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...

Could the ownership of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-can-learn-the-names-of-their-companions/">cat</a> increase the risk of schizophrenia? The answer is yes, according to a recent review of 17 studies conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Queensland</a> in Australia.



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



In their comprehensive analysis, the team performed a meta-analysis of existing research, published over the last 44 years and spanning 11 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;



What they discovered was that individuals exposed to cats before the age of 25 had approximately double the odds of developing schizophrenia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxoplasma-gondii">Toxoplasma gondii</h2>



The scientific rationale behind this correlation lies in a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, or T. gondii for short, which is commonly found in pet cats. This parasite has the potential to enter the human body through a cat’s bite.&nbsp;



Once inside, it can infiltrate the central nervous system and influence neurotransmitters in the brain. This, in turn, can lead to alterations in personality, the emergence of psychotic symptoms, and the development of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schizotypy-scale">Schizotypy scale</h2>



One of the studies included in the review, which focused on 354 students in the United States, did not find a direct link between cat ownership and scores on a schizotypy scale.&nbsp;



However, when comparing individuals who had been bitten by a cat to those who had not, the bitten group displayed higher scores on the schizotypy scale. 



This scale is essentially a questionnaire designed to gauge traits associated with unconventional and disorganized patterns of thinking, often employed in the diagnosis of schizophrenia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-severe-mental-disorder-nbsp">Severe mental disorder&nbsp;</h2>



Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental disorder affecting an estimated one percent of the global population, with around two million individuals in the United States alone.&nbsp;



This condition profoundly impacts how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often resulting in the affected individual seeming disconnected from reality.



The precise cause of schizophrenia remains elusive, with experts speculating that it may be a combination of genetic factors, abnormalities in brain chemistry, viral infections, and immune disorders.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symptoms-of-schizophrenia-nbsp">Symptoms of schizophrenia&nbsp;</h2>



Symptoms typically manifest between the ages of 16 and 30, although there are rare instances of children being affected as well.



The symptoms of schizophrenia can be categorized into three groups: positive, negative, and cognitive.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-symptoms">Positive symptoms</h3>



Positive symptoms entail disturbances that are “added” to an individual’s personality, encompassing hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorders characterized by unusual or dysfunctional thinking patterns.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-negative-symptoms">Negative symptoms</h3>



Negative symptoms involve the loss of certain capabilities from an individual’s personality, such as “flat affect” (reduced emotional expression through facial expressions or voice tone), decreased pleasure in everyday life, and difficulties initiating and sustaining activities.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-symptoms">Cognitive symptoms</h3>



Cognitive symptoms include alterations in memory and other cognitive functions, including problems with focus, attention, working memory, and the ability to comprehend and use information for decision-making.



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



Nevertheless, the UQ review has faced criticism on Twitter from other researchers who argue that it did not adequately account for other potential contributing factors, such as social and economic backgrounds and family histories.&nbsp;



For instance, a British study found an association between childhood cat exposure (between ages four and ten) and increased psychotic-like experiences at age 13, but these findings did not persist after adjusting for potential confounding variables.&nbsp;



Dr. Sanil Rege, a psychiatrist based in Melbourne, pointed out that 15 out of the 17 included studies were case-control studies known for their susceptibility to spurious associations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbad168" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schizophrenia Bulletin</a>.



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Owning a cat before age 25 may double the risk of schizophrenia

Could the ownership of a cat increase the risk of...

A recent study from <a href="https://www.sabanciuniv.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sabancı University</a> in Turkey has uncovered intriguing insights into the impact of brief social interactions on individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-the-path-to-happiness-the-science-is-still-not-clear/">happiness</a>. The research highlights how simple exchanges, such as saying “hello” and “thank you” to strangers, can significantly enhance life satisfaction.



"Having a sense of belonging involves feeling like you are accepted and valued by other people – it is often considered a fundamental human need," said study lead author Dr. Esra Ascigil.



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



The researchers delved into the effects of interactions with “weak ties,” referring to social connections that aren't close, like those with acquaintances and strangers.&nbsp;



Participants were questioned about the frequency of their greetings, expressions of gratitude, and initiation of conversations with weak ties. They were also asked to rate their life satisfaction on a scale from zero to five, based on these interactions.



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



Remarkably, the findings revealed a positive correlation between engaging in brief social exchanges and higher levels of life satisfaction.&nbsp;



The study showed that the more frequently participants interacted in this manner, the greater their overall satisfaction with life appeared to be. This was particularly evident in interactions with strangers, where more frequent conversations also led to increased life satisfaction.



"Across the two samples, we found that having conversations with strangers and weak ties, as well as simply greeting and thanking weak ties, predicted greater life satisfaction," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-risk-interactions-nbsp">Low-risk interactions&nbsp;</h2>



While numerous studies have emphasized the importance of close, deep social connections for happiness, this research sheds light on the lesser-known benefits of short, low-risk interactions.&nbsp;



According to the researchers, the ease and reduced anxiety in carrying out such brief conversations, compared to more in-depth interactions, make them more accessible for many people.



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



However, the study authors also caution that these short interactions should not be viewed as a replacement for deeper social connections, which have a stronger link to life satisfaction. Instead, they suggest that these casual interactions can complement and add to an individual’s overall happiness.



The research, published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/19485506231209793" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Social Psychological and Personality Science</a>, offers a fresh perspective on the subtle yet significant impact of everyday social interactions. It encourages friendly exchanges with people we encounter in our daily lives, highlighting their potential to enhance our sense of well-being and satisfaction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daily-interactions-and-happiness">Daily interactions and happiness</h2>



In a separate <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590291123003182" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>, Itaru Ishiguro of Rikkyo University in Japan confirmed that minimal social interactions are positively correlated with happiness. 



"Researchers have traditionally focused on measuring social exchanges between intimate partners or the presence of close associates when examining the benefits of social relationships. However, in modern industrialized societies, people interact with others daily, including strangers with whom they have low contact frequency and intimacy, such as store clerks," wrote Itaru.



"Interaction with non-intimate others or strangers has long been known to play an important role in task performance and psychological adjustment."



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Brief conversations, such as saying "hello" to a stranger, boost life satisfaction

A recent study from Sabancı University in Turkey has uncovered...

A,Moray,Eel,In,An,Aquarium

Electric eels, known for their remarkable ability to generate electricity, also play a potentially significant role in natural genetic modification. 



In a shocking study by a research team from <a href="https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nagoya University</a> in Japan, it has been revealed that electric eels can emit electricity potent enough to alter the genetic makeup of small fish larvae. This finding sheds new light on the phenomenon of electroporation and its occurrence in the natural world.



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



Led by Professor Eiichi Hondo and Assistant Professor Atsuo Iida, the research group at Nagoya University embarked on this study with a hypothesis centered on the natural occurrence of electroporation. 



Electroporation is a technique traditionally confined to the laboratory. It involves the application of an electric field to create temporary pores in a cell membrane. This process allows molecules, such as DNA or proteins, to enter the cell. This method is commonly used for gene delivery in various research applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-electric-eels">Studying electric eels</h2>



The research team speculated that the electric discharges in rivers, specifically from electric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-hunting-behavior-observed-among-electric-eels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eels</a>, could influence the cellular structures of nearby organisms. In their experiment, they exposed zebrafish larvae to a DNA solution marked with a glow-in-the-dark tag. Subsequently, an electric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-secret-feeding-strategies-of-garden-eels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eel</a> was introduced to discharge electricity in the environment.



Assistant Professor Iida, challenging the traditional view of electroporation as a lab-only process, stated, "I thought electroporation might happen in nature." 



He elaborated on his theory, suggesting that electric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-eel-most-potent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eels</a> in natural habitats like the Amazon River could facilitate genetic recombination in surrounding organisms through their electric discharges. The electricity would interact with environmental DNA fragments in the water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



The study's results were astonishing. Approximately 5% of the zebrafish larvae exhibited markers indicative of successful gene transfer. 



This outcome implies that the electric eel's discharge was effective in promoting gene transfer, despite the differences in pulse shape and voltage stability compared to conventional electroporation machinery. 



"Electric eels and other electrically generating organisms could affect genetic modification in nature," Iida observed, highlighting a new dimension to our understanding of natural genetic processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-conventional-wisdom">Challenging conventional wisdom</h2>



This discovery aligns with other studies that have observed similar phenomena in nature. This includes the effects of lightning on nematodes and soil bacteria. Iida expressed great enthusiasm for the future of research in electric field effects on living organisms. 



He believes that these findings challenge conventional wisdom and open doors to unprecedented biological phenomena and potential breakthroughs. "I believe that attempts to discover new biological phenomena based on such 'unexpected' and 'outside-the-box' ideas will enlighten the world about the complexities of living organisms," Iida commented.



In summary, the research by Nagoya University's team adds a significant chapter to our understanding of electroporation and underscores the intricate interplay between natural phenomena and biological processes. 



The electric eel, once merely a curiosity due to its electric generating capability, now stands at the forefront of a fascinating scientific discovery. These amazing creatures could potentially transform our perception of genetic modification in the natural world.



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



As discussed above, electric eels are a species native to South American freshwater habitats. They are among the most electrifying creatures in the animal kingdom. 



Known scientifically as Electrophorus electricus, they possess the unique ability to generate powerful electric shocks. These shocks serve multiple purposes, from hunting prey to self-defense and navigation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anatomy-and-electric-generation">Anatomy and electric generation</h3>



Electric eels have elongated, snake-like bodies, typically growing up to 2 meters in length. They lack the typical scales seen in most fish and have a slimy, absorbing skin which aids in breathing as they extract oxygen directly from the air.



The key to their electric ability lies in three pairs of abdominal organs: the Main, Hunter's, and Sachs' organs. These organs contain electrocytes, specialized cells functioning much like batteries. When the eel decides to generate a shock, these cells align to send a burst of electricity through the water.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-eels-behavior-and-habitat">Electric eels' behavior and habitat</h3>



Electric eels inhabit the murky waters of the Amazon and Orinoco River basins. They prefer slow-moving, oxygen-poor waters where they can easily rise to the surface to breathe air.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-and-feeding">Hunting and feeding</h3>



Electric eels use low-voltage electric discharges to navigate and locate prey in their dark environment. Once they find a target, they emit high-voltage shocks to stun or kill the prey, which typically includes fish, amphibians, and even small birds or mammals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-and-lifecycle">Reproduction and lifecycle</h3>



Electric eels are solitary creatures, coming together only to mate. During the dry season, males build nests from saliva and guard the eggs. The young eels hatch with a developed electric organ, ready to start generating shocks.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-electric-eels-discharge">Power of electric eels' discharge</h3>



An electric eel can generate shocks of up to 600 volts, making it one of the most powerful bioelectricity generators. This voltage is enough to stun a human and is far higher than the 120 volts typically found in household electrical outlets in the United States. As we learned above, the charge is strong enough to transfer genetic material to other organisms



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-and-applications">Research and applications</h3>



Scientists study electric eels for insights into bioelectricity. Their unique physiology has inspired research in medical technologies, such as designing better pacemakers and understanding electrical impulses in the human body.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-status-of-electric-eels">Conservation status of electric eels</h3>



Despite their formidable defense mechanism, electric eels face threats from habitat loss and pollution. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their natural habitats and maintaining the ecological balance of South American river systems.



In summary, electric eels are not only a marvel of nature but also a window into the vast potential of bioelectricity. Their unique characteristics continue to fascinate scientists and nature enthusiasts alike, making them a significant subject in the study of aquatic life and bioelectrical phenomena.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://peerj.com/articles/16596/">PeerJ</a>.



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Electric eels can genetically modify other creatures by shocking them

Electric eels, known for their remarkable ability to generate electricity,...

Rustic,Style,Birds,Feeder

Ashley Dayer, an associate professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at <a href="https://fishwild.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a>, is challenging the traditional view of bird feeding as an activity solely beneficial for birds. 



In a recent study, Dayer emphasizes the significance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> feeding not only for avian populations but also for human wellbeing. This perspective invites a broader discussion on integrating bird feeding into public policy and guidance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-aspect-of-bird-feeding">Human aspect of bird feeding</h2>



Dayer's approach brings a novel dimension to wildlife management by considering the human aspect alongside avian wellbeing. 



"Wildlife agencies and others making decisions on managing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/body-sizes-and-shapes-of-birds-are-shrinking-as-the-earth-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> feeding need to be considering not only what the science is behind what’s going on with birds, but also the science behind what’s going on with people,” explains Dayer. 



This perspective seeks to balance ecological concerns with the psychological and emotional impacts on people who engage in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-traits-help-birds-thrive-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> feeding.



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



The importance of understanding human interactions with wildlife is further highlighted by Dayer's and her team's ongoing research. This unique study, perhaps the first of its kind, is not only observing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rebellious-birds-use-anti-bird-spikes-to-build-their-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> but also the emotional responses of the people involved. 



“People are not only reporting what they see at their bird feeders, but also their emotional responses to it,” Dayer said. “It’s pretty fun because most citizen science projects focus just on the natural or physical science, but we’re now able to look at the human piece of it.”



This approach, funded by a substantial grant from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, delves into the psychological aspects of bird feeding, a factor often overlooked in traditional wildlife studies.



Dayer's interest in this topic was sparked by the response of various state agencies to avian disease outbreaks, often advising the public to stop feeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-can-switch-their-perception-of-earths-magnetic-field-on-and-off/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> without concrete evidence of its effectiveness in disease control. This observation led to the realization that current policies lack a comprehensive understanding of the human impact of such recommendations. 



The ongoing research by Dayer and her team seeks to fill this gap, aiming to inform future guidelines that consider both avian health and human wellbeing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaboration-with-project-feederwatch">Collaboration with Project FeederWatch</h2>



To further their research, the team is collaborating with <a href="https://feederwatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Project FeederWatch</a>, a program by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada. 



This partnership leverages FeederWatch's extensive network and long-standing practice of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unique-molting-patterns-may-have-saved-birds-during-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> observation, enriching the study with valuable data on bird counts and human interactions over the years.



Dayer's personal connection to birds, stemming from her family's practice, adds a heartfelt dimension to her scientific pursuit. Her mother always had bird feeders outside their family’s home, and the birds became almost like children for her.



“She’ll go on vacation and cut the vacation short because she needs to go home and feed her birds,” Dayer said. “So I’ve lived with someone who was really into bird feeding and have seen how important it can be to them.”



She reflects on how bird feeding can be a meaningful and accessible way for people from various backgrounds and abilities to connect with nature. “People in urban areas can feed birds. People with just a deck can feed birds. People with a wide range of physical abilities can feed birds. So it’s just a great way to keep that human connection to wildlife,” Dayer said.



This personal insight strengthens her advocacy for policies that recognize bird feeding as a valuable bridge between humans and wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policies-for-both-sides-of-bird-feeding">Policies for both sides of bird feeding</h2>



Both Dayer and her colleague Dana Hawley, a professor of biological sciences, envision their work as a stepping stone towards developing guidelines that benefit both wild birds and the people who feed them. 



“In all my years of studying how bird feeding impacts wild birds, I didn’t give much thought to how it can also impact the people that spend their time and money feeding and watching birds,” Hawley said. “I get calls every year from people who see a sick bird at their feeder and want to know how they can help prevent disease spread. All in all, this made me wonder about how policy decisions that aim to minimize disease spread can inadvertently impact the people who feed the birds.”



Their goal is to establish policies that ensure the health of bird populations while fostering a healthy relationship between humans and their feathered neighbors, especially in urban and suburban settings.



In summary, through this research and advocacy, Virginia Tech's team is reshaping the narrative around bird feeding, highlighting its role as a mutually beneficial activity that deserves recognition and support in wildlife management and policy-making.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-and-climate-change">Birds and climate change</h2>



Climate change is significantly impacting bird populations worldwide. Rising temperatures are shifting habitats, compelling many species to migrate earlier or move to higher altitudes. For instance, in North America, birds traditionally seen in southern regions are now appearing further north. This shift disrupts ecosystems, as native birds compete with newcomers for food and nesting sites.



Moreover, altered weather patterns, like increased frequency and intensity of storms, are directly threatening birds. Severe weather events can destroy habitats, reduce food availability, and hinder breeding success. Coastal birds are particularly vulnerable, as rising sea levels and storm surges erode nesting sites.



Changes in seasonal cycles are also affecting birds. Earlier springs and later autumns disrupt the timing of food availability, particularly insects, which many bird species rely on for feeding their young. This mismatch between breeding times and food peak can lead to lower survival rates for fledglings.



Finally, climate change exacerbates other threats to birds, such as habitat loss and pollution. As natural habitats are altered or destroyed by climate-related factors, birds lose their homes and food sources. Pollution, intensified by climate change effects like warmer waters, further contaminates their habitats.



Overall, climate change poses a multi-faceted threat to bird populations, challenging their survival in rapidly changing environments. At the current rate, they're going to need a lot more help from bird feeders very soon just to survive.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pan3.10566">People and Nature</a>.



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Bird feeding benefits people as much as birds

Ashley Dayer, an associate professor in the Department of Fish...

Smoke,From,The,Cameron,Peak,Fire,In,Northern,Colorado,Rolling

The devastating wildfires in the United States and Canada have left a significant impact on air quality and public health. Recent studies highlight the alarming effects of these fires, particularly in the context of efforts to combat air pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toll-of-wildfires-on-air-and-health">Toll of wildfires on air and health</h2>



A comprehensive study spanning two decades (2000-2020) has revealed a concerning increase in air pollution in the western U.S., primarily due to the growing intensity and frequency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>. This trend has resulted in an estimated 670 additional premature deaths annually in the region. 



The researchers emphasize that these wildfires have negated the progress made through federal air quality improvement initiatives, largely driven by reductions in automobile emissions. <a href="https://engineering.uiowa.edu/people/jun-wang" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jun Wang</a>, the lead corresponding author and a professor at the <a href="https://uiowa.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Iowa</a>, expressed deep concern about the situation. 



"Our air is supposed to be getting cleaner, mainly due to EPA regulations on emissions. However, the fires have limited or erased these air-quality gains," he stated. 



Wang further noted the detrimental impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> in fire-prone areas and their surroundings, which effectively undermines two decades of EPA efforts to improve air quality. He expounded, “In other words, all the efforts for the past 20 years by the EPA to make our air cleaner basically have been lost in fire-prone areas and downwind regions. We are losing ground.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-wildfires-and-air-quality">Studying wildfires and air quality</h2>



The research team meticulously calculated the concentration of black carbon, a harmful air pollutant linked to respiratory and heart diseases. They used a detailed grid system covering the continental U.S. to map these concentrations. 



Findings show a 55% increase in black carbon in the western U.S., predominantly due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-intensity-fires-reduce-the-risk-of-catastrophic-wildfires-by-60-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>. The highest rates of premature mortality were observed in this region, exacerbated by smoke from both local and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian wildfires</a>. The researchers caution that the figure of 670 additional deaths per year is conservative, given the incomplete understanding of black carbon's health impacts.



“Wildfires have become increasingly intensive and frequent in the western U.S., resulting in a significant increase in smoke-related emissions in populated areas,” Wang and his team write. “This has likely contributed to a decline in air quality and an increase in attributable mortality.”



The study also sheds light on the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-farming-and-wildfires-is-more-likely-to-cause-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> on the Midwest, where transported smoke has minimally impacted health so far. However, Wang warns of potential worsening air quality if wildfire incidents increase. Interestingly, the eastern U.S. did not experience significant air quality declines during the study period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-from-multiple-sources">Data from multiple sources</h2>



The team used a combination of satellite data and information from 500 ground-based air quality monitoring stations. Recognizing the limitations of surface station data, especially in rural areas, they employed deep learning techniques to estimate black carbon concentrations with higher accuracy. 



The calculation of premature deaths involved a formula considering life span, black carbon exposure, and population density. "This is the first time black carbon concentrations have been examined everywhere, and at such a high resolution," Wang noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-study-and-implications">Future study and implications</h2>



<a href="https://weijing-rs.github.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jing Wei</a>, the study's lead author, played a pivotal role in collecting and analyzing satellite data on fine particulates and their health impacts. Now at the University of Maryland’s <a href="https://essic.umd.edu/joom2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center</a>, Wei highlights the counteractive effect of increasing wildfires against the reduction in anthropogenic emissions, exacerbating air pollution and heightening health risks.



“The increasing number and intensity of wildfires in the U.S. counteract or even overshadow the reduction in anthropogenic emissions, exacerbating air pollution and heightening the risks of both morbidity and mortality,” says Wei.



In summary, the study serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing battle against air pollution, where natural disasters like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-particles-erode-the-ozone-layer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> pose significant challenges. It calls for a renewed focus on mitigating these environmental threats to safeguard public health and maintain air quality improvements.



The full study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(23)00235-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Planetary Health</a>.



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Twenty years of air quality improvement erased by wildfires

The devastating wildfires in the United States and Canada have...

In an amazing development, researchers from <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a> and Harvard University’s <a href="https://wyss.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wyss Institute</a> have engineered a new class of tiny biological robots, termed "Anthrobots". These robots, originating from human tracheal cells, are capable of traversing surfaces and significantly promoting neuronal growth in damaged areas within a laboratory setting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-genesis-of-anthrobots">The genesis of Anthrobots</h2>



Anthrobots range in size from the width of a human hair to the tip of a sharpened pencil. Remarkably, these multicellular robots are designed to self-assemble and have demonstrated a pronounced healing effect on other cells. 



This innovation serves as the cornerstone for future applications, envisioning the use of patient-derived biobots as innovative tools for disease treatment, regeneration, and healing.



The concept of Anthrobots builds on earlier research by Michael Levin from Tufts University and Josh Bongard from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>. Their previous work involved creating "<a href="https://now.tufts.edu/2020/01/16/living-machines-are-created-lab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xenobots</a>" from frog embryo cells. These Xenobots displayed abilities such as navigation, material collection, information recording, self-healing, and limited replication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anthrobot-functionality">Anthrobot functionality</h2>



The current study by Levin and PhD student Gizem Gumuskaya reveals the successful creation of bots from adult human cells, sans any genetic modification. These bots have shown capabilities surpassing those of the Xenobots, addressing critical questions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-proteins-can-record-cellular-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cellular assembly</a> and cooperation in the body, and the potential for cells to be reassembled into different structures for varied functions.



Gumuskaya, with her unique background in architecture, likens the reprogramming of cell interactions to the arrangement of stones and bricks into various architectural structures. She emphasizes the potential of cells to form new multicellular shapes and undertake different tasks.



“We wanted to probe what cells can do besides create default features in the body,” said Gumuskaya, who earned a degree in architecture before coming into biology. “By reprogramming interactions between cells, new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-materials-could-revolutionize-medical-microrobots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular structures</a> can be created, analogous to the way stone and brick can be arranged into different structural elements like walls, archways or columns.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-xenobot-to-superbot">From "Xenobot" to "superbot"</h2>



Researchers observed that these cells could not only form new shapes but also move across surfaces and stimulate growth in neuron layers damaged by laboratory procedures. The effectiveness of Anthrobots in encouraging neuronal growth, particularly under the clustered assembly known as “superbot”, is a significant finding, though the exact mechanisms are still being explored.



“The cellular assemblies we construct in the lab can have capabilities that go beyond what they do in the body,” said Levin, who also serves as the director of the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts and is an associate faculty member of the Wyss Institute. 



“It is fascinating and completely unexpected that normal patient tracheal cells, without modifying their DNA, can move on their own and encourage neuron growth across a region of damage,” Levin continued. “We’re now looking at how the healing mechanism works, and asking what else these constructs can do.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-anthrobots-are-made">How Anthrobots are made</h2>



Utilizing human cells allows for the creation of patient-specific bots, minimizing immune response risks and the need for immunosuppressants. These Anthrobots are biodegradable and safe, with a limited lifespan and strictly laboratory-bound existence, eliminating concerns of external exposure or uncontrolled proliferation.



Each Anthrobot starts as a single cell from an adult donor's trachea, equipped with cilia that facilitate movement. The researchers developed conditions to maximize this motility, observing various shapes and movement types, marking a significant feature of this biorobotics platform.



Levin envisions adding features to Anthrobots for responsive and functional roles in the body or for engineered tissue construction in laboratories. The team, including Simon Garnier from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, has categorized these Anthrobots based on shape and movement, highlighting their significance in bridging the gap between nanotechnology and larger engineered devices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-therapeutic-applications">Potential therapeutic applications</h2>



In testing their therapeutic potential, the researchers developed a model involving scratched human neuron layers. The Anthrobots, especially in their "superbot" form, showed remarkable capability in encouraging neural growth and healing wounds. 



Contrary to expectations that genetic modifications would be necessary for Anthrobot cells to promote neural growth, unmodified Anthrobots surprisingly triggered significant regrowth. They formed a neuronal bridge as dense as the surrounding healthy cells. In areas without Anthrobots, neurons failed to grow. In the lab's simplified 2D environment, Anthrobot assemblies efficiently healed live neural tissue.



The researchers suggest that further development of these bots could expand their applications. These include clearing arterial plaque in atherosclerosis patients, repairing damage in the spinal cord or retina, detecting bacteria or cancer cells, and delivering targeted drugs. Theoretically, Anthrobots could aid in tissue healing and deposit pro-regenerative drugs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-outside-of-the-lab">Future implications outside of the lab</h2>



This opens possibilities for applications in areas like atherosclerosis, spinal cord or retinal nerve damage repair, bacterial or cancer cell recognition, and targeted drug delivery.



Gumuskaya elaborates on the innate abilities of cells to self-assemble into complex structures and perform diverse functions. “The cells can form layers, fold, make spheres, sort and separate themselves by type, fuse together, or even move,” Gumuskaya said. 



“Two important differences from inanimate bricks are that cells can communicate with each other and create these structures dynamically, and each cell is programmed with many functions, like movement, secretion of molecules, detection of signals and more. We are just figuring out how to combine these elements to create new biological body plans and functions -- different than those found in nature,” Gumuskaya concluded.



This understanding is crucial not only in constructing new biological entities but also in gaining insights into natural body plans and regenerative treatments.



In summary, the creation of Anthrobots marks a pivotal advancement in biomedical technology. It not only illustrates the potential of biotechnology in medical applications but also paves the way for a deeper understanding of human cellular capabilities and their therapeutic applications.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.202303575" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Science</a>.



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Anthrobots: Scientists create tiny biological robots from human cells

In an amazing development, researchers from Tufts University and Harvard...

A staggering event on October 4-5 in Chicago led to the demise of nearly 1,000 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/window-collisions-are-a-leading-cause-of-bird-mortality/">birds</a>, as they crashed into a brightly lit glass structure. While such extensive bird fatalities are uncommon, artificial light remains a significant and escalating hazard to migratory birds.



In a comprehensive study published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43046-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>, researchers employed weather radar data to chart bird stopover densities across the U.S. The study revealed that artificial light is a prime factor influencing where birds land during migration.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-face-multiple-challenges-nbsp">Birds face multiple challenges&nbsp;</h2>



Kyle Horton, an assistant professor at <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a>’s Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology and the study’s lead author, explained that city lights can entice birds into hazardous urban environments.



The challenges for migrating birds in urban areas are manifold, including dangerous building collisions, habitat loss, limited food availability, and threats from humans and predators like cats. Urban parks offer some respite, but they come with their own set of challenges, such as competition for scarce resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migration-stopover-hotspots">Migration stopover hotspots</h2>



Migration is fraught with peril for birds, involving extensive travel that can deplete up to half of their body mass. “These stopover locations are the fueling stations,” Horton said. “If they don’t have a good spot to rebuild energy supplies, migration can’t happen."



This study marks the first time migration stopover hotspots across the contiguous United States have been mapped on such a large scale. Understanding these patterns can aid in developing conservation strategies.



“Cities pose multiple risks to migrating birds,” explained co-author and <a href="https://msu.edu/">Michigan State University</a> Professor Geoff Henebry. “They also offer resources for the tired birds to rest and refuel."&nbsp;



"Our study is notable in that it combines big data – and a lot of processing – from the weather surveillance radar network with big data from multiple spaceborne sensors to address key questions regarding the influence of urban areas on bird migration.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-birds-survive-artificial-light">Helping birds survive artificial light</h2>



However, the attraction of birds to cities raises a conservation dilemma: should urban areas be preserved as vital stopover sites, or should efforts be concentrated on reducing urban lighting? Horton is collaborating with various organizations to tackle both issues, but the multifaceted nature of urban lighting presents complexities.



Light pollution not only affects birds but also disrupts human circadian rhythms, contributing to several health issues. “We don’t often think about light as a pollutant, but it checks all the boxes of what pollution is,” Horton said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migration-forecasts-nbsp">Migration forecasts&nbsp;</h2>



Initiatives like <a href="https://birdcast.info/">BirdCast</a> offer migration forecasts and real-time maps, enabling individuals and cities to minimize artificial light on critical migration nights. Simple measures, such as retrofitting windows with decals and adjusting light brightness and color, can significantly reduce bird collisions.



The tragic incident at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center is a stark reminder of the dangers of light pollution. Public awareness and simple actions, like turning off unnecessary lights, can have an immediate and beneficial impact on bird safety.&nbsp;



“If we turned off all lights tonight, there would be no birds colliding because of lights tonight,” Horton concluded.



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Artificial light is luring birds to their deaths around the world by the millions

A staggering event on October 4-5 in Chicago led to...

In the breathtaking Himalayan mountains, an extraordinary phenomenon is unfolding. Researchers have found that Himalayan <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/">glaciers</a> have a remarkable response to global warming.&nbsp;



Contrary to the expectation of rapid melting, these glaciers are exhibiting a unique self-preserving mechanism by cooling the air around them, leading to the generation of cold winds.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-counteracting-climate-change-nbsp">Counteracting climate change&nbsp;</h2>



This phenomenon, observed across the Himalayan range, raises intriguing questions about the glaciers' longevity in counteracting the effects of climate change.



The study was conducted by a team of international researchers led by Professor Francesca Pellicciotti of the <a href="https://ista.ac.at/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Science and Technology Austria</a> (ISTA). The findings reveal how these glaciers are paradoxically generating cold winds to combat rising temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-puzzling-observation-nbsp">Puzzling observation&nbsp;</h2>



The Pyramid International Laboratory/Observatory climate station is located on the southern slopes of Mount Everest alongside the Khumbu and Lobuche glaciers. The station has continuously recorded hourly meteorological data for nearly three decades.



According to this data, temperatures near the glaciers have remained stable despite global warming. This puzzling observation led to the discovery that, while minimum temperatures rose, the maximum surface temperatures in summer were decreasing.&nbsp;



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



According to Professor Pellicciotti and her colleagues, including Franco Salerno and Nicolas Guyennon of the National Research Council of Italy, this pattern results from the glaciers' increased temperature exchange with the air.&nbsp;



“We found that the overall temperature averages seemed stable for a simple reason. While the minimum temperatures have been steadily on the rise, the surface temperature maxima in summer were consistently dropping,” said Salerno.&nbsp;



The glaciers are reacting to the warming climate by increasing their temperature exchange with the surface, explained Pellicciotti. She noted that global warming causes an increased temperature difference between the warmer environmental air over the glacier and the air mass in direct contact with the glacier's surface.&nbsp;



“This leads to an increase in turbulent heat exchange at the glacier’s surface and stronger cooling of the surface air mass,” said Pellicciotti.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooling-their-surroundings">Cooling their surroundings</h2>



The colder, denser air masses that are generated flow down the slopes, potentially cooling the lower parts of the glaciers and their surrounding ecosystems.



This counterintuitive response of the glaciers to warming was further supported by data from the ERA5-Land global climate and weather reanalysis. This tool, which combines model data with global observations, confirmed that such katabatic wind phenomena were not limited to Mount Everest but prevalent across the Himalayan range.&nbsp;



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



The team's future research aims to identify specific glacier characteristics that enable this reaction and to determine which glaciers might sustain such responses.



Intriguingly, the team plans to extend their research to the glaciers in the Pamir and Karakoram mountains, where the topography differs significantly from the Himalayas. This could provide crucial insights into whether these glaciers also generate cold winds and if so, whether these winds contribute more to cooling the glaciers themselves rather than their surrounding environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emergency-reaction-nbsp">Emergency reaction&nbsp;</h2>



The study also delves into the critical balance of accumulation and ablation in these glaciers. While they gain mass from the Indian subcontinent's summer monsoons, they lose it through melting.&nbsp;



The katabatic winds may be altering this balance by lowering the altitude at which precipitation occurs, potentially threatening the glaciers' mass input. Although it is a response to global warming, the phenomenon may not indicate long-term stability but rather an emergency reaction to the rising temperatures.



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



Ultimately, this means that these Himalayan glaciers may be approaching their preservation tipping point in some places, "but we do not know where and how,” said Pellicciotti. 



“Even if the glaciers can’t preserve themselves forever, they might still preserve the environment around them for some time. Thus, we call for more multidisciplinary research approaches to converge efforts toward explaining the effects of global warming."&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01331-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Himalayan glaciers are cooling the air around them to survive global warming

In the breathtaking Himalayan mountains, an extraordinary phenomenon is unfolding....

The results of a study led by <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> (UCL) are challenging long-standing beliefs about the development of human brains in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-are-born-with-the-ability-to-recognize-the-beat-in-music/">newborns</a> compared to other primates.&nbsp;



According to the research, the idea that human newborns have underdeveloped brains is a misconception. The experts found that the brains of newborns are at a development level typical for primates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-false-impression">False impression</h2>



Human brains grow so much larger and more complex than other species after birth. This creates a false impression that newborns are underdeveloped, or “altricial.”



“This new work changes the overall understanding around the evolution of human brain development," said study lead author Dr. Aida Gomez-Robles.



"Humans seem so much more helpless when they’re young compared to other primates not because their brains are comparatively underdeveloped but because they still have much further to go.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-brain-development-nbsp">Human brain development&nbsp;</h2>



The research modifies the conventional view that human brains are less developed at birth due to evolutionary compromises, such as the need for babies’ heads to fit through the birth canal.



Traditionally, scientists have assessed brain development across species by comparing brain sizes at birth with adult brain sizes. This suggested that humans are born with a smaller percentage of their adult brain size compared to other primates, leading to the belief in their relative underdevelopment.&nbsp;



However, the UCL study indicates that other measures of human brain development align closely with other primates like chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans.



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



The study also addresses the implications of these findings for the concept of brain plasticity in human evolution. It has been suggested that the perceived underdevelopment at birth results in greater brain malleability and sensitivity to environmental stimuli during early life, contributing to human intelligence.&nbsp;



The researchers clarify that while human brains do take longer to reach full capacity, this does not stem from significant underdevelopment at birth. Thus, while brain plasticity remains critical in human evolution, it is unlikely to be a result of being less developed at birth than other primates.



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



To conduct this analysis, the team examined the brain development of 140 different mammal species, including modern primates, rodents, carnivores, and the fossils of early humans and ancestral hominins.&nbsp;



The researchers compared fetal gestation lengths, the relative size of newborn brains and bodies to adult sizes, and overall brain size at birth and adulthood across these species.&nbsp;



The findings revealed that while there are considerable variations in brain development at birth among different mammal species, primates, including humans, show a consistent pattern of development.



This research, supported by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a> and the National Institutes of Health in the US, marks a significant shift in the understanding of human brain development and its evolutionary trajectory, challenging long-held assumptions in the field of anthropology and neurology.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02253-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Human brain development aligns closely with other primates

The results of a study led by University College London...

Polar,Bear,On,The,Ice,Sniffing,In,The,Air

Polar bears, the majestic icons of the Arctic, are elusive and vulnerable, making their conservation a challenging task. However, a breakthrough in DNA analysis using skin cells shed in their footprints offers new hope for monitoring these endangered species.



This innovative method, developed by a team of international scientists, promises a less invasive and more efficient way to gather essential data on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-confirms-direct-link-between-polar-bear-survival-and-harmful-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bear populations</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-polar-bears-with-footprint-dna">Monitoring polar bears with footprint DNA</h2>



Dr. Melanie Lancaster of the World Wide Fund for Nature <a href="https://www.arcticwwf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Arctic Programme</a> is the senior author of the study. “It is particularly challenging, expensive, and time-consuming to find polar bears in the Arctic, let alone count them and understand how they are coping with climate change,” said Lancaster.



The difficulties in locating and counting these bears, combined with the need to understand their response to climate change, has left a gap in critical data regarding their population size and connectivity.



Inspired by forensic techniques suited for tiny, degraded DNA samples, the scientists developed a method that avoids the physical capture of bears. This method avoids an often stressful and dangerous situation for both the animals and humans. Elisabeth Kruger of the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Wildlife Fund</a>, another author of the article, highlights the significance of this method. 



“Many Inuit express concern about invasive research methods,” said Kruger. “People are concerned about the welfare of the individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-unravel-the-secrets-of-polar-bear-fur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bear</a> and the health and safety of people who may harvest the bear later. This is one of the reasons we are so excited about new methods like this - the person collecting the sample never needs to even see or be seen by the polar bear.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-edna-from-animal-tracks">eDNA from animal tracks</h2>



A unique aspect of this research involves the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-dna-can-help-monitor-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental DNA</a> (eDNA) found in the snow track footprints of polar bears. Dr. Micaela Hellström of <a href="https://www.mixresearch.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIX Research Sweden AB</a>, the lead author of the study, explains that the tracks contain fresh cells with intact DNA.



“The tracks usually contain fresh cells, and the DNA is intact because of the cold ‘storage’ temperature. DNA that has passed the gut is much more degraded and therefore more challenging to work on,” said Hellström.



The team collected snow from individual tracks of Alaskan <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radar-imaging-will-help-protect-polar-bears-from-human-disturbances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bears</a> and Swedish Eurasian lynxes, both in the wild and captivity, as well as from a captive snow leopard. Confirming the accuracy of the genotypes derived from this snow track DNA, additional materials like hair, saliva, and mucus were also sampled. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-footprint-dna-analysis-results">Footprint DNA analysis results</h2>



The researchers sampled 24 wild polar bear tracks and 44 wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lynx-habitat-selection-is-heavily-influenced-by-human-disturbance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lynx</a> tracks. They melted and filtered the snow from these tracks to collect environmental DNA, which they then analyzed using microsatellite analysis. 



Despite the low concentrations of DNA in the tracks collected from the wild, they successfully retrieved nuclear DNA from 87.5% of the wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-polar-bears-get-traction-on-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bear</a> tracks and 59.1% of the wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lynx-population-in-france-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lynx</a> tracks. They managed to genotype 13 of the wild polar bear samples, identifying 12 different individuals.



When focusing on the lynx tracks sampled by trained personnel, the genotyping success rate improved significantly. The scientists retrieved nuclear DNA from 76% of the samples collected by these trained individuals, and they successfully genotyped 24% of these samples.



This non-invasive sampling technique, despite a lower success rate compared to traditional methods, offers considerable advantages. It not only reduces the stress and danger associated with physical capture but also allows for larger sample sizes due to its ease of collection. 



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



The potential of this technique to inform conservation strategies, understand animal populations and behaviors, and manage human-animal conflicts is immense.



Dr. Lancaster expresses hope that this method will be adopted widely by the polar bear research community, involving hunters, volunteers, and Indigenous communities. She says, “We hope this method will be taken up by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-bears-threatened-by-toxic-chemicals-in-melting-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bear</a> research community, with the involvement of hunters, volunteers, and Indigenous communities, as a new way to collect information on polar bears.”



The team also anticipates the expansion of this technique to other animals living in snowy environments, having already demonstrated its effectiveness with lynx and snow leopards.



In summary, this groundbreaking research in DNA analysis using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-vacuumed-animal-dna-from-a-forest-and-the-results-are-amazing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental DNA</a> from snow tracks and footprints opens a new chapter in wildlife conservation. It promises a more humane, efficient, and inclusive approach to studying and protecting one of the Arctic's most iconic inhabitants, the polar bear, and potentially other species in similar environments.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2023.1250996/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Conservation Science</a>.



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Footprint DNA helps scientists monitor elusive animals like polar bears

Polar bears, the majestic icons of the Arctic, are elusive...

The melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, and extreme heat waves are stark reminders of the ongoing climate crisis. Despite the scientific community's consensus on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human responsibility</a> for these changes, as reaffirmed by the sixth report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a>), a significant portion of the population remains skeptical, fueled by disinformation campaigns orchestrated by certain vested interests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combating-climate-change-disinformation">Combating climate change disinformation</h2>



The University of Geneva (<a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNIGE</a>) has taken a novel approach to address this issue by developing and testing six psychological interventions.



A team led by Tobia Spampatti, a PhD Student and Teaching and Research Assistant in the Consumer Decision and Sustainable Behavior Lab (<a href="https://www.cdsb.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDSB Lab</a>), has conducted extensive research involving nearly 7,000 participants across twelve countries. 



The study underscores the persuasive nature of disinformation and the urgent need to counteract it. According to Spampatti, certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exxons-climate-predictions-were-remarkably-accurate-but-ignored/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">companies</a> and lobbies spreading disinformation over the last 50 years can explain this phenomenon. 



‘‘For instance, these messages can take the form of an unfounded questioning of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientific consensus</a> or an overestimation of the socio-financial burden of climate policies,’’ says Spampatti. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-factors-at-play">Psychological factors at play</h2>



Spampatti and his colleagues have developed a theoretical framework based on the psychology of climate change disinformation. This framework considers various factors, including the source, content, recipients, and psychological aspects influencing the processing of information. 



‘‘As individuals, we do not process <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientific messages</a> as neutral receivers of information, but by weighing them up against our prior beliefs, desired outcomes, emotional ties and socio-cultural and ideological backgrounds. Depending on the configuration of these psychological factors, anti-scientific beliefs can be amplified and become resistant to correction,’’ explains Spampatti.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-climate-change-disinformation">Preventing climate change disinformation</h2>



Based on their findings, the researchers developed six psychological intervention strategies to prevent climate disinformation from influencing people's climate-related beliefs and actions. They tested these strategies on 6,816 participants across twelve countries. 



Each strategy focused on a specific theme: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-warning-systems-are-increasingly-accurate-in-predicting-climate-extremes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientific consensus</a>, trust in climate scientists, transparent communication, moralizing climate action, accuracy, and positive emotions towards climate action. 



The team divided the participants into eight groups. Six groups each received one of the strategies, one group received disinformation without any preventive measures, and one served as a control group.



For example, the researchers gave the "trust in climate scientists" group verified information to establish the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-become-a-human-rights-issue/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">credibility of IPCC scientists</a>. Similarly, they presented the "transparent communication" group with information highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages of climate mitigation actions. 



Following this, the team exposed each group to twenty instances of false or biased information, including ten related to climate science and ten to climate policy. The UNIGE scientists then assessed the impact of these interventions by gauging the participants' attitudes towards climate mitigation actions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-results-show-great-challenges-ahead">Results show great challenges ahead</h2>



<a href="https://www.unige.ch/fapse/decisionlab/people/tobias-brosch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tobias Brosch</a> is an associate Professor at the CDSB Lab and the final author of the study. He notes the alarming persuasiveness of disinformation. 



"We found that the protective effect of our strategies is small and disappears after the second exposure to disinformation," says Brosch. "Climate disinformation used in this study has a negative influence on people’s belief in climate change and their sustainable behavior.’’



According to the study, climate change disinformation persuades extremely effectively, apparently more than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/media-coverage-of-climate-change-fails-to-inspire-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientific information</a> does. Only the 'accuracy' group, whom the researchers asked to think deeply about the accuracy of online information, demonstrated a slight advantage.



Tobia Spampatti concludes, "Research in this field is still in its infancy. We are going to continue our work and look for more effective forms of intervention." 



In summary, the urgency to combat climate change disinformation is paramount, as it hinders the implementation of crucial climate change mitigation measures. This research from UNIGE represents a crucial step in understanding and addressing the complex issue of climate change disinformation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-023-01736-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behavior</a>.



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Why disinformation is a persistent scourge in the battle against climate change

The melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, and extreme heat...

Nice,Green,Forest,Landscape,In,The,City

Recent research has uncovered a remarkable connection between our living environment and the biological processes that govern aging. The study reveals that exposure to green spaces, such as parks and trees, can significantly slow down the rate at which our cells age, offering profound implications for public health and urban planning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenery-and-cellular-aging">Greenery and cellular aging </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neighborhood-greenspaces-boost-health-on-a-cellular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Telomeres</a>, the structures located at the ends of each cell's chromosomes, play a critical role in cellular aging. They function akin to the plastic tips on shoelaces, safeguarding DNA from unraveling. The length of telomeres is a key indicator of a cell's ability to replicate. 



Over time, as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-cigarettes-accelerates-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">telomeres</a> shorten, cells reach a point where they can no longer divide, leading to cell death. This process is a fundamental aspect of the natural aging progression.



The study discovered that individuals residing in neighborhoods abundant in greenery possessed longer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-induced-increases-in-biological-age-can-be-reversed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">telomeres</a>. Aaron Hipp, a co-author of the study and a professor at <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State</a>, emphasizes the impact of external factors on the rate of telomere degradation. He notes, "A longer telomere is usually a younger telomere, or a more protective, helpful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-at-high-altitude-leads-to-longer-life-by-changing-metabolism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">telomere</a>. It is protecting that cell from the aging process.”



Green spaces impact the aging process by encouraging physical activity and foster community interaction, both of which contribute to better health outcomes. Additionally, neighborhoods rich in greenery tend to have cooler temperatures, enhanced flood resistance, and lower pollution levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-and-challenges">Limitations and challenges</h2>



Despite the positive findings, Hipp points out that participants living in green spaces plagued by pollution and segregation did not exhibit longer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathing-less-oxygen-could-extend-your-lifespan-by-50-or-more/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">telomeres</a> compared to less green communities. This underscores the necessity of addressing broader societal issues to ensure equitable access to the health benefits of green spaces.



The research involved examining medical records and survey responses from over 7,800 individuals participating in a national survey by the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>. The study correlated these data with census information to estimate neighborhood greenery levels, revealing a significant association between increased green space and reduced cellular aging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexities-of-green-spaces-and-aging">Complexities of green spaces and aging</h2>



Scott Ogletree, another researcher involved in the study, highlights the complexities in the relationship between human health and environmental factors. He notes that adverse neighborhood conditions, such as low income or segregation, can diminish the positive effects of green spaces on health.



The study also suggests that the timing of green space exposure in a person's life might influence its impact on health. This raises important questions about the optimal timing and duration of exposure to green spaces for maximum health benefits.



Peter James, an environmental epidemiologist from <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard</a> not involved in the study, commends the novel approach of using telomere length as a health biomarker. This offers a unique perspective on the health benefits associated with green spaces.



In summary, the study's findings highlight the profound impact of our living environment on the biological mechanisms of aging. It underscores the importance of integrating green spaces into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parks-play-an-integral-role-in-the-fight-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban planning</a> and addressing socioeconomic disparities to ensure that the health benefits of greenery are accessible to all. 



The connection between green spaces and cellular aging opens new avenues for research and public health initiatives, offering hope for healthier, longer lives through enhanced environmental design.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-benefits-of-green-spaces-on-aging">More benefits of green spaces on aging</h2>



As discussed above, green spaces actively benefit human health in various significant ways. They reduce stress levels, improve mental health, and enhance physical wellbeing. Let's explore some other key impacts that green space has on human health.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-mental-health">Improving mental health</h3>



Green spaces provide a tranquil environment that significantly lowers stress levels. Studies show that spending time in parks or near trees can decrease cortisol, a stress hormone, leading to improved mental health. Natural settings also offer therapeutic benefits, helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-spaces-improve-physical-health">Green spaces improve physical health</h3>



Regular access to green spaces encourages physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or cycling. This increased activity contributes to better cardiovascular health, reduced obesity rates, and overall improved physical fitness. It also lowers the risk of chronic diseases like hypertension and type 2 diabetes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-air-quality">Improving air quality</h3>



Trees and plants in green spaces act as natural air filters, absorbing pollutants and providing cleaner air. This is particularly beneficial in urban areas where air quality is often compromised. Cleaner air reduces the incidence of respiratory conditions like asthma.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-spaces-promote-social-interaction">Green spaces promote social interaction</h3>



Parks serve as communal areas where people can gather, socialize, and engage in community activities. This social interaction fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for mental wellbeing.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-cognitive-function">Enhancing cognitive function</h3>



Exposure to natural environments has been shown to improve cognitive function, particularly in children. It can enhance concentration, increase attention span, and even boost academic performance.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-spaces-reducing-noise-pollution">Green spaces reducing noise pollution</h3>



Greenery can act as buffer zones that reduce the impact of urban noise pollution. Trees and plants absorb sound, creating quieter and more peaceful environments that contribute to overall wellbeing.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-immune-function">Improving immune function</h3>



Regular exposure to green spaces can boost the immune system. The natural environment exposes individuals to a diverse range of microorganisms, which can help build a stronger immune response.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encouraging-healing-and-recovery">Encouraging healing and recovery</h3>



Patients with views of green spaces from their hospital rooms often experience faster recovery times and require less pain medication. The soothing effect of nature facilitates physical and emotional healing.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-quality-of-life">Enhancing quality of life</h3>



Green spaces provide accessible areas for people to exercise, socialize, and engage with their community, which is vital for maintaining physical health and mental acuity in older age.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-urban-heat-islands">Mitigating urban heat islands</h3>



Green spaces help to cool urban areas, mitigating the 'heat island' effect common in cities. This not only makes cities more comfortable during hot weather but also reduces the energy needed for cooling buildings.



In summary, green spaces play a crucial role in promoting holistic human health, benefiting both mental and physical aspects, and enhancing the overall quality of life in urban environments.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723060795?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of the Total Environment</a>.



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Living in "green" areas acts as an anti-aging fountain-of-youth

Recent research has uncovered a remarkable connection between our living...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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</div></figure>







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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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

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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