<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p><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.</p>



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



<p>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. </p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p><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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>"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.</p>



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



<p>Breaking it all down, the conclusions of this study are pretty simple. </p>



<p><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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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. </p>



<p><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. </p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>"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."</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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"><em>Forest Ecology and Management</em></a>.</p>



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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...

<p>The 2020-2021 California megafires marked a significant event in the state's history. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/already-endangered-orangutans-now-face-new-threats-from-wildfires/">wildfires</a> were unprecedented in the modern record.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The fires burned ten times more forest area than the annual average since the late 1800s, raising concerns about the fate of the affected wildlife and their habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-prospects-nbsp">Survival prospects&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Experts at the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/rmrs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocky Mountain Research Station</a> set out to gain a better understanding of how such extreme fire severity alters the habitat and survival prospects of various species.</p>



<p>Wildlife in western forests have coevolved with habitat changes and disturbances like wildfires. However, the scale and intensity of recent fires are beyond what many species are adapted to, and little is known about their ability to cope with these "megafires."&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>To address this knowledge gap, the researchers utilized California's Department of Fish and Wildlife's extensive wildlife database, which maps the habitat suitability of hundreds of species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team combined the wildlife data with Forest Service wildfire records and advanced computational analysis. This approach allowed for a broad examination of how megafires are reshaping wildlife habitats across California.</p>



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



<p>"Our intent was to take a broad look to gain a better understanding of the impacts of these kinds of fires on wildlife habitat as a whole," said study lead author Jessalyn Ayars.</p>



<p>"And since each species is different, this study provides a good jumping-off point for others to be able to focus on a single species of interest or small group of species that share similar habitats."</p>



<p>The study was predominantly focused on areas in the Sierra Nevada, southern Cascades, and Klamath mountain regions. The team analyzed the habitats of over 600 wildlife species.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The results revealed that 100 species experienced high-severity fire in over 10 percent of their geographic range across the state. Notably, 16 of these species are of management concern, including the great gray owl, wolverine, Pacific marten, and northern rubber boa.</p>



<p>While previous studies suggest that some species like the great gray owl may benefit from fire-induced habitat changes for foraging, the current study underscores the uncertainty of such benefits given the magnitude and speed of these changes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitats-of-conservation-concern-nbsp">Habitats of conservation concern&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts found that the fires did not disproportionately impact habitats of conservation concern compared to other wildlife species. This suggests that the habitats of threatened species might provide a refuge in the face of such catastrophic events.</p>



<p>"Special-status species were not disproportionately affected by the 2020 and 2021 California megafires, and birds and reptiles of greatest conservation need had less of their range burn than expected, even at high severity," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"While this is encouraging, the overall area burned and at high severity was large for all species, and the effects of fire on special-status species should be addressed on a case-by-case basis."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highly-variable-responses">Highly variable responses</h2>



<p>"The long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum), which experienced high-severity fire across a greater portion of its range than any other species examined (14%), has been shown to decline one to two decades postfire, particularly in the most severely burned areas," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>"The most fire-affected bird, the great gray owl (Strix nebulosa), has been shown to persist immediately after severe fires and is thus thought to be fire-resilient."</p>



<p>"But, for this and other species examined here, there is simply no frame of reference for understanding population responses to the scale and severity of the fires seen in 2020 to 2021 in California, and it is unlikely that many species have adaptations to survive these fire events."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"While our goal was to examine broad-scale fire impacts on habitat, species’ responses to wildfire are highly variable and will depend on life-history and other traits that should be a focus of future research."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-management-strategies-nbsp">Forest management strategies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study senior author Gavin Jones had previously investigated the role of proactive forest management in mitigating habitat loss for species like the California spotted owl due to increasing wildfire size and severity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This new paper contributes significantly to Jones' research, highlighting the urgent need to accelerate and expand proactive forest management strategies, especially considering the expected rise in extreme fire events in the future.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2312909120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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How did the California megafires impact wildlife habitats?

The 2020-2021 California megafires marked a significant event in the...

Man,Isolated,Watching,The,Serene,Nature,At,Hill,Top,With

<p>The gender gap in life expectancy is widening in the United States, with men dying an average of six years before women. This is the conclusion of a study conducted by experts from <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC San Francisco</a> and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.</p>



<p>The researchers found that by 2021, the disparity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathing-less-oxygen-could-extend-your-lifespan-by-50-or-more/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifespan</a> between American men and women had expanded to 5.8 years, marking the largest gap since 1996. This increase is notable compared to 2010, when the difference was at a historic low of 4.8 years. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contributing-factors">Contributing factors</h2>



<p>The research highlights several factors contributing to the growing gender gap. The COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately impacted men, was the primary driver of this widening gap during 2019-2021.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The contribution of the pandemic was closely followed by unintentional injuries and poisonings - largely attributed to drug overdoses - along with accidents and suicide.</p>



<p>"There's been a lot of research into the decline in life expectancy in recent years, but no one has systematically analyzed why the gap between men and women has been widening since 2010," noted study first author Dr. Brandon Yan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deaths-of-despair-nbsp">Deaths of despair&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In 2021, life expectancy in the U.S. fell to 76.1 years, a drop from 78.8 years in 2019 and 77 years in 2020. This decrease has been partially attributed to "deaths of despair," a term that describes the rise in fatalities due to suicide, drug use disorders, and alcoholic liver disease. Deaths of despair are often linked to factors like economic hardship, depression, and stress.</p>



<p>The study revealed that while both men and women have experienced increased rates of death from drug overdose and homicide, men represent a disproportionately larger share of these deaths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-life-expectancy">Studying life expectancy</h2>



<p>To address this troubling trend, the researchers used data from the National Center for Health Statistics to pinpoint the primary causes of reduced life expectancy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team then assessed the impact of these causes on both men and women to determine their contribution to the widening gap.</p>



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



<p>Before the pandemic, the leading contributors to the life expectancy gap were unintentional injuries, diabetes, suicide, homicide, and heart disease.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, during the pandemic, COVID-19 significantly affected the mortality rates of men more than women. Factors such as health behaviors, occupational exposure risks, reluctance to seek medical care, incarceration, and housing instability were likely contributors to this trend.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, chronic metabolic disorders, mental illness, and gun violence played a role in exacerbating the gender differences in life expectancy.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Yan said the results raise questions about whether more specialized care for men should be developed to address the growing issue.</p>



<p>"We have brought insights to a worrisome trend," said Dr. Yan. "Future research ought to help focus public health interventions towards helping reverse this decline in life expectancy."</p>



<p>The researchers also noted that further analysis is needed to see if these trends change after 2021.</p>



<p>"We need to track these trends closely as the pandemic recedes," said study senior author Dr. Howard Koh. "And we must make significant investments in prevention and care to ensure that this widening disparity, among many others, do not become entrenched."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.6041" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>JAMA Internal Medicine</em></a>.</p>



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Life expectancy drops: Men in the U.S. die six years before women 

The gender gap in life expectancy is widening in the...

<p>A new study could potentially revolutionize the field of cancer immunotherapy. Researchers from the <a href="https://seas.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences</a> (SEAS) have gained critical insights into the role of macrophages in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-dietary-supplement-proven-to-combat-breast-cancer/">cancer</a> treatments. </p>



<p>Macrophages, a type of white blood cells, have long been recognized for their potential in cell therapy due to their innate ability to infiltrate tumor cells.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite showing promise in laboratory settings, their effectiveness in clinical trials has been disappointing, prompting researchers to seek answers beyond conventional biological explanations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-barriers-nbsp">Physical barriers&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team, led by Samir Mitragotri, used an engineering approach to investigate the physical barriers hindering macrophages from reaching tumors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By integrating microscopy with machine learning, the experts discovered that certain macrophage phenotypes are more adept at traveling to tumors than others. Intriguingly, the phenotype commonly used in clinical cancer therapies is not the most effective one.</p>



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



<p>“Our engineering approach led us to question whether the poor therapeutic outcome of macrophages in cell therapies can in part originate from their inability to get into the tumor in the first place,” said Mitragotri.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“And indeed, our results show that different phenotypes exhibit different penetration into the tumor. This provides an interesting physics-based hypothesis for the poor clinical outcome of previously reported macrophage therapies and provides a counter- and complimentary hypothesis to the classical biology-based paradigm.”</p>



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



<p>Macrophages exist in multiple types, namely M0, M1, and M2. M1 macrophages, known for their tumor-fighting capabilities, have been predominantly used in cell therapies but with limited success in clinical trials.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers examined how these phenotypes navigated through a complex hydrogel to a tumor in a petri dish.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-system">Mapping system</h2>



<p>“We basically wanted to measure how well the transport mechanics and GPS of these different macrophages worked in a complex environment," explained study first author Kolade Adebowale, a postdoctoral fellow at SEAS.</p>



<p>“We found that the M1 phenotype, anti-tumor microphage, seem to have trouble finding their targets, almost like their GPS wasn’t working. But the M0 phenotype seemed to have a really good map.”</p>



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



<p>The team uncovered a link between the macrophages' ability to change shape and their transport efficiency.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The M1 macrophages, which are most commonly used in therapies, are the least capable of shape-shifting, impacting their ability to reach tumors effectively.</p>



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



<p>This research not only challenges the existing biological perspectives but also opens new avenues for improving the efficacy of macrophage-based therapies in cancer treatment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our study demonstrates that the reduced transport of M1 macrophages compared to M0 macrophages is correlated with their reduced ability to undergo shape transformations,” said Adebowale.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We hope that these findings shed new light on the biophysics of macrophage migration and delivery of macrophage cell therapies.”</p>



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



<p>Study co-author Jennifer Guerriero is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and the lead investigator of Brigham and Women’s Hospital Breast Oncology Program.</p>



<p>“There is tremendous potential in utilizing macrophages to mediate anti-tumor immune responses in human tumors and clinical trials are ongoing to treat patients with macrophages,” said Guerriero.</p>



<p>“We learned in this study that, surprisingly, macrophages that resemble an M0 phenotype were most efficient at getting to their target. These data will have an immediate impact on clinical trials are likely to transform the next generation of macrophage-mediated therapies.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research was supported by the National Science Foundation.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0160924" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Applied Physics Reviews</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Cancer treatment could be transformed by shape-shifting macrophages

A new study could potentially revolutionize the field of cancer...

<p>A recent paper published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adj4911?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D57771259346450227453434502185155494928%7CMCORGID%3D242B6472541199F70A4C98A6%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1700746078#con1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a> has brought attention to a critical issue: the transformation of the melting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/">Arctic</a> into a battleground for resource extraction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This situation, which the experts compare to a modern-day gold rush, is emerging as climate change causes the ice to recede, exposing new land and sea areas for exploitation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-energy-resources">Arctic energy resources</h2>



<p>Nations are scrambling to take advantage of the enormous economic opportunities presented by these newly accessible regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The U.S. Geological Survey (<a href="https://www.usgs.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USGS</a>) has provided staggering figures, estimating around 90 billion barrels of undiscovered oil in the Arctic, with a significant portion, up to 84%, located offshore.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This untapped resource has drawn the interest of major oil corporations, with Exxon Mobil, a U.S. oil giant, highlighting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> as one of the most promising yet least explored regions for oil exploration.</p>



<p>The prospects extend beyond oil. The USGS estimates the presence of 1,669 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 44 billion barrels of liquid natural gas in the Arctic. These figures underline the vast potential of the region in terms of energy resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-action">Environmental action</h2>



<p>The rush for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> resources is not without its controversies, and environmental group Greenpeace pointed out the "bitter irony" in the situation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The melting Arctic ice, a clear indicator of climate change's impact, is being viewed as an opportunity for profit rather than a warning sign of the environmental costs associated with such changes.</p>



<p>The conflict between economic interests and environmental concerns has led to legal challenges. Notably, environmental activists have taken the Norwegian government to the European Court of Human Rights (<a href="https://www.echr.coe.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECHR</a>) for allowing oil exploration in the Arctic. This illustrates the growing tension between environmental protection and resource exploitation.</p>



<p>The urgency of the situation is underscored by data from NASA, which reveals that summer Arctic sea ice is diminishing at a rate of 12.2 percent each decade, a change attributed to human-induced climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drilling-operations-in-the-melting-arctic">Drilling operations&nbsp;in the melting Arctic</h2>



<p>The geopolitical aspect of this issue is equally complex. Nations like Norway, Canada, Denmark, the USA, and Russia have staked claims to "extended continental shelves" under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (<a href="https://www.noaa.gov/law-of-sea-convention" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNCLOS</a>).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Approximately 40 percent of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/additional-heat-is-being-transferred-to-the-arctic-ocean-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> consists of land, while another third is comprised of continental shelves in relatively shallow waters less than 500 meters deep. Arctic countries exercise rights to drill in their territories, leasing areas to companies such as Shell and BP for drilling operations.</p>



<p>The full potential of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blowing-snow-plays-an-important-role-in-arctic-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> resources was not realized until 2009. That year, the US Geological Survey estimated that the Arctic might hold 30% of the planet's undiscovered natural gas reserves and 13% of its undiscovered oil.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over the years, interest in the region has intensified, setting the stage for conflict where economic gains are weighed against environmental preservation and the realities of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-value">Ecological value</h2>



<p>Jonathan W. Moore is an expert in the Earth Ocean Research Group at <a href="https://www.sfu.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simon Fraser University</a> and lead author of the report in the journal <em>Science</em>.</p>



<p>"As climate change warms Earth, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-could-speed-up-global-2c-temperature-rise-by-eight-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting cryosphere</a> creates nascent ecosystems that have future value as habitat but that are also the frontlines for resource extraction," wrote Moore and his co-authors.</p>



<p>"For example, glacier retreat uncovers rivers and valleys that go through rapid ecological succession to provide new habitats for important species, such as moose and Pacific salmon."</p>



<p>"However, mining companies are looking to retreating glaciers for newly exposed mineral deposits. This proglacial mining is a global pressure, from Greenland to Kyrgyzstan to western Canada."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Yet environmental and mining policies might fail to consider the future ecological value and capacity of emerging habitats."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-arctic-warming">More about Arctic warming</h2>



<p>As discussed above, the Arctic region is undergoing significant changes due to global warming. Active melting of sea ice and glaciers has been observed at an accelerated rate. This melting has led to a reduction in the overall ice cover, impacting local ecosystems and global weather patterns.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes-of-arctic-melting">Causes of Arctic melting</h3>



<p>Human-induced climate change is the primary driver of Arctic melting. The release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane has led to a rise in global temperatures. These warmer temperatures are more pronounced in the Arctic, causing ice to melt faster than in previous decades.</p>



<p>Human-induced climate change is the primary driver of Arctic melting. The release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane has led to a rise in global temperatures. These warmer temperatures are more pronounced in the Arctic, causing ice to melt faster than in previous decades. Let’s take a more detailed look at the causes.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gas-emissions">Greenhouse Gas Emissions</h4>



<p>The most significant cause of Arctic melting is the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). These emissions are largely due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes. These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-warming">Global Warming</h4>



<p>The trapped heat from greenhouse gases leads to global warming, which has a pronounced effect in the Arctic. The region is warming at least twice as fast as the global average, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification. This rapid warming leads to the melting of sea ice, glaciers, and permafrost.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-albedo-effect-reduction">Albedo Effect Reduction</h4>



<p>Snow and ice have a high albedo, meaning they reflect most of the sun's energy back into space. As ice melts, it exposes darker surfaces like ocean water or land, which absorb more solar energy. This absorption of heat further accelerates the melting process, creating a feedback loop.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-currents-and-temperatures">Ocean Currents and Temperatures</h4>



<p>Changes in ocean currents and warmer ocean temperatures also contribute to the melting of Arctic ice. Warmer water from lower latitudes is moving into the Arctic Ocean, melting sea ice from below.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-circulation-changes">Atmospheric Circulation Changes</h4>



<p>Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, influenced by global warming, can lead to unusual weather patterns in the Arctic. For instance, warmer air masses may move into the Arctic, contributing to further warming and melting.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-carbon">Black Carbon</h4>



<p>Emissions of black carbon (soot) from industrial activities, and burning of fossil fuels and biomass, also contribute to Arctic melting. When black carbon settles on snow and ice, it reduces their albedo and leads to faster melting.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-variability">Natural Variability</h4>



<p>While human-induced factors are the primary cause, natural variability also plays a role. However, the current rate and scale of Arctic melting are beyond what can be attributed to natural cycles alone.</p>



<p>Understanding and addressing these causes is critical for efforts to mitigate Arctic melting and its global impacts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-arctic-melting">Consequences of Arctic melting</h3>



<p>The melting of Arctic ice has several significant consequences:</p>



<ul>
<li>Sea Level Rise: As glaciers and ice sheets melt, they contribute to rising sea levels, which can lead to coastal flooding.<br></li>



<li>Ecosystem Disruption: Native species, such as polar bears and seals, depend on sea ice for their habitat and are facing challenges due to its loss.<br></li>



<li>Climate Impact: The reduction of ice cover affects global weather patterns, potentially leading to more extreme weather events.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-efforts-to-mitigate-arctic-melting">Efforts to mitigate Arctic melting</h3>



<p>Efforts to mitigate Arctic melting focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This involves transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices globally. International agreements, like the Paris Agreement, aim to limit global temperature rise and reduce the impacts of climate change.</p>



<p>In summary, without significant efforts to combat climate change, the Arctic will continue to warm, and ice melting will accelerate. This could have irreversible effects on global climates and ecosystems. However, concerted global action can slow down the rate of melting and mitigate its impacts.</p>



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The melting Arctic is becoming an oil and gas battleground

A recent paper published in the journal Science has brought...

<p>The world's largest iceberg, known as A23a, has begun to drift after being anchored to the ocean floor for over three decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-cycles-show-impacts-of-climate-change/">iceberg</a>, measuring nearly 4,000 square kilometers, is more than double the size of Greater London.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colossal-size">Colossal size</h2>



<p>A23a first separated from the Antarctic coastline in 1986. It was quickly grounded in the Weddell Sea and transformed into an ice island.</p>



<p>The sheer size of A23a is astounding. It has a thickness of approximately 400 meters, dwarfing Europe's tallest skyscraper, the London Shard, which stands at 310 meters.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-a23a-nbsp">History of A23a&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A23a was a significant part of a massive release of icebergs from Antarctica's Filchner Ice Shelf. At the time that A23a first broke free, it was hosting a Soviet research station.</p>



<p>This prompted a Soviet expedition to retrieve equipment before it was lost. However, the iceberg did not drift far from the coast due to its deep keel anchoring it to the seabed of the Weddell Sea.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-losing-its-grip">Losing its grip</h2>



<p>Dr. Andrew Fleming from the British Antarctic Survey sheds light on why A23a has started moving after nearly 40 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"I asked a couple of colleagues about this, wondering if there was any possible change in shelf water temperatures that might have provoked it, but the consensus is the time had just come," said Dr Andrew Fleming, a remote sensing expert from the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>.</p>



<p>"It was grounded since 1986 but eventually it was going to decrease (in size) sufficiently to lose grip and start moving. I spotted first movement back in 2020."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceberg-alley-nbsp">Iceberg alley&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Now, A23a is rapidly drifting, influenced by winds and currents, and has reached the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is likely to enter the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, following a path through "iceberg alley" towards the South Atlantic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This route, famously utilized by Sir Ernest Shackleton in 1916 for his escape from Antarctica, often leads icebergs to South Georgia Island.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-will-happen-next-nbsp">What will happen next?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The journey of A23a is under close scientific scrutiny. Should it ground at South Georgia, it could disrupt the feeding patterns of the island's wildlife, including millions of seals, penguins, and seabirds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, icebergs are not just hazards. They play a vital role in the environment. As icebergs melt, they release mineral dust, a key nutrient for oceanic food chains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-significance-nbsp">Ecological significance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Catherine Walker of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution emphasizes the ecological significance of these ice giants. Born the same year as A23a, she sees a special connection with the iceberg, recognizing it as a source of life and biological activity.</p>



<p>The journey of A23a is a striking reminder of the dynamic and interconnected nature of our planet's ecosystems. Its movement, after being stationary for so many years, marks a significant event in the study of polar ice and climate change.</p>



<p>Image Credit; European Union/Copernicus Sentinel-3/Handout/Reuters</p>



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World's largest iceberg, A23a, is on the move after nearly 40 years

The world's largest iceberg, known as A23a, has begun to...

<p>NASA has successfully received data from a record-breaking distance using laser, or optical, communications. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-space-exploration-could-be-shut-down-by-orbiting-debris/">space exploration</a> and communication technology.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/deep-space-optical-communications-dsoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deep Space Optical Communications</a> (DSOC) experiment transmitted a near-infrared laser encoded with test data from an astonishing distance of nearly 10 million miles. This distance is approximately 40 times farther than the space between the Earth and the Moon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The data was accurately received by the <a href="https://sites.astro.caltech.edu/palomar/about/telescopes/hale.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hale Telescope</a> at Caltech's Palomar Observatory in San Diego County, California.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-light">First light</h2>



<p>This achievement, referred to as "first light," represents a significant advancement in increasing data transmission capabilities throughout the solar system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Trudy Kortes, the director of Technology Demonstrations at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> Headquarters in Washington, D.C., emphasized the importance of this milestone.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Achieving first light is one of many critical DSOC milestones in the coming months, paving the way toward higher-data-rate communications capable of sending scientific information, high-definition imagery, and streaming video in support of humanity’s next giant leap: sending humans to Mars," said Kortes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optical-laser-communications">Optical/laser communications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>NASA compares this upgrade in communication technology to the significant shift from traditional telephone lines to fiber optics. The use of optical communications is expected to enhance the capacity of current state-of-the-art radio systems used by spacecraft by a factor of 10 to 100.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The DSOC experiment forms part of NASA's first demonstration of optical communications beyond the Moon. It comprises a sophisticated system featuring a flight laser transceiver, a ground laser transmitter, and a ground laser receiver. These components worked in unison to achieve this historic feat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electromagnetic-radiation-nbsp">Electromagnetic radiation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Both radio waves and lasers are forms of electromagnetic radiation, capable of traversing the vacuum of space at the speed of light.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the key difference lies in their frequency. Infrared light, used in NASA's new system, is a higher-frequency wave, allowing for the transfer of more information per second compared to radio waves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flight-laser-transceiver">Flight laser transceiver</h2>



<p>The core of this system is the flight laser transceiver. It encodes data into the photons that constitute the laser beam. This high-tech encoding of bits into photons represents a significant advancement in data transmission technology.</p>



<p>The transceiver was part of NASA's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/successful-launch-for-nasas-psyche-mission-to-study-an-asteroid-worth-10000-quadrillion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psyche spacecraft</a>, which launched on October 13. The primary mission of this spacecraft is to reach and study <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psyche-asteroid-is-worth-10000-quadrillion-and-nasa-is-sending-a-space-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psyche 16</a>, a metal-rich asteroid in the asteroid belt.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-the-laser-communication">Capturing the laser communication</h2>



<p>Upon reaching Earth, the laser signal is captured by a superconducting high-efficiency detector array. This sophisticated receiver identifies individual photons as they arrive and decodes the data they carry. Despite the signal traveling at the speed of light, accurately targeting a laser signal to a receiver on Earth from vast distances poses a considerable challenge.</p>



<p>To overcome this, the DSOC system first locks onto a powerful uplink laser beacon emitted by the Optical Communications Telescope Laboratory at JPL’s Table Mountain Facility in California. This precise alignment allows the spacecraft to aim its laser accurately at the communications array at Palomar, located approximately 130 kilometers to the south.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formidable-challenge-nbsp">Formidable challenge&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Meera Srinivasan, the operations lead for DSOC at NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>, highlighted the complexity and novelty of this test.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It was a formidable challenge, and we have a lot more work to do, but for a short time, we were able to transmit, receive, and decode some data," said Srinivasan.</p>



<p>The test involved full integration of the ground assets and flight transceiver, requiring close coordination between the DSOC and Psyche operations teams.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-laser-communication-system-nbsp">Laser communication system&nbsp;</h2>



<p>NASA is also preparing to establish a two-way laser communication system on the International Space Station (ISS). Earlier this month, NASA sent a laser communication terminal to the ISS to explore how high-rate lasers could function in low Earth orbit.</p>



<p>This initiative is part of NASA's broader vision to integrate lasers into the entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-lost-contact-with-voyager-2-spacecraft-12-billion-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communications network in space</a>, aiming to build a faster, more efficient, and reliable system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The successful implementation of such technology will not only enhance current space missions but also pave the way for more ambitious explorations in the future.</p>



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



<p>As mentioned above, laser communication, also known as optical communication, represents a significant leap in data transmission technology. Utilizing light to transfer information, this method offers advantages over traditional radio frequency (RF) systems in several key aspects.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanics-of-laser-communication">Mechanics of laser communication</h3>



<p>At its core, laser communication employs focused light beams, typically in the infrared spectrum, to transmit data. These laser beams, directed through telescopes, carry digital information over vast distances with remarkable precision. The process involves modulating the light beam to encode data, which the receiver then decodes upon capture.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-over-traditional-methods">Advantages over traditional methods</h3>



<p>One of the most significant benefits of laser communication is its potential for extremely high bandwidth. This aspect allows for the transmission of large amounts of data at speeds much greater than RF communications. Additionally, laser beams have a much narrower focus compared to radio waves, leading to enhanced security and reduced risk of interception or jamming.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-in-space-and-beyond">Applications in space and beyond</h3>



<p>Laser communication shows immense promise in space applications. Spacecraft equipped with laser communication systems can transmit scientific data back to Earth at unprecedented speeds. Organizations like NASA and the European Space Agency are actively researching and implementing this technology in various missions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-laser-communication">Future of laser communication</h3>



<p>As technology progresses, laser communication is poised to revolutionize data transmission on Earth and in space. Its implementation in satellite networks, deep space missions, and potentially even in consumer internet services, promises a future where data transfer is faster, more secure, and more efficient than ever before.</p>



<p>In summary, laser communication stands as a cutting-edge technology, offering significant improvements in data transmission. Its continued development and implementation will undoubtedly have a profound impact on communication technologies in the coming years.</p>



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Laser beam message sent to Earth from deep outer space

NASA has successfully received data from a record-breaking distance using...

<p>New research from the <a href="https://publichealth.gmu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Public Health</a> has shed light on the critical link between nutrition, mental health, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-caffeine-levels-reduce-the-risk-of-diabetes/">diabetes</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Two literature reviews led by Professor Raedeh Basiri reveal that poor nutrition not only increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes but also adversely impacts mental health, particularly anxiety and depression.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mutually-influential-relationship-nbsp">Mutually influential relationship&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Across the world, diabetes, depression, and anxiety symptoms have gained widespread recognition as significant public health issues," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Recent research has unveiled a mutually influential relationship between diabetes and these two mental health conditions, where each disorder impacts the course and outcomes of the others. The role of nutrition emerges as pivotal in preventing and treating depression, anxiety, and diabetes."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diabetes-treatment-nbsp">Diabetes treatment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Centers for Disease Control has found that people with diabetes are two-to-three times more likely to experience depression compared to those without the condition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This correlation is the foundation of current treatments that often include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. However, the intricate relationship between diet, mental health, and diabetes is a relatively new area of study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dietary-interventions-nbsp">Dietary interventions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Professor Basiri's research indicates that mental disorders like depression and anxiety can heighten the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In turn, having diabetes also increases the likelihood of experiencing these mental health issues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>What's notable in these findings is the suggestion that dietary interventions can play a significant role in managing and mitigating these health concerns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-individuals-nbsp">Empowering individuals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Our findings underscore the pivotal role of dietary choices in reducing the risks associated with both diabetes and mental health. The implications of these findings extend beyond the scientific community, as they hold promise for informing public health policies, health care practices, and dietary recommendations that can positively impact the general population," said Professor Basiri.</p>



<p>“Ultimately, the research seeks to empower individuals to make informed and health-promoting dietary choices that can serve as a proactive strategy for the prevention and management of diabetes, as well as anxiety and depression."</p>



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



<p>The team found that diets rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy are linked with a lowered risk of both type 2 diabetes and mental health disorders. Conversely, diets heavy in processed foods are associated with increased susceptibility to these conditions.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the team discovered that diets lacking in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D, E, B6, B12, folate, selenium, chromium, and magnesium, tend to exacerbate symptoms related to both mental health and the development of type 2 diabetes. This connection underscores the importance of nutrient-rich dietary choices for overall health and well-being.</p>



<p>“Current scientific evidence underscores the potential benefits of adopting a well-balanced dietary regimen in decreasing anxiety and depression symptoms while enhancing glycemic control in individuals with diabetes,” said Basiri.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/19/4226" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nutrients</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Poor nutrition linked to poor mental health and diabetes

New research from the College of Public Health has shed...

<p>NASA's Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) mission has surpassed expectations in its ability to identify sources of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-plans-to-eliminate-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-power-plants-by-2040/">greenhouse gas emissions</a> - particularly methane - from space.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Originally designed to map key minerals in arid regions, EMIT's proficiency in detecting methane emissions has become a significant aspect of its mission.</p>



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



<p>The spectrometer aboard the International Space Station has identified over 750 sources of methane emissions since August 2022. These sources vary in size and location, with some being small and others located in remote areas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Andrew Thorpe is a research technologist at NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> and the lead author of a study on EMIT's capabilities.</p>



<p>“We were a little cautious at first about what we could do with the instrument,” said Thorpe. “It has exceeded our expectations.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-detection">Methane detection</h2>



<p>Methane detection is crucial in addressing climate change due to its potent greenhouse effect. This potent gas is up to 80 times more effective at trapping heat compared to carbon dioxide over a decade, although it remains in the atmosphere for a shorter period of time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By pinpointing methane emission sources, which include landfills, agricultural sites, and oil and gas facilities, EMIT enables operators to mitigate these emissions effectively.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-super-emitters">Super-emitters</h2>



<p>EMIT's sensitivity to both large and small methane emissions is notable. It has detected emissions ranging from tens of thousands to just hundreds of pounds of methane per hour.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This range allows for the identification of "super-emitters," which contribute disproportionately to total emissions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-airborne-instruments-nbsp">Airborne instruments&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The instrument's data collection, covering large areas of the Earth's arid regions, marks a significant improvement over traditional airborne methane detection methods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Airborne instruments, although more sensitive, are limited by the need for prior indications of methane presence, costs, and geographical reach. EMIT's space-based approach allows for broader and more consistent coverage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-data">Extensive data</h2>



<p>The study highlights EMIT's ability to detect 60 to 85 percent of methane plumes typically seen in airborne campaigns within its first 30 days of greenhouse gas detection.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The instrument captures large surface images from its position on the ISS, providing extensive data on methane emissions in regions previously unreachable by airborne methods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-mitigation-efforts">Global mitigation efforts</h2>



<p>EMIT’s findings are made available to the public, scientists, and organizations through maps of methane plumes on a dedicated website and underlying data at the NASA-United States Geological Survey Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center (LP DAAC).&nbsp;</p>



<p>This transparency and data sharing enhance global understanding and mitigation efforts for greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<p>The detection of a cluster of emissions in southern Uzbekistan and a small emission source in southeastern Libya exemplifies EMIT's wide-reaching capabilities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These findings underscore the mission's importance in the global effort to monitor and combat climate change through advanced space technology.</p>



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NASA mission has surpassed expectations in tracking emissions

NASA's Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) mission has...

Big,Male,Wild,Boar,With,Tusks,At,Summer,Scenery

<p>The invasion of "super pigs" in Canada presents a looming ecological and agricultural threat to the United States. These animals, a crossbreed of wild Eurasian boar and domestic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-passed-swine-flu-to-pigs-370-times-since-2009/">swine</a>, exhibit enhanced survival skills, adaptability, and high fertility, earning them the title of "super pigs."&nbsp;</p>



<p>They are a product of an initiative in the 1980s when Canadian farmers were encouraged to raise wild boar. However, after the market crashed in 2001, some farmers released these pigs into the wild.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-super-pigs-are-spreading-like-a-virus">Super pigs are spreading like a virus</h2>



<p>The super pigs are remarkably adept at surviving in harsh conditions, including Canadian winters. They are omnivorous, consuming crops and wildlife, and are capable of causing significant land damage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, they pose a risk to hog farms by potentially spreading diseases like African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-passed-swine-flu-to-pigs-370-times-since-2009/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swine fever</a>. Their high reproductive rate exacerbates the problem; a single sow can produce up to 12 piglets annually.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ryan Brook, a leading authority on this issue from the <a href="https://www.usask.ca/">University of Saskatchewan</a>, referred to feral pigs as “the most invasive animal on the planet” and “an ecological train wreck.” Brook said that even if 65% of this population is culled annually, their numbers would continue to rise.</p>



<p>Hunting these pigs has proven ineffective and counterproductive, as it tends to make them more cautious and nocturnal, making eradication efforts even more challenging.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-detection-is-needed">Early detection is needed</h2>



<p>In the United States, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/explosive-population-growth-of-wild-pigs-slowed-by-conservation-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild pigs</a> are already responsible for approximately $2.5 billion in crop damage annually, mainly in southern states like Texas. They also pose a direct threat to human safety, as evidenced by a fatal wild pig attack in Texas in 2019.</p>



<p>Eradication of wild pigs is no longer possible in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, said Brook, but the situation isn’t hopeless everywhere and a few U.S. states have eliminated them. The key, he said, is having a detection system that finds them early and fast, and then responding quickly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventive-measures-nbsp">Preventive measures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Brook and his team have documented 62,000 wild pig sightings in Canada. Using aerial surveys, they have spotted the pigs on both sides of the Canada-North Dakota border.</p>



<p>“Nobody should be surprised when pigs start walking across that border if they haven’t already,” said Brook. “The question is: What will be done about it?”</p>



<p>Montana has taken significant preventive measures, including banning the raising and transportation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracking-study-on-wild-pigs-reveals-when-they-move-and-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild pigs</a> within the state.</p>



<p>“The only path forward is you have to be really aggressive and you have to use all the tools in the toolbox,” Brook said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eradicating-super-pigs">Eradicating super pigs</h2>



<p>Various methods are being considered for controlling these populations, ranging from large ground traps to more innovative approaches like net guns from helicopters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Crowdsourced tracking programs and potential use of poisons like sodium nitrite are also under consideration, though the latter poses risks to other wildlife species.</p>



<p>The U.S. is ramping up its efforts to combat this issue. The <a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Minnesota Department of Natural Resources</a> is preparing a report to identify gaps in their management plan and propose new preventive measures.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-surveillance-nbsp">Increased surveillance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The U.S. Department of Agriculture (<a href="https://www.usda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA</a>) has increased surveillance along the northern border using aircraft and drones. Despite successful eradication in Minnesota in 2016, vigilance remains high.</p>



<p>Feral swine have been reported in at least 35 U.S. states, with an estimated population of 6 million. The USDA's National Feral Swine Management Program, initiated in 2014, has provided funding to 33 states, focusing on eradication in areas with emerging populations and damage control in states with established populations.</p>



<p>While significant progress has been made in some states, complete eradication is not anticipated in the near future. The situation calls for a concerted effort and utilization of a variety of strategies to mitigate the threat posed by these super pigs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-impact-of-super-pigs">Economic impact of super pigs</h2>



<p>The economic impact of super pigs" can be significant and multifaceted. These impacts primarily stem from their destructive behaviors and the challenges in controlling their populations. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agricultural-damage">Agricultural damage</h3>



<p>Super pigs are known for their voracious appetites and can cause extensive damage to crops and farmlands. They uproot and consume a wide variety of crops, leading to significant yield losses for farmers. The cost of such damage can run into millions of dollars annually in affected regions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-livestock-threat-from-super-pigs">Livestock threat from super pigs</h3>



<p>Besides crop damage, these animals can also pose a threat to livestock. They compete with domestic animals for food and can transmit diseases to livestock, which can result in additional costs for veterinary care and, in severe cases, loss of livestock.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-property-and-infrastructure-damage">Property and infrastructure damage</h3>



<p>Super pigs can cause physical damage to property and infrastructure. This includes damage to fencing, irrigation systems, and other farm structures, leading to costly repairs and maintenance.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-control-and-eradication-costs">Control and eradication costs</h3>



<p>The cost of controlling and attempting to eradicate super pig populations can be substantial. This includes expenses related to hunting, trapping, fencing, and employing other management strategies. Government agencies and private landowners spend significant amounts on these efforts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-management">Environmental management</h3>



<p>The environmental impact of super pigs, such as soil erosion and destruction of native habitats, can necessitate costly environmental management and restoration efforts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-tourism-and-recreation">Impact on tourism and recreation</h3>



<p>In areas where outdoor recreation and tourism are economically important, the presence of super pigs can deter these activities. They can destroy natural areas used for hiking, camping, and hunting, thereby indirectly affecting revenue from tourism.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-and-safety-costs">Health and safety costs</h3>



<p>There can be health and safety concerns associated with super pigs, including the risk of vehicle collisions and the spread of diseases to humans. These issues can lead to healthcare costs and necessitate public safety measures.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-super-pigs-impact-on-financial-markets">Super pigs' impact on financial markets</h3>



<p>In regions heavily affected by super pigs, there can be indirect market impacts. For example, the cost of crop insurance might increase, or there might be changes in the prices of certain commodities due to fluctuations in supply caused by crop damages.</p>



<p>In summary, the economic impact of super pigs is complex and involves direct costs such as crop and property damage, as well as indirect costs related to control efforts, environmental management, and public health and safety. The total economic burden can be significant, especially in areas where these animals are prevalent and not effectively managed.</p>



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



<p>As mentioned above, Feral pigs, also known as wild boars or hogs, are a species that have become a significant ecological and agricultural concern worldwide. These animals, originating from domestic pigs that have escaped or been released into the wild, are highly adaptable and prolific breeders.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origin-and-spread">Origin and spread</h3>



<p>Feral pigs trace their lineage back to domesticated pigs. Over centuries, some of these pigs escaped human control and adapted to life in the wild. Their remarkable adaptability has enabled them to thrive in diverse environments, from forests to grasslands.</p>



<p>Originally native to Eurasia, feral pigs have spread across the globe, largely due to human activities. They were introduced to new regions both accidentally and intentionally, for hunting and agricultural purposes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-impact">Ecological impact</h3>



<p>Feral pigs are notorious for their destructive feeding habits. They root up large areas of land in search of food, leading to soil erosion, damage to plant life, and disruption of native ecosystems.</p>



<p>These animals pose a significant threat to native wildlife. They compete for resources, prey on smaller animals and bird eggs, and can spread diseases to other species.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agricultural-and-economic-effects">Agricultural and economic effects</h3>



<p>Farmers often bear the brunt of the feral pig problem. These animals can cause extensive damage to crops and property, leading to significant financial losses.</p>



<p>Efforts to control feral pig populations include trapping, hunting, and fencing. However, these methods are often costly and only partially effective, making the management of these animals a challenging task.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feral-pig-management-strategies">Feral pig management strategies</h3>



<p>Effective management of feral pigs requires an integrated approach. This includes habitat modification, public education, and the implementation of more effective trapping and hunting techniques.</p>



<p>Ongoing research and monitoring are crucial for understanding the behavior and impact of feral pigs. This information aids in developing more effective management strategies.</p>



<p>In summary, feral pigs are a complex ecological and agricultural problem. Their ability to adapt and reproduce quickly makes them a challenging species to manage. However, with continued research and integrated management strategies, it is possible to mitigate their impact on the environment and agriculture.</p>



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Ecological train wreck: "Super pigs" from Canada pose a growing threat to the U.S.

The invasion of "super pigs" in Canada presents a looming...

<p>The rapid pace at which human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-talk-more-when-interacting-with-artificial-objects-than-with-things-made-by-nature/">babies</a> acquire language skills in their first year of life is remarkable. However, the role of prenatal exposure to language in this process has remained largely unknown.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A new study published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adj3524" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a> sheds new light on this intriguing aspect of early human development. The research indicates that newborn babies are already primed for the language they were exposed to the most while in utero.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compelling-evidence-nbsp">Compelling evidence&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"These results provide the most compelling evidence to date that language experience already shapes the functional organization of the infant brain, even before birth," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>This finding is a significant leap in understanding how early life experiences influence language acquisition and brain development.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prenatal-experiences">Prenatal experiences</h2>



<p>Traditionally, newborns have been categorized as "universal listeners," capable of learning any human language. However, by their first birthday, their brains start to specialize in the sounds of their native language.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This specialization is a crucial part of language development, but the study suggests that prenatal experiences also play a critical role in preparing the brain for auditory and speech perception.</p>



<p>Key to this development is the ability of fetuses, from as early as five to seven months of gestation, to hear sounds outside the womb.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prenatal-auditory-processing">Prenatal auditory processing</h2>



<p>Infants show a preference for their mother's voice and native language just days after birth. They can even recognize rhythms and melodies they heard while in utero, pointing to a sophisticated level of prenatal auditory processing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the extent to which language exposure before birth influences language development has been unclear until now.</p>



<p>The study was conducted by Benedetta Mariani, a PhD student at the University of Padova's Padova Neuroscience Center, and her colleagues.</p>



<p>The team found that sleeping babies, who had greater exposure to their mother's native language, displayed brain signals indicative of long-term speech and language learning.</p>



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



<p>For the study, the researchers recruited 33 native French-speaking expectant mothers from Paris's Robert Debré Hospital. They monitored the brain waves of the mothers' babies, aged between one and five days, using encephalography (EEG).</p>



<p>Study co-author Judit Gervain is a professor at the University of Padua and senior research scientist at the Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center, CNRS and Université Paris Cité.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In adults, we know that a series of neural oscillations or brain waves play a role in understanding speech and language," said Gervain. "Waves oscillating at different frequencies align with the rhythms of different units in speech, such as the syllable or individual speech sounds."</p>



<p>The researchers set out to determine if newborns, despite their limited language experience, already possess a similar brain architecture and whether their brain rhythms align with the language heard most frequently in the womb.</p>



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



<p>During the experiment, as the infants slept, recordings of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" in French, Spanish, and English were played in varying sequences. The babies wore caps fitted with electrodes, strategically placed over brain regions associated with auditory and speech perception.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These electrodes recorded electrophysiological activity, enabling the researchers to investigate whether exposure to these languages triggered brain waves linked to processing speech elements like syllables (theta oscillations) and phonemes (gamma oscillations).</p>



<p>"EEG is effective because it directly measures brain activity as a time scale, in milliseconds, that is necessary to detect the temporal dynamics of neural oscillations," explained Gervain. "EEG is fully non-invasive and well-tolerated, (even by) young infants."</p>



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



<p>The EEG signals were processed to measure the "memory" or long-range correlations within them. Mariani noted that this analysis provided evidence of language learning, indicating lasting brain dynamics changes following exposure to language, particularly the language heard prenatally.</p>



<p>Gervain noted that missing out on prenatal "language priming" does not necessarily lead to developmental setbacks. While prenatal language experience supports language development, it is not the sole determinant of developmental outcomes.</p>



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



<p>"We are investigating and following up on infants at various ages to see whether and how these neural mechanisms support later language development," said Gervain. "[EEG] can be used across the life span, so we could use the same method and study design for the various ages we studied in the bigger project."</p>



<p>"This technique could certainly help us in the future to quantify how the learning abilities change with the baby's age, and which frequency bands are targeted by the language learning at different ages," said Mariani.</p>



<p>Gervain described how babies that are one day, six months or two years old exhibit different patterns of brain activity, as postnatal experience continues to fine-tune their neural oscillations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Future studies focusing on these patterns at different life stages could reveal key language development milestones, like learning words, offering profound insights into human language acquisition.</p>



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Babies begin to learn language before they are even born

The rapid pace at which human babies acquire language skills...

<p>A study from the <a href="https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Plymouth</a> has revealed startling findings about the efficacy of chlorine disinfectants used in hospitals. Despite their widespread use for cleaning scrubs and surfaces, these disinfectants fail to kill Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), a major cause of antibiotic-associated sickness in healthcare settings.</p>



<p>The study was led by Dr. Tina Joshi, associate professor in Molecular Microbiology, and Humaira Ahmed, a fourth-year Medicine student. The team found that even high concentrations of bleach used in hospitals do not affect C. diff spores.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antimicrobial-resistance-nbsp">Antimicrobial resistance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research indicates that using chlorine chemicals as a surface disinfectant is no more effective than using plain water. This revelation is particularly concerning given the rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/river-plastics-may-harbor-antimicrobial-resistance-genes/">antimicrobial resistance</a> (AMR) globally. The overuse of biocides, such as chlorine disinfectants, is contributing to this increase in AMR.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study authors are calling for urgent research to identify alternative strategies to disinfect C. diff spores, emphasizing the need for disinfectants and guidelines that are effective against evolving bacterial threats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-c-diff-spores-tolerate-disinfection-nbsp">C. diff spores tolerate disinfection&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"With incidence of antimicrobial resistance on the rise, the threat posed by superbugs to human health is increasing. But far from demonstrating that our clinical environments are clean and safe for staff and patients, this study highlights the ability of C. diff spores to tolerate disinfection at in-use and recommended active chlorine concentrations," said Dr. Joshi.</p>



<p>"It shows we need disinfectants, and guidelines, that are fit for purpose and work in line with bacterial evolution, and the research should have significant impact on current disinfection protocols in the medical field globally.”</p>



<p>C. diff, a microbe causing diarrhea, colitis, and other bowel complications, infects millions annually worldwide. It is responsible for approximately 29,000 deaths each year in the USA and almost 8,500 in Europe. The incidence of C. diff infection was rising even before the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.</p>



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



<p>Prior research by Dr. Joshi and colleagues showed C. diff spores’ survival against recommended concentrations of sodium dichloroisocyanurate, used in liquid form and in personal protective fabrics like surgical gowns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The new study took this further by testing the response of C. diff spores to different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite, a common ingredient in bleach. The spores were placed on surgical scrubs and patient gowns, with no significant morphological changes observed under scanning electron microscopes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unanswered-questions-remain-nbsp">Unanswered questions remain&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Joshi, a member of the Microbiology Society Council, emphasized the importance of understanding the interaction between these spores and disinfectants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Understanding how these spores and disinfectants interact is integral to practical management of C. diff infection and reducing the burden of infection in healthcare settings. However, there are still unanswered questions regarding the extent of biocide tolerance within C. diff and whether it is affected by antibiotic co-tolerance," said Dr. Joshi.</p>



<p>"With AMR increasing globally, the need to find those answers – both for C. diff and other superbugs – has never been more pressing.”</p>



<p>The research was published during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.001418" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Microbiology</em></a>.</p>



<p>Video Credit: Microbiology Society</p>



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Chlorine disinfectants used in hospitals are no more effective than water

A study from the University of Plymouth has revealed startling...

<p>A nutrient found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/12-of-americans-are-responsible-for-over-half-of-all-u-s-beef-consumption/">beef</a> and dairy products enhances the immune system's response to cancer, according to a new study from the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en">University of Chicago</a>. The researchers identified trans-vaccenic acid (TVA), a long-chain fatty acid, as a key player in improving the effectiveness of CD8+ T cells in fighting cancer cells.</p>



<p>The study represents a major step forward in understanding the complex relationship between diet and health, particularly in the context of cancer treatment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-response-nbsp">Immune response&nbsp;</h2>



<p>TVA is a long-chain fatty acid prevalent in meat and dairy from grazing animals like cows and sheep. The experts determined that TVA improves the infiltration and cancer cell-killing capabilities of CD8+ T cells, crucial players in the body's immune response.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research revealed that patients with higher levels of TVA circulating in the blood responded better to immunotherapy, indicating this nutrient's potential as a dietary supplement to augment cancer treatment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-between-diet-and-health-nbsp">Link between diet and health&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“There are many studies trying to decipher the link between diet and human health, and it’s very difficult to understand the underlying mechanisms because of the wide variety of foods people eat. But if we focus on just the nutrients and metabolites derived from food, we begin to see how they influence physiology and pathology,” said study senior author Dr. Jing Chen.</p>



<p>“By focusing on nutrients that can activate T cell responses, we found one that actually enhances anti-tumor immunity by activating an important immune pathway.”</p>



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



<p>The study began with a comprehensive analysis of about 700 known metabolites derived from food. The researchers developed a “blood nutrient” compound library of 235 bioactive molecules from these metabolites.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This library was used to identify compounds that could activate anti-tumor immunity by stimulating CD8+ T cells, and TVA emerged as a top candidate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While TVA is abundant in human milk, the body cannot produce it independently. Approximately 80% of ingested TVA remains in the blood, suggesting other significant roles for this nutrient.</p>



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



<p>The researchers discovered that TVA intake notably reduced tumor growth in mice and enhanced CD8+ T cells' tumor infiltration.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Advanced molecular and genetic analyses, including a novel technique called kethoxal-assisted single-stranded DNA sequencing (KAS-seq), revealed that TVA inactivates the GPR43 receptor, which is typically triggered by short-chain fatty acids from gut microbiota. This inactivation leads to the activation of the CREB pathway, vital for various cellular functions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-treatment">Cancer treatment</h2>



<p>The experts collaborated with other UChicago experts to examine TVA's effects on patients undergoing CAR-T cell immunotherapy for lymphoma and leukemia cell lines.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Patients with higher TVA levels responded more favorably to treatment, and TVA also enhanced the efficacy of an immunotherapy drug against leukemia cells.</p>



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



<p>Despite the health risks associated with excessive red meat and dairy consumption, this study suggests that TVA supplements could promote T cell activity in cancer treatments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Chen noted that it is important to determine the optimized amount of the nutrient itself, not the food source.</p>



<p>“There is early data showing that other fatty acids from plants signal through a similar receptor, so we believe there is a high possibility that nutrients from plants can do the same thing by activating the CREB pathway as well,” said Dr. Chen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metabolites-nbsp">Metabolites&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study underscores the potential of a metabolomic approach in understanding how dietary components affect health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Chen said his team hopes to build a comprehensive library of nutrients circulating in the blood to understand their impact on immunity and other biological processes like aging.</p>



<p>“After millions of years of evolution, there are only a couple hundred metabolites derived from food that end up circulating in the blood, so that means they could have some importance in our biology,” said Dr. Chen.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“To see that a single nutrient like TVA has a very targeted mechanism on a targeted immune cell type, with a very profound physiological response at the whole organism level - I find that really amazing and intriguing.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06749-3"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Beef and dairy contain a powerful cancer-fighting nutrient

A nutrient found in beef and dairy products enhances the...

<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>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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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>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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."</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified <em>Eospermatopteris</em>, 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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



<p>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?</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>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.</em></p>



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



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> 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.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> 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.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> 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.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> 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></p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



<p></p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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. </p>



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>-----</p>

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.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

<p>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. </p>



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



<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>



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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).</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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?</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ACS Reactions</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

How does salt makes things taste better?

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>'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)."</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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<p>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.</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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."</p>



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



<p><em>Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



<p>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."</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



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



<p>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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>"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;</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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<p>Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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