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...

The discovery of a deadly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-bird-flu-outbreak-requires-urgent-coordinated-response/">bird flu</a> in gentoo penguins has raised alarm about its potential spread among Antarctica's penguin colonies. Researchers from the <a href="https://scar.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research</a> (SCAR) discovered about 35 penguins dead on the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic on January 19. 



Ralph Vanstreels, a veterinarian working with SCAR, confirmed that samples from two of the dead penguins tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus.&nbsp;



According to Falkland Islands government spokesperson Sally Heathmanas, as of 30 January, “there are over 200 chicks dead alongside a handful of adults.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-populations-affected-globally">Bird populations affected globally</h2>



The incident underscores the vulnerability of gentoo penguins to the lethal disease that has affected bird populations globally. Despite the geographical distance between the Falkland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula - roughly 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) - gentoo penguins' unlikely travel between these regions suggests a lower risk of the virus spreading to the southern continent.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bracing-for-a-widespread-outbreak-nbsp">Bracing for a widespread outbreak&nbsp;</h2>



However, Vanstreels, affiliated with the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California-Davis</a>, highlighted a critical concern. "The role that gentoo penguins could have, instead, is to serve as local reservoirs of infection," he said.



Further tests are pending for rockhopper penguins, with the Falkland Islands government bracing for a widespread outbreak. In South Georgia, Meagan Dewar, who leads SCAR's Antarctic Wildlife Health Network, ruled out bird flu in king penguins after a comprehensive survey.&nbsp;



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



The densely packed penguin colonies in Antarctica and nearby islands could facilitate rapid virus transmission among individuals, causing significant concern among conservationists.&nbsp;



Vanstreels expressed particular worry about other species, noting the larger number of elephant seals and fur seals succumbing to the bird flu in South Georgia and South America.&nbsp;



"This is especially concerning because South Georgia is home to 95 percent of the world's population of Antarctic fur seals," he said, underscoring the dire implications for the species if the population collapses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-h5n1-avian-influenza-virus">H5N1 avian influenza virus</h2>



The H5N1 avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu, is a type of influenza virus that primarily affects birds, but can also infect humans and other animals. It is a highly pathogenic strain, meaning it has the potential to cause severe disease and high mortality rates in poultry. The virus is categorized under the type A influenza viruses, which are known for their ability to cause pandemics.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pandemic-potential">Pandemic potential </h3>



The H5N1 virus first gained attention in 1997 during an outbreak in Hong Kong, where it was transmitted from birds to humans, leading to six deaths. This was the first instance of a direct bird-to-human transmission of avian influenza, raising global concerns about its potential to cause a pandemic.&nbsp;



Since then, outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza have been reported in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, affecting both wild birds and domestic poultry. Human cases of H5N1 infection are rare but can occur after direct or close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symptoms">Symptoms</h3>



Infection with H5N1 in humans can lead to severe respiratory illness and has a high mortality rate. Symptoms are similar to other types of flu and can include fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches, but can quickly progress to severe respiratory issues and pneumonia.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-control-and-prevention-nbsp">Control and prevention&nbsp;</h3>



Control and prevention measures for H5N1 avian influenza focus on reducing the risk of transmission from birds to humans. These measures include monitoring and surveillance of poultry farms, culling infected or exposed birds, vaccination of poultry, and implementing biosecurity practices.&nbsp;



For humans, avoiding contact with infected birds, practicing good personal hygiene, and following travel advisories to areas with known outbreaks are recommended precautions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-research-nbsp">Ongoing research&nbsp;</h3>



Research and development of vaccines for H5N1 are ongoing, with some vaccines available for use in poultry and others being developed for humans. However, the effectiveness of these vaccines can vary due to the virus's ability to mutate rapidly, leading to new strains that vaccines may not protect against.



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Gentoo penguins are the latest victims of bird flu

The discovery of a deadly bird flu in gentoo penguins...

In the ever-evolving landscape of online dating, a new study from <a href="https://wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a> suggests that having a sense of purpose in life is an important aspect of attracting a partner. 



The research highlights the potential for deeper connections when individuals pursue their passions and meet others with similar drives and goals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sense-of-purpose-nbsp">Sense of purpose&nbsp;</h2>



The study sheds light on the impact of showcasing a sense of purpose in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rituals-can-strengthen-commitment-among-couples-who-are-dating/">dating</a> app profiles.&nbsp;



The researchers explored this concept through a unique study. They investigated how individuals with a pronounced sense of purpose are perceived on dating platforms.&nbsp;



“In general we found people with a higher purpose were considered to be more romantically attractive,” said study lead author Isabella D’Ottone.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dating-profiles-nbsp">Dating profiles&nbsp;</h2>



For the investigation, the research team created and analyzed nine dating profiles, four of which represented different categories of sense of purpose – prosocial, relationship, financial, and creative orientations – and five control profiles with no indicated purpose. The profiles were evaluated by 119 participants for various attractiveness measures.&nbsp;



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



The results revealed that profiles demonstrating a sense of purpose, regardless of the category, were consistently rated higher in attractiveness. This finding was especially pronounced when the participant shared the same purpose orientation as the profile.



However, the team noted an exception in the financial orientation category. Profiles with a financial purpose were not as favorably received unless the evaluating participant also valued financial goals.&nbsp;



“In general, looking at all the purpose profiles, people were not as attracted to the financially oriented person,” said D’Ottone. This suggests that while a sense of purpose is generally appealing, the specific nature of that purpose can influence its attractiveness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chasing-your-passions-nbsp">Chasing your passions&nbsp;</h2>



D’Ottone, now a research associate at the University of Miami, emphasized the broader implications of their findings. She noted that this isn’t about faking a passion for something but, maybe finding love where you don’t expect it.&nbsp;



Chasing a special someone may end with a mismatch, “but chasing your passions, you might find that person along the way,” explained D’Ottone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeking-out-people-with-a-purpose-nbsp">Seeking out people with a purpose&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Patrick Hill noted that this study was a “phenomenal” project for an undergraduate to take on and it builds on the lab’s work on why sense of purpose is connected to better relationships.&nbsp;



It’s not just about physical attraction, but also about recognizing someone who has direction in life, said Professor Hill. “When it comes to attraction, knowing someone has a direction matters."



D’Ottone’s work speaks to how people are picking up on sense of purpose and factoring that into how they are attracted to others, whether they are aware of that or not, said Professor Hill. “We actually seek out people with a purpose."



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s41042-023-00136-z">International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology</a>.&nbsp;



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Having a sense of purpose makes you more likely to find love 

In the ever-evolving landscape of online dating, a new study...

Kimchi,Cabbage,Eating,By,Chopsticks,,Korean,Homemade,Fermented,Side,Dish

The intriguing relationship between kimchi consumption, health, and obesity reduction has recently come to light in a study published in the BMJ Open. 



This comprehensive research delves into the effects of this beloved Korean staple on human health, particularly concerning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-impairs-the-brains-response-to-nutrient-intake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a> risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kimchi-a-culinary-staple-with-health-benefits">Kimchi: A culinary staple with health benefits </h2>



Kimchi, a cornerstone of Korean cuisine, is a fermented dish primarily made from cabbage and radish. It's crafted by fermenting these vegetables with a variety of seasonings like onion, garlic, and fish sauce. 



Not only is it low in calories, but it's also a rich source of dietary fiber, beneficial lactic acid bacteria, vitamins, and polyphenols.



Past experimental studies have highlighted the anti-obesity properties of Lactobacillus brevis and L. plantarum, strains of bacteria found in kimchi. 



Building on this, researchers sought to understand if regular kimchi consumption could reduce the risk of overall and abdominal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fructose-puts-the-body-in-low-power-mode-fueling-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a>, the latter being particularly detrimental to health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-kimchi-and-obesity">Studying kimchi and obesity</h2>



The study utilized data from 115,726 individuals (36,756 men and 78,970 women with an average age of 51) participating in the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25743837/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Health Examinees</a> (HEXA) study. 



HEXA, part of the larger Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, focuses on identifying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-link-between-air-pollution-and-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental</a> and genetic risk factors for common conditions in Korean adults over 40.



Participants’ dietary intake was assessed using a 106-item food frequency questionnaire. This tool helped researchers understand the frequency of kimchi consumption among participants, ranging from never to up to three times a day.



 The study considered various types of kimchi, including cabbage (baechu) and radish (kkakdugi) kimchi, watery versions like nabak and dongchimi, and other varieties such as mustard greens kimchi. 



Serving sizes varied, with 50 g for baechu or kkakdugi and 95 g for nabak or dongchimi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-research-team-learned">What the research team learned</h2>



Researchers observed a J-shaped curve in the relationship between kimchi consumption and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-fat-with-food-tropical-plant-in-china-has-anti-obesity-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a>. Notably, those consuming more than five servings daily tended to have higher weights, waist sizes, and obesity rates. 



These individuals were also more likely to have lower education levels, lower incomes, and a propensity for alcohol consumption.



The study found that consuming up to three servings of kimchi daily was linked to an 11% lower prevalence of obesity compared to those who ate less than one serving. 



Specifically, in men, three or more servings of baechu kimchi daily correlated with a 10% decrease in overall and abdominal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-and-obesity-have-opposing-effects-on-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a> rates. 



In women, two to three servings of the same variety were associated with an 8% reduction in obesity, while one to two servings per day corresponded with a 6% decrease in abdominal obesity.



Interestingly, consuming below-average quantities of kkakdugi kimchi was linked to a 9% lower prevalence of obesity in both sexes. 



Moreover, consumption of 25 g/day for men and 11 g/day for women was associated with an 8% (men) to 11% (women) lower risk of abdominal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-gut-bacteria-promote-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a>.



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



It's important to note that this is an observational study and cannot definitively establish cause and effect. 



Additionally, the use of food frequency questionnaires has its limitations in accurately quantifying food intake. The findings may also not be applicable to populations outside Korea.



Despite the health benefits, the researchers caution against excessive kimchi consumption due to its high sodium content, which can be detrimental to overall health. 



However, they suggest that the potassium in fermented vegetables may help counteract this effect.



In summary, the study concludes that while moderate kimchi consumption appears beneficial in reducing obesity prevalence, excessive intake could lead to adverse health outcomes. 



As one of the major sources of sodium intake, a balanced consumption of kimchi is recommended to enjoy its health benefits without the associated risks.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/2/e076650" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ Open</a>.



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Eating kimchi helps shed belly fat and improves overall health

The intriguing relationship between kimchi consumption, health, and obesity reduction...

In a recent study, scientists from <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> (WHOI) examined the degradation rates of different types of straws in the ocean. 



The research, conducted in collaboration with <a href="https://www.eastman.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eastman</a>, a bioplastic manufacturing company, aimed to identify sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-straws-banned-small/">straws</a>.



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



The team suspended various types of straws in a tank of continuously flowing seawater from Martha’s Vineyard Sound, Massachusetts, to mimic natural marine conditions. 



The types tested included straws made of cellulose diacetate (CDA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), paper, polylactic acid (PLA), and polypropylene (PP).&nbsp;



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



Over 16 weeks, the researchers observed that the CDA, PHA, and paper straws degraded by up to 50%, with an estimated environmental lifetime of 10-20 months in the coastal ocean. In contrast, PLA and PP straws showed no measurable signs of degradation.



"We lack a firm understanding of how long plastics last in the ocean, so we've been designing methods to measure how fast these materials degrade,” said Collin Ward, a WHOI scientist. “It turns out, in this case, there are some bioplastic straws that actually degrade fairly quickly, which is good news.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foam-straws">Foam straws</h2>



The study also compared two CDA straws provided by Eastman, one solid and the other a foam variant. The foam CDA straw, a prototype designed to increase surface area and accelerate degradation, was found to degrade 184% faster than the solid straw, indicating a shorter projected environmental lifetime than even the paper straws.



“The unique aspects of this foam straw are that it's able to have a shorter expected lifetime than the paper straws but retain the properties that you enjoy of a plastic or a bioplastic straw,” explained Bryan James, a WHOI scientist.



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



Jeff Carbeck, Eastman’s Vice President of Corporate Innovation, emphasized the significance of the study for straw manufacturers.&nbsp;



“This study can be immensely valuable for straw manufacturers by providing informed and transparent data when selecting a material for straws. Even more, it provides reassurance that CDA-based straws won’t add to the persistent plastic pollution, while also demonstrating straw manufacturers’ commitment to offering a sustainable product that reduces risk to marine life.”



The findings highlight the importance of developing new materials that are sustainably sourced and degrade more effectively in the environment, thus reducing the impact of plastic pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-straws-and-the-environment-nbsp">Plastic straws and the environment&nbsp;</h2>



Plastic straws have become a significant environmental concern due to their impact on ecosystems, particularly marine life.&nbsp;



Most plastic straws are made from polypropylene or polystyrene, which are not biodegradable. This means they can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-pollution">Ocean pollution</h3>



Many plastic straws end up in the ocean, contributing to the vast amount of plastic waste there. They can harm marine life through ingestion or entanglement.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-harm">Wildlife harm</h3>



Marine animals, including fish, turtles, and seabirds, can mistake plastic straws for food. This can lead to injury or death. Straws can also block airways or digestive tracts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-generation">Microplastics generation</h3>



Over time, plastic straws break down into smaller pieces, known as microplastics. These microplastics are difficult to clean up and can be ingested by marine life, entering the food chain.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resource-intensive">Resource intensive</h3>



The production of plastic straws involves the use of petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and also results in the emission of greenhouse gases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-recycling">Challenges in recycling</h3>



Plastic straws are often not recycled due to their small size and lightweight nature, which makes them difficult to process in standard recycling equipment.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c07391" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Sustainable Chemistry &amp; Engineering</a>.



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Some plastic straws degrade faster than others

In a recent study, scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution...

Two,Otters,Floating,Hold,Paws

In a stunning display of nature's resilience, the Elkhorn Slough, a salt marsh-dominated estuary in central California, has undergone a significant ecosystem transformation over the past few decades, thanks to the return of sea otters to their former habitat.



Traditionally, coastal areas like Elkhorn Slough are subject to erosion from rising sea levels and stronger tidal currents. 



However, with the reintroduction of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-maternal-drive-helps-sea-otters-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a>, the estuary has seen a dramatic reduction in erosion rates. In areas densely populated by otters, erosion has decreased by up to 90%. 



This improvement is attributed to the revival of marsh and streamside vegetation, which, with its densely matted root systems, has become more resilient against flooding and surging waves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-otters-role-in-transforming-ecoystems">Sea otters' role in transforming ecoystems</h2>



A recent study published in the journal Nature highlights the significant impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-have-protected-california-kelp-forests-for-a-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a>. Their insatiable appetite for plant-eating marsh crabs plays a crucial role in this ecological turnaround. 



“It would cost millions of dollars for humans to rebuild these creekbanks and restore these marshes,” said Brian Silliman, Rachel Carson Distinguished Professor of Marine Conservation Biology at Duke University’s <a href="https://nicholas.duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicholas School of the Environment</a>, and Director of Duke RESTORE and Duke Wetland and Coasts Center. “The sea otters are stabilizing them for free in exchange for an all-you-can-eat crab feast.”



Silliman, the senior author of the paper, adds, "(Remodeling a coastline) is usually something only large-scale physical forces, like hurricanes or extreme tidal flow changes, can do."



The study, conducted by Silliman and lead author Brent Hughes, associate professor of biology at <a href="https://www.sonoma.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sonoma State University</a>, involved extensive field experiments and modeling over nearly a decade. 



It confirmed that in areas where sea otters had returned, erosion slowed significantly, with some marshes even expanding. This suggests a pivotal role for sea otters in the stability of these ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-otters-from-extinction-to-ecosystem-engineers">Otters: From extinction to ecosystem engineers</h2>



Historically, West Coast estuaries were thriving habitats for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-use-their-paws-whiskers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a>, providing abundant crabs and safe shelter for their pups. 



However, extensive hunting and human activities drove them to near extinction, leading to a boom in the crab population, which further damaged the marshes. 



Their return in the mid-1980s marked the beginning of a remarkable ecological recovery.



“Crabs eat salt marsh roots, dig into salt marsh soil, and over time can cause a salt marsh to erode and collapse. This had been happening at Elkhorn Slough for decades until sea otters recolonized the estuary in the mid-1980s,” said Hughes. 



“After a few decades, in areas the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-have-a-secret-ability-to-generate-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a> had recolonized, salt marshes and creekbanks were becoming more stable again, despite rising sea levels, increased water flow from inland sources, and greater pollution,” 



Silliman also highlights the theoretical implications. “There are important theoretical implications as well. This work overturns the well-established bottom-up paradigm that coastal geomorphology is governed by interactions between physical forces and plant structure. Our results unequivocally show that predators also play a keystone role in controlling the course of these tidal creeks.”



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



In summary, the reestablishment of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-low-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a> in Elkhorn Slough has provided a unique and insightful case study into the profound impact top predators can have on coastal ecosystems. 



Their natural predation on marsh crabs inadvertently led to a significant reduction in erosion and a revitalization of marsh vegetation, demonstrating a cost-effective and natural method of ecological restoration. 



This wonderful story of resilience challenges longstanding ecological paradigms and presents a compelling argument for the reintroduction of top predators as a vital strategy in environmental conservation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06959-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Otters have the ability to restore delicate ecosystems

In a stunning display of nature's resilience, the Elkhorn Slough,...

A new study from the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a> has brought to light the alarming risks associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-ocean-oxygen-loss-may-ultimately-reverse/">ocean</a> heating, particularly highlighting the drastic changes observed in 2023. 



The research warns of the consequences if the world enters a climate that is 3.0°C warmer than pre-industrial levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-ocean-temperatures">Extreme ocean temperatures</h2>



The year 2023 witnessed record-high ocean temperatures that were unprecedented in the last four decades. The North Atlantic, in particular, experienced extreme warmth, measuring about 1.4°C above the average temperature between 1982 and 2011.&nbsp;



This surge in ocean temperatures is not an isolated phenomenon but a potential precursor to what could become the new norm under a global warming scenario of 3°C.&nbsp;



It's crucial to note that the current global temperature has already risen by approximately 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels. The researchers set out to explore the causes behind the record-breaking ocean temperatures.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncharted-territory-nbsp">Uncharted territory&nbsp;</h2>



“The extraordinary heat in the North Atlantic and missing sea ice in the Southern Ocean in 2023 tell us the oceans are sounding an alarm," said Dr. Till Kuhlbrodt, who led the study.&nbsp;



"We urgently need to understand exactly why parts of the ocean are warming rapidly so we can prepare for more frequent weather disruption across the planet. How often we get hit by more of these extremes hangs on figuring out what's driving the Atlantic and Southern Oceans into uncharted territory.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-energy-imbalance-nbsp">Earth's energy imbalance&nbsp;</h2>



A critical aspect of this research is the investigation into Earth's energy imbalance. Currently, the Earth is absorbing more solar energy than it releases back into space as heat, creating an imbalance of 1.9 watts per square meter.&nbsp;



Over a year, this excess energy is roughly 300 times greater than the global annual consumption of electric energy. This imbalance, primarily driven by heat-trapping gases from human activities, is a significant factor in the acceleration of ocean heating, with over 90% of the excess energy being absorbed by the oceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-warming-of-the-atlantic">Rapid warming of the Atlantic</h2>



Since 2016, the Atlantic Ocean has been warming at a rate faster than other ocean basins, particularly in the top 100 meters of the ocean. This trend is believed to be linked with record low levels of sea ice in the Southern Ocean. The year 2023 marked a historic low for Antarctic winter sea ice extent, the lowest since satellite monitoring began in the late 1970s.



The study emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of how the rapid warming of the Atlantic is affecting sea ice cover and stresses the importance of attributing these oceanic and sea ice extremes accurately. Such understanding is crucial for refining climate models, which in turn will guide global mitigation policies and resilience measures.



Dr. Kuhlbrodt highlighted the urgency of gathering more data: “We need more data from the Atlantic to conclusively tie the warming and disappearing ice trends to a shift in the pattern of ocean currents, but the signals point to a hidden climate connections between the poles."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangers-of-ocean-heating-nbsp">Dangers of ocean heating&nbsp;</h2>



Ocean warming, a consequence of climate change, has several significant and interrelated effects on the environment, marine life, and human societies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-bleaching">Coral bleaching</h3>



Warmer ocean temperatures can lead to coral bleaching, where corals lose their vibrant colors and essential symbiotic algae. This can devastate coral reefs, crucial to marine biodiversity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-level-rise">Sea level rise</h3>



Warmer temperatures cause the expansion of seawater and the melting of glaciers and ice caps, contributing to sea level rise. This can lead to coastal erosion, flooding, and displacement of coastal communities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-marine-ecosystems">Changes in marine ecosystems</h3>



Ocean warming can alter the distribution of marine species, as many species migrate towards cooler waters. This disrupts existing ecosystems and affects fishing patterns and marine biodiversity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-weather-events">Extreme weather events</h3>



Warmer oceans can fuel more intense and frequent hurricanes and typhoons, leading to increased risks for coastal communities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-acidification">Ocean acidification</h3>



Along with warming, the ocean absorbs more CO2, leading to acidification. This affects shellfish and other marine organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-fisheries">Impact on fisheries</h3>



Changing ocean temperatures can affect fish stocks, altering their breeding patterns, growth rates, and migration routes, impacting global fisheries and food security.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disruption-of-nutrient-cycles">Disruption of nutrient cycles</h3>



Elevated temperatures can affect ocean currents, which in turn disrupt the upwelling of nutrients from the deep ocean. This can impact the base of the oceanic food web.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-marine-mammals">Threats to marine mammals</h3>



Marine mammals, like polar bears and seals, are affected by the loss of sea ice and changes in prey availability due to warming oceans.



These impacts highlight the importance of addressing climate change and implementing strategies to mitigate ocean heating.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-23-0209.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society</a>.



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Extreme ocean heating signals alarm for a 3°C warmer world

A new study from the University of Reading has brought...

Researchers at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> have developed a potentially revolutionary approach to combating deadly and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 



By modifying the DNA of a bacteriophage, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-animal-viruses-will-cause-future-pandemics/">virus</a> that infects bacteria, and introducing it into Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a notoriously antibiotic-resistant bacterium, the research team has been able to prompt the bacterium to self-destruct.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-alternative-nbsp">Breakthrough alternative&nbsp;</h2>



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.02897-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microbiology Spectrum</a>, demonstrates the potential of using modified phages as new therapeutics against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Erica Hartmann, the lead researcher and an associate professor at Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering, emphasized the importance of this development. 



“Antimicrobial resistance is sometimes referred to as the ‘silent pandemic.’ The numbers of infections and deaths from infections are increasing worldwide. It’s a massive problem. Phage therapy has emerged as an untapped alternative to our reliance on using antimicrobials," she said.



Hartmann's work involved the use of electroporation, a method of introducing DNA into bacterial cells, which enabled the phage DNA to bypass the bacterium's defense mechanisms. The successful infiltration of the DNA into P. aeruginosa led to the creation of virions that cut through and killed the bacterial cell.



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



The implications of this research are vast, especially considering the escalating global crisis of antibacterial resistance. Hartmann highlighted the potential of phage therapies, which can be highly specific in targeting bacterial infections without the broad disruption caused by antibiotics.&nbsp;



"What’s powerful about phage is it can be very specific in the way that antibiotics are not,” she said. “If you take an antibiotic for a sinus infection, for example, it disrupts your entire gastrointestinal tract. A phage therapy can be designed to affect only the infection.”



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



Although phage therapies have been explored before, Hartmann's focus on P. aeruginosa, one of the top five deadliest human pathogens, marks a significant step forward. This pathogen is particularly dangerous for individuals with compromised immune systems and is a common cause of hospital infections.



The study showcases a novel approach to dealing with drug-resistant bacteria, offering a glimmer of hope in what has become a critical global health issue. By furthering our understanding of phages and their potential as therapeutic agents, Hartmann's research opens the door to innovative treatments that could significantly impact public health.



More about antibiotic-resistant bacteria&nbsp;



Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are strains of bacteria that have developed the ability to survive exposure to antibiotics that were originally effective against them. This phenomenon poses a significant public health challenge, as it can make bacterial infections harder to treat.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-selection">Natural selection</h3>



The resistance develops through natural selection: bacteria with genetic mutations that confer resistance are more likely to survive in the presence of antibiotics. These surviving bacteria then reproduce, passing on the resistance genes. Over time, this process can lead to the emergence of bacterial populations that are resistant to one or more antibiotics.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overuse-of-antibiotics-nbsp">Overuse of antibiotics&nbsp;</h3>



The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both human medicine and in agriculture have accelerated the spread of antibiotic resistance. In healthcare, this includes using antibiotics for non-bacterial infections or not completing prescribed courses. In agriculture, antibiotics are often used to promote growth in livestock, a practice that contributes to the development of resistant bacteria.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resistant-infections-nbsp">Resistant infections&nbsp;</h3>



Resistant bacteria can spread between individuals and across communities, making infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and gonorrhea harder to treat. This situation leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigation-strategies">Mitigation strategies</h3>



To combat antibiotic resistance, efforts are focused on prudent use of antibiotics, development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments, better infection control in healthcare settings, and improved hygiene and sanitation practices. Public education on the appropriate use of antibiotics is also crucial.



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Scientists create viruses to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a potentially revolutionary approach...

Evolutionary biologists from Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant strides in understanding how bird brains evolved to support flight. 



By integrating PET scans of contemporary pigeons with analyses of dinosaur fossils, the research sheds light on a long-standing biological mystery: the development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/body-sizes-and-shapes-of-birds-are-shrinking-as-the-earth-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> flight capabilities through brain evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-cerebellum-brain-region-and-flight-evolution">Birds' cerebellum brain region and flight evolution</h2>



The key discovery is the adaptive enlargement of the cerebellum in certain fossil vertebrates. This brain region, crucial for movement and motor control, appears to have played a pivotal role in this evolutionary process.



For years, scientists have speculated about the importance of the cerebellum region of the brain in bird flight, yet lacked concrete evidence. 



Addressing this gap, the current study juxtaposes PET scan data from modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pigeons</a> during flight with the fossil record of ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-birds-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>. 



"Powered flight among vertebrates is a rare event in evolutionary history," says <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/amy-balanoff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Amy Balanoff</a>, assistant professor at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins</a> and lead author of the study.



Remarkably, only three vertebrate groups -- pterosaurs, bats, and birds -- achieved this feat, each evolving independently on the evolutionary tree.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-physical-adaptations">Beyond physical adaptations</h2>



Dr. Balanoff and her team delved beyond external physical adaptations to explore the neurological foundations of flight. 



Collaborating with biomedical engineers at <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stony Brook University</a>, they compared brain activity in pigeons before and after flight. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/bird-flight_brain-evolution_endocasts_woodpecker-Melanerpes-aurifrons_credit-Amy-Balanoff_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Using PET imaging</a> -- a technique akin to those used in human medicine -- they examined changes in 26 brain regions.



The results were revealing. In all eight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-traits-help-birds-thrive-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> studied, the cerebellum exhibited significant increases in activity during flight. 



This was complemented by heightened activity in the optic flow pathways, which link the retina to the cerebellum and are instrumental in processing visual movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-technology-and-evolutionary-history">Modern technology and evolutionary history</h2>



The novelty of this flight research lies in its correlation of modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-is-luring-birds-to-their-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> brain function with historical evolutionary developments. 



Utilizing a digital database of dinosaur skull endocasts, Dr. Balanoff traced the expansion of the cerebellum back to the earliest maniraptoran dinosaurs, precursors to the first flying birds. 



This enlargement, coupled with increased tissue folding in the cerebellum, suggests a trajectory toward greater brain complexity and flight readiness.



While the findings are promising, the researchers acknowledge their preliminary nature. They caution that similar brain activity changes could occur in other behaviors, like gliding. 



The study also focused on straightforward flying, leaving the role of other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-feeding-benefits-people-as-much-as-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> brain regions in complex maneuvers an open question.



The team's future endeavors aim to identify specific cerebellar regions and neural connections critical to flight. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-flight-evolution-in-bird-s-brains">Implications of flight evolution in bird's brains</h2>



This research contributes to a broader scientific dialogue about brain evolution, as posited by Dr. Gabriel Bever, associate professor at Johns Hopkins. 



He suggests that the enlargement of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/as-urban-heat-continues-to-rise-birds-are-moving-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> brain throughout evolutionary history may reflect the need to navigate diverse landscapes, ultimately paving the way for various locomotive adaptations, including flight.



“At Johns Hopkins, the biomedical community has a wide-ranging set of tools and technology to help us understand evolutionary history and link our findings to fundamental research on how the brain works,” Dr. Bever concluded.



In summary, the innovative research conducted by the team at Johns Hopkins Medicine marks a significant advancement in our understanding of avian flight evolution. 



By ingeniously combining PET scan data of modern pigeons with the fossil analysis of ancient dinosaurs, they have uncovered the critical role of the cerebellum in enabling flight. 



This breakthrough deepens our comprehension of bird brain evolution and guides scientific investigation towards the intricate connections between brain development and physical capabilities across different species.



As this study bridges past and present, it paves the way for future research to further unravel the mysteries of evolutionary biology and the complex journey of life on our planet.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2023.2172" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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How birds’ brains evolved to enable them to fly

Evolutionary biologists from Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant strides...

Exo,Planets,Lit,By,An,Alien,Sun,(3d,Render,,Elements

The quest for extraterrestrial life has taken an exciting turn, thanks to the anticipated arrival of the next generation of advanced telescopes. A new study explains how these telescopes could revolutionize our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifting-the-veil-on-alien-exoplanets-with-hazy-atmospheres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">search for life</a> in exoplanet atmospheres beyond Earth.



At the forefront of this exploration are astronomers from <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>, who have delved into the capabilities of upcoming telescopes. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-for-biosignatures-in-exoplanet-atmospheres">Hunting for biosignatures in exoplanet atmospheres</h2>



Their focus? Examining the atmospheres of 10 rocky exoplanets, particularly for chemical traces such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, and water. 



These elements, known as biosignatures, are critical indicators of life, and their presence in Earth's atmosphere has been a cornerstone in understanding our own planet's livability.



The study's findings are particularly promising for two nearby exoplanets: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/next-generation-telescopes-could-detect-signs-of-life-on-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proxima Centauri b</a> and <a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/7641/gj-887-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GJ 887 b</a>. These telescopes are remarkably adept at detecting potential biosignatures. 



Interestingly, Proxima Centauri b stands out as the only one where carbon dioxide could be detected if present.



This research suggests a tantalizing possibility: that these '<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-exoplanet-k2-18-have-the-right-conditions-to-support-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Earths</a>' -- planets larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune -- might harbor conditions conducive to life. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-discovering-extraterrestrial-life">Potential for discovering extraterrestrial life</h2>



Although no exoplanet atmosphere has yet been found that mirrors Earth's early life-supporting conditions, these planets are becoming prime candidates for future research missions.



The study, spearheaded by Huihao Zhang, a senior in astronomy at Ohio State, also explored the effectiveness of specialized instruments, including the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and other Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs). 



These include the European <a href="https://elt.eso.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extremely Large Telescope</a>, the <a href="https://www.tmt.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thirty-Meter-Telescope</a>, and the <a href="https://giantmagellan.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giant Magellan Telescope</a>. The aim was to understand their ability in directly imaging exoplanets.



“Not every planet is suitable for direct imaging, but that’s why simulations give us a rough idea of what the ELTs would have delivered and the promises they’re meant to hold when they are built," explained Zhang. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technological-innovations-in-telescopic-imaging">Technological innovations in telescopic imaging</h2>



Direct imaging of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-weather-exoplanet-wasp-121-b-has-a-dynamic-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a> involves techniques like using a coronagraph or starshade to block the host star's light. 



This allows for capturing a faint image of the orbiting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-planet-system-discovered-just-270-light-years-away-named-toi-1136/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanet</a>. However, this method is challenging and time-consuming. The team's objective was to assess how well the ELTs could manage this task.



Their approach involved testing each telescope's instruments to differentiate universal background noise from the planetary noise targeted in the detection of biosignatures. 



This is measured by the signal-to-noise ratio; the higher it is, the easier it is to detect and analyze a planet’s wavelength.



The results were insightful. The direct imaging mode of the European ELT's Mid-infrared ELT Imager and Spectrograph excelled in detecting methane, carbon dioxide, and water on three planets (GJ 887 b, Proxima b, and Wolf 1061 c). 



Its High Angular Resolution Monolithic Optical and Near-infrared Integral field spectrograph could detect the same gases, plus oxygen, albeit requiring significantly more exposure time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ground-vs-space-the-telescope-technology-showdown">Ground vs. space: The telescope technology showdown</h2>



Zhang highlighted the comparison between these ground-based instruments and JWST's space-based capabilities, acknowledging the distinct advantages and challenges each type faces.



"It’s hard to say whether space telescopes are better than ground-based telescopes, as they operate in different environments and locations," he said. "Their observations are influenced differently."



The study revealed that for<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-85-new-exoplanets-that-could-harbor-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> certain planets</a>, like GJ 887 b, ELTs are particularly well-suited due to high signal-to-noise ratios. However, for some transiting planets, like those in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jwst-provides-new-insights-into-a-distant-star-and-its-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRAPPIST-1</a> system, JWST's techniques are more effective than direct imaging from ELTs.



<a href="https://astronomy.osu.edu/people/wang.12220" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ji Wang</a>, co-author of the study and an assistant professor in astronomy at Ohio State, emphasized the importance of simulation in preparing for these billion-dollar missions. 



“The importance of simulation, especially for missions that cost billions of dollars, cannot be stressed enough,” said Wang. 



“Not only do people have to build the hardware, they also try really hard to simulate the performance and be prepared to achieve those glorious results.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exoplanet-atmospheres-and-the-implications-of-alien-life">Exoplanet atmospheres and the implications of alien life</h2>



As the ELTs are expected to be operational towards the end of this decade, researchers are now focusing on simulating how these instruments might analyze Earth's atmosphere. 



“We want to see to what extent we can study our atmosphere to exquisite detail and how much information we can extract from it,” said Wang. “Because if we cannot answer habitability questions with Earth’s atmosphere, then there’s no way we can start to answer these questions around other planets.”



In summary, the advent of advanced telescopes marks a significant milestone in our cosmic journey, fundamentally transforming our search for extraterrestrial life. 



These next-generation instruments, with their unparalleled ability to analyze the atmospheres of distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-worlds-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a>, bring us closer than ever to unraveling the mysteries of the universe. 



As astronomers harness these powerful tools, they enhance our understanding of potential life-supporting planets while reinforcing the collaborative spirit of scientific discovery. 



The findings from The Ohio State University team underscore this progress, serving as a beacon of hope and curiosity for future explorations that promise to expand our horizons and deepen our comprehension of the vast cosmos that surrounds us.



The full study was published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-3881/ad109e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astronomical Journal</a>.



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New telescopes can directly detect signs of alien life in exoplanet atmospheres

The quest for extraterrestrial life has taken an exciting turn,...

Three,Red,Diagonal,Dna,Chains,Against,Dark,Blue,Background.,Concept

The human genome, a marvel of biological complexity, is much more than just a static blueprint of life. It is a dynamic, ever-evolving entity, filled with peculiar features that continue to intrigue scientists. 



Among these features are transposable elements (TEs), segments of DNA with the remarkable ability to move within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/complete-sequencing-of-the-human-genome-reveals-new-findings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-of-transposable-elements">The science of transposable elements</h2>



Often overshadowed by more prominent genetic components, transposable elements are emerging as crucial players in our genetic landscape.



TEs contribute significantly to the genome's architecture and functionality. 



They are involved in creating regulatory elements, transcription factor binding sites, and chimeric transcripts -- hybrid RNA molecules formed from different genes or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> parts. 



Transposable elements are not mere genetic oddities; they account for about half of our DNA. However, their dynamic nature poses a challenge. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-difficulty-of-tracking-tes">Difficulty of tracking TEs</h2>



As TEs move and age, they undergo changes that obscure their original identity. This process, known as degeneration, makes transposable elements increasingly difficult to track and study.



A new study led by Didier Trono's research group at <a href="https://www.epfl.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPFL</a>, a novel approach has been developed to detect these elusive TEs.



This fascinating research harnesses the power of reconstructed ancestral genomes from various species. 



By comparing these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-primate-genome-project-reveals-hidden-evolutionary-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancestral genomes</a> to the human genome, the researchers could identify TEs that have become degenerate over millions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genomic-time-machine-implications">Genomic "time machine" implications</h2>



This innovative method is akin to using a genomic "time machine." It allows scientists to spot TEs that previous studies, relying solely on human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meet-the-pangenome-the-clearest-snapshot-ever-taken-of-human-genomic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome data</a>, likely missed. 



By employing this technique, the EPFL team has uncovered a significantly larger number of TEs than previously known. 



Remarkably, these newly discovered TEs perform the same regulatory functions as their more recent, identifiable counterparts.



The implications of this discovery are vast and varied. 



“Better understanding TEs and their regulators could lead to insights into human diseases, many of which are believed to be influenced by genetic factors,” says Didier Trono. 



“First and foremost, cancer, but also auto-immune and metabolic disorders, and more generally our body's response to environmental stresses and aging.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transposable-elements-and-human-dna-mysteries">Transposable elements and human DNA mysteries</h2>



This understanding is not limited to a narrow spectrum of conditions; it spans from cancer to autoimmune and metabolic disorders. 



Furthermore, it sheds light on how our bodies respond to environmental stresses and the aging process.



In summary, Trono's research marks a significant advancement in genomics, offering a deeper understanding of the hidden intricacies within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genomes-from-240-mammals-show-what-makes-humans-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our DNA</a>. 



It reminds us that our genetic code is not just a static set of instructions, but a dynamic, ever-changing landscape, rich with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. 



As we continue to unravel these mysteries, we open new doors to understanding the complexities of life and the myriad ways our genetics influence our health and wellbeing. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-human-genome">More about the human genome</h2>



As discussed above, the human genome, a remarkable entity, stands as the complete set of genetic instructions that shape who we are. 



Spanning approximately 3 billion DNA base pairs, it holds the key to our physical and, to some extent, our behavioral traits.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-the-secrets-of-life">Unlocking the secrets of life</h3>



At its core, the human genome serves as a blueprint for building and maintaining a human being. Every cell in our body contains this blueprint, packed into the DNA molecules within the cell's nucleus. 



Scientists have dedicated decades to decoding this complex code, uncovering the functions of genes and their roles in health and disease.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genes-the-building-blocks-of-life">Genes: The building blocks of life</h3>



Genes, the functional units of the genome, direct the production of proteins, which perform vital cellular functions. 



Our body consists of around 20,000 to 25,000 genes, each playing a unique role. 



These genes interact with each other and with environmental factors, influencing everything from our height to our susceptibility to certain diseases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-transposable-elements">Dynamic nature of transposable elements</h3>



Contrary to what many might think, the human genome is not a static entity. It's dynamic, with segments of DNA that can move within the genome. 



These transposable elements are key to understanding genetic variation and evolution. They highlight the genome's role not just as a blueprint, but as a living, changing document.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-genomic-medicine">Personalized genomic medicine</h3>



The study of the human genome has paved the way for personalized medicine. 



By understanding genetic variations, doctors can tailor treatments to individual patients, improving the efficacy of treatments and reducing side effects. 



This personalized approach is revolutionizing healthcare, offering new hope for many diseases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-ethical-considerations">Challenges and ethical considerations</h3>



As we delve deeper into the human genome, ethical challenges arise. Issues such as genetic privacy, data security, and the implications of genetic testing are at the forefront of discussions. 



It's crucial to balance scientific advancement with ethical considerations to ensure that genomic research benefits humanity responsibly.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-genomic-research-using-transposable-elements">Future of genomic research using transposable elements</h3>



The journey of exploring the human genome is far from over. Every discovery opens new questions, driving scientists to continue their quest to understand this complex and fascinating component of life. 



As research advances, we can expect groundbreaking insights into genetics, health, and disease, shaping the future of medicine and biology.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666979X24000247?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Genomics</a>.



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"Genomic time machine" reveals human DNA secrets

The human genome, a marvel of biological complexity, is much...

Global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-will-not-solve-the-issue-of-climate-change/">tree-planting</a> campaigns are popular for their perceived benefits against climate change and for wildlife habitats. 



However, successful reforestation requires more than just planting trees; it demands ecological understanding, long-term planning, and follow-up. 



Researchers at <a href="https://www.ucsc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Cruz</a> are educating organizations and the public about best practices for effective reforestation.



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



"As global tree-growing efforts have escalated in the past decade, copious failures and unintended consequences have prompted many reforestation best practices guidelines. The extent to which organizations have integrated these ecological and socioeconomic recommendations, however, remains uncertain," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"We reviewed websites of 99 intermediary organizations that promote and fund tree-growing projects to determine how well they report following best practices."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-improvement-and-accountability-nbsp">Need for improvement and accountability&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Karen Holl is a restoration ecologist and professor of Environmental Studies at UC Santa Cruz.&nbsp;



"One of the common problems is that organizations will just say, ‘We're going to put this many trees in the ground,’ but the important question is, ‘What comes afterward?’ There are many documented failures from tree-planting campaigns, so we would hope to see organizations improving their practices and taking on more accountability, including through publicly reporting data," said Professor Holl.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-review">Comprehensive review</h2>



UCSC postdoctoral researcher Spencer Schubert led a study analyzing web content from nearly 100 tree-planting organizations worldwide. The team rated each organization based on their public information's adherence to best practices.&nbsp;



“We reviewed websites as well as annual reports and other linked documents to really get a broad view of the information that organizations reveal to the public,” Schubert explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-practices-guidelines-nbsp">Best practices guidelines&nbsp;</h2>



The study utilized 10 guidelines from Holl’s prior work, focusing on community engagement, addressing deforestation causes, avoiding harms, and long-term project management.&nbsp;



The findings showed improvements in recognizing community involvement, with 91% of organizations acknowledging its importance. However, detailed data and clarity about long-term project management are lacking.



"Overall, there are still many gaps in the details and data that we’re seeing," Schubert said, pointing to uncertainties in long-term benefits. The study urges organizations to move beyond generalities and specify implementation of best practices, including data collection and longer-term commitments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meaningful-reforestation-outcomes-nbsp">Meaningful reforestation outcomes&nbsp;</h2>



“Things are moving in the right direction with some of these organizations," Holl added, while expressing her hope for continued focus on improving practices to achieve meaningful reforestation outcomes.&nbsp;



This approach aims to maximize the positive impacts of tree-planting initiatives and prevent potential negative consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-higher-standards">Higher standards</h2>



"We advocate the importance of addressing common pitfalls that have led to previous reforestation failures and the need to follow best practices guidelines to achieve desired goals, particularly as many inexperienced organizations continue to join the reforestation movement," wrote the researchers.



"Holding the various actors in reforestation movements to a higher standard will require moving beyond narrow focus on tree planting statistics toward increasing collective consciousness among practitioners and funders about practices and standards that are most likely to lead to long-term success."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/conl.13002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Letters</a>.



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Tree-planting campaigns fall short of successful reforestation

Global tree-planting campaigns are popular for their perceived benefits against...

Black,Girl,Listening,To,The,Music,With,A,Pair,Of

Music isn't just an auditory experience. It's also a physical one that transcends cultural boundaries, evoking similar feelings and physical sensations for people around the world.



This is the core finding of a groundbreaking study from Finland's <a href="https://turkupetcentre.fi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Turku PET Centre</a>, exploring how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-bringing-people-together/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a> emotionally and physically impacts listeners worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-musical-experience">Studying the musical experience</h2>



The study, a collaborative effort between Turku PET Centre, <a href="https://www.aalto.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aalto University</a>, and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (<a href="https://en.uestc.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UESTC</a>), involved an extensive online survey with 1,500 participants from Western and Asian backgrounds. 



Participants were asked to rate the emotions and bodily sensations they experienced while listening to a variety of Western and Asian songs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-and-physical-responses-to-music">Emotional and physical responses to music</h2>



Academy Research Fellow Vesa Putkinen explains the study's fascinating findings. 



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-inspired-by-music-shape-our-most-enduring-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Music</a> that evoked different emotions, like happiness, sadness, or fear, caused distinct bodily sensations. For instance, people generally felt happy and danceable music in their arms and legs, whereas tender and sad music was more often felt in the chest area," says Putkinen. 



This discovery highlights the deep-seated connection between our emotional responses to music and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/music_evokes-similar-bodily-sensations_emotions_Credit-Lauri-Nummenmaa_University-of-Turku_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical sensations we experience</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cross-cultural-similarities-in-music-experiences">Cross-cultural similarities in music experiences</h2>



Another key finding of the study is the universality of these musical experiences. Despite cultural differences, Western and Asian listeners reported similar emotional and physical responses to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-listeners-brainwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>. 



This suggests that music-induced emotions might be rooted in inherited biological mechanisms rather than cultural learning.



Professor Lauri Nummenmaa elaborates on these universal patterns. 



"Certain acoustic features of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-therapy-key-features-of-healing-music-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>, like a clear beat or dissonance, were consistently associated with specific emotions across cultures," Nummenmaa explains. 



"For example, a clear beat often led to feelings of happiness and an urge to dance, while dissonance was linked to aggressiveness," she concluded.



These cross-cultural similarities indicate that our reactions to music are likely ingrained in our biology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-s-role-in-human-evolution">Music's role in human evolution</h2>



The study also delves into the role of music in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-are-born-with-the-ability-to-recognize-the-beat-in-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human evolution</a>. Putkinen suggests that music may have evolved as a tool for social cohesion. 



"Music's influence on the body is universal. Across cultures, people move to music, and synchronized postures, movements, and vocalizations signify affiliation," Putkinen notes. 



"Music likely emerged during human evolution to enhance social interaction and community by synchronizing our bodies and emotions," he concludes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-therapeutic-uses-of-music">Therapeutic uses of music</h2>



Music therapy is a dynamic field where healthcare professionals use music to support mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being. 



This therapeutic approach harnesses the inherent qualities of music to facilitate healing and personal growth.



Music therapy plays a significant role in cognitive rehabilitation. For patients with conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia, familiar melodies can trigger memory recall, improving cognitive function. Therapists actively use music to help these patients regain lost memories and maintain cognitive abilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Musical experiences and mental health</h2>



In the realm of mental health, music therapy offers a unique avenue for emotional expression and processing. It is particularly effective for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. 



As discussed above, creating or listening to music allows patients to express emotions non-verbally, often leading to significant improvements in mood and mental health.



Music therapy also fosters social skills development. Group sessions encourage communication, collaboration, and emotional sharing, beneficial for those with autism or social anxiety. 



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



By engaging in music-making or listening experiences together, individuals can build connections and improve their social interactions.



In summary, this comprehensive study sheds light on the universal power of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifelong-music-engagement-leads-to-better-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>. It transcends cultural barriers, evoking similar emotions and physical sensations in people from diverse backgrounds. 



This finding deepens our understanding of music's role in human life while emphasizing its potential as a unifying force in an increasingly fragmented world.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2308859121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Music causes similar emotional experiences and sensations in all cultures

Music isn't just an auditory experience. It's also a physical...

<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...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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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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