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...

There has been a significant decline in U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">air pollution</a> levels in recent decades, but a new study emphasizes that this decrease is not distributed evenly across communities.&nbsp;



The research, conducted by experts at the Columbia University <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mailman School of Public Health</a>, highlights persistent inequities in environmental health impacts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-justice-nbsp">Environmental justice&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers investigated the complex interaction between air pollution emission reductions and socio-demographic factors, shedding light on an aspect of environmental justice that has been less explored.



“The analyses provide insight on the socio-demographic characteristics of counties that have experienced disproportionate decreases in air pollution emissions over the last forty years,” said study first author Dr. Yanelli Nunez.



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



The study was focused on changes in U.S. air pollution emissions over a 40-year period following the Clean Air Act (CAA) in 1970. 



Unlike previous studies that concentrated on air pollution disparities at a single time point and focused more on pollutant concentrations, this research takes a new approach by examining emissions. This focus is crucial as emissions have more direct implications for regulations and policy-making.



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



The researchers utilized county-level data across the contiguous U.S. to assess racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in the changes in air pollution emissions from 1970 to 2010.&nbsp;



The team analyzed emissions data from the Global Burden of Disease Major Air Pollution Sources inventory, covering six pollution source sectors: industry, energy, agriculture, on-road transportation, commercial, and residential.



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



The findings revealed that, on average, U.S. air pollution emissions have declined significantly from most source sectors.&nbsp;



The experts found notable reductions in sulfur dioxide from industrial and energy generation activities, and moderate decreases in nitrogen oxide emissions from transportation, commercial activities, and energy generation.&nbsp;



However, emissions from agriculture (ammonia) and residential sectors (organic carbon particles) did not follow this downward trend. Residential emissions are primarily associated with the use of solid biofuels for indoor heating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disproportionate-benefits">Disproportionate benefits</h2>



A concerning aspect of the study's findings is the uneven nature of these reductions. The researchers found that counties with higher percentages of Hispanic or Indian American populations experienced relative increases in emissions from various sectors.&nbsp;



Furthermore, higher median family incomes within a county were linked to greater reductions in emissions across nearly all sectors, except agriculture. These disparities indicate that certain populations have not benefited equally from the overall improvements in air quality.



“Air pollution emissions do not perfectly capture population air pollution exposure, and we also know that neighborhood-level air pollution inequities are common, which we were not able to analyze in this study given the data at hand,” noted study senior author Professor Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou.



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



“In this study, we provide information about potential racial/ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities in air pollution reductions nationwide from major air pollution sources, which can inform regulators and complement local-level analysis," explained Professor Kioumourtzoglou.



“Policies specifically targeting reductions in overburdened populations could support more just reductions in air pollution and reduce disparities in air pollution exposure,” said Dr. Nunez.&nbsp;



“This is an important lesson gained from 53 years of Clean Air Act implementation, which is particularly relevant as we develop policies to transition to renewable energy sources, which will have a collateral impact on air quality and, as a result, on public health.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43492-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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U.S. air pollution levels have dropped, but not for everyone

There has been a significant decline in U.S. air pollution...

Rocky,Shore,Of,The,Atlantic,Ocean,At,High,Tide,At

Scientists from UC Santa Barbara and McGill University have brought to light a collection of well-preserved microfossils, unveiling a surprising diversity of the oldest eukaryotic organisms that existed 1.64 billion years ago.



This research details a critical period in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eukaryotic-cells-origin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eukaryotes</a>, a major domain of life that includes plants, animals, fungi, and various other organisms with complex cellular structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-oldest-eukaryote-organisms">Studying the oldest eukaryote organisms</h2>



Lead author <a href="https://www.geol.ucsb.edu/people/leigh-anne-riedman-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leigh Anne Riedman</a>, an assistant researcher in UCSB’s <a href="https://www.geol.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Earth Science</a>, emphasized the significance of these findings. 



"These are among the oldest eukaryotes that have ever been discovered," Riedman stated. "Yet, even in these first records, we're seeing a lot of diversity." 



This challenges the previously held belief that early eukaryotes were relatively uniform, with significant diversification occurring much later, around 800 million years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collecting-fossils-down-under">Collecting fossils down under</h2>



The team's exploration began in the Australian Outback in late 2019. Riedman collected approximately 430 samples from eight cores drilled by a prospecting company, now stored in the <a href="https://www.nwtgeoscience.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Territory Geological Survey</a>'s library. 



The selected cores spanned about 500 meters of stratigraphy, encapsulating around 133 million years of geological history, with a focus on a period of intense deposition lasting about 15 million years.



Riedman's return to the United States with shale and mudstone samples marked the start of an intensive analysis process. 



These remnants of an ancient coastal ecosystem, which alternated between shallow mudflats and coastal lagoons, held the key to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microfossils-reveal-a-leap-in-lifes-complexity-2-4-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early eukaryotic life</a>. 



A careful application of hydrofluoric acid dissolved the surrounding rock, leaving behind the invaluable microfossils for microscopic examination.



"We were hoping to find species with interesting and different characteristics to their cell walls," Riedman explained. These characteristics could provide insights into the cellular activities of these early life forms. 



However, as Riedman noted, reaching any definitive conclusions about the cellular interiors would be challenging, given that the fossils preserved only the exteriors of the cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-diversity-and-complexity">Remarkable diversity and complexity</h2>



The team, amazed by their findings, identified 26 taxa, including 10 previously unknown species. These fossils displayed intricate structures, such as evidence of cytoskeletons and internal vesicles, possibly precursors to modern Golgi bodies found in eukaryotic cells. 



Additionally, some microbes exhibited complex cell walls composed of bound fibers, further suggesting advanced cellular structures.



Among the intriguing discoveries were cells with tiny trapdoors, a sign of sophisticated biological processes. These trapdoors are thought to have been used by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organisms-called-protosterol-biota-lived-1-6-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> to form cysts during unfavorable conditions, requiring a specialized mechanism to reopen. 



“If you’re going to produce an enzyme that dissolves your cell wall, you need to be really careful about how you use that enzyme,” explained Leigh Anne Riedman, highlighting the unexpected complexity in these early life forms. 



This finding indicates that such sophisticated abilities were present much earlier than previously assumed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-oldest-eukaryote-organisms">Evolution of oldest eukaryote organisms</h2>



<a href="https://www.geol.ucsb.edu/people/susannah-porter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Susannah Porter</a>, a co-author and Earth science professor at <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a>, noted, “The assumption has always been that this is around the time that eukaryotes appeared. And now we think that people just haven’t explored older rocks.” 



This revelation suggests that the history of eukaryotes on Earth could extend further back than previously believed. 



Their study is part of a broader project aimed at understanding the environmental conditions and adaptations of early eukaryotes. 



Riedman and Porter are particularly interested in determining whether these organisms thrived in oxygenated or anoxic environments. 



The presence of aerobic metabolism or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-plankton-hold-a-long-record-of-ocean-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mitochondria</a> would imply an early acquisition of these organelles, offering a significant evolutionary advantage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-back-to-move-forward">Looking back to move forward</h2>



As Riedman and Porter continue their research, including studies of even older samples from Western Australia and Minnesota, they aim to provide a more detailed account of eukaryote diversity over time. 



Collaborations with geochemists at <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a> are also underway, focusing on oxygen levels and preferred habitats of these ancient organisms.



“These results are a directive to go look for older material, older eukaryotes, because this is clearly not the beginning of eukaryotes on Earth,” Riedman stated, urging a deeper investigation into the origins of these complex life forms.



In summary, this important research challenges previous beliefs about the uniformity and later diversification of early eukaryotes, some of the oldest organisms on Earth. The team's exploration unearthed evidence of sophisticated cellular structures, such as cytoskeletons and internal vesicles, in ancient eukaryotic cells. 



These findings, derived from ancient coastal ecosystem remnants, offer new insights into the early evolution of life and prompt further investigation into even older geological samples.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/spp2.1538" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Papers in Palaeontology</a>.



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Earth’s oldest organisms ever discovered show dazzling diversity and complexity

Scientists from UC Santa Barbara and McGill University have brought...

Scientists at the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> have successfully engineered the microbiome of plants for the first time, marking a significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology. 



This development has the potential to revolutionize the way we protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-malnutrition-new-satellite-can-monitor-nutrients-in-crops-from-space/">crops</a> from diseases, substantially reducing the dependence on harmful pesticides.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-microbiomes">Plant microbiomes</h2>



The significance of the microbiome, which refers to a complex community of microorganisms, has been a subject of growing interest. In humans, gut microbiomes play a critical role in various aspects of health, from metabolism to immunity.&nbsp;



Similarly, plants host diverse microbiomes consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms within their roots, stems, and leaves. These microbial communities are crucial in determining a plant's health and its susceptibility to diseases.



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



"In nature, plants and their associated microbes, collectively known as the microbiota, form functional entities that rely on each other. The microbiota contributes to aspects such as disease resistance, stress tolerance, and nutrient acquisition," wrote the study authors.



"Successful recruitment and maintenance of a sufficient abundance of specific microbial members determines the outcome of plant-microbiota interactions. Thus, understanding the principles driving microbiome assembly in crop plants has become one of the main pursuits of present studies in order to integrate microbiome functioning into sustainable crop production."



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



The research was focused on a specific gene in the lignin biosynthesis cluster of the rice plant, a component crucial for plant cell walls and overall biomass.&nbsp;



Upon deactivating this gene, the scientists observed a decline in certain beneficial bacterial populations, underscoring the gene's role in shaping the plant's microbiome.&nbsp;



On the other hand, overexpressing the gene resulted in the increased production of a particular metabolite, subsequently enhancing the prevalence of beneficial bacteria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-results">Successful results</h2>



The genetic modification proved its effectiveness when the engineered rice plants exhibited substantial resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae. This pathogen is responsible for bacterial blight, a prevalent and destructive disease in rice crops.&nbsp;



The traditional method of controlling bacterial blight involves the use of polluting pesticides. Therefore, the development of crops with a naturally protective microbiome could not only secure food production but also benefit the environment.



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



“For the first time, we’ve been able to change the makeup of a plant’s microbiome in a targeted way, boosting the numbers of beneficial bacteria that can protect the plant from other, harmful bacteria,” said study co-author Dr. Tomislav Cernava.



“This breakthrough could reduce reliance on pesticides, which are harmful to the environment. We’ve achieved this in rice crops, but the framework we’ve created could be applied to other plants and unlock other opportunities to improve their microbiome. For example, microbes that increase nutrient provision to crops could reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.”



The implications of this research extend beyond disease resistance. The Southampton team is exploring ways to manipulate plant microbiomes to enhance other aspects of plant health, such as nutrient provision.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44335-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Engineered plant microbiomes: The future of crop protection 

Scientists at the University of Southampton have successfully engineered the...

Smiling,Middle,Aged,Woman,With,Just,Made,Glass,Of,Detox

Scientists at the <a href="https://www.buckinstitute.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buck Institute</a> have made a breakthrough discovery in the field of cognitive health, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-can-prevent-brain-aging-and-cognitive-decline/">brain aging</a> and longevity. The study focused on the role of dietary restriction (eating less) in slowing cognitive decline and extending human lifespan.



The experts identified a neuron-specific response mediated by a gene called OXR1, which is enhanced by strategies like intermittent fasting and low-calorie diets.&nbsp;



“When people restrict the amount of food that they eat, they typically think it might affect their digestive tract or fat buildup, but not necessarily about how it <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-for-the-aging-brain-mediterranean-diet-protects-cognitive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affects the brain</a>,” said study first author Dr. Kenneth Wilson. “As it turns out, this is a gene that is important in the brain.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-eating-less-helps-you-live-longer">How eating less helps you live longer</h2>



The research, conducted using fruit flies and human cells, has revealed how dietary restriction delays aging and slows the progression of neurodegenerative brain diseases. 



“We found a neuron-specific response that mediates the neuroprotection of dietary restriction,” said <a href="https://www.buckinstitute.org/lab/kapahi-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Pankaj Kapahi</a>. 



“Strategies such as intermittent fasting or caloric restriction, which limit nutrients, may enhance levels of this gene to mediate its protective effects.”



Buck Professor <a href="https://www.buckinstitute.org/lab/ellerby-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lisa Ellerby</a>, Ph.D., co-senior author of the study, added, “The gene is an important <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sweet-snacks-rewire-the-brain-to-prefer-unhealthy-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain resilience</a> factor protecting against aging and neurological diseases.”



While the Buck team had previously established that <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32502405/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifespan and healthspan</a> can be improved with dietary restriction, they found a lot of variability in response to reduced calories across individuals and different tissues. The current study was initiated to investigate the reasons for this variability.



The experts scanned about 200 strains of flies with varying genetic backgrounds and diets. They identified five genes, including two with human genetic counterparts, significantly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eat-well-live-longer-a-dash-of-protein-could-add-years-to-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influencing longevity</a> under dietary restriction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dietary-restriction-and-brain-health">Dietary restriction and brain health</h2>



Focusing on the "mustard" (mtd) gene in fruit flies and its human equivalent, OXR1, the researchers explored its role in protecting cells from oxidative damage. 



The loss of OXR1 in humans leads to severe neurological defects and early death, while its excess in mice enhances survival in ALS models.



The connection between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-impairs-the-brains-response-to-nutrient-intake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain aging</a>, neurodegeneration, and lifespan was further investigated through in-depth tests.  



OXR1 was found to impact the retromer complex, which is crucial for recycling cellular proteins and lipids and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-for-the-aging-brain-mediterranean-diet-protects-cognitive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintaining neurons</a>. 



This pathway is vital in protecting neurons under nutrient limitations, as confirmed by the team's findings. 



“The retromer is an important mechanism in neurons because it determines the fate of all proteins that are brought into the cell,” said Wilson.&nbsp;



Retromer dysfunction is linked to age-related brain problems, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, which dietary restriction can protect against.



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



The research led by Kapahi's team revealed the pivotal role of dietary habits in brain health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-and-when-may-extend-your-lifespan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longevity</a>. Their findings hinge on the discovery that dietary restriction significantly slows brain aging. 



This occurs primarily through the activity of a gene known as mtd/OXR1, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the retromer - a cellular pathway involved in recycling proteins.



Kapahi elucidates, “This work shows that the retromer pathway, which is instrumental in reusing cellular proteins, is essential in protecting neurons under conditions of limited nutrients.” 



The team's research indicates that mtd/OXR1 is vital not only for preserving retromer function but also for maintaining neuronal health, promoting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intermittent-fasting-may-be-the-secret-to-slowing-down-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy brain aging</a>, and extending lifespan under dietary restrictions.



Further exploring the impact of diet on this gene, Wilson notes, “Diet is influencing this gene. By eating less, you are actually enhancing this mechanism of proteins being sorted properly in your cells, because your cells are enhancing the expression of OXR1.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat-less-stay-smart-live-longer">Eat less, stay smart, live longer</h2>



The team's research also discovered that increasing mtd levels in flies led to an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-and-feeding-cycle-is-crucial-for-healthy-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extended lifespan</a>. This finding has led researchers to speculate that in humans, increased expression of OXR1 might have similar life-extending benefits. 



In summary, the study's revelations suggests that dietary choices have a profound impact on our cellular health, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-can-reduce-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain functionality</a>, and longevity.



“Our next step is to identify specific compounds that increase the levels of OXR1 during aging to delay brain aging,” reveals Ellerby, indicating the potential for future therapeutic developments.



Wilson further contemplates the broader implications of this research, stating, “Hopefully from this we can get more of an idea of why our brains degenerate in the first place.” This statement underscores the quest for a deeper understanding of brain aging processes.



In his concluding remarks, Wilson emphasizes the overarching impact of diet. “Diet impacts all the processes in your body. I think this work supports efforts to follow a healthy diet, because what you eat is going to affect more than you know.” 



This statement serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of our dietary choices, not just for brain health but for overall well-being.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44343-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.&nbsp;



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Eating less is proven to dramatically increase lifespan and slow brain aging

Scientists at the Buck Institute have made a breakthrough discovery...

In a landmark discovery that challenges decades of scientific understanding, a new study has revealed that evolution is not as random as previously believed.&nbsp;



The research suggests a more predictable pattern of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bee-evolution-occurred-tens-of-millions-of-years-earlier-than-previously-believed/">evolution</a>, opening doors to unprecedented advancements in various fields, including medicine, synthetic biology, and environmental science.



The study was led by an esteemed team of researchers including Professor James McInerney and Dr. Alan Beavan from the School of Life Sciences at the <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nottingham</a>, along with Dr. Maria Rosa Domingo-Sananes from <a href="https://www.ntu.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nottingham Trent University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predictable-evolution-vs-random">Predictable evolution vs. random</h2>



The experts meticulously analyzed the pangenome -- a complete set of genes within a species. By deploying a machine learning technique known as <a href="https://www.ibm.com/topics/random-forest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Random Forest</a>, and processing data from 2,500 complete genomes of a single bacterial species, the team embarked on a journey to unravel the mysteries of evolutionary predictability.



“The implications of this research are nothing short of revolutionary," said Professor McInerney, the lead author of the study.&nbsp;



"By demonstrating that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/skull-evolution-why-some-mammals-have-long-faces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> is not as random as we once thought, we've opened the door to an array of possibilities in synthetic biology, medicine, and environmental science."&nbsp;



The research process involved creating "gene families" from the genomes to facilitate like-for-like comparisons across them.&nbsp;



Once these gene families were identified, the team analyzed the pattern of how the families were present in some genomes and absent in others.



Dr. Domingo-Sananes highlighted the intricate patterns observed. He explained, "We found that some gene families never turned up in a genome when a particular other gene family was already there, and on other occasions, some genes were very much dependent on a different gene family being present.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-implications-nbsp">Far-reaching implications&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers have essentially discovered an invisible ecosystem where genes can cooperate or can be in conflict with one another.



"These interactions between genes make aspects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-evolution-may-be-the-biggest-roadblock-to-solving-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> somewhat predictable and furthermore, we now have a tool that allows us to make those predictions,” said Dr. Domingo-Sananes.



“From this work, we can begin to explore which genes 'support' an antibiotic resistance gene, for example. Therefore, if we are trying to eliminate antibiotic resistance, we can target not just the focal gene, but we can also target its supporting genes," said Dr. Beavan.



“We can use this approach to synthesize new kinds of genetic constructs that could be used to develop new drugs or vaccines. Knowing what we now know has opened the door to a whole host of other discoveries.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-takeaways-on-random-evolution">Key takeaways on random evolution</h2>



In summary, this important research presents significant opportunities in several fields. Scientists are now capable of designing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-primate-genome-project-reveals-hidden-evolutionary-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">synthetic genomes</a>, which provides a structured approach to manipulating genetic material, a breakthrough in novel genome design. 



In the fight against antibiotic resistance, the understanding of gene dependencies allows researchers to identify auxiliary genes that contribute to this resistance. This discovery paves the way for more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revolutionary-gene-therapy-shows-promise-in-treating-autism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">targeted treatments</a>. 



Additionally, the study offers valuable insights for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-coastal-ecosystems-can-mitigate-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change mitigation</a>. It suggests the possibility of engineering microorganisms to either capture carbon or degrade pollutants. 



Lastly, in the medical field, the predictability of gene interactions could lead to substantial advancements in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-anti-aging-drugs-using-ai-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personalized medicine</a>. This includes developing new metrics for evaluating disease risk and the effectiveness of treatments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-random-evolution">More about random evolution</h2>



As discussed above, evolution, a cornerstone of modern biological sciences, offers a compelling explanation for the diversity of life on Earth.



Evolution, fundamentally, is the process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth. 



The theory posits that all species, past and present, are connected through this gradual process of change and diversification.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanism-of-evolution">Mechanism of evolution</h3>



<ol>
<li>Natural Selection: Pioneered by Charles Darwin, natural selection is the process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This concept introduces the idea of "survival of the fittest," where the traits that aid survival are more likely to be passed on to the next generation. </li>



<li>Genetic Mutation: Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence of an organism. While most mutations are neutral or harmful, some can be beneficial, giving the organism an advantage that can be passed on to its progeny. </li>



<li>Gene Flow: Also known as gene migration, gene flow occurs when there is a transfer of genetic material between populations of the same species. This can introduce new genetic variation to a population. </li>



<li>Genetic Drift: This is a change in the frequency of an existing gene variant in a population due to random sampling of organisms. It is a stochastic mechanism that can cause significant changes in small populations.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-supporting-evolution">Evidence supporting evolution</h3>



<ol>
<li>Fossil Record: The fossil record provides chronological evidence of organisms that lived in the past. It shows a progression of evolution and reveals transitional forms that bridge the gaps between existing species. </li>



<li>Comparative Anatomy: Studying the anatomical structure of different organisms reveals similarities and differences that suggest a common ancestry. For example, the forelimbs of humans, whales, birds, and dogs have structurally similar bone arrangements. </li>



<li>Molecular Biology: DNA and protein studies have confirmed many evolutionary relationships, showing how species are related through common ancestors. For example, humans and chimpanzees share a remarkably high percentage of their DNA. </li>



<li>Biogeography: The geographical distribution of species also supports evolutionary theory. For instance, island species often resemble nearest mainland species more closely than species on similar but distant islands.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-evolution-on-science-and-society">Impact of Evolution on Science and Society</h3>



The concept of evolution has profound implications. In science, it provides a framework for understanding the history of life, the development of antibiotic resistance, and the genetic basis of diseases. 



In society, it influences our understanding of our place in the natural world and raises important questions about biodiversity and conservation.



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



Despite overwhelming evidence, evolution faces challenges and misconceptions. Some argue against it due to religious or philosophical beliefs. Others misunderstand aspects of the theory, such as the role of randomness in evolution or the misconception that evolution has a direction or goal.



In summary, evolution is not just a theory but a fundamental scientific explanation for the diversity of life. It helps us understand the interconnectedness of all living things and provides insight into the ongoing process of change in the natural world. 



As our knowledge expands, so too does our understanding of evolution, continually shaping our perception of life on Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2304934120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.&nbsp;



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Paradigm shift: Evolution is not as random as we thought

In a landmark discovery that challenges decades of scientific understanding,...

Scientists at the <a href="https://www.unil.ch/central/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lausanne</a>'s Department of Fundamental Microbiology (DMF) in Dorigny, led by Professor Philipp Engel, have embarked on an intriguing study using western honey <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clues-to-bee-health-found-in-their-gut-microbiome/">bees</a> (Apis mellifera) to answer a fundamental question about gut microbiota: Do hosts provide essential nutrients to their native bacteria, enabling colonization? 



The research, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01572-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Microbiology</a> on January 15, 2024, uncovers fascinating insights into the symbiotic relationship between bees and their gut bacteria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-microbiome-nbsp">Simple microbiome&nbsp;</h2>



The bee, known for producing honey, presents a simpler system for studying gut microbiota compared to humans, with a microbiome consisting of only about twenty bacterial species.&nbsp;



In the Engel group’s laboratory, bees are raised without gut bacteria and then introduced to specific bacterial species to colonize their gut.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snodgrassella-alvi">Snodgrassella alvi</h2>



In their study, Dr. Andrew Quinn and PhD candidate Yassine El Chazli investigated how gut bacteria fare when bees are fed only sugar water, lacking other nutrients. They focused on a particular bacterium, Snodgrassella alvi, which can't metabolize sugar yet still colonized the bee gut under these conditions.



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



Proving the hypothesis that bees directly provide essential nutrients to S. alvi was challenging. Collaborating with Professor Anders Meibom's team, experts in NanoSIMS (Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) technology, they conducted an experiment using glucose with 13C isotopes.&nbsp;



The bees were then colonized with S. alvi, and the fixed guts were examined using electron microscopy and NanoSIMS. This process allowed them to create a 2D image showing that S. alvi cells were enriched in 13C, indicating the bees were synthesizing food for their gut bacteria.



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



This research highlights a complex metabolic synergy between bees and their gut microbiota, which could be crucial in understanding bees' vulnerability to climate change, pesticides, or new pathogens. For instance, exposure to glyphosate has been shown to make bees more susceptible to pathogens and reduce S. alvi abundance in the gut.



"This is a wonderful example of cutting-edge, truly interdisciplinary scientific collaboration," said Meibom. "When we work together in this way, there are not many academic environments in the world that have more to offer."



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



Dr. Quinn, co-lead author of the study, suggests that this approach could extend to other gut microorganisms, potentially feeding on compounds derived from their hosts. He further speculates that these findings might explain the specialized and conserved nature of bees’ gut microbiota. The team's research sheds light on the potential impact of environmental stressors on the delicate balance between bees and their gut bacteria, which may contribute to their increasing vulnerability.



Thus, the study represents a significant advancement in understanding the complex interactions within gut microbiota ecosystems. It opens new avenues for research into how similar mechanisms operate in other species, including humans, and how these interactions affect the overall health and resilience of the host organisms.



This groundbreaking research not only deepens our understanding of the symbiotic relationships in nature but also underscores the importance of preserving these delicate ecosystems amidst growing environmental challenges. The insights gained from this study could lead to more effective strategies for protecting bee populations, which are crucial for biodiversity and agricultural productivity worldwide.



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Bees synthesize nutrients to nourish their gut microbiota

Scientists at the University of Lausanne's Department of Fundamental Microbiology...

"Dark energy" is ripping the universe apart, but we aren't exactly sure how

For the past quarter of a century, scientists have been...

Cute,Girl,Eating,Spinach,And,Broccoli,At,The,Table.,Child

Humans are inherently social creatures, often learning and drawing conclusions from observing others. This is particularly true in the realm of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-will-eat-more-vegetables-if-they-see-adults-enjoy-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating habits</a> and food preferences. 



A concept known as social modeling plays a crucial role in shaping our dietary choices, where we often look to others as benchmarks for what and how much to eat. But how deep does this influence go?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facial-expressions-and-food-preferences">Facial expressions and food preferences</h2>



A recent UK study delved into this question, examining the impact of observing facial expressions on food preferences, specifically regarding raw <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-confirms-that-broccoli-is-a-superfood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broccoli</a>. 



Dr. Katie Edwards from <a href="https://www.aston.ac.uk/hls/school-of-psychology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston University School of Psychology</a>, the study's lead author, emphasized the findings in the journal Frontiers in Psychology. 



“We show that watching others eating a raw vegetable with a negative facial expression reduces adult women’s liking of that vegetable, but not their desire to eat it,”  Edwards explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-negative-vs-positive-facial-expressions">Negative vs. positive facial expressions</h2>



Involving over 200 young women, the study showed participants videos of various adults consuming raw <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/broccoli-sprouts-have-more-nutritional-value-than-mature-broccoli/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broccoli</a> with varying facial expressions -- positive, neutral, and negative. 



This focus on women was due to potential gender differences in how eating behaviors are modeled. The findings were somewhat surprising: negative expressions significantly lowered the vegetable's liking, but positive expressions didn't enhance it.



“Watching others eating a raw <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-carrots-and-colorful-veggies-really-can-improve-your-eyesight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetable</a> with a positive facial expression did not increase adults’ vegetable liking or eating desire.”



Edwards offered potential reasons for this. Avoidance of foods shown with disgust could be a natural defense against harmful or unpalatable foods. 



“This might imply that watching someone eating a raw vegetable with positive facial expressions does not seem an effective strategy for increasing adults’ vegetable consumption,” said Edwards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-for-food-preferences">Future implications for food preferences</h2>



This study highlights the complexity of the relationship between apparent enjoyment and actual food preferences. 



While the focus was on adult reactions, these insights might <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/picky-eating-habits-in-childhood-have-lingering-effects-in-adulthood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extend to children</a>, who are generally more hesitant to try vegetables. 



“For example, if a child sees their parent showing disgust whilst eating vegetables, this could have negative consequences on children’s vegetable acceptance,” Edwards pointed out.



A unique aspect of this study was the use of video clips instead of live demonstrations or static images, providing a more realistic view of dynamic facial reactions. 



However, Edwards notes that future research should explore the effects of witnessing live eating experiences and how these findings translate to actual vegetable intake among adults.



“We also need more research to see whether the findings from this study translate to adults’ actual intake of vegetables,” Edwards concluded.



In summary, while we understand the powerful role of social modeling in shaping eating behaviors, much remains to be discovered about the nuances of this influence, especially in live settings and across different age groups.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1252369/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Psychology</a>.



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Why do so many kids dislike vegetables? A new study found out

Humans are inherently social creatures, often learning and drawing conclusions...

While many people harbor fears about sharing incriminating secrets with others, a new study from the <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at Austin</a> suggests that these fears are unfounded.



Researchers in the McCombs School of Business set out to investigate the dynamics of revealing negative personal information, both in personal and professional settings.



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



The experts found a significant discrepancy between individuals' fears and the actual response they receive upon sharing a secret. Contrary to expectations, the confidants exhibited a more charitable response than anticipated.



“When we’re thinking about conveying negative information about ourselves, we’re focused on the content of the message,” said study co-author Amit Kumar, assistant professor of marketing at Texas McCombs. “But the recipients are thinking about the positive traits required to reveal this secret, such as trust, honesty, and vulnerability.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-outcomes-nbsp">Unexpected outcomes&nbsp;</h2>



The experiments revealed a consistent trend where participants expected harsher judgments than what they actually received upon revealing a dark secret.



"Keeping negative interpersonal secrets can diminish well-being, yet people nevertheless keep negative information secret from friends, family, and loved ones to protect their own reputations," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"Twelve experiments suggest these reputational concerns are systematically miscalibrated, creating a misplaced barrier to honesty in relationships."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honesty-and-trustworthiness-nbsp">Honesty and trustworthiness&nbsp;</h2>



The decision to conceal or reveal information is largely influenced by the expectations of others' judgments. However, the study showed that revealing secrets often led to higher ratings of honesty and trustworthiness.



The consistency of miscalibrated expectations persisted across different types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/for-men-relationship-satisfaction-can-prevent-workplace-burnout/">relationships</a>, including strangers and close family members.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-relief-nbsp">Psychological relief&nbsp;</h2>



The participants' fears were amplified with the severity of the secrets, but the team found that even for darker secrets, the impact was overestimated.



“The magnitude of what you’re revealing can impact people’s evaluations, but it also impacts your expectations of those evaluations,” said Professor Kumar.



The research indicates that honesty not only improves perceptions among others but also provides psychological relief to the individual.



"Overestimating the reputational costs of disclosing negative information might leave people carrying a heavier burden of secrecy than would be optimal for their own well-being," wrote the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-workplace-interactions-nbsp">Workplace interactions&nbsp;</h2>



“There’s a psychological burden associated with secrecy,” said Professor Kumar. “If we can alter people’s expectations to make them more in line with reality, they might be more transparent in their relationships.”



Although none of the experiments were conducted in business settings, Professor Kumar noted that the lessons can be applied there.



“Any comprehensive understanding of how to navigate the workplace includes a better understanding of how people think, feel, and behave,” said Professor Kumar. “When workplace transgressions arise, people could be wise to consider that they also reveal warmth, trust, and honesty when they are open and transparent about revealing negative information.”



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000441" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Personality and Social Psychology</a>.



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Sharing dark secrets can build trust in relationships

While many people harbor fears about sharing incriminating secrets with...

Researchers from the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a> have identified a significant association between the use of acetaminophen during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pregnancy-brain-how-neurons-get-rewired-to-prepare-for-motherhood/">pregnancy</a> and language delays in children.&nbsp;



Acetaminophen, widely recognized as the safest over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer for pregnant women, is used by 50 to 65 percent of women in North America and Europe. However, this study challenges the idea of its harmlessness during pregnancy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acetaminophen-and-child-development-nbsp">Acetaminophen and child development&nbsp;</h2>



Megan Woodbury, who is now a postdoctoral researcher at Northeastern University, led the study with Professor Emerita Susan Schantz as part of the Illinois Kids Development Study (IKIDS). The goal of IKIDS is to explore how environmental exposures during pregnancy affect child development.



Compared to previous research, the team used a different approach. “The previous studies had only asked pregnant people at most once a trimester about their acetaminophen use,” said Woodbury. “But with IKIDS, we talked to our participants every four to six weeks during pregnancy and then within 24 hours of the kid’s birth, so we had six time points during pregnancy.”



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



The researchers focused on 298 children, who were monitored prenatally and then assessed at the ages of two and three. At these ages, children undergo a period known as "word explosion," making it an ideal time to evaluate language development.



The team utilized the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories for assessing 2-year-olds. This involved parents reporting on their child's vocabulary, language complexity, and the average length of their longest utterances. At age three, parents compared their child's language skills to their peers.



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



Significantly, the research linked increased acetaminophen use, especially during the third trimester, to modest but meaningful delays in early language development.&nbsp;



“We found that increased use of acetaminophen – especially during the third trimester – was associated with smaller vocabulary scores and shorter ‘mean length of utterance’ at two years,” said Woodbury.



“At age three, greater acetaminophen use during the third trimester was related to parents ranking their kids as lower than their peers on their language abilities,” said Schantz. “That outcome was seen primarily in male children.”



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



One of the study's most striking findings is that each instance of acetaminophen use in the third trimester was linked to an almost two-word reduction in the vocabulary of 2-year-olds.&nbsp;



“This suggests that if a pregnant person took acetaminophen 13 times – or once per week – during the third trimester of that pregnancy, their child might express 26 fewer words at age 2 than other children that age,” said Woodbury.



Shantz noted that fetal brain development occurs throughout pregnancy, but the second and third trimesters are especially critical times.&nbsp;



“Hearing is developing in the second trimester, but language development is already starting in the third trimester before the baby is even born," said Shantz.



“It’s thought that acetaminophen exerts its analgesic effect through the endocannabinoid system, which is also very important for fetal development,” said Woodbury.



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



While the findings are significant, the researchers caution against alarm and emphasize the need for further, larger studies. They advise that acetaminophen should not be avoided for managing serious pain and fever during pregnancy, as conditions like high fever can be harmful.&nbsp;



“There aren’t other options for people to take when they really need them,” said Schantz. “But perhaps people should use more caution when turning to the drug to treat minor aches and pains.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41390-023-02924-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pediatric Research</a>.&nbsp;



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Acetaminophen use during pregnancy linked to language delays in children

Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have identified a...

Scientists from the <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New South Wales</a> (UNSW) Sydney have developed a comprehensive plan to cool off one of the world’s hottest cities. The researchers outlined a strategy to lower the temperature of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by as much as 4.5°C. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-extreme-heat-nbsp">Reducing extreme heat&nbsp;</h2>



In collaboration with the Royal Commission of Riyadh, the experts present a multi-faceted approach combining "super cool" building materials, expanded green spaces, and energy-efficient retrofitting to tackle extreme urban heat.



The study was led by Professor Mattheos Santamouris, who is renowned for his work in developing strategies to reduce urban heat. The research is especially relevant as over 450 cities struggle with extreme heat, exacerbating energy consumption and posing severe health risks.



“The project demonstrates the tremendous impact advanced heat mitigation technologies and techniques can have to reduce urban overheating, decrease cooling needs, and improve lives,” said Professor Santamouris.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-heat-island-nbsp">Urban heat island&nbsp;</h2>



Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is a prime example of an urban heat island. Encircled by desert, the city often experiences <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-linked-to-vision-impairment/">temperatures</a> soaring above 50°C during summer months. 



Contributing factors include limited vegetation, heat-trapping conventional building materials like asphalt and concrete, and additional heat from vehicles and industrial activities. This scenario is further intensified by climate change and rapid urbanization.



The UNSW team conducted extensive simulations in Riyadh's Al Masiaf precinct, analyzing the energy performance of 3,323 urban buildings under eight different heat mitigation scenarios. These scenarios combined various super cool materials, vegetation types, and energy retrofitting levels to identify the most effective strategies for cooling the city and reducing its energy requirements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pinpointing-the-optimal-approach-nbsp">Pinpointing the optimal approach&nbsp;</h2>



The simulations revealed that it's possible to lower outdoor temperatures by nearly 4.5°C during summer months, while also conserving up to 16% in cooling energy. The optimal approach for Riyadh includes the implementation of super cool materials on building roofs and more than doubling the number of irrigated trees to enhance transpiration cooling.



The study warns against the indiscriminate application of urban cooling techniques without detailed scientific optimization. For instance, using non-irrigated greenery could inadvertently increase the city's temperature.



“By implementing the right combination of advanced heat mitigation technologies and techniques, it is possible to decrease the ambient temperature at the precinct scale,” said Professor Santamouris. “For a sweltering city the size of Riyadh, significantly reducing cooling needs is also tremendous for sustainability.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-benefits-nbsp">Far-reaching benefits&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Santamouris noted that lowering the temperature of the city will help increase thermal comfort for people as well as reduce health issues from severe heat, decrease the concentration of pollutants, and improve human productivity.



Although not directly addressed in this study, previous research indicates that such cooling strategies can also reduce heat-related mortality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-impact">Energy impact</h2>



The researchers examined the energy impact of retrofitting all 3,323 buildings in the precinct, in conjunction with the proposed urban-scale heat mitigation technologies.&nbsp;



By optimally combining cooling technologies with retrofitting measures – like better windows, insulation, and cool roofs – the cooling demand could be slashed by up to 35 percent.&nbsp;



“This represents a substantial reduction to the energy needs for Riyadh that would help further reduce costs associated with cooling for the city while improving the quality of life for the local population,” said Professor Santamouris.



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



The researchers now hope to work with the Royal Commission of Riyadh to begin implementing their heat mitigation plan, which will be the largest of its kind in the world.



“Once implemented at the city scale, these advanced heat mitigation technologies will deliver important health, sustainability and economic outcomes for the city for years to come,” said Professor Santamouris.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s44284-023-00005-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Cities</a>. 



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Tackling urban heat: Experts plan to cool a desert city by 4.5°C

Scientists from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney...

Southern,Elephant,Seal,And,King,Penguins,In,South,Georgia,Island

New research from the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> has unveiled alarming projections for acidity levels of Antarctic coastal waters.



By the century's end, the acidity in these waters could surge by over 100% compared to the 1990s, posing a grave threat to diverse marine life including whales, penguins, and numerous other species in the Southern Ocean.



Nicole Lovenduski, co-author of the study and interim director of CU Boulder’s Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (<a href="https://www.colorado.edu/instaar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INSTAAR</a>), emphasized the importance of these findings. 



“The findings are critical for our understanding of the future evolution of marine ecosystem health,” she stated. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looming-acidity-crisis-in-antarctic-waters">Looming acidity crisis in Antarctic waters</h2>



The study highlights a worrying trend. The upper 650 feet (200 meters) of the ocean, a critical habitat for many marine organisms, is expected to experience this sharp increase in acidity.



Oceans worldwide act as buffers against climate change by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-carbon-dioxide-sink/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">absorbing</a> nearly 30% of CO2 emissions. However, this comes at a cost. 



Cara Nissen, the paper’s lead author and a research scientist at INSTAAR, pointed out, “Human-caused CO2 emissions are at the heart of ocean acidification,”



Particularly vulnerable is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-southern-ocean-is-a-critically-important-carbon-sink/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Ocean</a> around Antarctica, where colder waters absorb more CO2 and unique ocean currents contribute to already acidic conditions.



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



Nissen, Lovenduski, and their team used computer models to simulate how the Southern Ocean's seawater might change throughout the 21st century. 



They discovered that without significant emission cuts, acidification would escalate drastically, affecting the entire water column, from surface to seabed.



The team's focus also included Antarctica’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-improve-well-being-in-coastal-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine protected areas</a> (MPAs), zones where human activities like fishing are limited to conserve biodiversity. 



Despite these protections, both existing and proposed MPAs in Antarctic waters are likely to suffer significant acidification. 



Under a high-emission scenario, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ross-sea-sanctuary-greenlighted/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ross Sea region</a> -- the world's largest MPA -- could witness a 104% rise in water acidity by 2100 compared to the 1990s. Even under a moderate emission scenario, a 43% increase is expected.



Nissen expressed her astonishment at the severity of potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-for-ocean-acidification-a-silent-killer-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean acidification</a> in these areas. “It’s surprising to me how severe ocean acidification would be in these coastal waters,” Nissen said. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harm-caused-by-acidic-waters">Harm caused by acidic waters</h2>



Water acidity in Antarctica hamper the growth of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warmer-water-and-ocean-acidification-harm-important-plankton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a>, crucial to the marine food chain, and weaken the shells of organisms like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-high-temperatures-affect-young-sea-snails/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea snails</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-urchins-are-struggling-to-survive-because-they-cant-get-a-grip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea urchins</a>, which could have cascading effects up to top predators.



The team also examined the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a23a-worlds-largest-iceberg-is-moving-after-30-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weddell Sea</a>, one of the proposed MPAs. Known for its extensive sea ice coverage, which currently shields the region from warming and CO2 absorption, the area is seen as a potential climate change sanctuary. 



“The result shows that establishing the Weddell Sea region as a protected area should have high priority,” Nissen said. 



However, the study indicates that as global warming progresses, melting sea ice will lead to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-icefish-have-developed-alien-like-superpowers-to-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">acidification</a> similar to other MPAs, albeit slightly delayed. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reverse-antarctica-water-acidity-is-crucial">Reverse Antarctica water acidity is crucial</h2>



Nissen emphasized the urgency of establishing the Weddell Sea as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-are-not-immune-to-ocean-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected area</a>.



"This study reminded me that these dynamic Antarctic coastal areas are also themselves capable of rapid change,” Lovenduski said, reflecting on the study's implications.



“As a scientist who typically studies the open ocean, I tend to think of Antarctic coastal areas as a conduit for climate signals to reach the global, deep ocean,"  Lovenduski concluded.



The research concludes with a stark warning: only an aggressive reduction in CO2 emissions can prevent severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crabs-are-losing-their-sense-of-smell-and-vanishing-due-to-ocean-acidification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean acidification</a> in the Southern Ocean. 



“We still have the opportunity to choose our path regarding emissions, but time is running out,” Nissen cautions. 



In summary, this study serves as a critical call to action, underscoring the urgent need for global cooperation in reducing emissions to protect these vital ecosystems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-44438-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Antarctic water acidity levels will soon double, greatly harming marine life

New research from the University of Colorado Boulder has unveiled...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
</div></figure>







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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