For decades, researchers have questioned whether boys and girls are born with the same natural ability in math. In 2005, cognitive psychologist Elizabeth Spelke took a firm stand, stating that there are no differences in overall intrinsic aptitude for science and mathematics among women and men.



Now, the evidence is even stronger. In a new study, researchers from <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a> and several institutions across France examined math performance in more than 2.5 million French schoolchildren. 



The team found that at the very beginning of first grade, boys and girls start off nearly equal in math. But just four months into formal math instruction, a small gap appears - and it keeps growing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nationwide-study-tracks-the-math-gap">Nationwide study tracks the math gap</h2>



The research draws on a French government testing program that was launched in 2018. This nationwide effort tracked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reminiscing-can-boost-language-development-in-preschoolers/">language</a> and math skills of young students from first through sixth grade. 



Over five years and across four student cohorts, the program gave researchers an unmatched view of early math development.



At school entry, French girls scored slightly better than boys in language. Math scores, though, were essentially the same. 



"The headline conclusion is that the gender gap emerges when systematic instruction in mathematics begins," Spelke explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-for-gender-differences">Looking for gender differences </h2>



Spelke had already spent decades studying how young children understand numbers and shapes. Back in 2005, she wrote a major review for American Psychologist. The piece challenged the notion that boys are biologically wired for better math performance than girls.



"My argument was, 'OK, if there really were biological differences, maybe we would see them in the infancy period,'" said Spelke. 



She and her team always tracked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-children-learn-gender-stereotypes-from-storybooks/">gender</a> in their studies, but they never found infant boys outperforming girls in math, or vice versa. Still, Spelke admitted that something could be happening later in development.



"The fact that there are no differences in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conscious-awareness-when-does-our-sense-of-purpose-emerge/">infants</a> could be because the abilities that show gender effects actually emerge during preschool," she proposed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-math-instruction-for-boys-and-girls">Math instruction for boys and girls</h2>



In recent years, Spelke has turned her attention to how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-better-way-for-kids-to-learn-math/">children learn counting</a> and numbers in real classrooms. 



Spelke partnered with Nobel Prize-winning MIT economist Esther Duflo to advise the Delhi office of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). The team is helping four Indian states create and test math lessons for children in preschool through first grade.



In France, she works alongside her longtime collaborator, neuroscientist Stanislas Dehaene. Together, they serve on the French Ministry of Education's Scientific Council, which helped develop the EvalAide testing program. 



The idea was simple: measure where every child stands in math and language and use that data to guide better teaching.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-gap-emerges-in-math">Gender gap emerges in math</h2>



For this study, the team analyzed data from four full cohorts of first-graders entering school between 2018 and 2021. 



What they found was consistent: no math gap at the time of school entry, a small but significant gap favoring boys after four months, and a steadily widening gap by second, fourth, and even sixth grade.



"It was even bigger in fourth grade," Spelke said. "And in sixth grade it was bigger still."



Interestingly, the gender gap in language shrank slightly after the first few months of school and stayed relatively stable in later years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ruling-out-old-explanations">Ruling out old explanations</h2>



So why does the math gap grow with time in school? The researchers ruled out several familiar theories.



"If there was really a pervasive social bias, and the parents were susceptible to it, we would expect boys to be more oriented toward spatial and numerical tasks when they first got to school," said Spelke.



But that didn’t happen. At school entry, there was no math gap. This points away from both biological and early social bias explanations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-experiment-during-the-pandemic">An experiment during the pandemic </h2>



The EvalAide dataset offered other insights. French first-graders can be nearly a year apart in age, depending on when their birthday falls. 



The team wondered if the older students were skewing results. They weren’t. The widening gender gap aligned more closely with time spent in school than with age.



Then came an unusual variable: COVID-19. The 2019 cohort missed the final 2.5 months of first grade due to lockdowns. That gap year created a natural experiment.



"With less time in school, the amount of the gender gap grew by less than it did in the other years where there wasn't a long school closure," said Spelke.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confirming-the-math-gender-gap">Confirming the math gender gap</h2>



The cohort also began school just after a national education crisis. In early 2019, French students had scored <a href="https://www.polytechnique-insights.com/en/braincamps/society/how-to-improve-the-relationship-between-education-and-employment/maths-an-essential-subject-whose-level-is-falling-in-a-majority-of-countries/#:~:text=In%202003%2C%2015%25%20of%20French,European%20average%20of%20527%20points.">lowest</a> among 23 European countries in math, according to international rankings. 



In response, the French Education Ministry - guided by its Scientific Council - called for more math teaching in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-pandemic-setbacks-reduced-kindergarten-readiness/">kindergarten</a>.



Sure enough, a tiny math gender gap appeared in fall 2019 among new first-graders. That gap hadn’t shown up in 2018 but was still present in 2020 and 2021.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problems-in-early-math-instruction">Problems in early math instruction </h2>



The study doesn't pinpoint a single cause, but its message is clear: differences in math achievement between boys and girls seem to grow as a result of what happens in early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/schools-are-in-a-battle-with-cell-phones-to-keep-students-engaged/">school</a> instruction.



"We still don't know what that is exactly," Spelke said. "But now we have a chance to find out by randomized evaluations of changes to the curriculum."



The findings put pressure on education systems to ask hard questions about how math is taught in the early years - and what needs to change to make it fair for everyone.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09126-4">Nature</a>.



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Early math instruction may unintentionally favor boys

For decades, researchers have questioned whether boys and girls are born with the same natural ability in math. In 2005, cognitive psychologist Elizabeth Spelke took a firm stand, stating that there are no differences in overall intrinsic aptitude for science and mathematics among women and men. Now, the evidence is even stronger. In a new study, researchers from Harvard University and several institutions across France examined math performance in more than 2.5 million French schoolchildren. The team found that at the very beginning of first grade, boys...

Researchers at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/">Ohio State University</a> (OSU) have found that white-tailed deer are reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2 viruses.



The experts report that a significant number of white-tailed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-shows-deer-can-transmit-covid-for-up-to-five-days/">deer</a> across Ohio have been infected with SARS-Cov-2 and that viral variants evolve about three times faster in deer than in humans.&nbsp;



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



Between November 2021 and March 2022, the researchers collected 1,522 nasal swaps from free-ranging deer in 83 of Ohio’s 88 counties and tested them for the virus causing COVID-19.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



The analysis revealed that over 10 percent of the samples were positive, and at least one positive case was found in 59 percent of the counties in which testing was conducted.&nbsp;



Surprisingly, genomic analysis showed that at least 30 infections in deer have spilled over from humans.



<h2 id="h-interspecies-transmission">Interspecies transmission&nbsp;</h2>



“We generally talk about interspecies transmission as a rare event, but this wasn’t a huge sampling, and we’re able to document 30 spillovers. It seems to be moving between people and animals quite easily,” said study co-senior author Andrew Bowman, an associate professor of Veterinary Preventive Medicine at OSU.&nbsp;



“And the evidence is growing that humans can get it from deer – which isn’t radically surprising. It’s probably not a one-way pipeline.”



These findings suggest that white-tailed deer are a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 which enables continuing mutation, and that the virus’s widespread circulation in deer could potentially lead to its spread to other wildlife and livestock.



<h2 id="h-not-just-a-localized-problem">Not just a localized problem&nbsp;</h2>



In December 2021, Bowman and his colleagues first reported the detection of the virus in white-tailed deer in nine locations in Ohio. In the current study, they expanded monitoring in a variety of other locations.&nbsp;



“We expanded across Ohio to see if this was a localized problem – and we find it in lots of places, so it’s not just a localized event,” Bowman explained. “Some of the thought back then was that maybe it’s just in urban deer because they’re in closer contact with people. But in rural parts of the state, we’re finding plenty of positive deer.”



Besides detecting active infections, the scientists also found a significant number of blood samples containing antibodies, suggesting that an estimated 23.5 percent of deer in Ohio had already been infected with the coronavirus.



<h2 id="h-spillover-events">Spillover events</h2>



Among the 80 whole-genome sequences obtained from the samples, the researchers identified the highly contagious and virulent delta variant (the predominant human strain in the United States in the early fall of 2021), which accounted for nearly 90 percent of the sequences, and alpha, the first variant of concern that was identified in humans in the spring of 2021.&nbsp;



The investigation revealed that the genetic composition of delta variants in deer closely matched the dominant lineages found in humans during the same time period, pointing to several spillover events, and suggesting that deer-to-deer transmission followed in clusters, some of them spanning multiple counties.



“There’s probably a timing component to what we found – we were near the end of a delta peak in humans, and then we see a lot of delta in deer. But we were well past the last alpha detection in humans. So the idea that deer are holding onto lineages that have since gone extinct in humans is something we were worried about,” Bowman said.



According to the experts, vaccination is likely to protect people against severe diseases in case the virus will spill back into humans. For instance, an investigation of the effects of deer variants on Siberian hamsters (an animal model widely used in COVID-19 studies) provided clear evidence that vaccinated hamsters did not get as sick after infection as unvaccinated ones.



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



Unfortunately, the variants circulating in deer are expected to continue to change at a faster rate than that seen in humans. “Not only are deer getting infected with and maintaining SARS-CoV-2, but the rate of change is accelerated in deer – potentially away from what has infected humans,” Bowman reported.



Further research is needed to clarify how the virus is transmitted from humans to white-tailed deer and assess the likelihood of mutated variants to spill back into humans.&nbsp;



Although no substantial outbreaks of deer-origin strains have occurred in humans until now, circulation among animals remains very likely. Moreover, since about 70 percent of free-ranging deer in Ohio have not been exposed to the virus yet, there is a large number of immunologically-naïve animals that the virus could spread through uninhibited.



“Having that animal host in play creates things we need to watch out for. If this trajectory continues for years and we have a virus that becomes deer-adapted, then does that become the pathway into other animal hosts, wildlife or domestic? We just don’t know,” Bowman concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40706-y">Nature Communications</a>.&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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COVID-19 is circulating and evolving rapidly in white-tailed deer

Researchers at Ohio State University (OSU) have found that white-tailed...

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

In 2020, Auckland’s <a href="https://www.watercare.co.nz/">Watercare</a> – New Zealand’s largest water utility – excavated two huge vertical shafts from beneath the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant in order to upgrade a major pipeline which brings raw sewage for treatment from the central areas of the city.&nbsp;



To their surprise, the excavations revealed a fossil treasure trove, consisting of 266 species of three-million-year-old fauna.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-previously-unknown-species">Previously unknown species&nbsp;</h2>



This extraordinary finding – described in a recent article published in the&nbsp;<a href="http://tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00288306.2023.2243234">New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics</a> – represents one of the richest and most diverse group of Late Pleistocene fauna ever discovered in New Zealand. The experts estimate that at least ten previously unknown species will soon be described and named.



Once they were informed of the significance of the fossil deposit, Watercare and their contractors dumped an enormous heap of shelly sand in a nearby paddock so that a team of paleontologists could thoroughly examine it over many months.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-once-in-a-lifetime-find">Once-in-a-lifetime find&nbsp;</h2>



The experts analyzed more than 300,000 fossils, from which several thousands were taken to the <a href="https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/">Auckland Museum</a> as a record of a “once-in-a-lifetime find,” as lead author Bruce Hayward, a principal scientist at the <a href="https://www.geomarine.org.nz/">Geomarine Research</a> in Auckland, put it.



“Detailed identification of the fossils shows that they were deposited between 3 and 3.7 million years ago in a subtidal channel in an early version of the modern Manukau Harbor," said Hayward.



"At that time, sea level was slightly higher than it is today as the world was also several degrees warmer than now. As a result, the fossils include a number of subtropical species, whose relatives today live in the warmer waters around the Kermadec and Norfolk islands. At least ten previously unknown species are present and will be described and named in future work."



<h2 id="h-surprising-findings">Surprising findings</h2>



Hayward said it is surprising that the fauna contains fossils that lived in many different environments that have been brought together in the ancient marine channel by wave action and strong tidal currents.&nbsp;



"It includes ten specimens of the iconic NZ flax snail that must have lived on the adjacent land and been washed down into the sea by storm runoff," noted Hayward.



"These are by far the oldest known flax snails in the world. Most of the fossils lived on the sea floor, some in brackish estuaries, others attached to hard rocky shorelines and still more have been carried in from offshore of the exposed west coast at the time.”



<h2 id="h-rare-fossils">Rare fossils</h2>



Some of the rarest findings from this collection include isolated baleen whale vertebra, a broken sperm whale tooth, the spine of an extinct sawshark, the dental plates of eagle rays, and a variety of great white shark teeth.



In future research, the experts plan to formally describe the new taxa, comprehensively investigate its paleoecology, and compare these fossils to those discovered in other locations in New Zealand, such as Otahuhu, Kaawa, and Whanganui Basin.



Image Credit: Bruce Hayward



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By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Fossil treasure trove found in Auckland contains at least 10 new species

In 2020, Auckland’s Watercare – New Zealand’s largest water utility...

In recent years, the eastern United States has been under siege by a large planthopper native to Asia, the spotted lanternfly.



With a seemingly insatiable appetite for both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-stabilize-the-production-of-food-crops/">crops</a> and ornamentals, particularly cultivated grapes, this invasive pest has been wreaking havoc on wine-making regions in Pennsylvania and New York - and now threatens important wine hubs on the US Western coast.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-a-successful-invader">A successful invader&nbsp;</h2>



The spotted lanternfly was accidentally introduced in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014, likely alongside shipments of landscaping materials. By 2023, it bad spread to a total of 14 states.



The expansion of this pest has been fueled by its ability to hitch rides undetected on cargo and passenger vehicles.&nbsp;



The spotted lanternfly has also been promoted by the widespread presence of one of its favorite food sources, the tree of heaven, another invasive species in North America.



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



Researchers and field managers face two main challenges in controlling the spotted lanternfly: determining its current location to target eradication campaigns, and predicting its future locations to invest in prevention practices.&nbsp;



Both efforts require accurate and extensive knowledge of its past and present distribution.&nbsp;



However, the data on the spotted lanternfly's presence is scattered and hard to access due to different practices adopted by state and federal agencies, individual research institutions, and self-reporting tools developed for public use.



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



To address this issue, researchers at Temple University, led by Dr. Matthew Helmus, have been monitoring the pest's spread and collecting data from various institutions.&nbsp;



In a recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.86.101471">NeoBiota</a>, Dr. Helmus, Dr. Sebastiano De Bona, and collaborators from several agencies created a comprehensive dataset of all recorded spotted lanternfly sightings in the US.&nbsp;



This dataset, derived from control actions, citizen-science projects, and research efforts, contains highly detailed data (at 1 km2 resolution) with yearly information on the presence or absence of spotted lanternflies, the establishment status of the pest, and estimated population density, across over 650,000 observations.



“The lydemapr package will aid researchers, managers, and the public in their understanding, modeling, and managing of the spread of this invasive pest," said study lead author Dr. De Bona.



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers hope that their new tool will facilitate the forecasting of the spotted lanternfly's spread and foster more effective collaboration between agencies and researchers.



As the spotted lanternfly continues to establish its presence in new territories, the need for effective tools and collaboration becomes increasingly vital.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-spotted-lanternfly">More about the spotted lanternfly</h2>



The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a colorful, invasive insect native to parts of China, India, Vietnam, and introduced to Korea where it has become a major pest. It is not a fly, despite its name, but a planthopper.&nbsp;



Adult lanternflies have a distinct appearance with forewings that are grey with black spots and hind wings that are red and black with a white band. They are about an inch long and a half-inch wide.



<h3 id="h-life-cycle">Life cycle&nbsp;</h3>



The life cycle of the spotted lanternfly involves four nymph stages and an adult stage. The eggs are laid in masses on smooth surfaces, such as tree trunks or stones, and are covered with a mud-like substance.&nbsp;



The nymphs hatch in the spring and go through four instar stages, molting and growing larger with each stage.&nbsp;



The first three instars are black with white spots, while the fourth instar nymphs are red and black with white spots. In the late summer or early fall, the nymphs mature into adults, which are active from July to December.



<h3 id="h-diet-and-impact">Diet and impact</h3>



Spotted lanternflies feed on a wide variety of plants using their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract sap.&nbsp;



They have a preference for the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but also feed on fruit trees, grapevines, hardwoods, and ornamentals. Their feeding damages the plants and leaves them vulnerable to diseases.&nbsp;



Additionally, as they feed, they excrete a substance called honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold and attracts other pests.&nbsp;



This results in further damage to the plants and can lead to decreased crop yields and economic losses for farmers.



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Tracking the spread of the spotted lanternfly, a successful invader 

In recent years, the eastern United States has been under...

Wastewater has been identified as a potential climate and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-gain-a-stronger-connection-with-nature/">nature</a> solution, despite its growing threat to health and the environment, according to&nbsp; a recent report from the <a href="https://www.unep.org/node">UN Environment Programme</a> (UNEP) and GRID-Arendal.



The report highlights the potential of wastewater as an alternative energy source for half a billion people, a means to supply over 10 times the water currently provided by global desalination capacity, and a way to offset over 10 percent of global fertilizer use.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



Wastewater, originating from kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, industrial and agricultural effluents, stormwater, and urban run-off, contributes to the degradation of ecosystems, including soil, freshwater sources, and oceans, which in turn exacerbates food insecurity and other social issues.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the release of potent greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide from wastewater accounts for about 1.57 percent of global emissions, just below the climate harm caused by the global aviation industry.



<h2 id="h-huge-potential">Huge potential</h2>



The report reveals that with proper policies and management, wastewater can be transformed from a problem into a circular economy opportunity.&nbsp;



This could create new jobs and revenue streams, reducing water insecurity, supporting climate change adaptation efforts, and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers.&nbsp;



According to the experts, only 11 percent of the world's treated wastewater is currently reused, and around half of the world's untreated wastewater still enters rivers, lakes, and seas.



“Globally, wastewater is full of potential, yet it is currently allowed instead to contaminate the ecosystems we rely on," said Leticia Carvalho, principal coordinator of the Marine and Freshwater Branch of UNEP.



"We must not let the opportunity simply disappear down the drain: it’s time to realize the promise of wastewater as an alternative source of clean water, energy, and important nutrients.”



<h2 id="h-multiple-opportunities">Multiple opportunities&nbsp;</h2>



The report calls for a reduction in the volume of wastewater produced, prevention and reduction of contamination, and management of wastewater to capture resources that can be safely reused.&nbsp;



The experts also emphasize that by generating biogas, heat, and electricity, wastewater can produce about five times more energy than is required for its treatment, which could provide electricity for around half a billion people per year.&nbsp;



Additionally, reusing nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium from wastewater would help offset 13.4 percent of the global agricultural nutrient demand.



<h2 id="h-proper-wastewater-management">Proper wastewater management&nbsp;</h2>



The report states that proper wastewater management can irrigate around 40 million hectares, nearly the size of Paraguay.



It can recover additional resources such as raw materials for producing paper, polymers, pesticides, rubber, paint, biodiesel, food preservatives and flavors, fireproofing and waterproofing fabrics, medical products, jewelry, and packaging of food, hygiene, and other products.



Improving water management and reuse is a complex challenge, but the experts have identified successful wastewater management examples from both high- and low-income countries, including the Caribbean, China, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, India, Israel, Namibia, Senegal, Sweden, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, and Tunisia.



"We need to keep the pressure up to improve some critical underlying conditions if these actions are to succeed. For that to happen, we need more effective governance, investment, supporting innovation, strengthening data, improving capacity to implement and – critically shifting our behavior – all of us as individuals and institutions," said Peter Harris, director of GRID-Arendal.



The <a href="https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/water/what-we-do/global-wastewater-initiative-gwwi">Global Wastewater Initiative</a> (GWWI) is a unique global platform that brings together various United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, development banks, and other stakeholders to implement and scale up efforts to protect freshwater and marine ecosystems from wastewater pollution worldwide.



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UN report: Wastewater is a hidden solution to the climate crisis 

Wastewater has been identified as a potential climate and nature...

In a new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38191-w">Nature Scientific Reports</a>, researchers have successfully extracted ancient DNA from a 2,900-year-old clay brick, uncovering a wealth of information about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-have-humans-impacted-the-worlds-plant-life/">plant life</a> cultivated during that era.&nbsp;



While offering an invaluable look into the past, this monumental research also opens the door for similar studies on clay material from various sites and time periods.



<h2 id="h-king-of-assyria">King of Assyria</h2>



The clay brick analyzed for the study is currently housed at the National Museum of Denmark. It originates from the palace of Neo-Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II, in the ancient city of Kalhu, now known as the North-West palace in Nimrud, modern-day northern Iraq.&nbsp;



The construction of this palace commenced around 879 BCE. Remarkably, the brick carries a cuneiform inscription in the extinct Semitic language Akkadian, declaring it as "The property of the palace of Ashurnasirpal, king of Assyria."



This inscription enables researchers to date the brick with remarkable precision, to within a decade (879 BCE to 869 BCE).



<h2 id="h-dna-sequencing">DNA sequencing&nbsp;</h2>



The extraction of DNA from the brick's inner core was conducted during a digitalization project at the Museum in 2020, minimizing the risk of DNA contamination since the creation of the brick.&nbsp;



The research team adapted a protocol previously used for other porous materials, such as bone, to extract the DNA. The sequencing of the extracted DNA led to the identification of 34 distinct taxonomic groups of plants.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-botanical-records">Botanical records&nbsp;</h2>



Notably, the most abundant sequences belonged to the Brassicaceae (cabbage) and Ericaceae (heather) families. Other identified families included Betulaceae (birch), Lauraceae (laurels), Selineae (umbellifers), and Triticeae (cultivated grasses).



The interdisciplinary research team, which included assyriologists, archaeologists, biologists, and geneticists, compared their findings with modern-day botanical records from Iraq and ancient Assyrian plant descriptions.



<h2 id="h-protected-mass-of-clay">Protected mass of clay&nbsp;</h2>



The brick was primarily made of mud collected from the nearby Tigris river, mixed with materials like chaff, straw, or animal dung, then shaped in a mold, inscribed with cuneiform script, and left to dry naturally in the sun.&nbsp;



The absence of burning in the brick-making process contributed to the preservation of genetic material within the clay.



Dr. Sophie Lund Rasmussen is the joint first author of the paper and a member of the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at the University of Oxford.



‘We were absolutely thrilled to discover that ancient DNA, effectively protected from contamination inside a mass of clay, can successfully be extracted from a 2,900-year-old clay brick," said Dr. Rasmussen.



"This research project is a perfect example of the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in science, as the diverse expertise included in this study provided a holistic approach to the investigation of this material and the results it yielded.’



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



Beyond the insight provided by this individual brick, the research serves as a proof of concept and method that could be applied to various archaeological sources of clay from different places and time periods worldwide to identify plants and animals of the past.&nbsp;



Clay materials can be found in archaeological sites worldwide, and their context often allows for highly precise dating.



While this study focused on plant DNA, as these specimens were the most prevalent and well-preserved, the method has the potential to identify all taxa, including vertebrates and invertebrates.&nbsp;



The ability to accurately describe ancient biodiversity is a valuable tool for understanding and quantifying present-day biodiversity loss and gaining deeper insights into ancient and lost civilizations.



Dr. Troels Arbøll is the joint first author of the paper and was a junior research fellow at Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford when the study was conducted.



"Because of the inscription on the brick, we can allocate the clay to a relatively specific period of time in a particular region, which means the brick serves as a biodiversity time-capsule of information regarding a single site and its surroundings," said Dr. Arbøll. "In this case, it provides researchers with a unique access to the ancient Assyrians."



Image Credit: Arnold Mikkelsen og Jens Lauridsen



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Time capsule of plant life extracted from 2,900-year-old clay brick

In a new study published in the journal Nature Scientific...

The mass slaughter of the North American bison in the 19th century, widely recognized as an ecological catastrophe, also delivered a crippling blow to the Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains, according to a new study led by <a href="https://www.emory.edu/home/index.html">Emory University</a>.



The research sheds light on the long-lasting economic and social consequences the bison slaughter had on these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indigenous-forests-prevent-15-million-yearly-cases-of-disease/">Indigenous</a> communities that once thrived on bison.



Researchers from Emory University, the University of Toronto, and the University of Victoria quantified the economic shockwaves that continue to affect Indigenous populations. The study exposes the economic disparities rooted in this nearly forgotten aspect of American history.



<h2 id="h-economic-shock">Economic shock</h2>



In the mid-19th century, the United States was home to an estimated eight million bison, a number that plummeted to fewer than 500 in just two decades.&nbsp;



While this decimation momentarily boosted the economies of settlers, hunters, and traders who profited from selling bison hides and bones, the Indigenous peoples who had depended on the bison for their livelihood for over 10,000 years experienced a catastrophic economic shock, the reverberations of which are still felt today.



<h2 id="h-health-consequences">Health consequences&nbsp;</h2>



The economic fallout manifested in several ways, including a striking decline in the average height of bison-dependent Indigenous men.&nbsp;



“Adult height across a population is one proxy of wealth and health given that it can be impacted by nutrition and disease, particularly early in development," said study co-author Professor Maggie Jones.



Prior to the slaughter, bison-reliant Indigenous men averaged around six feet in height, making them “among the tallest people in the world in the mid-19th century,” said Jones.&nbsp;



However, in the aftermath of the slaughter, the average height of the most affected Indigenous populations dropped by over an inch within a generation. “That’s a major drop, but given the magnitude of the economic shock, it’s not necessarily surprising,” she adds.



<h2 id="h-a-persistent-economic-gap">A persistent economic gap</h2>



The researchers also found that by the early 20th century, child mortality rates among bison-dependent Indigenous nations were 16 percentage points higher, and the likelihood of working-age males reporting an occupation was 19 percentage points lower compared to Indigenous nations never reliant on bison.&nbsp;



Furthermore, income per capita for bison-reliant nations remained 25% lower on average than other nations from the mid-20th century to the present day. This persistent gap could not be accounted for by variations in agricultural productivity, self-governance, or the application of the Dawes Act of 1887.



The study identifies limited access to credit as a key factor that hindered the economic adjustment of bison-reliant nations following the near-extinction of the bison.&nbsp;



“One role of economists is to provide quantitative evidence that people can turn to when trying to design more effective policies,” said Jones. “By providing data that benchmarks disparities among bison-reliant people and the sources and evolution of these disparities, we hope to support efforts to improve the situation.”



<h2 id="h-a-critical-industry-lost">A critical industry lost</h2>



The slaughter of the bison was precipitated by the completion of the transcontinental railroad, advancements in European tanning technology, and a deliberate strategy by the U.S. Army to force Indigenous peoples onto reservations. The slaughter is described by the researchers as one of the most rapid and extensive losses of a critical industry in North American history.&nbsp;



“Centuries of human capital were built around the use of the bison, and within 10 to 20 years this economic underpinning disappeared,” said Jones. “And many channels of economic adjustment were cut off for Indigenous populations.”



<h2 id="h-cultural-aftershocks">Cultural aftershocks</h2>



For over 10,000 years, bison were integral to the livelihoods of many Indigenous communities, offering not just sustenance but also hides for clothing, bones for tools, and other invaluable resources. Their disappearance did more than just topple an economic cornerstone; it ripped apart a cultural fabric that cannot be quantified.



“Bison were not just key to the economies of some Indigenous nations,” said Jones. "The bison were also important cultural and spiritual symbols. You would expect a psychological impact when they were ripped away. That’s an important part of the story that this paper didn’t get to tell.”



Even though the study was focused on the economic impacts, the researchers acknowledge the complex toll the bison slaughter had on Indigenous communities, from immediate loss to generational trauma.&nbsp;



The research shines a light on an overlooked part of American history, and emphasizes the urgency of understanding and addressing the inequalities that continue to persist in Indigenous communities.



The research is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/restud/rdad060">The Review of Economic Studies</a>.



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Bison slaughter had lasting, traumatic impacts on Indigenous communities

The mass slaughter of the North American bison in the...

In a new study conducted by the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en">University of Gothenburg</a>, experts found that bus drivers faced double the risk of being hospitalized for severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-made-covid-19-patients-sicker-for-longer/">COVID-19</a> during the later stages of the pandemic.&nbsp;



This research revealed that several other occupations in education and healthcare were also at a heightened risk of serious illness due to the virus.&nbsp;



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



The researchers meticulously analyzed a substantial amount of data, specifically 552,562 confirmed COVID-19 infections and 5,985 cases of severe COVID-19 infection, from various registers.&nbsp;



This data, encompassing hospitalizations from October 2020 to December 2021, was then cross-referenced with the occupations of the individuals from November of the previous year.&nbsp;



The researchers compared occupations that required close contact with others and those that did not require significant interaction with colleagues or the public.



<h2 id="h-results-of-the-study">Results of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The results showed that bus and tram drivers had a 98% increased risk of hospitalization for severe COVID-19.



The study also exposed an elevated risk among staff at after-school clubs (72% increased risk), registered nurses (68% increased risk), compulsory school teachers (60% increased risk), and preschool child minders (60% increased risk).



The study uncovered interesting disparities between men and women in several occupations. A 53% increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalization was observed among specialist doctors of both genders. However, when focusing solely on female specialists, the increase in risk jumped to 105 percent.



“When looking at specific occupations, interesting gender differences emerge," said Maria Åberg, professor of General Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg.



"Among women, there are increased risks for specialist doctors, nurses, midwives, and preschool staff. Male occupations that carry higher risk include bus and tram drivers and security guards. This also reflects the fact that we have a gender-segregated labor market.”



<h2 id="h-high-risk-occupations">High-risk occupations&nbsp;</h2>



The research team hopes that these findings will serve as a wake-up call for employers, highlighting the urgent need for better risk assessment and preventive measures across various sectors, not just in healthcare. The results of the study indicate a work-related contagion in several different types of contact professions.



“The workplace is also an important arena for informing about and carrying out vaccination," said Kjell Torén, professor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy.



"Over the course of our research, we have come to the strong conclusion that workplaces or employers need to be involved in getting these high-risk occupations access to vaccination, for example by allowing them to be vaccinated during working hours or by organizing vaccination sessions at their place of work. And occupational healthcare has an important role to play in making this happen.”



“We know that vaccination protects against severe COVID-19 and we believe that vaccination in high-risk workplaces during working hours would further reduce the risks," said Professor Åberg.&nbsp;



"This applies in particular to bus and tram drivers and preschool staff. Healthcare workers were usually offered vaccination during working hours, but perhaps additional measures could have increased vaccination uptake.”



The study, published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.4103">Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment &amp; Health</a>, was a collaborative effort with Karolinska Institutet.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-more-about-high-risk-workplaces">More about high-risk workplaces&nbsp;</h2>



High-risk workplaces are environments where employees are more susceptible to contracting infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, due to the nature of their work, which often involves close contact with others.&nbsp;



The recent study conducted by the University of Gothenburg highlights that not only healthcare settings but also several other sectors, including education and transportation, fall into this high-risk category.



Bus and tram drivers, for instance, were found to have a 98% increased risk of hospitalization for severe COVID-19. This is particularly concerning given that public transportation is a vital service, and its operators are exposed to a large number of people on a daily basis.&nbsp;



It is crucial for employers in these sectors to acknowledge the heightened risk faced by their employees and to implement comprehensive preventive measures to protect their workforce.&nbsp;



These measures may include regular testing, enforcing mask-wearing, maintaining physical distance wherever possible, enhancing ventilation, and encouraging frequent hand hygiene.&nbsp;



Additionally, vaccination plays a pivotal role in mitigating the risk of severe illness. Therefore, employers should actively facilitate vaccination for their employees by allowing them to get vaccinated during working hours or by organizing vaccination sessions at the workplace.



—-



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Bus drivers have double the risk of hospitalization for severe COVID-19

In a new study conducted by the University of Gothenburg,...

Age-related hearing loss is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. Researchers from various institutions in Argentina have recently published a study in the open access journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002257">PLOS Biology</a>, which suggests that common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbal-supplements-are-not-always-safe/">supplements</a> containing phytosterols might help in reducing natural hearing loss associated with aging.&nbsp;



The study was led by María Eugenia Gomez-Casati from the University of Buenos Aires-CONICET, Mauricio Martin from the Institute of Medical Research Mercedes, and Martín Ferreyra from INIMEC-CONICET-UNC, National University of Córdoba.



The results demonstrate the connection between the decrease of cholesterol in the inner ear and sensory dysfunction in mice.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The inner ear consists of sensory cells called outer hair cells (OHCs) that play a crucial role in amplifying sounds by changing their length.&nbsp;



As individuals age, these cells lose their ability to stretch in response to sound, thereby preventing sound amplification and ultimately leading to age-related hearing loss.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-brain-cholesterol">Brain cholesterol&nbsp;</h2>



Cholesterol is a key component in the stretch response of OHCs. Recent studies have shown a decrease in brain cholesterol with age, leading the researchers to theorize that hearing loss might be related to the loss of cholesterol in OHCs.&nbsp;



To test this hypothesis, experiments were conducted on mice. The team of researchers began by measuring the levels of CYP46A1, an enzyme involved in breaking down and recycling cholesterol, in the inner ear OHCs of mice.&nbsp;



As anticipated, the experts found higher levels of CYP46A1 in the inner ears of older mice compared to younger ones, resulting in less cholesterol.&nbsp;



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



To establish a cause-and-effect relationship, the researchers induced hearing loss in young mice by over-activating CYP46A1 with a drug, which led to abnormal inner ear-cell output.&nbsp;



Following this, they tested whether increasing cholesterol in the brain could counter the effects of the drug.&nbsp;



Since cholesterol cannot directly enter the brain from the blood, the researchers used plant-based cholesterol-like compounds called phytosterols, which can cross the blood-brain barrier.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-what-the-study-revealed">What the study revealed</h2>



Young mice treated with both the CYP46A1-activating drug and a three-week regimen of dietary phytosterols displayed improved OHC function.



This discovery is particularly promising as phytosterols are present in many over-the-counter supplements, making them a convenient option to combat age-related hearing loss.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



However, the researchers caution that further testing on older mouse models and humans is necessary before more definitive conclusions can be drawn.&nbsp;



Nonetheless, this study represents a significant step forward in understanding the relationship between cholesterol levels in the inner ear and age-related hearing loss, and opens up new avenues for potential treatments.



The study authors noted: “In the present work we show that: 1) aging triggers cholesterol loss from sensory cells of the inner ear, 2) a retroviral treatment widely employed for HIV/AIDS patients reproduces the cholesterol loss observed in aged individuals and leads to impaired outer hair cells’ function and 3) we found that these defects can be partly reversed by phytosterols supplementation."



"Our findings are very promising because they provide the first proof-of-principle supporting phytosterols supplementation as a possible approach for prevention or treatment of hearing loss



<h2 id="h-more-about-age-related-hearing-loss">More about age-related hearing loss&nbsp;</h2>



Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a common condition that affects many people as they get older. It usually occurs gradually over time and can affect one or both ears.&nbsp;



This type of hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process and is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults.



<h3 id="h-causes">Causes</h3>



The exact cause of age-related hearing loss is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be a combination of several factors:



<h3 id="h-wear-and-tear">Wear and tear</h3>



Years of exposure to loud noises can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, which are responsible for transmitting sound to the brain. These hair cells do not regenerate, so their loss is permanent.



<h3 id="h-changes-in-blood-flow">Changes in blood flow</h3>



As people age, there can be changes in blood flow to the ear, which may affect hearing.



<h3 id="h-changes-in-the-structure-of-the-ear">Changes in the structure of the ear</h3>



The structure of the ear changes with age, which can also contribute to hearing loss. For example, the eardrum may become less flexible, making it harder for sounds to pass through.



<h3 id="h-genetic-factors">Genetic factors</h3>



Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing hearing loss as they age.



—-



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Common supplements can combat age-related hearing loss

Age-related hearing loss is a common ailment that affects millions...

A recent study from <a href="https://duke.edu/">Duke University</a> has revealed the remarkable physics behind the ability of witch hazel plants to launch seeds with incredible velocity.



The team discovered that members of the witch hazel family can propel heavier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundbreaking-technology-uncovers-the-mysteries-of-alfalfa-seeds/">seeds</a> just as swiftly as lighter ones, thanks to the spring-loaded mechanism of their fruits.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The study, led by graduate student Justin Jorge and senior author Sheila Patek, explored the world of plant biomechanics through high-speed video camera recordings and meticulous measurements.



The witch hazel, commonly found in forests, is often admired for its sweet-smelling shrub with crinkly ribbon-like petals.&nbsp;



However, according to Jorge, it is more akin to a howitzer due to the impressive firepower of its fruits.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-rapid-seed-dispersion">Rapid seed dispersion&nbsp;</h2>



When witch hazels are ready to disperse their seeds, their woody seed capsules split open. Pressure builds up, and eventually the seeds shoot out like bullets fired from a rifle, hitting 30 feet per second in about half a millisecond.



This rapid seed dispersion happens so swiftly that it is almost impossible to capture with a regular camera. "If you blink you'll miss it," said Jorge. 



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="mfCzjlSZy8-2963542-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The research team utilized a high-speed video camera capable of recording at 100,000 frames per second to document the phenomenon.



The team collected fruits from three different witch hazel species found in Duke Gardens or Duke Forest.&nbsp;



The collected seeds varied in weight, with the lightest ones weighing only 15 milligrams - lighter than a grain of rice, while others were ten times more massive.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



Surprisingly, the witch hazels were able to fling the heavier seeds just as fast as the lighter ones.&nbsp;



“We found that the launch speeds were all roughly the same,” said Jorge. “Given the order of magnitude difference in seed masses, I was not expecting that at all.”



Their findings, published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2023.0234">Journal of the Royal Society Interface</a>, delved into the mechanics of how the plants achieve this feat.&nbsp;



The researchers discovered that the secret to the seed's velocity lies in the spring-loaded launch of the fruit capsule.



<h2 id="h-seed-propulsion">Seed propulsion&nbsp;</h2>



The three species investigated in the study employed the same mechanism for seed propulsion.&nbsp;



Before the seeds are ejected, the fruit capsule dries out and deforms, akin to a piece of wood warping. The compression of the woody fruit capsule's walls is what eventually sends the seed flying.



“It’s similar to how you can shoot out a watermelon seed by squeezing it between your fingers,” explained Jorge.



<h2 id="h-spring-like-seed-capsule">Spring-like seed capsule&nbsp;</h2>



Typically, to propel a heavier object at the same speed as a lighter one, more force is required. The witch hazel achieves this by using springs.&nbsp;



The researchers estimated the elastic potential energy stored in the spring-like seed capsule by measuring the force needed to wedge the seed back into place.&nbsp;



They found that witch hazel species with heavier seeds have larger capsules that can store more elastic energy.



Jorge plans to investigate further by examining the forces acting on witch hazel seeds as they fly through the air and assessing how far they can travel.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



This study not only sheds light on the remarkable adaptations of the witch hazel, but also contributes to the broader understanding of seed dispersion mechanisms in the plant kingdom.



The researchers say that some of the lessons learned from nature could lead to better designs for robots.&nbsp;



“People ask me all the time, ‘why are you looking at seed-shooting plants?’” Jorge said. “It’s the weirdness of their springs."



“When we think of springy things, we typically think of rubber bands, coils, or archery bows,” Jorge said. “But in biology, we have all these weird, complex shapes."



"Perhaps there are some benefits to these shapes that can be used to improve the design of synthetic springs, such as those used in small jumping robots, but first we need to understand how these biological springs work.”



Video Credit: Patek lab, Duke University



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Witch hazel plants propel seeds at bullet speeds

A recent study from Duke University has revealed the remarkable...

National Dog Day is celebrated on August 26th every year in the United States. It is a day to celebrate all breeds of dogs and to recognize the irreplaceable roles they play in our lives.&nbsp;



It is a <a href="https://www.nationaldogday.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">day to show appreciation</a> for working dogs that protect us and provide invaluable services, such as guide dogs, therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and police dogs.



It's also a day to raise awareness about the number of dogs that need to be rescued and adopted. Many people celebrate by spending extra time with their dogs, posting pictures on social media, or even adopting a new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pet-owners-are-happier-than-people-who-dont-have-pets/">pet</a>.



<h2 id="h-history">History&nbsp;</h2>



National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by animal welfare advocate and pet lifestyle expert, Colleen Paige.&nbsp;



The date of August 26th was chosen because it's the date that Paige's family adopted her first dog "Sheltie" from the local animal shelter when she was 10 years old.



<h2 id="h-how-dogs-help-humans">How dogs help humans</h2>



Dogs are known for their loyalty and faithfulness and have been companions to humans for centuries. They play many roles in our society as helpers, protectors, and companions.



Dogs offer unconditional love and can improve mental well-being. Additionally, they encourage physical activity through walks and play. Some breeds assist in tasks like hunting, herding, or policing, while service dogs can help individuals with disabilities.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-companionship">Companionship</h3>



Dogs are loyal and loving companions, providing emotional support and reducing feelings of loneliness.



<h3 id="h-physical-activity">Physical activity</h3>



Taking care of a dog involves regular walks and playtime, which helps in keeping the owners physically active.



<h3 id="h-mental-health">Mental health</h3>



Spending time with dogs has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.



<h3 id="h-security">Security</h3>



Dogs are often protective of their owners and can provide a sense of security.



<h3 id="h-assistance">Assistance</h3>



Some dogs are trained to assist people with disabilities, such as guide dogs for the visually impaired or service dogs for people with other physical or mental challenges.



<h3 id="h-work">Work</h3>



Dogs are used in various professional capacities, such as search and rescue, police work, and herding animals.



<h2 id="h-bond-between-humans-and-dogs">Bond between humans and dogs</h2>



The bond between humans and dogs is one of the most mutually beneficial relationships in the animal kingdom. It is thought to have existed for thousands of years, dating back to when humans first domesticated wolves. Over time, this relationship has evolved and strengthened, leading to the domestic dog species we know today.



<h3>Emotional Bond</h3>



Dogs are known for their loyalty and affection. They often form strong emotional bonds with their human owners, providing companionship and reducing feelings of loneliness. Humans often view dogs as members of their family.&nbsp;



<h3>Communication</h3>



Both humans and dogs have developed ways to communicate with each other, both verbally and non-verbally. Dogs have learned to understand human gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice, while humans have learned to interpret a dog's barks, growls, and body language.



<h3>Mutual benefits</h3>



The relationship between humans and dogs is mutually beneficial. Dogs provide companionship, emotional support, and security, while humans provide food, shelter, and care.&nbsp;



<h3>Trust and dependence</h3>



Over time, a sense of trust and dependence develops between a dog and its owner. Dogs often look to their owners for guidance and support, while owners often rely on their dogs for companionship and protection.



<h2 id="h-ways-to-celebrate">Ways to celebrate:</h2>



<ul>
<li>Adopt a dog: Many people choose this day to adopt a new furry friend from a shelter.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Volunteer: Some people spend their day volunteering at a local animal shelter.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Pamper your dog: Many dog owners pamper their pets with special treats, new toys, or a long walk in the park.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Social media: Share photos and stories of your dog on social media using the hashtag #NationalDogDay.</li>
</ul>



National Dog Day is not only a day to celebrate and appreciate the love and joy that dogs bring into our lives, but also a day to raise awareness about the thousands of dogs that are in shelters waiting for a loving home.



It is a time to celebrate and honor the various ways dogs make our lives better, and to encourage responsible dog ownership and care.



—-



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National Dog Day: Celebrating all the ways that dogs make life better

National Dog Day is celebrated on August 26th every year...

As the world experiences increasingly frequent and deadly heatwaves, researchers are shedding light on the alarming reality of this pressing issue. The 2003 European heatwave, which led to an unprecedented 45,000 to 70,000 fatalities, may be a foreshadowing of the new normal for the world's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangerous-climate-feedback-loops-have-been-underestimated/">climate</a>.&nbsp;



A team from the Institute for Environmental Decisions at <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html">ETH Zurich</a>, partnering with international epidemiologists, has collected heat-related mortality data from 748 cities (spanning 47 countries, from Europe to Southeast Asia) since 2013.



<h2 id="h-ideal-temperatures">Ideal temperatures</h2>



Samuel Lüthi, the study's lead author, elaborated on the team's innovative approach. The researchers combined daily temperature data with mortality rates to identify each location's "ideal temperature" - a point at which excess mortality is minimized.&nbsp;



For example, while Bangkok's ideal temperature stands at 30 degrees Celsius, Paris is most comfortable at 21 degrees. Every tenth of a degree above this ideal value increases excess mortality.&nbsp;



“Not all heat is the same,” said Lüthi. “The same temperature has a completely different impact on heat-​related excess mortality in the populations of Athens and Zurich.”



Factors such as acclimatization, urban planning, population demographics, and local healthcare play pivotal roles in ideal temperature and heat-related mortality.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-how-the-team-studied-heatwaves">How the team studied heatwaves</h2>



To analyze future heatwave scenarios, the researchers turned to five powerful climate models known as SMILEs.&nbsp;



“We ran the same model up to 84 times, with slightly different weather conditions each round. That gave us a multitude of possible weather systems that are likely to occur if there is a certain amount of CO2 in the atmosphere,” explained Lüthi.&nbsp;



The researchers combined this data with an epidemiological model to calculate the corresponding heat mortality.&nbsp;



By comparison, previous projections of heat-​related mortality were typically based on calculations that used one climate model over a specific period of time.&nbsp;



“Our method allows us to quantify extremes in the climate system much more effectively and reduce uncertainties that arise from the idiosyncrasies of certain models," said Lüthi.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



The results were startling. The researchers found that the once-in-a-century excess mortality rate from the hot summer of 2003 is now anticipated to recur every 10 to 20 years.&nbsp;



Should global temperatures rise by 2 degrees, such deadly heatwaves could occur every other year or even more frequently.&nbsp;



Worst-case scenarios suggest that regions like the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of the U.S., Southeast Asia, and southern Europe might see up to 10% of their deaths linked to heat.&nbsp;



“The excess mortality of a hot summer like 2003 used to be considered an extreme, once-​in-a-century event. We now expect it to occur once every 10 to 20 years, or, in a world that is 2 degrees warmer, every two to five years in many places," said Lüthi.



Europe, particularly its southern belt, is doubly vulnerable. Not only are temperatures here ascending at double the global rate, but an aging population compounds the risk.



<h2 id="h-frightening-results">Frightening results</h2>



“The results frightened me,” said Lüthi. “While I was working on the study, I always tried to look behind the figures and see the real lives of people who are affected by the changes. It’s worrying.”&nbsp;



Particularly, as he points out, because the assumptions underlying the modeling are actually on the conservative side.&nbsp;



The results are based on the assumption that the global average temperature is on track to increase by a maximum of 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius. However, with greenhouse gas emissions at their current levels, the more likely figure is 2.6 degrees.



<h2 id="h-urgent-need-for-action">Urgent need for action</h2>



According to the researchers, the results highlight the urgent need for action. In order to at least curb increasing heat waves, the most important step is to phase out fossil fuels as quickly as possible, said Lüthi.&nbsp;



The experts say that society can partly adapt to higher temperatures to reduce the impact of future heat waves. “We should now prepare and manage the unavoidable, while avoiding the unmanageable at all costs," said Lüthi.



—--



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Once-​in-a-century heatwave may soon happen every other year

As the world experiences increasingly frequent and deadly heatwaves, researchers...

Blueberry,Smoothie,With,Mint,In,Mason,Jar,Mug,With,Straw.

In a world increasingly alarmed by the environmental implications of single-use plastic products, many have turned to "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-develop-an-eco-friendly-material-to-purify-water/">eco-friendly</a>" alternatives like paper drinking straws. But a recent study from Belgium warns that these seemingly sustainable alternatives may not be as benign as we think.&nbsp;



The researchers caution users about the hidden contaminants in these seemingly green products. The experts report that "eco-friendly” paper drinking straws, celebrated for their biodegradability, may contain long-lasting and potentially toxic chemicals.



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



Led by Dr. Thimo Groffen, an environmental scientist at the <a href="https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/">University of Antwerp</a>, this research is the first of its kind in Europe and only the second globally. The team conducted a comprehensive analysis of 39 brands of straws, focusing on the detection of synthetic chemicals known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).



PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," are renowned for their resistance properties. They are commonly found in products ranging from outdoor apparel to non-stick cookware.&nbsp;



These forever chemicals resist water, heat, and stains. But this resilience comes with an environmental and health toll. They degrade slowly, persisting in the environment for millennia.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-not-necessarily-eco-friendly">Not necessarily eco-friendly&nbsp;</h2>



Not only are PFAS detrimental to our planet, but they have also been linked to numerous health complications - ranging from lowered responses to vaccines and thyroid diseases to heightened cholesterol levels and various cancers.



According to Dr. Groffen, "Straws made from plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo, are often advertised as being more sustainable and eco-friendly than those made from plastic. However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means that’s not necessarily true.”



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



So how did these straws fare in the study? Out of the 39 brands, an alarming 69% (27 brands) were found to contain PFAS.&nbsp;



The majority, 90%, were paper straws. Bamboo straws weren’t far behind, with 80% of brands testing positive for PFAS.



These numbers are significant, especially when considering the global clampdown on single-use plastics. Countries like the UK and Belgium have banned such products, thrusting plant-based straws to the forefront.



<h2 id="h-cocktail-of-chemicals">Cocktail of chemicals&nbsp;</h2>



Furthermore, it's concerning that the most commonly detected PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has been globally banned since 2020.&nbsp;



Adding to the cocktail of chemicals were "ultra-short chain" PFAS such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS). These are particularly troubling as they have high water solubility, raising concerns about leaching into beverages.



<h2 id="h-relatively-low-concentrations">Relatively low concentrations</h2>



However, it’s worth noting that the PFAS concentrations in these straws were relatively low. Given the sporadic use of straws by the average person, the immediate health risks might be limited.&nbsp;



Still yet, as Dr. Groffen points out, “Small amounts of PFAS, while not harmful in themselves, can add to the chemical load already present in the body.”



<h2 id="h-origin-remains-a-mystery">Origin remains a mystery&nbsp;</h2>



As for the origin of PFAS in these straws, it remains a mystery. Were they intentionally added by manufacturers for water resistance, or did they emerge from environmental contamination?&nbsp;



The team speculates that in some cases, the chemicals might be applied as water-repellent coatings, given their near-ubiquity in paper straw brands.



<h2 id="h-study-limitations">Study limitations&nbsp;</h2>



The study did have its limitations. For instance, the experts did not explore whether the PFAS would actually migrate from the straws to the drinks.&nbsp;



Nevertheless, Dr. Groffen's concluding advice was clear-cut: “The presence of PFAS in paper and bamboo straws shows they are not necessarily biodegradable. We did not detect any PFAS in stainless steel straws, so I would advise consumers to use this type of straw – or just avoid using straws at all.”



In the quest for sustainable alternatives, it's crucial to ensure that replacements do not inadvertently introduce new problems. The findings from this study serve as a reminder that even green solutions need rigorous evaluation.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19440049.2023.2240908">Food Additives &amp; Contaminants</a>.&nbsp;



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Not so green: Hidden "forever chemicals" found in paper drinking straws 

In a world increasingly alarmed by the environmental implications of...

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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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



---



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



---



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



---



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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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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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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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.

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



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.

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes a new map of Mars that is providing insight into the planet’s watery past. The map also reveals where future missions could safely land on Mars.&nbsp;



The map has been created over the last decade using observations of water-rich rocks and mineral deposits. The images were captured by ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.



"A big surprise is the prevalence of these minerals, with the map revealing hundreds of thousands of water-affected locations in the oldest parts of the planet," says ESA. "The new data will help answer exciting questions about Mars’ climate history, whether water was globally persistent or confined to short, intense episodes, and whether the conditions were ever suitable for life."



"Specifically, the map shows the locations and abundances of aqueous minerals. These are from rocks that have been chemically altered by the action of water in the past, and have typically been transformed into clays and salts."



According to John Carter of the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), our collective understanding of Mars has been oversimplified. He explained that planetary scientists have tended to think that only a few types of clay minerals on Mars were created during its wet period, then as the water gradually dried up, salts were produced across the planet.



The new map shows that the composition of Mars is much more complicated than what we thought. For example, while many salts formed after Martian clays, there are some salts that are presumed to be older than some of the clays.&nbsp;



“The evolution from lots of water to no water is not as clear cut as we thought, the water didn’t just stop overnight. We see a huge diversity of geological contexts, so that no one process or simple timeline can explain the evolution of the mineralogy of Mars. That’s the first result of our study. The second is that if you exclude life processes on Earth, Mars exhibits a diversity of mineralogy in geological settings just as Earth does,” said Carter.



Video 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 history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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