that these surviving dinosaurs expanded their range of locomotion again, taking over many of the empty niches.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights">New insights</h2>



Contrary to expectations, the research, co-authored by Dr Armin Elsler, found that dinosaurs did not evolve at exceptionally rapid rates.&nbsp;



“This was a surprise because we expected to see fast evolution in avemetatarsalians and slower evolution in pseudosuchians. What this means is that the locomotion style of dinosaurs was advantageous to them, but it was not an engine of intense evolutionary selection. In other words, when crises happened, they were well placed to take advantage of opportunities after the crisis,” Elsler explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immensely-adaptable-nbsp">Immensely adaptable&nbsp;</h2>



Dr Tom Stubbs, another collaborator, highlighted the misconception of dinosaurs as solely massive, slow-moving creatures, pointing out their origins as agile, bipedal insect-eaters. This agility and varied leg posture enabled their ancestors to swiftly navigate their environments, capturing prey while evading larger predators.



“And of course, their diversity of posture and focus on fast running meant that dinosaurs could diversify when they had the chance. After the end-Triassic mass extinction, we get truly huge dinosaurs, over ten meters long, some with armor, many quadrupedal, but many still bipedal like their ancestors,” said co-author Suresh Singh. “The diversity of their posture and gait meant they were immensely adaptable, and this ensured strong success on Earth for so long.”&nbsp;



The study not only sheds light on the evolutionary prowess of dinosaurs but also underscores the significance of adaptability in the face of changing environmental conditions and crises.



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Locomotive versatility helped dinosaurs adapt and survive

Researchers from the University of Bristol have unveiled new insights...

Olfactory,System,,Sensory,System,Used,For,Smelling,,Olfaction,Senses.,Components

In an exciting development, researchers have made a significant discovery that sheds light on the intricate process of decision-making by brain cells triggered by odors. 



The study from the University of Colorado <a href="https://www.cuanschutz.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anschutz Medical Campus</a> reveals how specific brain cells, stimulated by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-can-change-the-colors-we-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">odors</a>, may be crucial in the rapid decision-making processes we often take for granted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-the-hippocampus-in-decision-making">Role of the hippocampus in decision-making</h2>



The focus of this research is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunger-hormones-in-the-gut-can-change-our-eating-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hippocampus</a>, a vital part of the brain known for its roles in memory and learning. 



While it has been established that "time cells" within the hippocampus are key to its functioning, their exact contribution to associative learning was previously unclear. 



"These are cells that would remind you to make a decision -- do this or do that," explains Diego Restrepo, PhD, the study's senior author and a renowned neuroscientist and professor at the <a href="https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado School of Medicine</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-associative-learning">Understanding associative learning</h2>



In their experiments, researchers observed mice faced with a choice: respond to a fruity odor by licking a spout to receive sweet water or do nothing when presented with the scent of mineral oil. 



The mice's brains quickly learned to associate the fruit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-can-a-smell-transport-us-to-another-place/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">odor</a> with the reward, demonstrating the fundamental process of decision-making based on sensory cues. 



“They have to associate the odor with the outcome of what they are doing so that’s why they learn decision making,” said Ming Ma, PhD, a first author of the study and a senior instructor in cell and developmental biology at the CU School of Medicine. “When it’s a fruit odor, they lick and get a reward. When it’s mineral oil they stop licking.”



The study further revealed that as the mice's learning progressed, the stimulated brain cells allowed for faster decoding of odors, enabling the mice to proficiently choose the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-treatment-restores-sense-of-smell-in-long-covid-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruity smell</a>. 



“The more they learned, the more the cells were stimulated leading to more rapid decoding of the odors and allowing the mice to quickly become proficient at choosing the fruity smell,” said Fabio Simoes de Souza, DSc, another first author of the study and an assistant research professor in cell and developmental biology at the CU School of Medicine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neural-pathway-from-an-odor-to-the-brain-s-decision">Neural pathway: From an odor to the brain's decision</h2>



This process begins with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-we-bond-more-with-people-that-smell-like-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">odor</a> traveling through the nose, sending neural signals to the olfactory bulb and then to the hippocampus, highlighting the close connection between these two organs. 



The swift processing of this odor information leads to immediate decision-making. This discovery is a leap forward in understanding the hippocampus's multifaceted role in decision-making, a function previously unrecognized.



Restrepo speculates that these decision-making cells are not always active to prevent sensory overload. 



This insight opens new avenues in our comprehension of the brain's decision-making capabilities, especially in the context of quick, instinctive choices that both mice and humans constantly make.



Restrepo elucidates the significance of this discovery, stating, "The hippocampus turns on decision-predicting time cells which would give you a hint of what to remember." 



This challenges the traditional view of time cells as mere markers of events and time, revealing their critical role in memory encoding and retrieval during decision-making.



In summary, this research expands our understanding of the brain's decision-making mechanisms and paves the way for future studies that could explore how these processes are altered in neurological conditions, offering hope for new therapeutic strategies. 



The University of Colorado's study is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of neuroscience, promising exciting developments in our understanding of the human brain.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960982224000216?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Odors prompt brain cells to make decisions before ‘you’ know what’s happening

In an exciting development, researchers have made a significant discovery...

<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.

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



---



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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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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