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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

A recent study conducted by an international team of scientists from China, the United States, New Zealand, Italy, and France has shed light on alarming trends in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/">global warming</a>, with a particular focus on ocean temperatures.&nbsp;



The comprehensive analysis confirms that 2023 was the hottest year on record, continuing a decade-long pattern where each year surpassed the previous in ocean heat levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ocean-s-role-in-climate">The ocean's role in climate</h2>



Covering 70% of the planet, the ocean is a crucial component of the Earth's climate system. It absorbs about 90% of the heat generated by global warming, significantly influencing atmospheric conditions. A warmer ocean leads to a warmer atmosphere that holds more moisture, resulting in extreme weather patterns.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the ocean plays a pivotal role in dictating the pace of climate change, making it a key focus for understanding future climatic shifts.



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



The data, derived from two prominent research teams - the Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the National Centers for Environmental Information of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - present a concerning picture.&nbsp;



The IAP analysis showed an increase in ocean temperature by 15 zettajoules compared to 2022, while NOAA's findings indicated a slightly lower increase of 9 zettajoules. Despite these differences, both groups agree on the overall trend of ocean warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-zettajoules">Understanding zettajoules</h2>



To put these figures into perspective, the entire global energy consumption annually is about half a zettajoule. Therefore, 15 zettajoules is an immense amount of energy - equivalent to the energy it would take to boil away 2.3 billion Olympic-sized swimming pools.



The discrepancy in data between IAP and NOAA has prompted further investigation. Early evidence suggests that the differences may stem from varying methodologies in data handling, particularly in quality control and the mapping of individual data points onto a global grid. In a warming climate, it's possible that new high ocean temperature measurements could be mistakenly discarded.



“What this means is the warming might be greater than the numbers reported here," explained study lead author Dr. Lijing Cheng from IAP/CAS.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-ocean-composition">Shifting ocean composition</h2>



The experts also noted shifts in rainfall and evaporation patterns, altering ocean salinity. These changes affect marine life and ocean currents.&nbsp;



In addition, the increasing stratification of the ocean, where less dense, warm, and fresh waters remain near the surface, impedes the ocean's ability to transport heat and carbon dioxide to deeper layers. This leads to reduced oxygen levels and a diminished capacity for carbon dioxide absorption, adversely affecting marine wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-oceans-and-extreme-weather">Warming oceans and extreme weather</h2>



A warmer ocean supercharges weather systems, contributing to more severe storms with heavier rainfall, stronger winds, and significant flooding.&nbsp;



The economic and human costs of these events are staggering. In the United States alone, damages are estimated at approximately $200 billion per year.



These findings highlight the urgent need to halt the burning of fossil fuels and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower is critical for decarbonizing the economy and mitigating the impacts of climate change.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00376-024-3378-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advances in Atmospheric Sciences</a>.&nbsp;



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Ocean temperatures were a driving force behind 2023's record heat

A recent study conducted by an international team of scientists...

In an important medical study study, <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford</a> researchers have discovered a potential psychoactive druge treatment for the invisible wounds of war. In particular, the study focused on traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), such as concussions, that often lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and suicide.



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02705-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>, the study reveals that the plant-based psychoactive drug ibogaine, in combination with magnesium, can significantly reduce symptoms of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ptsd-cancer-heart-disease/">PTSD</a>, anxiety, and depression, and improve functioning in veterans with traumatic brain injury.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-ibogaine-and-traumatic-brain-injury">Studying ibogaine and traumatic brain injury</h2>



TBIs are commonly caused by external forces such as blast explosions, vehicle collisions, or other physical impacts, leading to significant neuropsychiatric symptoms. 



With mainstream treatments falling short, researchers have been exploring alternative therapies. 



Ibogaine, derived from the African shrub <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-drugs-secreted-from-toad-skin-greatly-improve-cognitive-functioning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iboga</a>, has traditionally been used in spiritual ceremonies and has recently caught the attention of the medical community for its potential in treating opioid and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blocking-dopamine-receptors-cocaine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cocaine addiction</a>.



Dr. Nolan Williams, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford, highlighted the uniqueness of the study. 



“No other drug has ever been able to alleviate the functional and neuropsychiatric symptoms of traumatic brain injury. The results are dramatic, and we intend to study this compound further.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ibogaine-treatment-assessments">Ibogaine treatment assessments </h2>



The researchers, collaborating with <a href="https://www.veteransinc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VETS, Inc.</a>, a foundation that facilitates psychedelic-assisted therapies for veterans, conducted a study on 30 U.S. special forces veterans.&nbsp;



These veterans, having sustained TBIs and experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms and disabilities, underwent treatment with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magnesium-is-an-essential-mineral-for-plant-growth-and-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnesium</a> and ibogaine at a clinic in Mexico. 



Pre- and post-treatment assessments at Stanford showed significant improvements in PTSD, anxiety, depression, and overall functioning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformative-results">Transformative results</h2>



“These men were incredibly intelligent, high-performing individuals who experienced life-altering functional disability from TBI during their time in combat,” Williams said. “They were all willing to try most anything that they thought might help them get their lives back.”



Craig, a 52-year-old study participant and Navy veteran, shared his transformative experience: “Since [ibogaine treatment], my cognitive function has been fully restored. This has resulted in advancement at work and vastly improved my ability to talk to my children and wife.”&nbsp;



Similarly, Sean, a 51-year-old veteran, said that ibogaine treatment “saved his life,” lifting him from a state of hopelessness to clarity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-potential-and-future-research">Exciting potential and future research</h2>



The study noted no serious side effects from ibogaine, with veterans reporting only typical symptoms like headaches and nausea. 



The researchers plan to further analyze additional data, including brain scans, to understand how ibogaine led to cognitive improvements. 



They also aim to explore the drug’s potential for treating other neuropsychiatric conditions beyond traumatic brain injury.



This research, independently funded by philanthropic donations and not associated with <a href="https://www.veteransinc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VETS, Inc.</a>, opens a promising avenue for treating TBI and related conditions, potentially revolutionizing the approach to mental health challenges faced by veterans.



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



As discussed above, ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychoactive substance found in the African iboga shrub, has garnered significant attention for its potential in treating addiction. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-and-discovery">Origins and discovery </h3>



Ibogaine originates from the root bark of the iboga tree (Tabernanthe iboga), native to West Central Africa. Indigenous communities have long used it for ritualistic and medicinal purposes. 



Its psychoactive properties were discovered by Western science in the late 19th century, but it wasn't until the 1960s that its potential for treating substance addiction was explored.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-ibogaine-works">How ibogaine works </h3>



Ibogaine is unique in its ability to interrupt addiction. It acts on multiple neurotransmitter systems, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/serotonin-promotes-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">serotonin</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-regulates-both-learning-and-motivation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dopamine</a>, and opioid receptors, making it particularly effective against a range of substances, including opioids, alcohol, and stimulants. 



Its users often experience a profound psychedelic state, during which they report revisiting past traumas or gaining insights into their addiction.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-therapeutic-use">Therapeutic use</h3>



In addition to the new research discussed previously, studies have shown that ibogaine can significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings for drugs and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/korean-red-ginseng-may-alleviate-alcohol-addiction-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcohol</a>. 



It’s not a cure for addiction but a tool that can provide a window of opportunity for deep psychological healing and habit change. 



Treatment typically occurs in specialized clinics, as the administration of ibogaine requires careful monitoring due to its potent effects and potential health risks.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controversies-and-risks">Controversies and risks </h3>



Ibogaine treatment is not without controversy. The main concerns revolve around its safety, as the substance can cause cardiac complications and has been linked to several deaths. 



Its hallucinogenic properties also raise questions about its psychological impact. Because of these risks, ibogaine remains illegal or tightly controlled in many countries, including the United States.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legal-status-and-future-research">Legal status and future research </h3>



Despite its controversial status, ibogaine continues to be an area of interest for researchers. 



In countries where it is legal, such as Mexico and New Zealand, studies are underway to better understand its efficacy and safety profile. 



The growing opioid epidemic has also fueled interest in alternative treatments like ibogaine.



In summary, ibogaine stands at the crossroads of traditional medicine, psychedelic therapy, and addiction treatment. While promising, it requires careful consideration and further research to fully understand its benefits and risks. 



For many, it offers a chance at a new life, free from the chains of addiction, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution and must be approached with caution and respect for its power.



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Psychoactive drug is the only known treatment that heals traumatic brain injuries

In an important medical study study, Stanford researchers have discovered...

Sharks have endured for over 400 million years, surviving five mass extinctions and diversifying into numerous forms. Today, however, sharks face a dire situation: they are among the world's most threatened species. This is primarily due to overexploitation and the spread of wasteful finning practices.



Governments worldwide have attempted to mitigate this crisis by introducing various regulations to decrease shark catch and finning. Despite these efforts, a new global assessment has revealed that while the regulations are sometimes effective, they have not been sufficient to reverse the trend of increasing shark mortality.



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



An international team including researchers from Dalhousie University, <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a>, and The Nature Conservancy conducted a thorough investigation into shark mortality trends. 



The experts analyzed shark catches from 2012 to 2019 across 150 fishing countries and the high seas, covering a period marked by the implementation of numerous conservation measures. Their dataset encompassed an estimated 1.1 billion sharks caught globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shocking-results">Shocking results</h2>



The analysis revealed that total shark fishing mortality rose from 76 million to 80 million sharks per year, despite a more than tenfold increase in anti-finning legislation.&nbsp;



Over 30% of these catches involved species currently threatened with extinction, pushing the global mortality estimate to 101 million <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sharks-need-better-protection-to-maintain-functional-diversity/">sharks</a> in 2019.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-problem-of-staggering-proportions">A global problem of staggering proportions</h2>



Study senior author Darcy Bradley is an adjunct faculty member at UC Santa Barbara and a scientist with the Nature Conservancy in California.&nbsp;



“The unsustainable fishing of sharks is a global problem of staggering proportions that could eventually lead to the extinction of some of our planet’s most ancient and revered species,” said Bradley. “We found that despite myriad regulations intended to curb shark overfishing, the total number of sharks being killed by fisheries each year is not decreasing. If anything, it’s slightly increasing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-too-many-sharks-are-still-dying">Too many sharks are still dying</h2>



While finning prohibitions likely reduced shark finning at sea, the team found that these regulations had little effect on mortality overall.&nbsp;



“We show that widespread legislation designed to prevent shark finning was successful in addressing this wasteful practice but did not reduce mortality overall,” said study lead author Boris Worm, a research professor in the Department of Biology at Dalhousie University. “Too many sharks are still dying; this is especially worrisome for threatened species such as hammerheads.”



"Complete bans on shark fishing, through protective measures such as shark sanctuaries can be successful, highlighting an opportunity to prioritize these and other area-based conservation measures,” said Bradley.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-demand-for-shark-meat">Rising demand for shark meat</h2>



“We have seen the demand for shark fins decreasing and the demand for shark meat increasing, with Brazil and Italy being the main consumers. Because shark meat is a relatively cheap substitute for other types of fish, there is considerable mislabeling, making some consumers eat shark meat without their knowledge," said study co-author Leonardo Feitosa, a shark biologist at UC Santa Barbara.



"Effective conservation actions for sharks are often impeded by lack of community-based awareness and stewardship projects,” said study co-author Nidhi D’Costa, a shark researcher at Dalhousie. “This is especially crucial in countries where small-scale artisanal fisheries are a major driver of shark mortality.”



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



The team emphasizes the need for more specific measures targeting shark mortality. Prohibiting fishing in certain areas and requiring fishers to release accidentally caught vulnerable species are among the recommended strategies.&nbsp;



“Our analysis highlights the need for improved transparency and reporting requirements,” said Sara Orofino, a data analyst at UC Santa Barbara. “Shark catches are often self-reported, aggregated into broad groups, and crucial information on discarding practices is often lacking. Accurate, comprehensive, and accessible data are critical to effectively evaluate how well regulations are working in safeguarding sharks and other threatened species.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adf8984" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>. 



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Shocking shark mortality rates are on the rise worldwide

Sharks have endured for over 400 million years, surviving five...

Australia, a land known for its unique and captivating wildlife, faces a grim reality with the increasing threat of climate change.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-changes-our-understanding-of-mammal-evolution/">Marsupials</a> in arid regions are particularly at risk, as rising temperatures may exceed their survival thresholds. Among these is the numbat, a termite-loving marsupial that is already struggling with escalating heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-heat-limits-of-numbats-nbsp">The heat limits of numbats&nbsp;</h2>



Researchers Christine Cooper from <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curtin University</a> and Philip Withers of the <a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Western Australia</a> have conducted on an innovative study to understand the impact of rising temperatures on the numbat.&nbsp;



Utilizing infrared cameras and advanced computer models, the researchers sought to determine the heat limits that numbats can withstand before succumbing to the harsh environment.



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



The team discovered that numbats can only forage under the sun for approximately 10 minutes in high temperatures before needing to seek refuge in the shade.&nbsp;



With increasing ambient temperatures and humidity, the shade may soon be insufficient for their survival.



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



In an unprecedented field study during 2020 and 2021, Cooper and Withers traversed the forest paths of Western Australia's Dryandra Woodland and Boyagin Nature Reserve.&nbsp;



The researchers filmed around 50 numbats using infrared technology, simultaneously measuring environmental factors like air temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed. This comprehensive approach provided a holistic view of the numbat's struggle against the elements.



Numbats, uniquely diurnal among marsupials, spend 62% of their time under the sun. The researchers meticulously measured the surface temperatures of different body parts of the numbat, both in sunlight and shade.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-troubling-insights">Troubling insights</h2>



The experts determined that direct sunlight was responsible for a mere 18% of the numbat's heat gain, indicating other significant heat sources at play. The investigation revealed that, at peak temperatures, numbats continued to absorb heat even in the shade. 



The team discovered that air and ground temperatures, along with heat radiating from surrounding objects, are the primary contributors to the risk of overheating in numbats. This means that even shaded environments may soon become too hostile for these marsupials to cool down.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangerous-body-temperature-threshold-nbsp">Dangerous body temperature threshold&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers analyzed the amount of time that numbats could hunt for food before their body temperature reached a critical 40°C.&nbsp;



They discovered that at air and ground temperatures of 23°C, numbats could only sustain 10 minutes of sun exposure before reaching this dangerous body temperature threshold. This presents a dire situation for numbats, whose sole diet consists of termites.&nbsp;



Since termites are not particularly nutritious, numbats must consume them in large quantities for survival. However, termites ascend near the surface only when the ground is sufficiently warmed by the sun, limiting the numbats' feeding to daylight hours.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-uncertain-fate">An uncertain fate</h2>



The future for numbats, under the current trajectory of climate change, is increasingly precarious. Nighttime foraging is not a viable alternative due to the inaccessibility of termites and heightened predation risks.&nbsp;



Furthermore, if the climate continues to warm as projected, even shaded areas will not provide the necessary relief from the accumulating heat in the air and rocks.



The study suggests that if immediate action is not taken to curb global temperature rise, the numbat could become yet another tragic casualty of climate change.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1242/jeb.246301" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Experimental Biology</a>.



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A race against heat: The numbat's fight for survival

Australia, a land known for its unique and captivating wildlife,...

Scientists at the <a href="https://med.nyu.edu/our-community/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU Grossman School of Medicine</a> have discovered a potential new method to prevent the spread of influenza in humans, drawing from experiments conducted on infant mice. 



The research may ultimately represent a significant advancement in the fight against seasonal flu, a notorious killer that claims over 36,000 lives annually in the United States alone.



"In the last century, influenza A virus (IAV) has led to numerous pandemics, solidifying its enduring presence and burden to humans through continuous transmission. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the biology of IAV transmission and devise improved strategies to contain its spread," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-mechanism">Understanding the mechanism</h2>



The study was focused on the interaction between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-unleashing-ancient-zombie-viruses/">viruses</a> and sialic acids (SAs), sugar molecules found on the surfaces of cells in the mammalian respiratory tract.&nbsp;



The sialic acids act like locks to which viral particles - acting as keys - attach to initiate infections. The research team set out to inhibit this attachment process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-findings">Revolutionary findings</h2>



The experts used a novel approach of desialylation, which involves stripping away SA receptors in the nasal cavities of infant mice using a neuraminidase enzyme.&nbsp;



This process significantly impeded the transmission of influenza A from mouse to mouse. The enzyme reduced transmission rates dramatically, from 51% to 100% in various influenza strains tested.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ideal-model-for-studying-the-flu-nbsp">Ideal model for studying the flu&nbsp;</h2>



Infant mice were chosen for this study due to their high concentration of sialic acids in the upper respiratory tract, mirroring the human respiratory system.&nbsp;



This similarity makes infant mice an ideal model for studying flu transmission in children, who are known to be significant vectors in spreading the virus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-potential-nbsp">Exciting potential&nbsp;</h2>



Study lead author and infectious disease specialist Dr. Mila Ortigoza expressed optimism about the potential application of this method in humans.&nbsp;



"If further experiments in humans prove successful, desialylating neuraminidase enzymes may prevent the flu from spreading,” said Dr. Ortigoza, who is also an assistant professor in the Departments of Medicine and Microbiology at NYU Langone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-proactive-approach">A proactive approach</h2>



Dr. Ortigoza emphasized the novelty of this strategy. It represents a shift from conventional methods, which mainly involve vaccines and symptom treatments, to a proactive approach in preventing the spread of infectious diseases by treating potential hosts.



“While current approaches with vaccines and treatments target the virus, ours is the first study to demonstrate that treating the host, either infected mice or potentially infected humans, to prevent them from transmitting the virus to another host could be another effective strategy for combating pervasive infectious diseases."



Dr. Ortigoza noted that extensive clinical trials are necessary before this treatment can be approved for human use. The research team is planning further experiments to understand why infants are more susceptible to respiratory viruses and to explore if blocking sialic acids can prevent flu spread in children.



The research is published in the American Society for Microbiology journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/mbio.02203-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mBio</a>. 



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Experts have discovered a way to keep the flu from spreading

Scientists at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine have discovered...

In a groundbreaking approach to environmental sensing, researchers Suyi Li from <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> and Ian Walker from <a href="https://www.clemson.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clemson University</a> are developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-humans-react-to-coexisting-with-robots/">robots</a> inspired by plant behavior. Supported by a four-year, $840,000 grant from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, their work aims to deploy sensors in challenging, often inaccessible environments.



Li, an associate professor in mechanical engineering, and Walker, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, are exploring the idea of creating devices that mimic native plants.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-the-plant-kingdom-nbsp">Learning from the plant kingdom&nbsp;</h2>



Li expressed his initial surprise in robotics: “When I started to venture into robotics a few years ago, I was surprised to see that almost all robots are inspired by humans and animals to some degree. However, I believe the vast plant kingdom can offer us many unique lessons on approaching the design, actuation, and operation of robots. This is how Ian and I started working on this topic together.”



The researchers' goal is to create robotics capable of surviving in wild conditions for long periods. They plan to utilize principles from the plant kingdom, such as the ability of sunflowers to move with the sun or the opening and closing mechanisms of floral organs like those in a venus flytrap.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-novel-forms-of-soft-robotics-nbsp">Novel forms of soft robotics&nbsp;</h2>



Li's team specializes in using origami principles to create novel forms of soft robotics, while Walker brings extensive experience in biologically inspired robotics.



The challenge lies in merging sophisticated electronics with the unpredictability of nature. Traditional technology often fails in dynamic outdoor environments due to battery limitations and component breakdowns. Li and Walker's solution is to develop robots that can adapt and respond to their surroundings, similar to how plants do.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highly-dynamic-environments">Highly dynamic environments</h2>



“As humans, we naturally tend to think of change on the time scale of our attention span, like seconds and minutes. However, long-term and continuous deployments outdoors pose alternative and unique challenges,” Walker explained.&nbsp;



“Over weeks and months, outdoor natural environments are highly dynamic places. Vegetation grows up and debris comes down in storms. Robotic operation in these conditions needs to become more like the ambient environment in novel ways to maintain monitoring.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-that-mimic-plants">Robots that mimic plants</h2>



The new approach involves creating accordion-like robotic trunks that can unfold and self-lock, capable of adapting within congested spaces that may form as foliage grows. The robotics will also incorporate mechanisms that mimic tree leaves and needles, equipped with sensors that guide operation and adaptation.



Powering these robots is a critical aspect, and the researchers are looking into energy harvesting methods that mimic real plants. This approach would allow for long-term operation without the need for human intervention in changing batteries.&nbsp;



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



Li and Walker are also considering the specific requirements for different deployment durations, tailoring their approach based on whether the robot is tasked with monitoring pollution levels over years or rare animal sightings over weeks.



“When monitoring city environments, having static devices is not a problem because the environment is controlled. But in areas like coral reefs or forests with dynamic and volatile surroundings, having a robotic plant that can grow and adapt with its environment instead of needing to be replaced and moved by humans will revolutionize how we are able to study and monitor remote regions,” Li said.



This innovative research promises to open new frontiers in environmental monitoring, offering sustainable and adaptable solutions for studying and protecting diverse ecosystems.



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Origami-inspired robots mimic the behavior of plants

In a groundbreaking approach to environmental sensing, researchers Suyi Li...

For centuries, "magic mushrooms," or Psilocybe fungi, have captivated cultures, particularly in Mesoamerica, where their profound significance is well-documented. 



Fast forward to the psychedelic era of the 60s and 70s, these mystical organisms have now emerged as pivotal players in the mental health domain. 



The psychoactive components, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-microdosing-may-improve-mental-health-by-boosting-stress-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a>, and psilocin, harbored in these fungi, are being recognized for their potential in treating mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and assisting in end-of-life care.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magic-mushrooms-need-a-genetic-blueprint">Magic mushrooms need a genetic blueprint</h2>



However, to harness psilocybin for therapeutic purposes, a comprehensive understanding of its genetics and <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Psilocybe_evolutionary-tree_magic-mushrooms_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary background</a> is crucial - a feat yet to be accomplished. 



Our present knowledge is based on a mere fraction of the approximately 165 identified Psilocybe species. For most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-learn-why-psilocybin-mushrooms-make-you-hallucinate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a>-producing mushrooms, their stories remained untold since their discovery. That is, until now.



A groundbreaking study led by the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a> and the Natural History Museum of Utah (<a href="https://nhmu.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHMU</a>) marks a significant leap in this field. 



The team has executed the most extensive genomic diversity study for Psilocybe to date, analyzing 52 specimens, including 39 species previously unsequenced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-journey-back-in-psilocybe-time">A journey back in Psilocybe time</h2>



The findings are astonishing. The Psilocybe genus is estimated to have emerged around 65 million years ago, coinciding with the catastrophic asteroid event that led to the dinosaurs' extinction. 



The study suggests that the synthesis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-can-treat-depression-by-restructuring-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> in mushrooms began within the Psilocybe genus. It also indicates four to five horizontal gene transfers to other mushrooms between 40 and 9 million years ago.



A pivotal discovery in the study is the identification of two distinct gene orders in the gene cluster responsible for producing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-may-protect-against-opioid-use-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a>. These patterns point to an ancient divergence within the genus, implying two independent origins of psilocybin. 



This is the first study to unveil such a distinct evolutionary pattern in the gene sequences linked to the synthesis of these psychoactive proteins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-of-psilocybin-in-nature">Potential of psilocybin in nature</h2>



“If <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-drug-therapy-could-help-treat-alcoholism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> does turn out to be this kind of wonder drug, there’s going to be a need to develop therapeutics to improve its efficacy. What if it already exists in nature?” said&nbsp;<a href="https://dentingerlab.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bryn Dentinger,</a>&nbsp;curator of mycology at&nbsp;NHMU&nbsp;and senior author of the study.



“There’s&nbsp;a wealth of diversity of these compounds out there. To understand where they are and how they’re made, we need to do this kind of molecular work to use biodiversity to our advantage.”



The DNA analyzed in this study was sourced from museum collections worldwide, with 23 out of the 52 specimens being “type specimens.” These are the gold standard in taxonomy, serving as the benchmark for identifying species. 



Alexander Bradshaw, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Utah and lead author of the study, reflects on the significance of this approach. 



“These type specimens represent hundreds of years of thousands of scientists’ collective effort to document diversity, way before people were thinking about DNA,” said Bradshaw. 



“That’s the beauty of it -- no one has really sequenced type specimens at this scale, and now we get to produce molecular and genomic data to the gold standard of&nbsp;Psilocybe&nbsp;types for people to compare against.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-magic-mushroom-evolution">Understanding magic mushroom evolution</h2>



Past research on Psilocybe, commonly known as magic mushrooms, identified four key genes responsible for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelics-could-help-us-reinvent-ourselves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> production, but only in a limited set of closely related species. 



A new comprehensive study of 52 Psilocybe specimens, however, has unearthed a second distinct gene pattern, revolutionizing our understanding of these fungi.



Virginia Ramírez-Cruz, a mycologist at the <a href="https://www.udg.mx/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidad de Guadalajara</a> and co-lead author of the study, highlights the significance of this research. 



“This work represents a big step in the understanding of the evolutionary relationships in&nbsp;Psilocybe&nbsp;because it is the first to include a broad species sampling and is based on&nbsp;type specimens,” she notes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biotech-implications-of-psilocybe">Biotech implications of Psilocybe</h2>



Of the specimens studied, 17 displayed the original gene order, while 35 revealed a new pattern. Bryn Dentinger, an associate professor of biology at the University of Utah, emphasizes the biotechnological potential of these findings.



“We’ve shown here that there’s been a lot of change in gene order over time, and that provides some new tools for biotechnology," Dentinger said.



"If you’re looking for a way to express the genes to produce the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hallucinogen-use-is-on-the-rise-among-young-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> and related compounds, you no longer have to rely on only one set of gene sequences to do that. Now there’s tremendous diversity that scientists can look at for lots of different properties or efficiencies.”



The research also dated a pivotal split in the gene cluster patterns to about 57 million years ago, linked to a major ecological transition. 



The earliest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australia-is-the-first-country-to-legalize-psychedelics-for-mental-health-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a>-producing mushrooms likely evolved as wood decomposers before shifting to soil, and in some cases, to herbivore dung. This ecological adaptation occurred independently at least twice in their evolutionary history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psilocybin-s-purpose-an-unresolved-mystery">Psilocybin's purpose: An unresolved mystery</h2>



The team contemplates the essential question: What role does psilocybin serve for mushrooms? 



While it's clear that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-diversity-of-magic-mushrooms-leaves-room-for-new-cultivars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a>-producing gene clusters offer some advantages, their exact nature remains a mystery. 



Psilocybin’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-did-mushrooms-evolve-psychedelic-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molecular structure</a> closely resembles serotonin and binds to certain receptors in mammals, insects, and arachnids, inducing altered behaviors. Theories about its purpose range from deterring predators to spreading spores, but empirical evidence is sparse.



The authors are exploring an intriguing theory they call the Gastropod Hypothesis. Coinciding with the KPg boundary marked by a massive asteroid impact, the emergence of Psilocybe around 65 million years ago aligns with a time when fungi and terrestrial gastropods thrived. 



Given the significant increase in gastropods post-impact and their known predation on mushrooms, the researchers speculate that psilocybin may have evolved as a deterrent against slugs. Upcoming feeding experiments aim to test this hypothesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-collections-of-magic-mushrooms">Global collections of magic mushrooms</h2>



The team has set an ambitious goal: to sequence the genome of every Psilocybe type specimen. So far, they've achieved this for 71 specimens, thanks to global collaborations. 



Alexander Bradshaw, reflected on the importance of these collections. “It’s impossible to overstate the importance of collections for doing studies like this," Bradshaw reflected.



"We are standing on the shoulders of giants, who spent thousands of people-power hours to create these collections, so that I can write an email and request access to rare specimens, many of which have only ever been collected once, and may never be collected again,” said Bradshaw.



In summary, this study marks a monumental advancement in our understanding of Psilocybe fungi, or "magic" mushrooms. The team's research enriches our knowledge of their genetics and evolution, while also opening new avenues for biotechnological applications.



As research continues, the enigmatic nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insightful-psychedelic-experiences-may-improve-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> and its role in the natural world becomes a captivating chapter in the ever-evolving story of mycology.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2311245121">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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How psilocybin mushrooms got their "magic"

For centuries, "magic mushrooms," or Psilocybe fungi, have captivated cultures,...

Closeup,Portrait,Of,Male,Fruit,Bat,Also,Known,As,Flying

In a fascinating twist of nature, fruit bats not only survive but thrive on a high-sugar diet that consists predominantly of sugary fruits, consuming up to twice their body weight daily.



It's a well-established fact that high-sugar diets are detrimental to human health, leading to conditions like diabetes, obesity, and even cancer. So the question remains...why don't <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-bat-pups-take-after-their-adoptive-mothers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit bats</a> suffer the same consequences?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-fruit-bats-and-their-sugar-diet">Studying fruit bats and their sugar diet</h2>



Scientists at <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC San Francisco</a> have delved into this mystery, uncovering how fruit bats may have evolved to tolerate such high sugar levels. 



Their findings reveal adaptations in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bat-genes-are-crucial-in-the-fight-against-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit bats</a> that prevent their sugar-rich diet from causing harm, unlike in humans. 



This research could hold potential implications for the 37 million Americans suffering from diabetes, a disease that ranks as the eighth leading cause of death in the United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diabetes-a-growing-global-concern">Diabetes: A growing global concern</h2>



Costing $237 billion in direct medical expenses annually, diabetes is a condition where the human body either fails to produce insulin or cannot effectively use it, leading to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. 



"With diabetes, the human body can't produce or detect insulin, leading to problems controlling blood sugar," explains Nadav Ahituv, PhD, director of the <a href="https://humangenetics.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSF Institute for Human Genetics</a> and co-senior author of the study. 



“But fruit bats have a genetic system that controls blood sugar without fail. We’d like to learn from that system to make better insulin- or sugar-sensing therapies for people.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focusing-on-bat-physiology">Focusing on bat physiology</h2>



Ahituv's team concentrated on evolutionary changes in the bat pancreas and kidneys. They discovered that the pancreas of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-have-brains-that-synchronize-when-they-socialize/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit bat</a>, in comparison to that of an insect-eating bat, contains additional insulin-producing cells and genetic modifications to process large amounts of sugar. 



Moreover, the fruit bat's kidneys have adapted to retain essential electrolytes from their watery, fruit-based meals.



“Even small changes, to single letters of DNA, make this diet viable for fruit bats,” said Wei Gordon, PhD, co-first author of the paper, a recent graduate of UCSF’s <a href="https://tetrad.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TETRAD program</a>, and assistant professor of biology at <a href="https://www.menlo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Menlo College</a>. 



“We need to understand high-sugar metabolism like this to make progress helping the one in three Americans who are prediabetic.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-sugary-day-in-the-life-of-a-fruit-bat">A sugary day in the life of a fruit bat</h2>



Interestingly, fruit bats spend 20 hours a day sleeping, waking up for a mere four hours to feast on fruit before returning to their roost. 



To comprehend how fruit bats manage this high sugar intake, Ahituv and Gordon collaborated with scientists from various institutions, including <a href="https://www.yonsei.ac.kr/en_sc/index.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yonsei University</a> in Korea and the <a href="https://www.amnh.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Museum of Natural History</a> in New York City. 



They compared the Jamaican fruit bat to the big brown bat, which primarily consumes insects.



By employing single-cell technology, the researchers could not only identify which types of cells were present in different organs but also understand how these cells regulate gene expression in accordance with each diet. 



In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-advice-leave-bats-alone-if-we-want-to-prevent-future-pandemics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit bats</a>, the pancreas and kidneys have evolved to support their diet. The pancreas boasts more cells for insulin and glucagon production, while the kidneys efficiently trap salts during blood filtration.



Zooming into the cellular level, regulatory DNA in these cells has evolved to switch appropriate genes on or off, depending on the dietary needs. This contrasts with the big brown bat, which has adapted to a diet of insects.



“The organization of the DNA around the insulin and glucagon genes was very clearly different between the two bat species,” Gordon said. “The DNA around genes used to be considered ‘junk,’ but our data shows that this regulatory DNA likely helps fruit bats react to sudden increases or decreases in blood sugar.” 



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



Some aspects of the fruit bat's biology resemble human diabetic conditions, but with a significant advantage -- they maintain a sweet tooth without the associated health consequences. 



“It’s remarkable to step back from model organisms, like the laboratory mouse, and discover possible solutions for human health crises out in nature,” Gordon said. “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-experience-age-related-hearing-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bats</a> have figured it out, and it’s all in their DNA, the result of natural selection.” 



This study benefits from a growing interest in bat research, particularly in understanding how their unique traits can enhance human health. 



Gordon and Ahituv's participation in an annual Bat-a-Thon in Belize, involving a census of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-brains-are-highly-specialized-for-flight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild bats</a>, exemplifies this interest. 



A Jamaican fruit bat captured during this event played a key role in the sugar metabolism study.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unique-biology-of-bats-may-hold-secrets-of-cancer-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bats</a>, being one of the most diverse mammalian families, offer numerous examples of evolutionary success, whether it's their immune systems, peculiar diets, or other unique abilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beginning-of-a-new-frontier">Beginning of a new frontier</h2>



In summary, UC San Francisco scientists have uncovered how fruit bats can consume extremely high-sugar diets without adverse effects, unlike humans who risk diabetes and obesity from such diets. 



This research reveals that fruit bats have evolved specific adaptations in their pancreas and kidneys to process and tolerate large amounts of sugar. 



Led by Nadav Ahituv, PhD, and Wei Gordon, PhD, the team's findings, derived from comparisons between fruit bats and insect-eating bats, offer insights that could aid in developing new treatments for the 37 million Americans with diabetes.



“For me, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutionary-secrets-how-bat-teeth-adapted-to-their-diverse-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a> are like superheroes, each one with an amazing super power, whether it is echolocation, flying, blood sucking without coagulation, or eating fruit and not getting diabetes,” Ahituv said. “This kind of work is just the beginning.”



The study highlights the potential of learning from wildlife to address human health challenges, marking a significant step in understanding and potentially managing high-sugar metabolism in humans.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-44186-y">Nature Communications</a>.



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How fruit bats suffer no consequences from their high sugar diet

In a fascinating twist of nature, fruit bats not only...

Dr. Judith Glück, a psychologist from the <a href="https://www.aau.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Klagenfurt</a>, has conducted a comprehensive analysis of studies focused on the relationship between aging and wisdom.&nbsp;



The research deviates from the common assumption that becoming wiser is a natural advantage of getting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aging-may-be-driven-by-genetic-imbalances/">older</a>.



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



"Wisdom has been found to help people deal with difficult life transitions and challenging situations in all life phases and especially in old age," wrote Dr. Glück.



"Learning more about how wisdom develops and how its development can be fostered is important not just to improve individual well-being but also to increase humanity's chances of survival."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-a-straightforward-path-nbsp">Not a straightforward path&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Glück found that despite portrayals in popular culture of the wise elder, statistical relationships between wisdom and chronological age are not strong.



She suggests that although wisdom can and often does come with age, getting older is not enough to make you wiser.



The journey to wisdom, Dr. Glück argues, is not a straightforward path that correlates directly with age.&nbsp;



"Neither growing old nor accumulating life experiences is sufficient for growing wise. While many people associate wisdom with advanced age, becoming wise clearly requires more than 'just' growing old."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-wisdom">Understanding wisdom</h2>



The review suggests that the journey towards wisdom may hinge more on how we reflect upon our life experiences than the experiences themselves. This perspective brings a new understanding of wisdom, highlighting its dynamic nature and the factors influencing its development.



The review delves into the characteristics of wisdom, identifying key elements such as compassion and "self-transcendence."&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compassion">Compassion</h3>



Compassion, as the review explains, is the ability to empathize with others, particularly those in suffering. This emotional connection and understanding are fundamental to wise judgments and decisions.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-transcendence-nbsp">Self-transcendence&nbsp;</h3>



Meanwhile, self-transcendence is described as the "evaporation of personal boundaries" in a spiritual sense. This concept suggests a shift in focus from self-centered perspectives to a broader, more inclusive view of life and existence.&nbsp;



A transcendental approach allows individuals to see beyond their immediate concerns, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with the world around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-life-s-challenges-nbsp">Addressing life's challenges&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Glück emphasized the significance of wisdom in addressing life's challenges, particularly those encountered later in life, such as loneliness.&nbsp;



Wisdom, with its roots in deep understanding and empathy, provides a valuable resource for dealing with such challenges, offering guidance and perspective in difficult times.



However, the review also presents a nuanced view of wisdom, noting that it may decline with age. Contrary to the common belief that wisdom invariably grows with age, the study points out that some of its components decline. This includes the ability to grasp complex problems and regulate emotions in stressful situations. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-universal-trajectory-nbsp">No universal trajectory&nbsp;</h2>



The review brings to light the fact that there is no "universal trajectory of wisdom development."&nbsp;



"Whether and how much individuals grow towards wisdom depends on individual constellations of life experiences and intrapersonal and interpersonal resources," said Dr. Glück.



"Accumulated life experience is an important foundation for wisdom, but not all highly wise individuals are old and many old individuals are not particularly wise."



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



Dr. Glück emphasized that more research on the development of wisdom is urgently needed.&nbsp;



"Wisdom research is a young field with many open questions. At this point in history, one important goal for future research is to develop wisdom interventions that foster wisdom in all phases of life – from school curricula to systemic interventions in organizations."



"If humanity is to overcome the challenges it is currently facing, we will need to increase the wisdom of the decisions that both individuals and collectives make."



The review is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X23001872" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Opinion in Psychology</a>.



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Getting older is not enough to make you wiser 

Dr. Judith Glück, a psychologist from the University of Klagenfurt,...

Rain,Forest

In a monumental international effort led by University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>) researchers, a team of 356 scientists has made a startling discovery about tree species in the world's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-trees-use-social-distancing-to-promote-forest-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forests</a>. 



Their study, encompassing over a million trees across 1,568 distinct tropical locations, reveals a strikingly uniform pattern of tree diversity spanning tropical forests in Africa, the Amazon, and Southeast Asia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-tree-diversity-in-tropical-forests">Significance of tree diversity in tropical forests</h2>



This extensive study marks the first of its kind to scrutinize the most prevalent tree species in these biodiverse-rich regions. 



What emerges from their analysis is a revelation that a mere 2.2% of tree species constitute half of the total tree population in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-plantations-have-hidden-impacts-on-tropical-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forests</a>. This uniformity is remarkable, considering the vast geographical and environmental differences across the continents. 



Dr. Declan Cooper, the lead author from UCL's Geography Department and the Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, underscores the significance of these findings. 



He explains, "Our findings have profound implications for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-trees-higher-elevations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forests</a>. Focusing on the commonest tree species can help predict the entire forest's response to rapid environmental changes." 



This is crucial given the role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forests-are-losing-their-carbon-storage-capacity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forests</a> as significant carbon stores and their global significance as carbon sinks.



Dr. Cooper further elucidates, "Identifying the prevalence of the most common species offers a new lens through which to view tropical forests. Tracking these species could revolutionize how we assess forest health and predict future ecological changes."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-tree-diversity-across-continents">Understanding tree diversity across continents</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-and-the-looming-threat-of-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon</a> encompasses a vast, interconnected forest region, in contrast to Southeast Asia's predominantly fragmented island landscape. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indigenous-amazon-rainforest-dwellers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human settlements</a> appeared in the Amazon approximately 20,000 years ago, much later than in the African and Southeast Asian forests, where people have resided for over 40,000 years. 



Currently, African forests undergo a climate that is drier and cooler compared to their counterparts in the Amazon and Southeast Asia.



Whether it's the expansive, interconnected forests of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazons-rainforests-are-at-risk-of-transforming-into-dry-grassy-savannas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon</a>, the fragmented island ecosystems of Southeast Asia, or the relatively drier and cooler African forests, this pattern holds true.



Despite their diverse histories and current environmental conditions, the similarity in tree diversity patterns across these regions suggests a possible underlying mechanism governing tree community assembly. This intriguing possibility forms the basis for future research endeavors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-common-tropical-tree-species">Identifying common tropical tree species</h2>



Another striking aspect of this research is the identification of common tree species. Through statistical analyses and a technique called resampling, the team compiled a list of 1,119 tree species. 



This list, a first of its kind, is expected to significantly streamline future ecological studies by focusing on these common species.



Professor Simon Lewis, the senior author of the study, highlights the novelty of their approach.



"By concentrating on a few hundred common tree species rather than the thousands we know little about, we can unlock new ways to understand these vital ecosystems," Lewis said.



He adds, "This doesn't diminish the importance of rare species, which require special conservation efforts, but emphasizes that significant advancements in knowledge can stem from studying the most common trees."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methodology-and-data-collection">Methodology and data collection</h2>



The research involved assembling data from untouched tropical forests, unaffected by logging or fire. In each location, teams meticulously recorded every tree with a trunk diameter exceeding 10 centimeters within a hectare. 



This colossal effort, led by Professor Lewis over 20 years, resulted in the documentation of 1,003,805 trees, encompassing 8,493 species across almost eight square miles of forest.



In summary, this landmark study shines a light on the uniformity of tree diversity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/in-tropical-forests-lightning-strikes-the-most-resilient-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forests</a>, while forging new paths for future ecological research and conservation efforts.



By focusing on the most common species, scientists can gain insights into the overall health and functioning of these crucial ecosystems, ultimately aiding in their preservation for future generations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06820-z">Nature</a>.



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Scientists name the most common tropical tree species for the first time

In a monumental international effort led by University College London...

Beta Pictoris (NIRCam Image)

Located a mere 63 light-years away, the Beta Pictoris system, a young planetary system, has long been a subject of fascination for astronomers. Known for its first-ever imaged dust disk surrounding another star, this system has now unveiled a new, enigmatic structure thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-characteristics-of-beta-pictoris">Unique characteristics of Beta Pictoris</h2>



Astronomers, led by Isabel Rebollido of <a href="https://cab.inta-csic.es/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spain's Astrobiology Center</a>, have employed the JWST’s advanced capabilities to investigate the composition of Beta Pictoris' (Beta Pic) primary and secondary debris disks. 



Utilizing both the Near-Infrared Camera (<a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/content/observatory/instruments/nircam.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRCam</a>) and the Mid-Infrared Instrument (<a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/content/observatory/instruments/miri.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIRI</a>), the team discovered a strikingly inclined branch of dust, resembling a cat’s tail, emanating from the system’s secondary debris disk. This finding exceeded their initial expectations.



“Beta Pictoris is a debris disk like no other. It features a bright star, a complex circumstellar environment with a multi-component disk, exocomets, and two imaged exoplanets,” said Rebollido, the study's lead author. 



She noted that while previous ground-based observations in this wavelength range existed, they lacked the sensitivity and spatial resolution provided by <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>, which was crucial for detecting this new feature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-mid-infrared-observations">Significance of mid-infrared observations</h2>



The cat’s tail structure was visible only in the mid-infrared range, captured by Webb's MIRI. This data also indicated temperature variations between the two disks of Beta Pictoris, suggesting differences in their composition.



Christopher Stark of NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a>, a co-author of the study, explained, “The secondary disk and cat’s tail are hotter than the main disk, which we didn’t anticipate. The dust in these areas must be very dark, as it doesn't show up in visible wavelengths. However, in the mid-infrared, it glows distinctly.”



The team speculated that the hotter dust may comprise highly porous “organic refractory material,” akin to the substances found on comets and asteroids within our solar system. 



This hypothesis aligns with the findings from NASA’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/osiris-rex-safely-delivers-rock-samples-from-asteroid-bennu-back-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSIRIS-REx</a> mission, which sampled asteroid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-from-asteroid-bennu-about-the-origins-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bennu</a> and found it to be dark and rich in carbon, much like the material detected at Beta Pictoris.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-the-beta-pictoris-cat-s-tail">Mystery of the Beta Pictoris cat’s tail</h2>



One of the most intriguing aspects of this discovery is the unique shape of the cat’s tail, a curved feature unlike any observed in other stellar disks. 



To understand its formation, Rebollido and her team modeled various scenarios. They hypothesize that a dust-producing event, such as a collision, occurred about a hundred years ago, generating this structure.



Marshall Perrin of the <a href="https://www.stsci.edu/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Telescope Science Institute</a>, another co-author, shared, “Initially, dust follows the orbital direction of its source, but over time, it spreads out. 



Starlight pushes the smaller, fluffier particles away more rapidly, while larger grains move less, resulting in a long dust tendril.”



Recreating the curvature of the cat’s tail in Beta Pictoris proved challenging. “Our model suggests that the dust, likely composed of organic refractory material, is expelled from the system at high speeds,” explained Stark.



The team's preferred model indicates that the tail’s sharp angle away from the disk is an optical illusion. From our vantage point, the curved tail appears at a distinct angle, but it actually departs from the disk at a mere five-degree incline. 



Estimating the tail’s brightness, the team believes it contains dust equivalent to a large main belt asteroid spread across 10 billion miles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-discoveries-and-future-implications">Additional discoveries and future implications</h2>



Recent MIRI data also revealed a new asymmetric extension in the inclined inner disk, visible only on the side opposite the tail in the new Beta Pictoris image. 



This could be due to recent collisional dust production, potentially linked to a clump of carbon monoxide (CO) near the cat’s tail, observed by the <a href="https://www.almaobservatory.org/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atacama</a> Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in 2014. 



Given that carbon monoxide breaks down under stellar radiation within about a hundred years, its presence suggests a recent event.



“Our findings imply that Beta Pictoris may be more active and chaotic than previously thought,” Stark concluded. “The JWST continues to astonish us, offering a fresh perspective on well-studied celestial bodies.”



This fascinating research highlights the dynamic nature of Beta Pictoris, while also underscoring the Webb telescope's invaluable role in advancing our understanding of the universe.



These results were presented in a press conference at the <a href="https://aas.org/meetings/aas243" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">243rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society</a> in New Orleans, Louisiana.



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10-billion-mile long dust belt found in the Beta Pictoris planetary system

Located a mere 63 light-years away, the Beta Pictoris system,...

Beautiful,Ellery,Lake,And,Mountain,,With,Melting,Snow,Patches,In

Snow, a seemingly simple yet perplexing aspect of our climate, has recently been at the forefront of discussions on global warming. The fluctuating patterns of snowfall and snowpack across the globe have raised crucial questions about climate change and the future of our planet.



Winter seasons in recent years have been marked by contrasting <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/snow-season-arrives-in-the-rocky-mountains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow patterns</a>. Regions from Oregon to New Hampshire witnessed a notable lack of snowfall in December, painting a stark picture of a warming world. 



The landscapes, more brown than white, and the severe snow drought in the American Southwest, seemed to signal a dire future.



In stark contrast, record blizzards like those seen in early 2023 have challenged our understanding. These blizzards, which buried <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/powerful-storm-dumps-snow-in-southern-california/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California mountain</a> communities, replenished dry reservoirs, and dropped an astonishing 11 feet of snow in northern Arizona, appeared to contradict the narrative of a warming planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-climate-change-data-on-snowpack">Scientific climate change data on snowpack</h2>



The confusion extends to scientific data as well. Ground observations, satellite data, and climate models have shown inconsistent results regarding the impact of global warming on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-offers-mountain-goats-relief-from-biting-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowpacks</a> in high-elevation mountains. 



This inconsistency complicates efforts to manage potential water scarcity for many population centers.



Addressing these uncertainties, a recent study from <a href="https://www.dartmouth.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth</a> provides valuable clarity. The research confirms that seasonal snowpacks across the Northern Hemisphere have significantly <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/climate-change_snowpack-decline_human-driven_map_2m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diminished over the past 40 years</a>. 



This decline, attributed to human-driven climate change, is most pronounced in certain regions. The Southwestern and Northeastern United States, along with Central and Eastern Europe, have seen snowpack reductions ranging from 10% to 20% per decade.



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



This loss of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-has-decreased-in-recent-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowpack</a> has dire implications for hundreds of millions of people in North America, Europe, and Asia who rely on snow for their water supply. 



As first author <a href="https://sites.dartmouth.edu/EEES/graduate-students/alex-gottlieb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alexander Gottlieb</a>, a PhD student at Dartmouth, points out, "The most immediate and potent risk that climate change poses to society is the loss of the water reservoir stored in snow." 



Gottlieb emphasizes that the study identifies watersheds that have historically lost <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blowing-snow-plays-an-important-role-in-arctic-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow</a> and those most vulnerable to future declines. 



He warns of regions like the Southwestern and Northeastern United States approaching near snow-free conditions by the end of March by the end of the 21st century, highlighting the urgency of adapting to water scarcity.



"Our work identifies the watersheds that have experienced historical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-a-widespread-decline-of-snow-cover-in-the-northern-hemisphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow loss</a> and those that will be most vulnerable to rapid snowpack declines with further warming," Gottlieb said. 



"The train has left the station for regions such as the Southwestern and Northeastern United States. By the end of the 21st century, we expect these places to be close to snow-free by the end of March. We're on that path and not particularly well adapted when it comes to water scarcity."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-snowpack-decline-from-climate-change">Impact of snowpack decline from climate change</h2>



However, the implications of snow loss extend beyond water security. <a href="https://geography.dartmouth.edu/people/justin-s-mankin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Justin Mankin</a>, an associate professor of geography and the paper's senior author, sheds light on the economic repercussions. 



Regions like the Northeastern U.S., facing steep declines in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fall-snow-levels-can-help-predict-a-years-total-snowpack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowpack</a>, are at risk of significant economic losses, particularly in states reliant on winter recreation. 



Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire, for example, could see their economies suffer as even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-snowmaking-sustainability-must-become-a-priority/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine-made snow</a> becomes less feasible due to rising temperatures.



Mankin further highlights the disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. Lower elevation ski resorts, already grappling with decreasing snow, face accelerated challenges. 



Continuation of the trend could lead to the consolidation of skiing activities into larger, more resourced resorts. This shift could have far-reaching consequences on local economies and cultural values.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-snowpack-changes-with-ai">Decoding snowpack changes with AI</h2>



In a world grappling with the effects of global warming, understanding the dynamics of snowpacks is crucial. Gottlieb and Mankin's study, spanning from 1981 to 2020, delved into the changes in snowpack across 169 river basins in the Northern Hemisphere. 



Their focus was on how global warming’s influence on temperature and precipitation patterns has transformed these <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/heavy-snow-cloud-alps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowpacks</a>. The loss of snowpacks means potentially less meltwater in spring, affecting rivers, streams, soils, ecosystems, and, importantly, people’s access to water.



The researchers employed a machine learning model to analyze a vast array of data. They examined thousands of observations and climate-model experiments, which included snowpack, temperature, precipitation, and runoff data. 



This innovative approach allowed them to pinpoint where and how warming has led to snowpack losses. Crucially, it also enabled them to study the complex interplay between temperature and precipitation changes -- factors that decrease and increase <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountains-face-low-to-no-snow-winters-in-a-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowpack</a> thickness, respectively.



A key achievement of their study was identifying uncertainties in both models and observations. This understanding allowed them to discover aspects previously overlooked in assessing climate change’s impact on snow. 



Their methodology builds upon a <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/news/2021/12/finding-predictability-uncertainty-snow-drought" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2021 study</a> by the same researchers, which improved predictions of water availability by leveraging uncertainties in measuring snow depth and defining snow drought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-common-misconceptions-about-snow">Challenging common misconceptions about snow</h2>



Mankin highlights the complexities surrounding <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/snow-around-the-great-lakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow</a> measurements and their implications for water security. "Snow observations are tricky at the regional scales most relevant for assessing water security," he said. 



"Snow is very sensitive to within-winter variations in temperature and precipitation, and the risks from snow loss are not the same in New England as in the Southwest, or for a village in the Alps as in high-mountain Asia," Mankin continued.



The study reveals a striking dichotomy. About 80% of the Northern Hemisphere’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/snow-trails-across-eastern-china/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowpacks</a>, predominantly in far-northern and high-elevation areas, experienced minimal losses or even expansion in places like Alaska, Canada, and Central Asia. This expansion is attributed to increased precipitation in these colder regions.



Conversely, the remaining 20% of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-for-the-first-time-in-antarctic-fresh-snow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowpacks</a>, crucial for many major population centers, have seen significant reductions. Since 1981, these snowpack declines have been largely inconsistent due to observational uncertainties and natural climate change variations. 



However, Gottlieb and Mankin observed a consistent annual pattern of snow accumulation decline, leaving these regions increasingly short of new water supplies from snowmelt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-snow-loss-cliff-and-its-implications">The "Snow-Loss Cliff" and its implications</h2>



One of the study's most alarming findings is the identification of a "snow-loss cliff." This term refers to a critical temperature threshold (17 degrees Fahrenheit or minus 8 degrees Celsius) beyond which snow loss accelerates, even with modest local temperature increases. 



Many densely populated watersheds, reliant on snow for their water supply, face accelerated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-in-the-alps-could-soon-be-cut-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow losses</a> in the coming decades.



"It means that water managers who rely on snowmelt can't wait for all the observations to agree on snow loss before they prepare for permanent changes to water supplies. By then, it's too late," Mankin warns. 



Manking stresses the need for immediate preparation for permanent changes in water supplies, as waiting for complete observational consensus is too late. Once a watershed crosses the snow-loss threshold, the challenge becomes adapting to enduring alterations in water availability.



"Once a basin has fallen off that cliff, it's no longer about managing a short-term emergency until the next big snow. Instead, they will be adapting to permanent changes to water availability," he explained.



In summary, Gottlieb and Mankin’s study is a critical contribution to our understanding of the complex relationship between climate change and snowpacks. It highlights the urgent need for regions to prepare for and adapt to these changing conditions, ensuring the sustainability of water resources in a warming world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06794-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Human-driven climate change is to blame for sharp snowpack declines since 1980

Snow, a seemingly simple yet perplexing aspect of our climate,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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