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...

A,Beautiful,,Huge,European,Eagle,Owl,Flying,Low,Over,Fields

Owls, known for their silent flight through tranquil environments, owe this remarkable trait to their wings, which produce minimal noise, allowing them to stealthily locate prey. This intriguing characteristic has captured the attention of researchers for years.



Recent studies have linked silent flight to micro-fringes found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/california-spotted-owl-officially-listed-as-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owl</a> wings. These trailing-edge (TE) fringes are key in reducing noise from air movement caused by wing flapping. 



Understanding these fringes better could pave the way for quieter fluid machinery. However, the specifics of how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/owls_silent-flight_microfrings-on-wings_credit-Hao-Liu_Chiba-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fringes</a> interact with other wing features in actual owl wings remained a mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-silent-flight-of-owls">Studying the silent flight of owls</h2>



Aiming to demystify the silent flight of owls, Professor Hao Liu and his team, including Dr. Jaixin Rong from Chiba University's <a href="https://www.se.chiba-u.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Graduate School of Engineering</a> and Dr. Yajun Jiang and Dr. Masashi Murakami from the Graduate School of Science, explored the influence of TE fringes on owl wings' sound and aerodynamics. 



Prof. Liu explained the motivation for their research, stating, “Despite many efforts by many researchers, exactly how owls achieve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/owl-wings-inspire-noise-reduction-in-wind-turbines-and-aircraft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silent flight</a> is still an open question. Understanding the precise role of TE fringes in their silent flight will enable us to apply them in developing practical low-noise fluid machinery.”



The team created two detailed three-dimensional models of a real owl wing, one with TE fringes and the other without, to conduct their study. 



They performed fluid flow simulations using these models, combining large eddy simulations and the Ffowcs-Williams-Hawkings analogy, at the speed of a gliding owl's approach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-findings-and-implications">Findings and implications</h2>



Their findings were revealing. The TE fringes significantly reduced noise levels in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-restoration-could-protect-spotted-owls-in-the-long-term/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owl</a> wings, especially at steep angles of attack, without compromising aerodynamic performance. 



The team discovered two key ways TE fringes affect airflow. First, they disrupt the trailing edge vortices, thereby reducing interactions between feathers at the wingtips. 



This mechanism, in turn, diminishes the shedding of wingtip vortices. These systems work together to improve both aerodynamic force and noise reduction in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/barn-owls-construct-mental-maps-during-flight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owls</a>.



Prof. Liu highlighted the importance of their findings, explaining, “Our findings demonstrate the effect of complex interactions between the TE fringes and the various wing features, highlighting the validity of using these fringes for reducing noise in practical applications such as drones, wind turbines, propellers and even flying cars.”



In summary, this study not only deepens our understanding of owls' silent flight but also opens up new avenues for biomimetic designs in creating quieter fluid machinery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-owls-and-silent-flight">More about owls and silent flight</h2>



As discussed above, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-new-species-of-screech-owls-are-already-critically-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owls</a> are mysterious and captivating birds of prey, dominating the night sky with their remarkable abilities and unique characteristics. 



These nocturnal creatures have fascinated humans for centuries, not only because of their haunting hoots and striking appearance but also due to their incredible hunting skills and adaptability across various habitats.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exceptional-hunters-with-silent-flight">Exceptional hunters with silent flight</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/barn-owls-improve-navigational-devices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Owls</a> stand out as exceptional hunters. Their ability to fly almost silently gives them a significant advantage over their prey. 



The specialized design of their feathers allows air to pass through without creating noise, enabling them to swoop down on unsuspecting prey. 



This silent flight, coupled with their sharp talons and beaks, makes owls formidable predators.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superior-vision-and-hearing">Superior vision and hearing</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-great-grey-owls-capture-prey-beneath-snow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Owls</a> possess extraordinary night vision, allowing them to see prey in low light conditions. Their large, forward-facing eyes provide a wide field of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/owls-humans-visual/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vision</a> and depth perception, crucial for pinpointing prey from a distance. 



Moreover, owls have a highly developed sense of hearing, with ears that are not symmetrical. This asymmetry lets them accurately locate sounds in different planes, an essential skill for hunting in the dark.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-owl-species-and-flight-adaptations">Diverse owl species and flight adaptations</h3>



There are over 200 species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-owls-decline-drastically/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owls</a>, each adapted to its environment. From the tiny Elf Owl, which nests in cacti in the desert, to the imposing Snowy Owl, which thrives in the Arctic tundra, these birds have developed unique adaptations to survive in various ecosystems. 



Owls can camouflage themselves against tree bark or snow, making them nearly invisible to both prey and predators.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-in-ecosystems">Significance in ecosystems</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-barn-owls-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Owls</a> play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. As predators, they control the population of rodents and other small animals, preventing overpopulation and the spread of disease. 



Their presence indicates a healthy environment, making them vital indicators of ecological health.



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



Throughout history, owls have held a place in mythology and folklore. Seen as symbols of wisdom in some cultures and omens of death in others, they have always stirred human imagination and curiosity.



In summary, owls, with their silent wings, remarkable hunting abilities, and diverse adaptations, continue to captivate and intrigue us. 



As we learn more about these magnificent birds, we gain a deeper appreciation for their role in nature and our shared environment.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-3190/ad0aa9">Bioinspiration &amp; Biomimetics</a>.



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The silent flight of owls is one of nature’s great mysteries

Owls, known for their silent flight through tranquil environments, owe...

A new study published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072951" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ Open</a> has established a link between the consumption of energy drinks and reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-we-sleep-study-reveals-new-clues-behind-this-mystery/">sleep</a> quality, including insomnia, among college students. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-disturbances-nbsp">Sleep disturbances&nbsp;</h2>



The research indicates that the more frequently students consume energy drinks, the fewer hours of sleep they get each night. Surprisingly, even occasional consumption, ranging from 1-3 times a month, is associated with a higher risk of sleep disturbances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-caffeine-content-nbsp">High caffeine content&nbsp;</h2>



Energy drinks, known for their high caffeine content averaging 150 mg per liter, along with varying amounts of sugar, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, are marketed as boosts for mental and physical energy. They are particularly popular among college students and young adults.&nbsp;



While there is some evidence of their impact on sleep quality, the specific aspects of sleep affected and potential gender differences in these effects were unclear.



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



The study used data from 53,266 participants aged 18 to 35 in the <a href="https://www.fhi.no/en/cristin-projects/ongoing/the-shot-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Students’ Health and Well-being Study</a> (SHOT22 study), a comprehensive national survey of college and university students in Norway. The survey included detailed questions about sleep patterns and energy drink consumption frequency.



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



The experts found notable sex differences in energy drink consumption patterns. For instance, 50% of women compared to 40% of men reported never or seldom consuming energy drinks. Among those who consumed these drinks, 5.5% of women and 8% of men reported drinking them 4-6 times a week.



The study revealed a clear dose-response relationship between energy drink intake and reduced sleep duration for both sexes. Those consuming energy drinks daily slept about half an hour less than those with occasional or no consumption. Increased consumption was also linked to more time awake at night and longer sleep latency, indicating poorer sleep efficiency.



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



Insomnia rates were higher among daily consumers, with 51% of women and 37% of men reporting insomnia, compared to 33% of women and 22% of men who consumed these drinks occasionally or not at all.



Higher consumption of energy drinks was consistently associated with an increased risk of various sleep problems, with the most substantial impact observed on short sleep duration.&nbsp;



Men who consumed energy drinks daily were more than twice as likely to sleep fewer than six hours per night, while the likelihood for women was 87% higher compared to those with no or occasional consumption.



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



While the study is observational and cannot establish cause and effect, the findings are significant. The researchers acknowledge the possibility of reverse causality and the limitations of self-reported data without precise information on consumption timing or quantities.&nbsp;



However, they emphasize the robust association between energy drink consumption frequency and various sleep parameters, suggesting that reducing energy drink intake could be a target for interventions to improve sleep among college students.



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Energy drinks directly linked to insomnia and reduced sleep quality

A new study published in BMJ Open has established a...

The concept of life's emergence in a "warm little pond," as postulated by Charles Darwin, has fascinated scientists for generations. An intriguing study from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> reexamines this theory that life on Earth evolved in shallow soda lakes. 



Researchers have found that soda lakes, particularly a shallow one in western Canada, may provide the perfect conditions for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birth of life</a>, a hypothesis that reimagines our understanding of life's origins on Earth about 4 billion years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-life-s-molecular-origins">Tracing life's molecular origins</h2>



The journey to this discovery began with the acknowledgment that life's complex molecules can spontaneously form under specific conditions. 



This notion, dramatized in the popular film “Lessons in Chemistry,” is rooted in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miller%E2%80%93Urey_experiment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">real-life breakthroughs</a> of the 1950s and beyond. 



These advancements revealed the spontaneous formation of amino acids and, later, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-building-blocks-may-have-formed-near-newborn-stars-and-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks</a> of RNA. However, a significant hurdle, known as the “phosphate problem,” stood in the way. 



The emergence of life requires high phosphate concentrations, far exceeding those found in natural water bodies like rivers, lakes, or oceans.



“I think these soda lakes provide an answer to the phosphate problem,” said senior author <a href="https://environment.uw.edu/faculty/david-catling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Catling</a>, a UW professor of Earth and space sciences. 



“Our answer is hopeful: This environment should occur on the early Earth, and probably on other planets, because it's just a natural outcome of the way that planetary surfaces are made and how water chemistry works," Catling explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-soda-lakes-are-unique">Why soda lakes are unique</h2>



These lakes are unique due to their high levels of dissolved sodium and carbonate, akin to baking soda, resulting from interactions between water and volcanic rocks. 



Moreover, they can contain elevated phosphate levels, potentially solving the puzzle of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroids-were-formed-in-cold-regions-of-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life's emergence</a>.



In 2019, University of Washington researchers had <a href="https://www.washington.edu/news/2019/12/30/life-lakes-high-phosphorus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theorized</a> that soda lakes could naturally concentrate phosphate to levels a million times higher than typical waters. 



Their latest study aimed to confirm this in a real-world setting, leading them to Last Chance Lake in British Columbia, Canada. 



This shallow, murky lake, situated on federal land, rests above volcanic rock and experiences conditions ideal for a soda lake: low water levels and high compound concentration due to evaporation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cradles-of-life-on-earth-and-other-planets">Cradles of life on Earth and other planets</h2>



The team's analysis, as published in their recent paper, suggests that soda lakes could indeed be cradles for the emergence of life on Earth and potentially on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-a-galaxy-12-billion-light-years-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">other planets</a>. 



“We studied a natural environment that should be common throughout the solar system. Volcanic rocks are prevalent on the surfaces of planets, so this same water chemistry could have occurred not just on early Earth, but also on early Mars and early Venus, if liquid water was present,” said lead author <a href="https://ess.uw.edu/people/sebastian-haas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sebastian Haas</a>, a UW postdoctoral researcher in Earth and space sciences.



Volcanic rock prevalence on planetary surfaces suggests that similar chemical processes could have occurred on early Mars and Venus, given the presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-discovery-earths-building-blocks-contained-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liquid water</a>.



The research team visited <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/aDDRiCqjTGBWbhPx7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Last Chance Lake</a> three times in 2021-2022, collecting samples of water, lake sediment, and salt crust to understand its unique chemistry. 



In most lakes, phosphate binds with calcium to form insoluble calcium phosphate. However, in Last Chance Lake, calcium combines with carbonate and magnesium to form dolomite, leaving phosphate in high concentration in the water.



“You have this seemingly dry salt flat, but there are nooks and crannies. And between the salt and the sediment there are little pockets of water that are really high in dissolved phosphate,” Haas said. 



“What we wanted to understand was why and when could this happen on the ancient Earth, in order to provide a cradle for the origin of life.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tale-of-two-soda-lakes">A tale of two soda lakes</h2>



Interestingly, the study also compared Last Chance Lake with nearby Goodenough Lake to understand why life hadn't consumed the high phosphate levels in Last Chance Lake. 



The findings revealed that the saltiness of Last Chance Lake inhibited lifeforms that fix nitrogen, unlike in Goodenough Lake, which supports life that consumes phosphate. 



“This study adds to growing evidence that evaporative soda lakes are environments meeting the requirements for origin-of-life chemistry by accumulating key ingredients at high concentrations,” Catling said.



This characteristic makes Last Chance Lake a more accurate representation of a lifeless early Earth environment.



Professor Catling emphasizes the broader implications of this research for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bouncing-comets-could-deliver-lifes-building-blocks-to-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life's origins</a>.



“These new findings will help inform origin-of-life researchers who are either replicating these reactions in the lab or are looking for potentially habitable environments on other planets,” Catling concluded.



In summary, the University of Washington's study on soda lakes, particularly Last Chance Lake, opens a fascinating window into the past, offering a plausible answer to the long-standing question of how life might have emerged on our planet and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-has-a-water-reservoir-two-miles-deep-enough-to-fill-earths-red-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">possibly others</a>. 



This discovery not only enriches our understanding of life's origins but also expands the horizons of our search for life beyond Earth.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-023-01192-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Life on Earth may have first sparked in shallow "soda lakes"

The concept of life's emergence in a "warm little pond,"...

In an age where medical science continually pushes the boundaries of what's possible, a new and intriguing research area is emerging, focusing on the potential to delay or even prevent menopause in healthy women.&nbsp;



This research, centered around ovarian tissue freezing, is not just a scientific curiosity but could hold significant implications for women's health and reproductive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anti-aging-molecule-extends-lifespan-by-improving-cellular-health/">longevity</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paradigm-shift-in-menopause-research">Paradigm shift in menopause research</h2>



The topic of menopause, a natural yet complex phase in a woman's life, is undergoing a radical re-evaluation. Experts are exploring the possibilities of extending child-bearing years and alleviating health risks and symptoms associated with decreased estrogen levels.&nbsp;



The debate is intense, with some seeing immense potential benefits and others cautioning against altering a natural life stage. At the forefront of this exploration is Dr. Kutluk Oktay, a renowned ovarian biologist at <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Medicine</a> (YSM). 



Dr. Oktay, who performed the world’s first ovarian transplant using cryopreserved tissue in 1999, envisions a future where ovarian tissue freezing could significantly delay or prevent menopause. “For the first time in medical history, we have the ability to potentially delay or eliminate menopause.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mathematical-model">Mathematical model</h2>



Utilizing data from numerous ovarian cryopreservation and transplantation procedures, Dr. Oktay and his team have developed a mathematical model to predict the potential duration of menopause delay in healthy women based on various factors, including the age at procedure and the quantity of ovarian tissue harvested.&nbsp;



The model takes into account the survival rates of primordial follicles post-transplantation, which are expected to improve with advancing technologies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ovarian-tissue-cryopreservation">Ovarian tissue cryopreservation</h2>



Originally used in cancer patients to preserve fertility, this procedure involves laparoscopic removal and freezing of ovarian tissue at temperatures as low as negative 320 degrees Fahrenheit. The preserved tissue can later be reimplanted, restoring ovarian function.&nbsp;



The new research expands this technique's potential to healthy women, offering a way to extend their fertile lifespan and potentially delay menopause.



According to Dr. Oktay, the younger the patient, the better the potential outcomes, with the model being most effective for women under 40. The amount of tissue removed is also critical - too much could lead to early menopause, while too little may not delay it effectively. The model assists in determining the optimum amount of tissue for a given age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prospects-for-delaying-menopause">Prospects for delaying menopause</h2>



Dr. Oktay's predictions are optimistic. For women under 40, the procedure could significantly delay menopause, and for those under 30, it might prevent it entirely. Dr. Hugh S. Taylor, Chair at YSM, emphasizes the appeal of this option, especially for women who wish to defer pregnancy for professional or personal reasons.



Delaying menopause could also offer health benefits, as studies suggest that a later menopausal age is associated with longer life and reduced risks of various conditions like cardiovascular disease and bone loss. However, whether these benefits would apply to women who delay menopause through ovarian tissue cryopreservation remains to be fully understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-nbsp">Future research&nbsp;</h2>



While the publication of studies on the outcomes for healthy women who opt for this procedure is still forthcoming, the current research and mathematical model offer a promising start.&nbsp;



The potential to change the way menopause is perceived and managed is immense, but it comes with the need for continued research to fully understand the long-term benefits and risks.



The research is published in the <a href="https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(24)00003-6/pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology</a>.



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Study suggests menopause can be delayed, or even eliminated 

In an age where medical science continually pushes the boundaries...

In a significant announcement, the <a href="https://thebulletin.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists</a> has decided to keep the hands of the Doomsday Clock fixed at 90 seconds to midnight for 2024, signaling a sustained moment of historic danger. 



This decision reflects the ongoing ominous trends that threaten global catastrophe, and emphasizes the urgency of addressing major global threats.



The experts indicate that the decision to maintain the Doomsday Clock's position is not due to a stabilization of global threats but rather to the continued presence of significant dangers. 



The unchanged setting at 90 seconds to midnight, the closest ever in history, underscores the critical nature of the current global situation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-symbol-of-global-peril">A symbol of global peril</h2>



The Doomsday Clock, first set in 1947, is a metaphorical design that highlights the proximity of humanity to self-destruction due to dangerous technologies of our own making.&nbsp;



Initially, the focus was on the nuclear threat during the post-World War II era, especially the potential nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. In 2007, the Bulletin expanded its scope to include catastrophic disruptions from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/">climate change</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-call-for-action">Urgent call for action</h2>



Rachel Bronson, the Bulletin's president and CEO, articulated the urgency of the situation. She stressed that the unchanged time on the Doomsday Clock does not imply stability but a pressing need for action from governments and communities worldwide.&nbsp;



"Conflict hotspots around the world carry the threat of nuclear escalation, climate change is already causing death and destruction, and disruptive technologies like AI and biological research advance faster than their safeguards," said Bronson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-context-nbsp">Historical context&nbsp;</h2>



The Doomsday Clock was conceptualized by scientists involved in the Manhattan Project, which developed the first nuclear weapons during World War II. Artist Martyl Langsdorf, tasked with creating a design for the Bulletin's June 1947 magazine cover, was inspired by the urgency and responsibility felt by these scientists.&nbsp;



Initially considering the symbol for uranium, Langsdorf eventually chose a clock to convey the critical time pressure to control atomic weapons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ominous-trends-nbsp">Ominous trends&nbsp;</h2>



"Ominous trends continue to point the world toward global catastrophe. The war in Ukraine and the widespread and growing reliance on nuclear weapons increase the risk of nuclear escalation. China, Russia, and the United States are all spending huge sums to expand or modernize their nuclear arsenals, adding to the ever-present danger of nuclear war through mistake or miscalculation," the experts wrote in their <a href="https://thebulletin.org/doomsday-clock/current-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024 statement</a>.



"In 2023, Earth experienced its hottest year on record, and massive floods, wildfires, and other climate-related disasters affected millions of people around the world. Meanwhile, rapid and worrisome developments in the life sciences and other disruptive technologies accelerated, while governments made only feeble efforts to control them."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deteriorating-state-of-the-world">Deteriorating state of the world</h2>



"The members of the <a href="https://thebulletin.org/about-us/science-and-security-board/">Science and Security Board</a> have been deeply worried about the deteriorating state of the world. That is why we set the Doomsday Clock at two minutes to midnight in 2019 and at 100 seconds to midnight in 2022."



"Last year, we expressed our heightened concern by moving the Clock to 90 seconds to midnight - the closest to global catastrophe it has ever been - in large part because of Russian threats to use nuclear weapons in the war in Ukraine."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-level-of-danger-nbsp">Unprecedented level of danger&nbsp;</h2>



"Today, we once again set the Doomsday Clock at 90 seconds to midnight because humanity continues to face an unprecedented level of danger."



The team says that leaders and citizens around the world should take this statement as a stark warning and respond urgently, as if today were the most dangerous moment in modern history. "Because it may well be…But the world can be made safer. The Clock can move away from midnight."&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-engagement">Public engagement</h2>



In response to the grave warning represented by the Doomsday Clock, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has removed the paywall for the latest issue of its magazine, encouraging public engagement and awareness.&nbsp;



The publication focuses on actions that individuals and communities can undertake to mitigate these global threats, emphasizing the role of citizens in steering away from the brink of catastrophe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-younger-generations">Younger generations</h2>



Despite the grim warning symbolized by the Doomsday Clock, Bronson notes a glimmer of hope, particularly in the proactive stance of younger generations. Their involvement and leadership in addressing these global challenges provide a beacon of hope.



As the Doomsday Clock remains at a perilous 90 seconds to midnight, the world faces a critical juncture. The collective effort of global citizens and leaders is essential to turn back the hands of the Clock.&nbsp;



The Bulletin's initiative to educate and involve the public is a crucial step in this direction, but it is the actions of individuals and governments that will ultimately determine the fate of the planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-turn-back-the-clock-nbsp">How to turn back the clock&nbsp;</h2>



"Everyone on Earth has an interest in reducing the likelihood of global catastrophe from nuclear weapons, climate change, advances in the life sciences, disruptive technologies, and the widespread corruption of the world’s information ecosystem," wrote the Bulletin team.&nbsp;



"These threats, singularly and as they interact, are of such a character and magnitude that no one nation or leader can bring them under control. That is the task of leaders and nations working together in the shared belief that common threats demand common action."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



"As the first step, and despite their profound disagreements, three of the world’s leading powers - the United States, China, and Russia - should commence serious dialogue about each of the global threats outlined here."&nbsp;



"At the highest levels, these three countries need to take responsibility for the existential danger the world now faces. They have the capacity to pull the world back from the brink of catastrophe. They should do so, with clarity and courage, and without delay."



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Countdown to catastrophe: Doomsday Clock remains unchanged 

In a significant announcement, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists...

Researchers at <a href="https://engineering.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU Tandon School of Engineering</a> have made a significant advancement in addressing the global water crisis. The team is using redox flow desalination (RFD) technology to convert seawater into drinkable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-hydrogel-device-turns-hot-summer-air-into-drinkable-water/">water</a>, while also harnessing renewable energy.&nbsp;



Led by Dr. André Taylor, professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, the research aims for both effective water desalination and sustainable energy storage.&nbsp;



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



"Although water is abundant on Earth, global statistics estimate that up to 66% of the world’s population suffers from water insecurity," wrote the study authors. "Worse, the challenge of securing adequate drinkable water is expected to worsen due to the combined effects of climate change and population growth."&nbsp;



"In regions lacking access to suitable water sources, seawater desalination plays a crucial role in providing potable water."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-benefits-nbsp">Dual benefits&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers documented a 20% increase in the RFD system's salt removal rate and a reduction in energy demand.  



"By seamlessly integrating energy storage and desalination, our vision is to create a sustainable and efficient solution that not only meets the growing demand for freshwater but also champions environmental conservation and renewable energy integration.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storing-excess-energy-nbsp">Storing excess energy&nbsp;</h2>



RFD's inherent versatility lies in its ability to store excess energy from intermittent renewable sources, like solar and wind, and release it during peak demand. This aligns well with the fluctuating energy requirements of desalination processes, making RFD an eco-friendly alternative to traditional desalination methods.&nbsp;



“The success of this project is attributed to the ingenuity and perseverance of Stephen Akwei Maclean, the paper’s first author and a NYU Tandon PhD candidate in chemical and biomolecular engineering,” said Dr. Taylor. “He demonstrated exceptional skill by designing the system architecture using advanced 3D printing technology available at the NYU Maker Space.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-technology-works">How the technology works</h2>



The redox flow desalination system works by dividing incoming seawater into two streams, the salinating and the desalinating streams. Alongside these, two additional channels contain the electrolyte and redox molecule. The system uses a cation exchange membrane (CEM) or an anion exchange membrane (AEM) for effective separation.&nbsp;



In this setup, ions and electrons move through the channels, resulting in a freshwater stream and a concentrated brine stream. "We can control the incoming seawater residence time to produce drinkable water by operating the system in a single pass or batch mode," said Maclean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-energy-nbsp">Sustainable energy&nbsp;</h2>



Moreover, the RFD system can function in reverse, converting the stored chemical energy back into renewable electricity. This unique feature enables RFD systems to act as a kind of "battery," capturing and releasing energy as needed, thus contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.



While the technology is promising, further research is needed to refine the redox flow desalination process, making it more cost-effective. However, the NYU Tandon team's findings mark a critical step forward in the quest for efficient desalination methods, especially as climate change and population growth exacerbate water scarcity.



The success of this project aligns with the mission of DC-MUSE, which focuses on reducing the environmental impact of chemical processes through renewable energy.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2023.101761" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Reports Physical Science</a>.&nbsp;



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Converting seawater into drinkable water is now more sustainable

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have made a...

Supportive and stable caregiving during childhood significantly improves cardiovascular health in adulthood, according to a new study led by <a href="https://med.nyu.edu/our-community/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU Grossman School of Medicine</a> and The Ohio State University Wexler Medical Center.&nbsp;



The research marks a pivotal shift in understanding the long-term impacts of early childhood environments on heart health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-adversity-and-heart-health">Early adversity and heart health</h2>



The connection between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adverse-childhood-experiences-lead-to-lifelong-health-consequences/">childhood adversity</a> - such as abuse, neglect, and household substance use - and deteriorating heart health in later life has been well-documented. However, the new study provides a fresh perspective by highlighting the protective role of positive childhood experiences.



The researchers said the findings are the first to frame adversity and protective factors across a large group when it comes to cardiovascular health over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-risk-factors">Mitigating risk factors</h2>



Study lead author Dr. Robin Ortiz is a professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health at NYU Langone.&nbsp;



“We know that mitigating risk factors for cardiovascular disease must begin in childhood,” said Dr. Ortiz. “At the same time, our findings show that adversity in early childhood does not equal destiny."&nbsp;



"While adverse childhood family environments were associated with lower odds of cardiovascular health in adulthood, our findings suggest that supportive and, importantly, stable caregiving may have a stronger influence on later heart health than early adversity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



The researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 participants in the CARDIA study, a long-term project tracking cardiovascular disease risks in more than 5,000 adults. This cohort was examined at the baseline average age of 25 and followed up at seven and 20-year intervals.



The team used scales to measure childhood adversity, such as child abuse and caregiver warmth.&nbsp;



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



The experts discovered that for each increase in overall family environment adversity and child abuse, there was a corresponding 3.6% and 12.8% lower likelihood of achieving ideal cardiovascular health (CVH), respectively. Conversely, each increase in caregiver warmth was linked to an 11.7% higher chance of better heart health.



Exposure to caregiver warmth in childhood was associated with the highest cardiovascular health scores in adults.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stability-and-consistency-nbsp">Stability and consistency&nbsp;</h2>



What was most unique about the findings, said Dr. Ortiz, was that of all adults with high levels of child abuse exposure, those who also reported high levels of caregiver warmth exposure had lower CVH scores than those with high child abuse but low levels of caregiver warmth exposure.&nbsp;



According to Dr. Ortiz, this suggests that while having a supportive caregiver is crucial to a life course of health, the stability and consistency of that support and warmth in childhood is just as important of a predictor of heart health in later life.



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



Dr. Ortiz noted that individuals who have experienced both abuse and warmth in childhood might face the inability to predict the presence of support overall in their childhood environment.&nbsp;



The results suggest that an unpredictable or unstable relational environment may be associated with poor heart health later in life, while predictable support in childhood may optimize physiology and behavior to result in greater cardiovascular health later in life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-nbsp">Future research&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Ortiz said the hope is that this study offers insight into how supportive and stable caregiving relationships in childhood can offer greater attainment of cardiovascular health at a population level. Future research will focus on the complex relationship between cardiovascular health and economic hardship.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“We have to address healthy caregiver relationships as well as address socioeconomic hardship,” said Dr. Ortiz. “We need policies and programs that support both caregivers and children in order to achieve greater health equity.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.122.009794" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes</a>.



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Support in childhood linked to better heart health in adulthood 

Supportive and stable caregiving during childhood significantly improves cardiovascular health...

Salads and leafy greens, like lettuce, are essential components of a healthy diet on Earth, and they're also crucial for astronauts embarking on space missions. 



Since the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>) introduced <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/exploration-research-and-technology/growing-plants-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space-grown</a> lettuce to the International Space Station (ISS) menu over three years ago, it has become a vital part of astronauts' diets, complementing staples like flour tortillas and powdered coffee. 



However, growing lettuce in space presents unique challenges, especially concerning food safety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problem-lettuce-pathogens-in-space">Problem: Lettuce pathogens in space </h2>



The ISS harbors numerous pathogenic bacteria and fungi, posing a significant risk to astronauts' health. 



These pathogens, including E. coli and Salmonella, can aggressively colonize plant tissues, such as lettuce, leading to potential foodborne illnesses. 



With billions invested annually in space exploration by entities like NASA and <a href="https://www.spacex.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SpaceX</a>, an outbreak aboard the ISS could severely impact mission success.



A team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.udel.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Delaware</a>, including lead author Noah Totsline, recently published studies in Scientific Reports and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41526-023-00323-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Microgravity</a>, exploring this issue in depth. 



They replicated the weightless environment of the ISS to study how lettuce plants respond to these conditions, particularly in terms of pathogen susceptibility.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravity-plant-defense-and-pathogen-invasion">Gravity, plant defense, and pathogen invasion </h2>



Plants typically use their roots to sense gravity, but the University of Delaware team disrupted this process by rotating the plants, simulating microgravity. 



Surprisingly, they found that plants grown under these conditions were more prone to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salmonella-has-found-a-way-to-evade-plant-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salmonella</a> infection. 



The researchers attributed this to an unusual response in the plants' stomata – the tiny pores responsible for gas exchange. Noah Totsline, an alumnus of UD’s <a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/departments/plant-and-soil-sciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Plant and Soil Sciences</a>, explained why in the study.



“The fact that they were remaining open when we were presenting them with what would appear to be a stress was really unexpected. In effect, the plant would not know which way was up or down,” Totsline said. “We were kind of confusing their response to gravity.”



This reaction inadvertently makes the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/special-lettuce-could-protect-astronauts-from-bone-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> more vulnerable to Salmonella invasion.



To achieve the simulation of microgravity, the team utilized a clinostat, a device that rotates plants similarly to a rotisserie chicken. "The plant would not know which way was up or down," Totsline describes. 



This disorientation, while not true microgravity, effectively helped the plants lose their sense of direction, making the conditions right for studying pathogen interaction.



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



The study's findings highlight a critical area of concern for space agriculture: ensuring food safety under unique environmental conditions. 



The propensity for increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-treatment-protects-tomatoes-from-salmonella-and-e-coli/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salmonella</a> invasion in space-grown lettuce underlines the need for continued research and innovative solutions to protect astronauts' health.



UD researchers, led by <a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/departments/plant-and-soil-sciences/faculty-staff/harsh-bais/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Harsh Bais</a>, have been investigating the role of a helper bacteria, <a href="https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2019/may/beneficial-bacteria-basf-soil-plants-licensing-patent-oeip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bacillus subtilis UD1022</a>, in enhancing plant growth and resilience against various stressors, including pathogens and drought. 



This bacterium, previously effective in protecting plants against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-vegetables-often-harbor-human-pathogens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salmonella</a> on Earth, was added to a microgravity simulation to assess its protective capabilities in space-like conditions. 



Contrary to expectations, Bais and his team discovered that UD1022 did not safeguard plants in these simulated conditions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks-of-lettuce-microbes-in-space">Risks of lettuce microbes in space</h2>



This failure is attributed to the bacterium’s inability to induce a biochemical response in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-extract-mars-astronauts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, crucial for closing their stomata and preventing pathogen invasion.



“The failure of UD1022 to close stomata under simulated microgravity is both surprising and interesting and opens another can of worms,” Bais said, expressing surprise at these findings. 



“I suspect the ability of UD1022 to negate the stomata closure under microgravity simulation may overwhelm the plant and make the plant and UD1022 unable to communicate with each other, helping Salmonella invade a plant," Bais concluded.



<a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/departments/animal-and-food-sciences/faculty-staff/kali-kniel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kali Kniel</a>, a microbial food safety professor at UD, emphasizes the ubiquity of microbes and the consequent risk of bacterial pathogens in any human-inhabited space, including the International Space Station (ISS). 



“We need to be prepared for and reduce risks in space for those living now on the International Space Station and for those who might live there in the future,” Kniel said, stressing the importance of mitigating these risks. 



With around seven astronauts working on the ISS at any given time, the environment, comparable to a six-bedroom house, is prone to microbial havoc.



“It is important to better understand how bacterial pathogens react to microgravity in order to develop appropriate mitigation strategies," said Kniel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-a-solution-for-safe-space-agriculture">Finding a solution for safe space agriculture</h2>



The collaboration between Kniel and Bais, blending expertise in microbial food safety and plant biology, is pivotal in studying human pathogens on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-space-radiation-affect-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants in space</a>. 



“To best develop ways to reduce risks associated with the contamination of leafy greens and other produce commodities we need to better understand the interactions between human pathogens on plants grown in space,” Kniel said. “And the best way to do this is with a multidisciplinary approach.”



As Earth's population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and 10.4 billion by 2100, according to a United Nations report, the demand for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/watermeal-may-become-an-essential-food-for-astronauts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safe food in space</a> becomes increasingly critical. 



Bais points out the urgency of exploring alternate living spaces due to diminishing agricultural land on Earth. He notes, “people are going to soon think seriously about alternate habitation spaces. These are not fiction anymore.”



The significance of this research is underscored by the frequent food safety issues on Earth, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-treatment-protects-tomatoes-from-salmonella-and-e-coli/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">E. coli</a> or Salmonella outbreaks in leafy greens. 



With such greens being a primary food source for astronauts and easily cultivable in controlled environments like the ISS, ensuring their safety is paramount. Bais emphasizes, “You don’t want the whole mission to fail just because of a food safety outbreak.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sterilized-seeds-and-genetic-modifications">Sterilized seeds and genetic modifications</h2>



Addressing the challenge of plant vulnerability in microgravity environments, Kniel suggests starting with sterilized seeds to minimize microbial presence. 



However, she acknowledges the possibility of microbes in the space environment contaminating the plants. 



“Starting with sterilized seeds is a way to reduce risks of having microbes on plants,” Kniel said. “But then microbes may be in the space environment and can get onto plants that way.” 



Bais proposes genetic modifications to plants to prevent them from excessively opening their stomata in space. 



His lab is evaluating different lettuce varieties under simulated microgravity to identify genetic factors that influence stomatal behavior.



“If, for example, we find one that closes their stomata compared to another we have already tested that opens their stomata, then we can try to compare the genetics of these two different cultivars,” Bais said. “That will give us a lot of questions in terms of what is changing.” 



The outcomes of this research could be crucial in preventing food safety issues with plants grown in space, ensuring the well-being of astronauts and paving the way for sustainable living beyond Earth.



Looking ahead, the work of Totsline and his team opens the door to further studies on how microgravity affects plant physiology and pathogen interaction. 



These insights will not only benefit space missions but also enhance our understanding of plant biology and disease management in agriculture. 



As we venture further into space, ensuring the safety and nutritional value of astronaut diets remains a top priority, guiding the future of space farming and habitation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1038/s41598-024-51573-y">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Eating lettuce and salads in space is a bad idea, according to a new study

Salads and leafy greens, like lettuce, are essential components of...

Robotic,Cyborg,Hand,,Nature,And,Technology,Abstract,Concept,,3d,Rendering

Researchers have made a significant leap in artificial intelligence (AI) by successfully simulating the growth and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-still-have-much-to-learn-about-tree-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">form of trees</a>. This achievement, a blend of technology and nature, marks a pivotal moment in digital modeling.



The team comprised scientists from Purdue University’s Department of <a href="https://cs.purdue.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Computer Science</a> and Institute for Digital Forestry, along with Sören Pirk from <a href="https://www.uni-kiel.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kiel University</a> in Germany.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-inspired-ai-modeling-tree-growth">DNA-inspired AI: Modeling tree growth</h2>



At the heart of their endeavor is the DNA molecule, a master blueprint for both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-dark-earth-could-revolutionize-forest-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree shape</a> and environmental response. 



<a href="https://www.cs.purdue.edu/people/faculty/bbenes.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedrich Benes</a>, a professor at Purdue, and his team have drawn inspiration from this natural phenomenon to craft innovative AI models. 



“The AI models learn from large data sets to mimic the intrinsic discovered behavior,” Benes said.



These models are remarkable for their efficiency, distilling the complex information needed to replicate tree forms into a neural model barely a megabyte in size.



“It's complex behavior, but it has been compressed to rather a small amount of data,” Benes explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-applications">Real-world applications</h2>



The practical applications of these AI models are profound. After a period of rigorous training, they are capable of encoding the local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-will-cause-massive-declines-in-tree-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">development of trees</a>, allowing for the generation of intricate tree models with detailed geometries that span several gigabytes. 



This technology stands to revolutionize fields ranging from architecture and urban planning to gaming and entertainment, offering a new level of realism in digital environments.



Benes, reflecting on a decade of working with AI models, shared his anticipation of these advancements significantly enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-trees-surrounded-by-less-asphalt-grow-taller-and-stronger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital tree models</a>. 



Yet, the compact size of these models, encapsulating complex behaviors in a small data footprint, was an unexpected and pleasant surprise.



The research, detailed in two papers published in the prestigious ACM Transactions on Graphics and IEEE Transactions on Visualizations and Computer Graphics, represents a collaborative effort. 



Purdue graduate students <a href="https://www.cs.purdue.edu/people/graduate-students/lee2161.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jae Joong Lee</a>, <a href="https://www.cs.purdue.edu/cgvlab/www/team/bosheng-li/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bosheng Li</a>, and Xiaochen Zhou, alongside <a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/directory/sfei" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Songlin Fei</a>, a key figure in remote sensing and director of the <a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/digital-forestry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Digital Forestry</a>, contributed significantly to this breakthrough.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-machine-learning-and-tree-growth">AI machine learning and tree growth</h2>



The team employed deep learning, an advanced branch of AI, to develop <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-outpaces-the-ability-for-trees-to-adapt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth models</a> for various tree species like maple, oak, pine, and walnut, both with and without leaves. 



This method involves training AI models through interconnected neural networks, an approach that seeks to replicate aspects of human brain functionality.



Despite AI's increasing prevalence in various fields, its success in modeling 3D geometries, particularly those related to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-becoming-less-productive-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a>, has been limited. 



According to Benes, generating 3D models of vegetation has been a long-standing challenge in computer graphics. 



“Although AI has become seemingly pervasive, thus far it has mostly proved highly successful in modeling 3D geometries unrelated to nature,” Benes said.



Traditional approaches to tree-growth simulations, often led by experts with biological expertise, have focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pine-trees-grow-toward-equator/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how trees interact</a> with their environment. 



These interactions are governed by both genetic factors, like branching angles, and environmental influences, resulting in diverse tree shapes even within the same species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Future of tree growth and artificial intelligence</h2>



In their quest to untangle this complexity, the researchers turned to AI. By feeding thousands of trees' worth of data into their models, they aimed to let AI learn and distill the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-fate-of-our-forests-new-tool-predicts-tree-survival-amidst-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essence of tree form</a>. 



This approach marks a departure from traditional model building, which is based on human-generated hypotheses and observations. 



“Decoupling the tree’s intrinsic properties and its environmental response is extremely complicated,” Benes said. “We looked at thousands of trees, and we thought, ‘Hey, let AI learn it.’ And maybe we can then learn the essence of tree form with AI.”



Instead, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-monitor-biodiversity-through-animal-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI generalizes behavior</a> from a vast input dataset, with subsequent validation to ensure the models mirror the observed behaviors.



One current limitation is the lack of training data that accurately describes real-world 3D tree geometry. The team's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-modeling-study-reveals-new-insights-into-carbon-sequestration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI models</a> simulate tree developmental algorithms rather than directly mimicking nature. 



Benes envisions a future where capturing a tree's image with a cellphone could generate its 3D geometry within a computer, offering new perspectives and interaction possibilities. 



“In our methods, we needed to generate the data. So our AI models are not simulating nature. They are simulating tree developmental algorithms,” Benes said. He aspires to reconstruct 3D geometry data from real trees inside a computer.



“You take your cellphone, take a picture of a tree, and you get a 3D geometry inside the computer. It could be rotated. Zoom in. Zoom out,” he said. “This is next. And it’s perfectly aligned with the mission of digital forestry.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digital-forestry-and-the-future">Digital forestry and the future</h2>



This vision aligns seamlessly with the mission of digital forestry, heralding a new era of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technological and natural integration</a>.



In summary, the pioneering work of these scientists represents a significant milestone in the intersection of artificial intelligence and natural modeling. 



Their innovative approach, harnessing the power of AI to simulate the growth and form of trees, demonstrates the potential of technology to replicate complex natural phenomena, while opening a realm of possibilities for practical applications in diverse fields. 



From enhancing the realism in digital entertainment to aiding urban planning and architectural designs, this breakthrough sets the stage for future advancements where technology and nature coalesce, offering new insights and capabilities that were once beyond our reach.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3627101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACM Transactions on Graphics</a>.



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Artificial intelligence can now simulate tree growth and shape

Researchers have made a significant leap in artificial intelligence (AI)...

Researchers have recently uncovered the origins of the farthest-known fast radio burst (FRB), tracing it back to an unusual cluster of at least seven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/">galaxies</a>. This discovery, which was based on observations by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, is a remarkable development in the field of astronomy.&nbsp;



At the same time, the study presents a significant challenge to existing scientific models of fast radio burst production and their sources.



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



During the summer of 2022, astronomers detected what is now known as the most powerful fast radio burst ever observed. This FRB, also the farthest known to date, has its origins dating back halfway to the Big Bang, a period when the universe was a mere 5 billion years old – significantly younger than its current age of 13.8 billion years.



The research was led by a team of astronomers from <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a>. The experts utilized the advanced imaging capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope to trace the origins of this extraordinary fast radio burst, named FRB 20220610A. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-phenomenon-nbsp">Rare phenomenon&nbsp;</h2>



The findings have contradicted initial beliefs that the radio burst originated from a single galaxy. Instead, the scientists have traced its birthplace to a collection of at least seven galaxies, closely packed and possibly interacting with each other, a phenomenon that is exceedingly rare in the universe.



Study lead author Alexa Gordon, a graduate student in astronomy at Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, emphasized the critical role of Hubble's imaging in unraveling this mystery.&nbsp;



"Without the Hubble's imaging, it would still remain a mystery as to whether this FRB originated from one monolithic galaxy or from some type of interacting system," said Gordon. "It's these types of environments - these weird ones - that drive us toward a better understanding of the mystery of FRBs."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-radio-bursts-nbsp">Fast radio bursts&nbsp;</h2>



The study, which will be presented at the 243rd meeting of the <a href="https://www.aas.org/">American Astronomical Society</a> in New Orleans, offers new insights into the nature of FRBs. These are brief, intense bursts of radio waves that emit more energy in milliseconds than our sun does in an entire year.&nbsp;



The fast radio burst in question was notably four times more energetic than previously observed FRBs and has set a new record for distance.



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



Initially, the source of FRB 20220610A appeared as an indistinct, blob-like structure. This led to early assumptions that it originated from either a single irregular galaxy or a cluster of distant galaxies.&nbsp;



However, Hubble's sharp imagery revealed a more complex scenario – a compact group of galaxies so densely packed that they could fit within the Milky Way. This discovery has led to speculation about the galaxies possibly exchanging material or even merging.



Professor Wen-fai Fong, a co-author of the study, pointed out the rarity of such compact galaxy groups and the potential for this interaction to trigger bursts of star formation.&nbsp;



"There are some signs that the group members are 'interacting,'" Fong said. "In other words, they could be trading materials or possibly on a path to merging. These groups of galaxies (called compact groups) are incredibly rare environments in the universe and are the densest galaxy-scale structures we know of."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-birthplace-nbsp">Rare birthplace&nbsp;</h2>



"This interaction could trigger bursts of star formation," said Gordon. "That might indicate that the progenitor of FRB 20220610A is associated with a fairly recent population of stars which matches what we've learned from other FRBs."



"Despite hundreds of FRB events discovered to date, only a fraction of those have been pinpointed to their host galaxies," said study co-author Yuxin (Vic) Dong. "Within that small fraction, only a few came from a dense galactic environment, but none have ever been seen in such a compact group. So, its birthplace is truly rare."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unknown-mechanisms-nbsp">Unknown mechanisms&nbsp;</h2>



In the years since astronomers first discovered fast radio bursts in 2007, up to 1,000 FRBs have been discovered. Experts generally agree that FRBs must involve a compact object, such as a black hole or neutron star, but the exact mechanisms remain a mystery.



"Radio waves, in particular, are sensitive to any intervening material along the line of sight - from the FRB location to us," said Fong.&nbsp;



"That means the waves have to travel through any cloud of material around the FRB site, through its host galaxy, across the universe and finally through the Milky Way. From a time delay in the FRB signal itself, we can measure the sum of all of these contributions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-nbsp">Future research&nbsp;</h2>



Gordon noted that with technology continually becoming more sensitive, improved detections are right around the corner.



"With a larger sample of distant FRBs, we can begin to study the evolution of FRBs and their host properties by connecting them to more nearby ones and perhaps even start to identify more strange populations," said Dong.



"In the near future, FRB experiments will increase their sensitivity, leading to an unprecedented rate in the number of FRBs detected at these distances," said Gordon. "Astronomers will soon learn just how special the environment of this FRB was."



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Fast radio burst traced to rare cluster of interacting galaxies

Researchers have recently uncovered the origins of the farthest-known fast...

Giant,Isopod,Up,Close

In the vast and mysterious world of marine biology, a recent crustacean discovery has sparked excitement and opened doors to further understanding of our planet's oceans. 



A team of international marine biologists, including <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/somas/people/_profiles/oliver-shipley.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Oliver Shipley</a> from Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (<a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/somas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SoMAS</a>), has identified a new species of isopod, a type of crustacean, in the deep waters of The Bahamas.



This finding of the new species, named <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Booralana_deep-sea-crustacean_discovered-Bahamas_credit-Oliver-Shipley_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Booralana nickorum</a>, emphasizes how much we have yet to learn about oceanic life. 



This discovery furthers our understanding of the integral role these creatures play in the deep-sea ecosystem and their contribution to overall ocean biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpse-into-isopod-diversity">Glimpse into isopod diversity</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-isopod/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isopods</a>, often only a few centimeters long, are a diverse group of crustaceans found in all major ecosystems on Earth. 



Dating back over 300 million years, they have adapted to various environments. In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-pressure-preserves-food-for-microbes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea habitats</a>, they primarily act as scavengers, playing a crucial role in recycling energy. 



Remarkably, some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-pollination-discovered-between-red-seaweed-and-crustaceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">isopods</a> can survive years without food, a trait Booralana nickorum seems to share.



Dr. Shipley highlights the importance of this discovery, saying, “This work sheds light on the hidden diversity of these species and reveals how little we know about deep-sea ecosystems in The Bahamas."



He also suggests that these waters might hold a “potentially hidden ‘treasure chest’ of unrecognized biodiversity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-crustaceans">Discovering new crustaceans</h2>



The journey to this discovery began back in 2013, with Dr. Shipley’s focus on the Exuma Sound for his MS research. 



In 2019, in collaboration with <a href="https://oceanx.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OceanX</a> and the <a href="https://islandschool.org/cape-eleuthera-institute/about-us-cei/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cape Eleuthera Institute</a>, he led an expedition into the Exuma Sound's deep waters. 



This expedition, part of a series aimed at documenting <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/seven-surprising-secrets-of-the-deepest-sea-creatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea biodiversity</a> in previously unexplored areas, led to the recovery of specimens for genetic sequencing and, ultimately, to the discovery of Booralana nickorum.



This is not the team's first significant find in The Bahamas’ Exuma Sound. In 2016, they described another new isopod species, Bathynomus maxeyorum. 



These discoveries are part of a larger project exploring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-surveys-identify-over-5000-species-in-future-mining-hotspot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity patterns</a> and food web structures in the region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinguishing-new-booralana-species">Distinguishing new Booralana species</h2>



Interestingly, before these findings, only a single Booralana species, Booralana tricarinata, was known to exist in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. 



The new species, Booralana nickorum, is distinguished by unique morphological features, particularly in its pleotelson or ‘tail.’



The discovery was made possible through a collaboration that included experts from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a>, like Professor Duncan Irschick.



Professor Irschick employed novel technologies to create <a href="https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/model-103a-deep-sea-booralana-isopod-d033ca11dc94474aabd45a723fc5d707" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3D models of the specimen</a> that are quite impressive.



Dr. Shipley also points out the broader implications of these discoveries. 



“The Caribbean houses many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-shows-giant-sea-spiders-mating-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea ecosystems</a> that could be considered pristine, mostly hidden from anthropogenic exploitation, such as deep-sea fisheries and mining,” explains Shipley. 



“Therefore, they provide a baseline from which to compare exploitation effects occurring in less pristine regions. However, these systems are not immune from the increasing impacts of climate changes and pollution, so it is critical that we understand the full extent of the biodiversity supported by these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-upheaval-the-ecological-impact-of-deep-sea-mining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea environments</a>.”



However, he warns that these ecosystems are not immune to the broader impacts of climate change and pollution, making it crucial to understand the biodiversity these environments support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educational-impact-and-student-involvement">Educational impact and student involvement</h2>



At <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stony Brook University</a>, Dr. Shipley extends his passion for marine discovery to the classroom. He conducts an annual field course at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, where students, both undergraduate and graduate, engage directly in active discovery alongside Bahamian scientists. 



This environment enriches the educational experience of Stony Brook students and contributes to the ongoing exploration of subtropical ecosystems, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-life-disappear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep sea</a>.



In summary, the discovery of Booralana nickorum represents a window into the largely unexplored marine life of The Bahamas, and underscores the importance of continued research in these critical ecosystems. 



As we delve deeper into the ocean's mysteries, we expand our scientific knowledge while enhancing our ability to protect these vital habitats for future generations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5399.3.4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zootaxa</a>.



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New deep-sea crustacean species discovered

In the vast and mysterious world of marine biology, a...

In a fascinating exploration of the bond between humans and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-humans-close/">dogs</a>, scientists from the <a href="https://www.mpi.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics</a> have delved into the reasons behind dogs' distinctive tail wagging behavior. The relationship between humans and dogs, a bond that dates back to the dawn of civilization, has always included the enigmatic aspect of why dogs wag their tails more than other canines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-preferences">Human preferences</h2>



The researchers, in an opinion piece in <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2023.0407">Biology Letters</a>, propose a theory linking human enjoyment of rhythmic movements to the evolution of dogs' tail wagging behavior. They suggest that early humans might have unconsciously preferred dogs that exhibited more rhythmic movements. 



However, they acknowledge that this is just one theory and that the behavior could also be a byproduct of dogs becoming more sociable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tail-wagging-behavior-nbsp">Tail wagging behavior&nbsp;</h2>



Despite the mutual enjoyment derived from tail wagging, there's been limited research into its evolutionary origins. Unlike domesticated dogs, undomesticated canines like wolves wag their tails less frequently and primarily for communication.&nbsp;



The researchers point out that tail wagging in dogs seems innate rather than learned, as evidenced by the behavior of wolf and dog pups raised by humans, with dog pups beginning to wag their tails much more frequently as early as three weeks old.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domesticated-rhythmic-wagging-nbsp">Domesticated rhythmic wagging&nbsp;</h2>



The scientists propose two theories. The first, termed "domesticated rhythmic wagging," suggests that humans may have selectively bred dogs for more frequent and rhythmic tail wagging.&nbsp;



"Humans have remarkable abilities to perceive and produce rhythmic sequences, particularly isochronous patterns where events are evenly spaced in time," the authors wrote. The preference for rhythmic stimuli, ingrained in human cognitive neuroscience and linked to pleasurable responses and reward system engagement, could have influenced this selection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domestication-syndrome-hypothesis-nbsp">Domestication syndrome hypothesis&nbsp;</h2>



The second theory, known as the "domestication syndrome" hypothesis, posits that tail wagging could be an incidental result of breeding for friendliness. This idea is supported by a study on silver foxes selectively bred for tameness, which showed that friendlier foxes in later generations exhibited more dog-like tail wagging, even though this trait wasn't specifically selected for.



The researchers also discuss the variation in tail wagging behavior across different dog breeds, noting that selection may not have been uniform; for instance, hunting-type dogs wag their tails more than shepherd-type dogs.



Ultimately, the scientists acknowledge that further experiments are necessary to conclusively determine the true reason behind dogs' tail-wagging behavior. Their insights provide a thought-provoking look at how human preferences and evolutionary processes might have shaped one of our closest animal companions' most endearing traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-tail-wagging-nbsp">More about tail wagging&nbsp;</h2>



Tail wagging in dogs is a form of canine communication that can express a variety of emotions and intentions. Contrary to popular belief, tail wagging doesn't always mean a dog is happy. The nature of the tail wag can convey different messages.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speed">Speed</h3>



The speed of the wag is significant. A rapid wag is generally a sign of excitement or happiness. If a dog wags its tail slowly, it might be unsure or assessing a situation.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-height">Height</h3>



The height at which a dog holds its tail while wagging can also be telling. A high tail often indicates confidence or aggression, while a lower tail might signify fear, submission, or anxiety.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-direction">Direction</h3>



The direction of the tail wag also plays a role. Recent studies suggest that a tail wagging more to the right might be associated with positive feelings, while a left-biased wag could indicate negative emotions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-language-nbsp">Body language&nbsp;</h3>



It's important to consider the whole body language of the dog, not just the tail. Other cues like ear position, posture, and facial expression provide context to the meaning of a tail wag.&nbsp;



For instance, a wagging tail combined with relaxed body language and a playful stance often means the dog is happy and inviting interaction. Conversely, a wagging tail with stiff body posture or bared teeth could signal aggression.



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Study explores the mystery of why dogs wag their tails

In a fascinating exploration of the bond between humans and...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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</div></figure>







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&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.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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