Young aspen trees in Yellowstone are doing something they have not done in almost 100 years. Rather than sprouting and being eaten back to nubs by elk and bison, they're actually growing into tall, adult forest trees rising up towards the canopy.



This matters more than it might seem, because it shows what happens when a missing piece of an ecosystem returns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yellowstone-aspens-and-elk">Yellowstone, aspens, and elk</h2>



In the 1920s, people <a href="https://www.yellowstone.org/wolf-project/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eliminated wolves in Yellowstone</a>. At the time, with limited scientific knowledge, managers believed it was the right thing to do.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-wolves-to-dogs-did-domestication-begin-without-human-help/">Without wolves</a>, elk herds grew very large. Elk love to eat aspen shoots - the tender young growth is highly palatable to them.



For roughly 70 years, elk browsed aspen sprouts down to stub height, and the trees couldn't grow. 



If you had walked through Yellowstone in the 1980s, you would have seen many tiny aspen shoots covering the ground, but almost no young trees gaining height. 



The forest's regeneration was stalled. Old trees died, and no new ones replaced them.



In 1995 and 1996, park managers reintroduced wolves into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt/">Yellowstone Park ecosystem</a>. Scientists hoped and wondered whether this would change anything for the trees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-aspen-matter-to-yellowstone">Why aspen matter to Yellowstone</h2>



Aspen groves provide habitat for many species. Birds nest in them. Beavers eat the bark and use the wood for dams. Butterflies and moths lay eggs on the leaves. 



Their canopy admits enough light for wildflowers and shrubs to grow beneath. When it rains, aspen groves hold water in the soil better than some other forest types.



In short, when aspen return, dozens of other species benefit. More trees support more insects, which in turn support more birds, enriching the ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-checking-the-trees-three-decades-later">Checking the trees three decades later</h2>



<a href="https://fwcs.oregonstate.edu/users/luke-painter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke Painter</a>, an ecologist at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a>, sought clear answers. His team returned to 87 aspen stands across Yellowstone that scientists had previously surveyed. 



They measured thousands of young trees, looked for bite marks, and counted how many stems were tall enough that elk could no longer reach the tips.



About a third of these stands now have many tall young aspens pushing toward the canopy. 



"About 26 of the 87 aspen stands we examined had large numbers of tall saplings throughout, a remarkable change from the 1990s when surveys found none at all," Painter said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-wolves-matter-to-yellowstone-aspens">Why wolves matter to Yellowstone aspens</h2>



Breaking it all down, the conclusions of this study are pretty simple. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolves-move-pups-across-mountains-to-adapt-to-climate-pressure/">Wolves hunt elk</a>. When wolves came back, two things happened. First, elk numbers declined from unusually high levels. Second, elk changed their behavior. They spent less time in the same areas feeding.



With fewer elk and shorter feeding bouts, more aspen shoots survived long enough to exceed the browsing zone - about six to seven feet high. 



Once a sapling reaches that height, elk cannot easily reach the growing tip. The tree continues to grow.



"The reintroduction of large carnivores has initiated a recovery process that had been shut down for decades," Painter explained.



Scientists call this a <a href="https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/trophic-cascades-across-diverse-plant-ecosystems-80060347/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trophic cascade</a> - when adding or removing one species causes changes that ripple through the whole system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-places-recover-others-don-t">Some places recover, others don't</h2>



Unfortunately, not every aspen stand has recovered yet. Some valleys still have many short, heavily browsed shoots, because it's not only elk eating them anymore. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstones-iconic-bison-have-merged-into-a-single-herd/">Bison herds have grown</a>, and bison browse on aspen as well. They are strong enough to break young trees. 



"Increasing numbers of bison may be emerging as a new constraint to aspen in some areas," Painter confirmed.



Additionally, winter snow depth varies; droughts stress trees; bears and mountain lions also hunt elk; and hunting outside the park influences elk distribution. 



All of these factors interact, which is why some sites show strong recovery, others show moderate recovery, and a few have changed very little.



The key pattern is that places with many tall saplings experience little browsing, and aspen groves that remain popular eating grounds today stay short. 



This fact is the strongest indication that tree recovery is linked directly to wolf presence, not solely to weather or soil conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proof-in-the-measurements">Proof in the measurements</h2>



Painter's team did not rely on casual observation. They used the same methods as earlier researchers, measuring the same plots. 



They counted recruitment - when young trees surpass browsing height and begin progressing toward maturity. This measure is crucial. Sprouts are insufficient if they never grow; without recruitment, the forest cannot replace itself.



The results are robust. After being stalled for most of a century, Yellowstone's aspens are increasing in height. In recovering stands today, you will see saplings - six, eight, or ten feet tall - that were not present in the 1990s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-yellowstone-s-aspens">The future of Yellowstone's aspens</h2>



"This is a remarkable case of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-may-be-near-the-root-of-all-life-on-earth/">ecological restoration</a>," Painter concluded. "Wolf reintroduction is yielding long-term ecological changes contributing to increased biodiversity and habitat diversity."



Trees grow slowly, so even with wolves restored, it will take decades for these young aspens to form a full-grown forest. 



Some areas might never fully recover if bison numbers continue to rise or if the climate becomes too hot and dry.



Thanks to the work of Painter and his team, scientists are now certain that restoring the Yellowstone predator has restarted aspen forest regeneration. Not everywhere and not perfectly, but enough to be measured, creating hope for the future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112725004499?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Ecology and Management</a>.



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Yellowstone's aspen trees are growing again thanks to the reintroduction of wolves

Young aspen trees in Yellowstone are doing something they have not done in almost 100 years. Rather than sprouting and being eaten back to nubs by elk and bison, they're actually growing into tall, adult forest trees rising up towards the canopy. This matters more than it might seem, because it shows what happens when a missing piece of an ecosystem returns. Yellowstone, aspens, and elk In the 1920s, people eliminated wolves in Yellowstone. At the time, with limited scientific knowledge, managers believed it was the right...

Over two decades since Dolly the sheep's groundbreaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cloning-reverse-extinction/">cloning</a>, scientists have achieved a significant milestone by successfully cloning a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta), a species closely related to humans.&nbsp;



This feat was accomplished by experts at the <a href="https://english.ucas.ac.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> in Beijing, who used somatic cells from a rhesus monkey to create a genetically identical copy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloning-technology-nbsp">Cloning technology&nbsp;</h2>



The clone, which has been healthy for more than two years since its birth, marks a significant advancement in cloning technology, particularly in a species so closely related to humans.&nbsp;



The cloning process employed somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), a technique that involves transferring the DNA of a somatic cell, such as a skin cell, into an egg cell whose nucleus has been removed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-success-rate">Low success rate</h2>



Dr. Qiang Sun and his team, the same group that cloned the crab-eating macaque monkeys in 2017, led this latest effort. The SCNT technique reprograms the genetic material in the nucleus, allowing the egg to divide and form a cloned embryo, supported by a healthy placenta.



However, the cloning efficiency for most mammal species remains extremely low, with high mortality rates both during gestation and shortly after birth. The team's success came with only one surviving cloned animal out of 113 initial embryos, a success rate of less than one percent.



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



Dr. Lluís Montoliu, an expert at the <a href="http://www.cnb.csic.es/index.php/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Center for Biotechnology</a> in Spain, not involved in the new cloning project, highlights the difficulty of such experiments. 



"Both the cloning of crab-eating macaques and Rhesus monkeys demonstrate two things: first, it is possible to clone primates, and second, it is extremely difficult to succeed with these experiments, with such low efficiencies, once again ruling out human cloning," he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethical-concerns">Ethical concerns</h2>



While the cloning of various mammals has been achieved since Dolly's birth in 1996, the cloning of primates like monkeys and potentially humans raises significant ethical concerns. Dr. Montoliu emphasizes that human cloning is "extraordinarily difficult and ethically unjustifiable," deeming it unnecessary and debatable.



The experiment, which could not have been conducted in Europe due to EU legislation on animal experimentation, raises questions about the ethical implications of cloning primates.&nbsp;



The EU legislation prohibits the use of non-human primates in experiments unless it's for investigating serious diseases affecting humans or the primate species itself, criteria not met in this experiment.&nbsp;



Despite these concerns, the research offers valuable insights into the possibilities and limitations of cloning technology in closely human-related species.



The findings are published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43985-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Chinese scientists clone a rhesus monkey for the first time

Over two decades since Dolly the sheep's groundbreaking cloning, scientists...

Exercise is associated with improved cognitive performance, and a new study from the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a> has found that dopamine plays a central role in this relationship. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-does-love-look-like-in-the-brain-a-rush-of-dopamine/">Dopamine</a> is a neurotransmitter and hormone that is commonly associated with feelings of pleasure and motivation. It is known to increase when you work out, and the research suggests that this surge of dopamine enhances brain function.



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



The researchers discovered that dopamine not only increases during exercise but is also crucial for quicker reaction times.&nbsp;



The experts noted that this discovery opens up new possibilities for treating cognitive health issues, as dopamine significantly impacts conditions like Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, ADHD, addiction, and depression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faster-reaction-time-nbsp">Faster reaction time&nbsp;</h2>



The team utilized advanced brain imaging techniques, specifically a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, to measure dopamine release in the brain.&nbsp;



Remarkably, participants showed increased dopamine release while cycling in a lying position inside the PET scanner, correlating with improved reaction times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boosting-brain-function-nbsp">Boosting brain function&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Joe Costello, from the University’s School of Sport, Health &amp; Exercise Science (SHES), emphasized the novelty of this research in humans.&nbsp;



"We know cardiovascular exercise improves cognitive performance, but the exact mechanisms behind this process have not been rigorously investigated in humans until now," said Dr. Costello.



“Using novel brain imaging techniques, we were able to examine the role dopamine plays in boosting brain function during exercise, and the results are really promising. Our current study suggests the hormone is an important neuromodulator for improved reaction time."



“These findings support growing evidence that exercise prescription is a viable therapy for a host of health conditions across the lifespan.”



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



The research comprised three experiments with 52 male participants. The first involved cognitive tasks performed at rest and during cycling, allowing the team to track dopamine movement in the brain.&nbsp;



The second experiment tested cognitive performance improvement through forced muscle movement via electrical stimulation. The third combined voluntary and involuntary exercise methods.



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



The results showed cognitive performance enhancements only in experiments involving voluntary exercise. Soichi Ando, associate professor in the Health &amp; Sports Science Laboratory at the University of Electro-Communications in Japan, explained the significance of the study.



“We wanted to remove voluntary muscle movement for part of the study, to see if the process in which acute exercise improves cognitive performance is present during manufactured exercise. But our results indicate that the exercise has to be from the central signals of the brain, and not just the muscle itself," explained Professor Ando.



“This suggests that when we tell our central command to move our body during a workout, that’s the process which helps the dopamine release in the brain.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improved-cognitive-function-nbsp">Improved cognitive function&nbsp;</h2>



Previous studies by the team explored the connection between oxygen levels, cognitive performance, and exercise. They found no significant change in reaction times under low oxygen levels (hypoxia), reinforcing the theory that brain-regulating hormones like dopamine are the key drivers of improved brain function during exercise.



“These latest findings support our previous theory that cognitive performance during exercise is affected by changes to brain regulating hormones, including dopamine," said Dr. Costello.



“There could also be a number of other psychophysiological factors including cerebral blood flow, arousal and motivation that play a part.”



According to the researchers, further studies are urgently needed to fully understand how dopamine release is linked to cognitive performance following exercise.&nbsp;



The study is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1113/JP285173" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journal of Physiology</a>.



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Dopamine enhances brain function and reaction times during exercise

Exercise is associated with improved cognitive performance, and a new...

A new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjph-2023-000253">BMJ Public Health</a> has raised serious concerns about the potential risks of irreversible hearing loss and tinnitus among video gamers.&nbsp;



The study emphasizes that sound levels in video games often approach or exceed safe limits, highlighting an urgent need for increased public health efforts to raise awareness about these risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-analysis-nbsp">Extensive analysis&nbsp;</h2>



The comprehensive review involved an extensive analysis of various research and grey literature, including 14 peer-reviewed studies from nine countries.&nbsp;



These studies ranged from cohort observations to those focusing on specific devices and gaming environments, and involved 53,833 individuals.



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



One alarming finding was the reported sound levels, which varied significantly depending on the gaming medium. For example, sound levels from mobile devices were found to be around 43.2 decibels (dB), whereas those in gaming centers reached a staggering 80-89 dB.&nbsp;



In addition, impulse sounds during gameplay were reported to reach levels as high as 119 dB, far exceeding the permissible exposure limits set for children and adults.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safe-noise-levels">Safe noise levels</h2>



The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in collaboration with the World Health Organization, has established a time–intensity trade-off to determine safe levels of noise exposure.&nbsp;



According to this guideline, the permissible noise exposure level is 80 dB for 40 hours per week for adults, with the exposure time halving with every 3 dB increase in noise level. For children, the safe level is defined as 75 dB for the same duration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hearing-related-issues">Hearing-related issues</h2>



The review also highlighted the prevalence of video gaming among young people, with studies reporting a range from 20% to 68%. Notably, two South Korean studies indicated that around 60% of young people frequented gaming centers.



Five studies specifically evaluated the link between gaming and hearing-related issues. Two of these found a significant association between gaming center use by school pupils and increased odds of severe tinnitus and high-frequency sound hearing loss. Another large observational study linked video gaming with increased self-reported hearing loss severity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-excessive-sound-exposure-nbsp">Excessive sound exposure&nbsp;</h2>



One study that measured sound levels from video games through headphones attached to gaming consoles found that the average sound levels for various games were dangerously close to the maximum permissible sound exposure levels.



An additional 16 peer-reviewed articles and 14 grey literature sources identified gaming as a potential source of excessive sound exposure. One grey literature study focusing on gamers’ preferred listening levels concluded that gaming headphones often reach unsafe levels, potentially leading to sound-induced hearing loss.



The review also examined gender differences in gaming behaviors, revealing that boys tend to play video games more frequently, for longer periods, and at higher sound intensity levels than girls.



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



Despite the compelling evidence presented, the researchers acknowledge certain limitations in their study, such as the scarcity of recent data objectively measuring sound levels in video games and gaming centers. They emphasized the need for further research to address key gaps in the existing evidence.



“Although the data provided in this review are limited, they suggest that some gamers, particularly those who play frequently, and at or above the average sound levels described by papers included in this review, probably exceed permissible sound exposure limits, and are thus engaging in unsafe listening practices, which could put them at risk for developing permanent hearing loss and/or tinnitus,” wrote the study authors.



“The findings suggest that there may be a need to prioritize interventions, such as initiatives focused on education and awareness of the potential risks of gaming, that can help promote safe listening among gamers."



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Video gamers may be at risk of irreversible hearing loss 

A new study published in the journal BMJ Public Health...

A study led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley and the Swedish Museum of Natural History has uncovered that Pacific Coast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kelp-farms-could-help-clean-up-coastal-nitrogen-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kelp</a> forests have much older origins than previously thought. 



The study reveals that these underwater forests existed more than 32 million years ago, predating the emergence of the modern marine ecosystem that currently inhabits them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-food-source">Ancient food source</h2>



Cindy Looy, a paleobotanist and professor of integrative biology at <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Berkeley</a>, and Steffen Kiel, a senior curator at the <a href="https://www.nrm.se/en/16.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swedish Museum of Natural History</a>, spearheaded the research. 



The team found that the kelp forests provided a primary food source for an ancient mammal called a desmostylian, a relative of today's sea cows and elephants.



Initially, it was believed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kelp-forests-are-losing-their-capacity-to-trap-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kelp</a> forests emerged around 14 million years ago, aligning with the appearance of modern marine animals. 



However, as Looy explains, "Now, we show the kelps were there, it's just that all the organisms that you expect to be associated with them were not." 



This new understanding suggests a more complex evolutionary history of these ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossilized-kelp-forest-holdfasts">Fossilized kelp forest holdfasts</h2>



The discovery was made possible through fossilized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoration-of-underwater-seaweed-forests-offers-hope-for-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kelp</a> holdfasts - the root-like structures anchoring kelp to the seafloor - dated back to 32.1 million years ago. 



These holdfasts, containing clams, barnacles, and snails, provide insight into the ancient kelp's ecosystem. 



Prior to this, the oldest known kelp fossil was an air bladder and blade similar to today's bull kelp, dating back to 14 million years ago, held by the University of California Museum of Paleontology (<a href="https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCMP</a>).



"Our holdfasts provide good evidence for kelp being the food source for an enigmatic group of marine mammals, the desmostylia," Kiel said. 



These findings challenge previous assumptions and highlight the complex evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whales-play-with-seaweed-and-roll-in-its-antibacterial-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kelp</a> forests over millions of years.



The research team's innovative approach included the use of Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Tomographic Microscopy (SRXTM) to obtain detailed 3D X-ray scans of the fossilized holdfasts. 



The scans revealed a diverse range of marine life, including barnacles, snails, mussels, and foraminifera, within the holdfasts, indicating a vibrant but less complex ecosystem compared to today's kelp forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-for-kelp-forests">Study implications for kelp forests</h2>



The study also emphasizes the critical role of amateur fossil hunters in advancing scientific understanding. The fossils were initially discovered by James Goedert, an amateur collector, along the beach near Jansen Creek on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington.



Looy and Kiel plan to continue their research to further understand the evolution of the North Pacific kelp ecosystem and its relationship with ocean-climate changes. 



This research not only sheds light on the ancient history of these vital marine habitats but also underscores the importance of fossil records in unraveling the complexities of Earth's ecological past.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2317054121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>,&nbsp;



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Pacific kelp forests existed 32 million years ago

A study led by researchers at the University of California,...

Close,Up,Of,Colorful,Atomic,Particle,Background,Science,3d,Illustration

Light is a fundamental aspect of our daily lives, often taken for granted. It's well-known that atoms can absorb and reemit light, now scientists have coerced two atoms into engaging in game of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> ping pong. 



Controlling atoms and how they emit and absorb light, as seen in <a href="https://youtu.be/W7AQDsF9k-Q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this simulation</a>, has always been a challenge due to the random nature of light emission. 



However, a discovery by a research team at <a href="https://www.tuwien.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TU Wien in Vienna</a>, Austria, is set to change this narrative.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-light-breakthrough-in-photon-control">Harnessing light: Breakthrough in photon control</h2>



The team, led by Prof. Stefan Rotter and first author Oliver Diekmann, has theorized a method that guarantees a photon emitted by one atom is reabsorbed by another. 



This innovative approach involves a special lens, inspired by the unique properties of the fish-eye lens developed by James Clerk Maxwell.



"If an atom emits a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/laser-see-around-corners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photon</a> somewhere in free space, the direction of emission is completely random. This makes it practically impossible to get another distant atom to catch this photon again," says Prof. Stefan Rotter from the Institute of Theoretical Physics at TU Wien. 



"The photon propagates as a wave, which means that nobody can say exactly in which direction it is travelling. It is therefore pure chance whether the light particle is reabsorbed by a second atom or not."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drawing-inspiration-from-acoustics">Drawing inspiration from acoustics</h2>



The team's solution draws an analogy from acoustics, specifically the phenomenon observed in whispering galleries. 



In such galleries, people can hear each other across distances by whispering, thanks to the elliptical shape of the room focusing sound waves. 



"In principle, something similar could be built for light waves when positioning two atoms at the focal points of an ellipse," says Oliver Diekmann, the first author of the current publication. 



"But in practice, the two atoms would have to be positioned very precisely at these focal points."



Similarly, the researchers propose positioning two atoms at the focal points of an elliptical environment to control the trajectory of light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maxwell-fish-eye-lens-and-quantum-ping-pong">Maxwell fish-eye lens and quantum ping pong</h2>



However, the precision required for positioning the atoms in an elliptical setup is impractical. This is where the concept of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/quantum-ping-pong_two-atoms-playing_credit-Oliver-Diekmann_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maxwell fish-eye lens</a> comes into play. 



This lens, with its spatially varying refractive index, bends the light rays, ensuring that photons from one atom follow a curved path to the target atom.



"In this way, it is possible to ensure that all rays emanating from one <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-chemical-complexity-of-quantum-decoherence-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atom</a> reach the lens’s edge on a curved path, are subsequently reflected and then arrive at the target atom on another curved path," explains Oliver Diekmann. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-play-quantum-ping-pong">How to play quantum ping pong</h2>



In this case, the effect works much more efficiently than in a simple ellipse and deviations from the ideal positions of the atoms are less harmful.



This method is better than the simple elliptical approach, and less sensitive to deviations in the atoms' positioning. 



It represents a significant leap in controlling light-matter interactions, with the photon passing between atoms like in a game of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-mechanics-uncovers-hidden-patterns-in-the-stock-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> ping-pong, where each atom alternately plays the role of sender and receiver.



After absorbing the photon, the atom enters a state of higher energy and quickly reemits the photon. 



Then, the process restarts. The two atoms exchange roles, and the receiver atom sends the photon back to the original sender atom - continuing this cycle. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-applications-and-the-future">Practical applications and the future</h2>



The practical applications of this theory are vast. "Theoretically, we've demonstrated the effect, and it's feasible with today's technology," adds Prof. Rotter. 



"In practice, using groups of atoms instead of individual ones could further enhance efficiency. This concept opens up new avenues for quantum control systems and studying strong light-matter interactions."



In summary, the TU Wien team's work marks a pivotal moment in photon control. 



Their approach, blending theoretical physics and optical engineering, is a huge advancement for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computing</a> and communication, showcasing the incredible potential of light manipulation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.013602" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Letters</a>.



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Quantum "ping-pong" game played by two atoms controlling photons

Light is a fundamental aspect of our daily lives, often...

Life on Earth remains a subject of immense curiosity and scientific investigation across all sections of humanity. But have you ever stopped to think about the total amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/how-much-total-life-has-existed-on-Earth_Spiny-Flower-Mantis_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life that has existed</a> on Earth since the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-chemical-reaction-used-by-cooks-helped-spark-the-first-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first cells</a> appeared 3.8 billion years ago? 



What about the total amount of life that will ever inhabit our planet, from now until Earth is consumed by the Sun?



A recent study led by <a href="https://earthsci.carleton.ca/people/faculty-members/dr-peter-crockford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Crockford</a>, Assistant Professor at <a href="https://carleton.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carleton University</a>, in collaboration with researchers from the <a href="https://www.weizmann.ac.il/pages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weizmann Institute of Science</a> and <a href="https://www.smith.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smith College</a>, dives head first into this mind-blowing topic.



Their work, published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01286-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>, delves into the historical and future aspects of life on our planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-primary-production">The role of "primary production"</h2>



At the heart of the study is the concept of primary production, a process where organisms convert inorganic carbon, like atmospheric carbon dioxide and oceanic bicarbonate, into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic molecules</a> essential for life. 



This process, currently dominated by oxygenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> involving sunlight and water, is responsible for an estimated annual uptake of 200 billion tons of carbon. 



Understanding the historical rates of primary production is crucial, and scientists have turned to the isotopic composition of oxygen in ancient sulfate deposits for answers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-insights-and-astonishing-figures">Historical insights and astonishing figures</h2>



The study compiled various estimates of ancient primary production, leading to the staggering conclusion that about 100 quintillion tons of carbon have been processed since life began. 



This figure is a hundredfold greater than the total carbon content contained inside the Earth, highlighting the profound impact of primary producers like plants, algae, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cyanobacteria-may-shed-new-light-on-the-history-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyanobacteria</a>.



In Earth's early days, primary production was predominantly managed by organisms that didn't rely on oxygenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-finally-decoded-the-process-of-photosynthesis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>. 



Techniques like identifying the oldest forests and analyzing molecular fossils have helped pinpoint when different primary producers were most active.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimating-the-total-amount-of-life-on-earth">Estimating the total amount of life on Earth</h2>



Crockford's team found that land plants, despite their late emergence, have likely been the biggest contributors to Earth's primary production. 



Cyanobacteria also stand out as significant contributors. This research is vital in understanding not just the amount of primary production but also the organisms responsible for it.



One fascinating aspect of the study is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/earth_amount-of-life-existed_stony-coral_3m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimation of life</a> on Earth, both historically and presently. By correlating primary production with cell existence, the researchers approximate that around 1030 (10 noninillion) cells exist today. 



Throughout Earth's history, between 1039&nbsp;(a duodecillion) and 1040 cells have likely existed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finite-nature-of-earth-s-biosphere">Finite nature of Earth’s biosphere</h2>



The study also touches on the finite lifespan of Earth's biosphere, a sobering reality dictated by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sun-dies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life cycle of the sun</a>. 



Over time, the sun's increasing brightness will push Earth's biogeochemical systems beyond their limits, leading to the demise of land plants and eventually turning Earth back into a largely lifeless planet.



Looking forward, Crockford and his team project that about 1040 cells will inhabit Earth over its entire habitable lifetime. This projection is based on current levels of primary productivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-as-an-exoplanet-benchmark">Earth as an exoplanet benchmark</h2>



In an era where over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-worlds-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5000 exoplanets</a> have been discovered, the study also positions Earth as a benchmark for comparing life on other planets. 



Crockford emphasizes the significance of historical events, like the advent of oxygenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-photosynthesis-machines-invented-to-create-oxygen-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> and endosymbiosis, in shaping the trajectory and abundance of life on Earth. 



These insights not only enhance our understanding of our planet but also guide the exploration of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxygen-levels-on-distant-planets-reveal-presence-of-alien-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extraterrestrial life</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next">What's next?</h2>



In summary, this incredible work by Peter Crockford and his team offers a profound perspective on the scope and scale of life on Earth. 



By quantifying the vast amounts of carbon processed since the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/earth_amount-of-life-existed_nudibranch_4m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dawn of life</a> and estimating the staggering number of cells that have existed, and will exist, the research deepens our understanding of Earth's biological history, while placing our planet in a broader cosmic context. 



As we continue to discover and analyze exoplanets, Earth's unique evolutionary path, shaped by pivotal phenomena like oxygenic photosynthesis, serves as a vital reference point. 



This research illuminates our planet's past and predicts its future. It also underscores the delicate balance of conditions that sustain life. 



As we look towards the future, Crockford's work reminds us of the transient nature of life on Earth and the ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries of life in the universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beginnings-of-life-on-earth">Beginnings of life on Earth</h2>



As mentioned above, the beginning of life on Earth is a story of extraordinary complexity and wonder, forged billions of years ago. 



This narrative starts around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-chemical-reaction-used-by-cooks-helped-spark-the-first-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4.5 billion years ago</a>, when Earth itself formed from the dust and cosmic debris left over from the sun's creation. 



Initially, the young Earth was a molten, hostile environment, unsuitable for any form of life as we know it today.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-oceans-and-the-emergence-of-life">Earth's oceans and the emergence of life</h3>



As Earth cooled, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-discovery-earths-building-blocks-contained-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water vapor</a> began to condense and form oceans. It was in these primordial waters, around 3.8 to 4.1 billion years ago, that life first emerged. 



The exact process remains one of science's great mysteries, but the prevailing theory suggests that life began with simple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroids-were-formed-in-cold-regions-of-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic compounds</a>. 



These compounds, through a series of chemical reactions possibly driven by lightning or volcanic activity, formed the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks</a> of life: amino acids and nucleotides.



Then, a critical leap occurred. These organic molecules combined in just the right way to form the first simple, self-replicating entities. 



These were the earliest forms of life, likely <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-on-earth-may-have-been-kickstarted-by-a-stormy-and-active-sun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RNA-like molecules</a> that could both store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions, a precursor to modern DNA.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-and-the-rise-of-complex-life">Evolution and the rise of complex life</h3>



Over countless millennia, these simple forms evolved, becoming more complex and diverse. 



They developed the ability to harness energy from the sun through photosynthesis, which dramatically altered Earth's atmosphere and paved the way for more complex life forms. 



The rise of oxygen in the atmosphere was a turning point, leading to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-not-as-random-as-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of aerobic organisms that could use oxygen for energy.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-diverse-web-of-life">The diverse web of life</h3>



From these humble beginnings, life diversified into the myriad forms we see today, from bacteria to plants, insects, animals, and humans. 



Through the process of primary production, the amount of life that has existed on Earth, and will exist in the future, is nothing short of staggering.



This vast web of life all traces back to those first organic compounds that formed in Earth's ancient oceans, making our planet a unique and thriving ecosystem in the vastness of space.



In summary, the story of life's beginning on Earth, and the total amount of life that has existed on Earth since the very first cell evolved, is a tale of chemical and biological evolution.



Earth's story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of life. It underscores the importance of understanding our planet's history and preserving its biodiversity for future generations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01286-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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The total amount of life that has ever existed on Earth is mind-blowing

Life on Earth remains a subject of immense curiosity and...

Geothermal,Hotsprings,In,Yellowstone,National,Park,,Usa

In a recent study conducted by <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newcastle University</a>, scientists have turned to ancient hot springs as a key to unlocking the mysteries of life's origins on Earth over 3.5 billion years ago.



The research team, led by <a href="https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/person/661336/graham-purvis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Graham Purvis</a>, now a Postdoctoral Research Associate at <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a>, explored the transition from inorganic materials to living systems. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fatty-acids-and-the-origin-of-life">Fatty acids and the origin of life</h2>



By simulating conditions akin to mild hydrothermal vents, they mixed hydrogen, bicarbonate, and iron-rich magnetite. 



This experiment yielded a range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic molecules</a>, including fatty acids containing up to 18 carbon atoms.



These findings are pivotal in understanding how certain crucial molecules necessary for life could have formed from inorganic chemicals. 



This understanding is vital to piecing together the complex puzzle of life's beginnings on our planet.



Fatty acids, long <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroids-were-formed-in-cold-regions-of-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic molecules</a> with both water-attracting and repelling regions, are known to naturally form cell-like compartments in water. 



These molecules are believed to have been integral to the formation of the first cell membranes. 



However, the source of these fatty acids during the early stages of life has remained a subject of debate. One hypothesis posits their origin in hydrothermal vents, where hot, hydrogen-rich fluids and CO2-rich seawater interacted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organic-molecules-and-ancient-hot-springs">Organic molecules and ancient hot springs</h2>



In their laboratory, the research group replicated key aspects of the chemical environment of early Earth's oceans. 



They discovered that mixing hot hydrogen-rich fluids with carbon dioxide-rich water in the presence of early Earth's iron-based minerals led to the formation of molecules needed for the earliest cell membranes.



Dr. Purvis elaborated on the significance of their findings, emphasizing the importance of cellular compartments in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-life-has-inhabited-earth-since-the-very-first-cell-scientists-found-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life's inception</a>. 



“Central to life's inception are cellular compartments, crucial for isolating internal chemistry from the external environment," Dr. Purvis explained.



These compartments, crucial for separating internal chemistry from the external environment, likely played a pivotal role in fostering life-sustaining reactions and energy production. 



He suggested that the interaction of hydrogen-rich fluids from alkaline hydrothermal vents with bicarbonate-rich waters on iron-based minerals could have led to the formation of early cell membranes, potentially serving as the cradle of life.



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



Adding to the discussion, Principal Investigator <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/nes/people/profile/jontelling.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Jon Telling</a>, Reader in Biogeochemistry at the School of Natural Environmental Sciences, highlighted the research's implications for understanding life's origins. 



“We think that this research may provide the first step in how life originated on our planet. Research in our laboratory now continues on determining the second key step; how these organic molecules which are initially ‘stuck’ to the mineral surfaces can lift off to form spherical membrane-bounded cell-like compartments; the first potential ‘<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-life-began-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protocells</a>’ that went on to form the first cellular life," Dr. Telling elucidated.



The team is now focusing on how these organic molecules, initially adhering to mineral surfaces, might have formed spherical membrane-bounded cell-like compartments, potentially the first 'protocells.'



Moreover, the research opens intriguing possibilities beyond our planet. The team speculates that similar membrane-creating reactions could be occurring under the icy surfaces of moons in our solar system, hinting at alternative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroids-were-formed-in-cold-regions-of-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">origins of life</a> in these distant realms.



In summary, this research sheds light on the genesis of life on Earth while also expanding our understanding of where and how life could potentially arise elsewhere in the cosmos.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-023-01196-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Origin of life on Earth may have been found in ancient hot springs

In a recent study conducted by Newcastle University, scientists have...

A new study by Brazilian researchers has revealed startling details about the Atlantic Rainforest biome. The experts found that 82 percent of the rainforest's endemic trees, totaling over 2,000 distinct species, face varying degrees of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-quarter-of-earths-species-may-be-extinct-by-2010/">extinction</a> risk.&nbsp;



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



The scope of the research is unprecedented. The team assessed all 4,950 tree species within the Atlantic Rainforest using the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The study revealed that 65 percent of the total species are vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.



“The number (82% of endemic species threatened) came as a shock. We took forest availability into account for each species, whether or not it was healthy forest, for example. Not all species are able to survive in degraded fragments, so the actual situation may be even more alarming,” said study co-author Professor Renato Lima from the <a href="https://www5.usp.br/english/institutional/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of São Paulo</a> Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture.



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



The research team conducted an automated conservation assessment of the tree species, incorporating over 800,000 herbarium records and 1.3 million tree counts from forest inventories.&nbsp;



The experts also analyzed data on the species' life histories, commercial uses, and habitat loss over time. The forest inventory data came from TreeCo, a repository managed by Lima.



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



A key finding of the study was that less than 30 percent of the endemic species have experienced a population decline in the last three generations.&nbsp;



This threshold is critical as species with a 30 to 50 percent decline are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, the lowest level of threat. A decline above 50 percent places species in the endangered or critically endangered categories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threatened-species-nbsp">Threatened species&nbsp;</h2>



Among the threatened species, 75 percent were categorized as endangered. Notably, the brazilwood (Paubrasilia echinata) is now considered critically endangered after an estimated 84 percent reduction in its population size over recent generations. 



Other familiar species like the Paraná pine (Araucaria angustifolia), Jussara palm (Euterpe edulis), and Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) have lost over half of their populations, earning them the endangered status.



The study also highlights the plight of species unique to the Atlantic Rainforest, such as Brazilian sassafras (Ocotea odorifera) and Brazilian walnut (Ocotea porosa), which have experienced population declines between 53 and 89 percent.



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



The IUCN's categorization system, which includes criteria A (population decline), B (geographic range), C (small and declining population), and D (very small population), was fully utilized in this study.&nbsp;



The research demonstrated that incorporating more of these criteria results in a higher number of species identified as threatened. When fewer criteria were used, as was common in previous studies, the number of threatened species was six times less.



The study’s methodology is set to drastically improve future assessments, with plans already underway to apply it to approximately 12,000 plant species endemic to Brazil. This research will be conducted by the National Center for Conservation of Flora at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden.



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



In a simulation based on data for other tropical forests, the researchers found that 30 to 35 percent of the planet’s tree species may be threatened by deforestation alone.



“Information of this kind is critically important to the formulation of public policies for conservation and reforestation," said Professor Lima. "The most degraded areas and threatened species can be prioritized without overlooking areas where there are forests that may not be viable in the long run if nothing is done now."



On a positive note, the study led to the rediscovery of five species previously thought to be extinct in the wild. However, the team also concluded that 13 species endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest may already be extinct.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abq50" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Alarming number of tree species threatened in the Atlantic Rainforest 

A new study by Brazilian researchers has revealed startling details...

The advent of AI machine learning in the realm of pharmaceutical drug synthesis marks a major shift in drug discovery and development. 



A team of researchers at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>, in collaboration with <a href="https://www.pfizer.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pfizer</a>, have developed a transformative approach to drug research that merges automated experiments with artificial intelligence (AI). 



This method could significantly expedite the creation of new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/illegal-drugs-can-now-be-detected-in-the-air/">drugs</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-is-changing-the-game-for-drug-companies">AI is changing the game for drug companies</h2>



Historically, the process of predicting chemical reactions has been largely based on trial-and-error, leading to frequent failures.&nbsp;



Traditional techniques involve simulating electrons and atoms in simplified models, which are not only computationally demanding but also prone to inaccuracies. 



The Cambridge team, inspired by genomics, has taken an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-anti-aging-drugs-using-ai-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI data-driven</a> route to drug synthesis and understanding chemical reactivity. Their new approach, which they have named the chemical "reactome," is a game-changer.



“The reactome could change the way we think about organic chemistry,” said study lead author Dr. Emma King-Smith from Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory.&nbsp;



“A deeper understanding of the chemistry could enable us to make pharmaceuticals and so many other useful products much faster. But more fundamentally, the understanding we hope to generate will be beneficial to anyone who works with molecules.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-reactome">Chemical reactome</h2>



The chemical reactome identifies correlations between reactants, reagents, and the reaction's performance from a dataset of over 39,000 pharmaceutically relevant reactions. 



It also highlights gaps in existing data. The method leverages high-throughput automated experiments to generate this data.



“High throughput chemistry has been a game-changer, but we believed there was a way to uncover a deeper understanding of chemical reactions than what can be observed from the initial results of a high throughput experiment,” explained Dr. King-Smith.



“Our approach uncovers the hidden relationships between reaction components and outcomes,” said Dr Alpha Lee, who led the research. 



“The dataset we trained the model on is massive – it will help bring the process of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-reveals-how-to-prevent-covid-19-from-ever-returning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical discovery</a> from trial-and-error to the age of big data.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-efficient-drug-design-using-ai">Efficient drug design using AI</h2>



A related study, published in Nature Communications, showcases the team's development of an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-proves-very-useful-to-doctors-when-diagnosing-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI machine learning</a> approach for precise molecular transformations in drug synthesis. This method enables chemists to make specific changes to the core of a molecule. 



The technique is comparable to a last-minute design tweak, without starting from scratch. Such flexibility is crucial for efficient drug design, particularly for late-stage functionalization reactions, which are often unpredictable and challenging to control.



“Late-stage functionalization can yield unpredictable results and current methods of modeling, including our own expert intuition, isn't perfect. A more predictive model would give us the opportunity for better screening," said Dr. King-Smith.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-predict-human-life-events-including-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI machine learning</a> model, pre-trained on extensive spectroscopic data, is capable of predicting reaction sites and how these vary under different conditions. 



This approach overcomes the issue of scarce data in late-stage functionalization, enabling accurate prediction of reactivity sites on diverse drug-like molecules.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-intricate-transformations-nbsp">Predicting intricate transformations&nbsp;</h2>



“We pretrained the model on a large body of spectroscopic data – effectively teaching the model general chemistry – before fine-tuning it to predict these intricate transformations,” said Dr. King-Smith.&nbsp;



The team experimentally validated the model on a diverse set of drug-like molecules and was able to accurately predict the sites of reactivity under different conditions.



“The application of machine learning to chemistry is often throttled by the problem that the amount of data is small compared to the vastness of chemical space,” said Dr. Lee. 



“Our approach – designing models that learn from large datasets that are similar but not the same as the problem we are trying to solve – resolve this fundamental low-data challenge and could unlock advances beyond late stage functionalization.”  



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42145-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.&nbsp;



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AI machine learning could revolutionize new drug discovery

The advent of AI machine learning in the realm of...

A recent study led by <a href="https://www.unand.ac.id/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andalas University</a> in Indonesia has raised concerns about the presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-confirms-microplastics-have-entered-our-food-chain/">microplastics</a> in table salt, echoing similar findings in bottled water.&nbsp;



The research, involving 21 table salt brands, revealed that each contained microplastics, including fragments, fibers, films, and pellets. These molecules are associated with serious health risks, including cancer, heart disease, dementia, and fertility issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salt-contamination">Salt contamination</h2>



The study, published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.22034/gjesm.2024.01.14" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management</a>, points out that the contamination of salt can occur during the extraction of seawater and manufacturing processes.&nbsp;



The research is particularly relevant for the United States, Singapore, and the Czech Republic, as Indonesia exports most of its sea salt to these countries.



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



The methodology of the study involved examining 50 grams of salt from each brand. The salt was mixed with water to remove organic impurities, heated, and stirred.&nbsp;



After the salt dissolved, the remaining material was examined under a microscope. The team detected up to 33 microplastics per kilogram of table salt.



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



The researchers identified four types of microplastics by shape, size, and color. They found that fragments were the most common type of microplastic, followed by fibers, films, and pellets. Black was the predominant color among the particles.



Additionally, the team identified four types of polymers present in the microplastics: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyester. PE is commonly used in synthetic resins, PP in robust, heat-resistant plastics, PET in clothing fibers and containers for liquids and foods, and polyester in man-made fiber materials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-collection-of-evidence">Growing collection of evidence</h2>



Notably, the study chose not to disclose the names of the salt brands tested to maintain privacy. This research is part of a growing body of evidence highlighting the widespread presence of microplastics in everyday products.&nbsp;



A similar study conducted by the <a href="https://www.ua.es/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alicante</a> in 2017 found up to 280 molecules per kilogram of salt from Spain, another significant exporter of salt to the US.



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



These findings underscore the pervasive nature of microplastic pollution and its potential implications for human health.&nbsp;



As microplastics are found in various sources, including food, water, and air, understanding their impact and finding ways to mitigate their presence in the environment and consumer products is becoming increasingly crucial.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-sources-of-salt-contamination">Additional sources of salt contamination </h2>



Salt contamination can occur from a variety of sources, often depending on how and where the salt is sourced and processed. Here are some common sources:



<ul>
<li>Environmental pollution: Industrial waste and agricultural runoff can contaminate seawater or underground brine with heavy metals like mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. These pollutants can enter the salt during the evaporation process.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Natural contaminants: Certain naturally occurring elements, like fluoride or bromide, might be present in higher than desirable amounts in some salt deposits.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Manufacturing process: During the processing and refining of salt, contamination can occur from equipment or during the addition of anti-caking agents, which may contain impurities.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Microbial contamination: Sea salt, especially unrefined varieties, can sometimes be contaminated with microorganisms from seawater.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Storage and transportation: Salt can also be contaminated during storage or transportation if it comes into contact with contaminated materials.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Packaging materials: Certain types of packaging might leach chemicals into the salt, especially if stored in high heat or humidity conditions.</li>
</ul>



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Table salt contains a shocking number of microplastics

A recent study led by Andalas University in Indonesia has...

The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/">Arctic</a>, often referred to as Earth's icy crown, is currently at the epicenter of a climate transformation unparalleled in modern history. A recent study from <a href="https://www.sandia.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandia National Laboratories</a> has shed new light on this rapidly evolving crisis. 



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



The research was focused on the significant reduction in sunlight reflectivity, or albedo, in the Arctic. The results offer a deeper understanding of the factors that are accelerating Arctic warming, which is occurring at a rate four times faster than the global average.



Erika Roesler, an atmospheric and climate scientist at Sandia, elaborated on the pressing issue. “The uneven warming in the Arctic is both a scientific curiosity and a pressing concern, leading us to question why this landscape has been changing so dramatically.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-research">Innovative research</h2>



The study diverges from traditional research methods. Instead of fieldwork in the frigid Arctic, the Sandia team analyzed data from GPS satellite radiometers.&nbsp;



This innovative approach allowed them to observe the sunlight reflection patterns over the Arctic with unprecedented accuracy and detail.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-ice-albedo-feedbacks">Sea-ice albedo feedbacks</h2>



The researchers noted that previous studies have suggested that sea-ice albedo feedbacks are likely driving Arctic amplification. These albedo feedbacks can be broken down into two main areas.



First, the reduction in sea ice leads to more open, dark ocean surfaces that absorb more sunlight, thereby increasing temperatures. Second, there is the altered reflectivity of the remaining sea ice, which is affected by factors like meltwater ponding.



Amy Kaczmarowski, an engineer at Sandia, conducted an analysis of the data spanning from 2014 to 2019.



“There have been numerous local measurements and theoretical discussions regarding the effects of water puddling on ice albedo," said Kaczmarowski.&nbsp;



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



"This study represents one of the first comprehensive examinations of year-to-year effects in the Arctic region. Sandia’s data analysis revealed a 20% to 35% decrease in total reflectivity over the Arctic summer."



"According to microwave sea-ice extent measurements collected during the same period, one-third of this loss of reflectivity is attributed to fully melted ice.”



The other two-thirds of the loss in reflectivity is likely caused by the weathering of the remaining sea ice. according to the study. “The key discovery here is just how much the weathered ice is reducing reflectivity,” said Kaczmarowski.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-research">Ongoing research</h2>



Senior scientist Phil Dreike collaborated with the U.S. Space Force to obtain permission for Sandia to analyze previously unpublished data from the radiometers on GPS satellites.



“New observational climate datasets are unique," said Roesler. "To qualify as a climate dataset, observations must span a multitude of years. Small-scale science projects are typically not that long in duration, making this dataset particularly valuable."



Kaczmarowski emphasized the ongoing nature of this research and the team's commitment to collaborating with other climate scientists. “We will continue to use this data to investigate various regions of the Earth for climate applications."



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-39877-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Reports</a>.



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Study reveals new clues about rapid Arctic warming

The Arctic, often referred to as Earth's icy crown, is...

A team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curtin University</a> has achieved a significant milestone in understanding the evolution of life on Earth. For the first time, the team has precisely dated some of the world's oldest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/juvenile-t-rex-fossils-belong-a-distinct-tyrannosaur-species/">fossils</a> of complex multicellular life.&nbsp;



The study sheds light on a crucial point in Earth's history when diverse life forms emerged in the oceans after four billion years of hosting only single-celled microbes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ediacaran-period">The Ediacaran period</h2>



"The Ediacaran period represents a pivotal time in the evolution of life as it contains the earliest unequivocal fossil evidence for large-scale multicellular organisms, including the first animals," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"The Ediacaran biota demonstrates examples of heterotrophy, locomotion, sexual reproduction and organization into complex ecosystems."



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



Study lead author Anthony Clarke, a PhD student in the Timescales of Mineral Systems Group at Curtin, explained the innovative method used to determine the age of the ancient fossils. By utilizing volcanic ash layers as chronological markers within the geological sequence, the team was able to date the fossils with remarkable precision.



“Located in the Coed Cochion Quarry in Wales, which contains the richest occurrence of shallow marine life in Britain, we used outfall from an ancient volcano that blanketed the animals as a time marker to accurately date the fossils to 565 million years, accurate down to 0.1 percent,” said Clarke.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-living-community-nbsp">Ancient living community&nbsp;</h2>



“With similar Ediacaran fossils found at sites around the world including in Australia, dating the fossils identifies them as being part of an ancient living community that developed as Earth thawed out from a global ice age."



“These creatures would in some ways resemble modern day marine species such as jellyfish, yet in other ways be bizarre and unfamiliar. Some appear fern-like, others like cabbages, whereas others resembled sea pens.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-geological-period-nbsp">New geological period&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Professor Chris Kirkland said the fossils are named after the Ediacara Hills in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, where they were first discovered, leading to the first new geological period established in over a century.



“These Welsh fossils appear directly comparable to the famous fossils of Ediacara in South Australia,” said Professor Kirkland. “The fossils, including creatures like the disc-shaped Aspidella terranovica, showcase some of the earliest evidence of large-scale multicellular organisms, marking a transformative moment in Earth’s biological history."



“Ediacaran fossils record the response of life to the thaw out from a global glaciation, which shows the deep connection between geological processes and biology."



“Our study underscores the importance of understanding these ancient ecosystems in order to unravel the mysteries of Earth’s past and shape our comprehension of life’s evolution.”



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1144/jgs2023-081" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the Geological Society</a>.



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Fossils capture a turning point in the evolution of life

A team of researchers led by Curtin University has achieved...

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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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-----

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



-----



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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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

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

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