<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 European Alps have witnessed the advance and retreat of glaciers for over 115,000 years. Fluctuating ice during the last glacial period significantly shaped the region, carving out valleys and leaving imprints on the landscape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visualizing-alpine-ice-evolution">Visualizing Alpine ice evolution</h2>



<p>A new computer model has reconstructed the evolution of Alpine ice cover over the last 120,000 years with "unprecedented precision." This innovation offers a captivating visual experience, and marks a significant advancement in the realm of glaciology and climatology.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="AyqnzVGbjG-3079653-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>The research project was conducted by experts from the Universities of Lausanne, Bern, and Zürich. The computer model makes it possible to understand the past distribution of snowfall in Alpine valleys, as well as the evolution of glaciers, the researchers noted.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-model-complexity">Model complexity</h2>



<p>"There are geomorphological clues in the field, such as moraines and erratic boulders, which bear witness to the past imprint of glaciers on the lowlands," explained study first author Guillaume Jouvet, a glaciologist at the <a href="https://www.unil.ch/central/en/home.html">University of Lausanne</a>.</p>



<p>"We used these traces to validate our simulation, and everything matched. Because of the complexity of the modeling, it took us 6 years to correctly set up our climate and glaciological models, and finally get the right climate and glaciers that match what we observe in reality."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-verifying-the-model">Verifying the model</h2>



<p>A challenge arises when attempting to verify the model beyond 24,000 years. This limitation is due to the glacial maximum during that period, which eradicated all prior evidence, making validation difficult.</p>



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



<p>The simulation is a powerful tool for framing our understanding of global warming. A comparison of past and present reveals a stark difference.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The image of the different glacial cycles is quite telling," said Jouvet. "24,000 years ago, we can see that cities such as Lausanne were covered by more than one kilometer of ice. It's obvious that past cycles, caused by orbital variations of the Earth, are nothing like what's happening now, where greenhouse gases play an active role in glacier melt."</p>



<p>"What is most striking is the speed of current climate change (barely a few decades) compared with the infinitely long time span of the ice ages."</p>



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



<p>One limitation is the model's resolution, which might overestimate the ice cover due to an inability to replicate the intricate topography of high mountains, but the scientists are already addressing this issue.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We have just started a new project using artificial intelligence, which will be used to speed up our models and reach a necessary resolution of 200m," said Jouvet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-european-alps-nbsp">More about the European Alps&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The European Alps, often simply referred to as the Alps, is a prominent mountain range stretching across Central Europe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Covering an area of approximately 200,000 square kilometers, these mountains are known for their breathtaking landscapes and towering peaks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Alps are also known for their influence on the cultures, economies, and environments of the countries they span. These countries include Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, and Switzerland.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation">Formation</h3>



<p>The Alps were formed millions of years ago by the collision of the African and European tectonic plates. This collision caused the land to buckle and fold, resulting in the majestic mountain range we see today.</p>



<p>Mont Blanc, located on the French-Italian border, is the highest peak in the Alps, reaching an elevation of 4,809 meters (15,777 feet).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-and-ecology">Climate and ecology</h3>



<p>The Alpine region experiences varied weather conditions, ranging from an oceanic climate at the foothills to a polar climate at its highest elevations. These diverse conditions support a wide variety of plants and animals, with many species being endemic to the region.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-importance">Economic importance</h3>



<p>The Alps play a vital role in the European economy. They are a hub for tourism, particularly skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding in the warmer months. The region is also rich in minerals, and historically, mining was a significant industry.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-influence">Cultural influence</h3>



<p>The Alps have played a crucial role in shaping the cultures of the peoples who live in and around them. From Alpine music and yodeling to fondue and other mountain foods, the influence of the Alps is deeply rooted in European traditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation">Conservation</h3>



<p>Given their ecological importance, many parts of the Alps are protected areas. The Alpine Convention, an international treaty signed in 1991, aims to promote sustainable development in the Alpine region and protect it from environmental degradation.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: UNIL</em></p>



<p>The research is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/jog.2023.74"><em>Journal of Glaciology</em></a>.</p>



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Simulation reveals the evolution of Alpine ice over 120,000 years

The European Alps have witnessed the advance and retreat of...

<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-respond-to-rising-co2-levels-by-conserving-water/">Water conservation</a> and management have always been central to agriculture, with irrigation being the primary consumer of this resource.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A report from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/How_much_water_do_we_use_for_irrigation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> notes that we use more water for irrigation than for any other single purpose, yet lack global monitoring of these practices.</p>



<p>As the global demand for water surges, predominantly due to increasing populations and the climate crisis, scientists are exploring innovative solutions to this challenge.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One promising solution involves using satellite data to measure how much water is utilized for irrigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eyes-in-the-sky">Eyes in the sky</h2>



<p>More than 70% of the water extracted from Earth's surface or underground resources is used for irrigation. Surprisingly, there's limited monitoring of this massive water diversion, especially when it's a direct interaction with Earth's natural water cycle.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Recent advancements in satellite technology might be the answer to this oversight, according to a recent study published in the journal <a href="https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/15/1555/2023/essd-15-1555-2023-discussion.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Earth System Science Data</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The report reveals that ESA’s Science for Society Irrigation+ project has shown potential in using space-based information to measure irrigation levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-satellite-data-nbsp">Valuable satellite data&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research, led by the National Research Council and the University of Perugia, expands on previous studies that used soil moisture data from satellite missions, such as ESA’s SMOS, as well as evapotranspiration information.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts used an "inversion technique" that transforms these broad satellite data into the first regional high-resolution irrigation water datasets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irrigation-estimates-nbsp">Irrigation estimates&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We developed these datasets for three major river basins that are irrigated differently and have different climatic conditions," explained study co-author Jacopo Dari.</p>



<p>“Using data from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 radar mission and a soil-moisture inversion technique, we achieved irrigation estimates with 1 km resolution over the semi-arid Ebro river basin in northeast Spain and the wetter Po valley in northern Italy.</p>



<p>“Over the Murray-Darling basin pilot site in southeast Australia, which is also semi-arid, we achieve irrigation estimates of 6 km resolution using soil moisture data from NASA’s Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invaluable-datasets-nbsp">Invaluable datasets&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The datasets derived from this research, spanning from 2016 to 2020 for the European regions and from 2017 to 2020 for the Murray–Darling basin, provide detailed insights into current irrigation practices.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They also lay the groundwork for improved water resource management in the face of increasing demands and potential scarcity.</p>



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



<p>As the world faces the increasing challenges of balancing food production and environmental sustainability, tools such as these satellite-based monitoring systems become indispensable.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The ultimate goal is for global water usage - especially for agriculture - is not just an estimate but a measurable and manageable figure.</p>



<p>“We are delighted that our Science for Society Irrigation+ project has yielded 23 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and the first regional-scale gridded irrigation datasets retrieved from satellite observations at a spatial resolution suitable for water resource management in agriculture," said ESA expert Espen Volden.</p>



<p>“They could lay the foundation for developing a system for monitoring water irrigation in high-resolution from space, which is much-needed given the pressure that our freshwater supplies are under now and the fact that they will be under even more pressure in the future.”</p>



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Satellites can show us how much water is used for irrigation

Water conservation and management have always been central to agriculture,...

<p>Every few years, you can hear the distinctive chirping of cicadas from sunrise to sunset. Among these, periodical cicadas of the genus Magicicada are known for making an appearance just once every 13 or 17 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While much is known about the biology, life cycle, and even mating behavior of periodical cicadas, a crucial question regarding their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-do-elephants-eat-study-shows-they-have-unique-dietary-preferences/">dietary habits</a> has been the subject of a long debate. Once they are above ground, do these cicadas feed on anything?</p>



<p>The answer to this question is yes, according to a new study conducted by the <a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov/">Agricultural Research Service</a> (USDA-ARS) at West Virginia's Appalachian Fruit Research Station.</p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agricultural-concern">Agricultural concern</h2>



<p>The significance of this discovery extends beyond mere curiosity. Periodical cicadas, especially Magicicada, are a concern for U.S. agriculture due to the potential damage they cause to orchard trees by laying their eggs on branches.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This process can prove lethal to young trees. As a result, many growers and nurseries strategically avoid planting new trees in the years corresponding with a Magicicada emergence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dissecting-the-debate">Dissecting the debate</h2>



<p>The debate surrounding the feeding habits of adult cicadas stems from the elusive nature of their feeding signs. Unlike chewing insects, the needle-like mouthparts of cicadas leave almost no trace. Furthermore, their digestive systems are notoriously hard to study.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The historical belief that adult cicadas in general do not feed on plants can likely be attributed to their lack of recognizable mandibular mouthparts and the inconspicuous nature of cicada feeding damage," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This Old World perception was apparently extended to Magicicada spp. upon the European colonization of North America, with the earliest literature repeating that adult cicadas do not feed at all, feed only on dew, or feed only rarely."</p>



<p>"Further complicating the subject, one early work reported a distinction between the sexes in gut morphology and feeding habits, concluding that adult female Magicicada feed but males do not."</p>



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



<p>To investigate, the USDA-ARS researchers examined adult male and female Magicicada from Brood X during their 2021 emergence across Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.</p>



<p>Their findings, published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/iead082"><em>Journal of Insect Science</em></a>, have uprooted the longstanding myth that adult cicadas do not feed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the guts of adult cicadas, the researchers found predominantly woody plant and apple tree DNA. Furthermore, 54 percent of the cicadas had DNA from more than one plant species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-authenticating-the-results">Authenticating the results</h2>



<p>To ensure that the plant DNA was not residual from the cicadas' nymph stage, the team studied "teneral adults" – newly emerged cicadas that hadn't fed yet.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We tested teneral adults, or brand new adult Magicicada that had not had a chance to feed yet, to check for any leftover plant DNA," said USDA-ARS research team leader Dr. James Hepler.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We couldn't find any plant DNA in the guts of teneral adults, so we can be reasonably sure that the DNA found in mature adult Magicicada was eaten during the adult stage, since no DNA carries over from the nymph stage."</p>



<p>The cicada's unique exoskeleton, which permits extensive water loss, coupled with the presence of amino acid-producing endosymbionts in adult Magicicada guts, indicates that they obtain nutrition as they feed on plant species.</p>



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



<p>With the mystery surrounding the cicada's feeding habits resolved, USDA-ARS plans to delve deeper into the life cycle of Brood X and address other agricultural challenges related to their above-ground lifespan.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, future studies aim to explore the potential impacts of periodical cicadas on tree physiology.</p>



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Do periodical cicadas actually eat anything above ground?

Every few years, you can hear the distinctive chirping of...

A,Pretty,Young,Girl,And,Her,A.i.-equipped,Domestic,Robot,,Choose

<p>The advent of technology has seen robots transition from isolated operational entities to becoming team members in human workspaces. This integration has led to a fascinating psychological dynamic called social loafing. As humans begin to perceive their mechanical counterparts as teammates, they rely on them to do most of the work.</p>



<p>This shift in perception, along with the phenomenon known as social loafing, is commonly seen in human teams. Now, however, this concept is being studied in the context of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-humans-react-to-coexisting-with-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-robot interaction</a>, particularly its impact on workplace efficiency and safety.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-loafing-in-human-robot-teams">'Social loafing' in human-robot teams</h2>



<p>'Social loafing' is a term used in social psychology to describe the tendency of individuals to exert less effort when they work in groups than when they work alone. This is particularly evident when individual contributions are less noticeable, leading to some team members riding on the coattails of their more industrious colleagues.</p>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.tu.berlin/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Berlin</a> embarked on an intriguing study to explore whether this phenomenon extends to human-robot collaboration. Dietlind Helene Cymek, the study's first author, highlighted the complexity of teamwork's psychological underpinnings. </p>



<p>"Working together can motivate people, but it can also lead to a loss of motivation because the individual contribution is not as visible," Cymek explains. She further emphasizes the curiosity about whether such motivational dynamics occur when robots are involved in the team.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-robot-work-environments">Simulating robot work environments</h2>



<p>The study involved a simulated industrial scenario where participants inspected circuit boards for defects. This actually mimicked a quality assurance task common in manufacturing sectors. The controlled setting allowed the scientists to track the engagement and performance of each participant meticulously.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the twist in this experiment was the introduction of 'Panda', a robot that participants believed was part of their team. While the human participants didn't interact directly with Panda, its presence was felt through sounds, and its perceived performance was presented to the participants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-initial-social-loafing-observations">Initial social loafing observations</h2>



<p>At a glance, Panda's presence seemed to make no difference in human performance. No substantial variances were observed in the time and effort the participants reported. Both groups, those working with Panda and those working alone, exhibited similar patterns in handling the task.</p>



<p>However, a deeper dive into the data revealed a subtle but critical pattern. Participants in the Panda team were less accurate in identifying defects as the task progressed. This was especially true after observing that Panda had consistently marked numerous errors correctly. </p>



<p>Lapses such as these suggest a psychological shift. This is a phenomenon possibly akin to 'looking but not seeing', where humans become complacent. They begin to subconsciously rely on their robotic partner's competence.</p>



<p>Dr. Linda Onnasch, the study's senior author, notes the complexity of interpreting these findings. "It is easy to track where a person is looking, but much harder to tell whether that visual information is being sufficiently processed at a mental level," she points out. All indications showed that human participants may not have been as mentally engaged with the task as they believed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-real-world-implications">Potential real-world implications</h2>



<p>The implications of this study are particularly significant for industries reliant on meticulous quality control. The authors caution that even short-term lapses in human attention -- possibly due to overreliance on robotic accuracy -- could compromise safety. </p>



<p>"In longer shifts, when tasks are routine and the working environment offers little performance monitoring and feedback, the loss of motivation tends to be much greater," Onnasch explains. She further stressed the potential dangers in safety-critical areas like manufacturing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-the-social-loafing-study">Limitations of the social loafing study</h2>



<p>Despite its insights, the study acknowledges its constraints. These included the artificial laboratory setting and the lack of direct interaction between humans and Panda. Additionally, simulating social loafing in such environments is challenging because participants are aware of ongoing monitoring.</p>



<p>Cymek underscores the need for more expansive research. She surmised, "To find out how big the problem of loss of motivation is in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-robots-be-programmed-to-have-human-consciousness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-robot</a> interaction, we need to go into the field and test our assumptions in real work environments, with skilled workers who routinely do their work in teams with robots."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamics-of-human-robot-synergy">Dynamics of human-robot synergy</h2>



<p>The journey into understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-feel-empathic-embarrassment-for-humiliated-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-robot</a> team dynamics is just beginning, with studies like these paving the way. As robots become commonplace collaborators in various industries, comprehending and navigating the psychological and practical dynamics of these relationships will be crucial. </p>



<p>Addressing these subtleties will not only help in harnessing the full potential of human-robot teams, but also in safeguarding the standards and safety protocols essential in industrial settings. The future of teamwork is here, and it's a blend of human intelligence and robotic precision.</p>



<p>The full study was published in <em>Frontiers in Robotics and AI</em> under the title “<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frobt.2023.1249252/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lean Back or Lean In? Exploring Social Loafing In Human-Robot Teams</a>”</p>



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Humans engage in social loafing when they have robot team members

The advent of technology has seen robots transition from isolated...

<p>The intrusion of microplastics, minute but insidious pollutants, is no longer just a concern for densely populated or industrial regions. Microplastics have breached the remote sanctity of the Arctic, threatening its intricate ecosystem.</p>



<p>In a revealing journey into the cold waters of the Barents Sea, scientists shed light on this modern crisis unfolding in the depths of one of the world's most productive and biodiverse marine environments. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fragile-arctic-invaded-by-microplastics">The fragile Arctic invaded by microplastics</h2>



<p>Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters in length, have been spotlighted as a growing environmental threat. These particles have infiltrated even the most remote oceanic realms, raising alarm about their impact on marine ecosystems. </p>



<p>This is particularly true in the context of the Arctic's climatic and ecological sensitivity. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/turquoise-bloom-in-the-barents-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barents Sea</a>, an area of rich biological diversity and high marine productivity, hasn't escaped this global environmental trespass.</p>



<p>The region, critical for various species and a significant influencer of the Arctic climate, faces potential ecological upheaval due to the increasing microplastic contamination. This pollution is exacerbated by various factors, including ice melts, tourism, inadequate waste management practices, and maritime activities such as shipping and fishing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-microplastic-distribution">Studying microplastic distribution</h2>



<p>A team of researchers from <a href="https://www.pml.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plymouth Marine Laboratory</a> and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> embarked on an investigative voyage, collecting sub-surface water samples across extensive transects of the Barents Sea. </p>



<p>Their mission was multifaceted: quantify, characterize, and map the distribution of microplastics. They also sought to understand their potential implications, particularly on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-algae-heavily-contaminated-with-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zooplankton communities</a>, a foundational element in the marine food web.</p>



<p>Zooplankton's potential ingestion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> poses serious concerns. By mistaking these particles for food, these organisms introduce synthetic materials into the food chain. This impacts not only their health and reproductive success, but also potentially alters essential biogeochemical cycles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-pervade-the-arctic">Microplastics pervade the Arctic</h2>



<p>The study’s findings were sobering. The scientists quantified an average microplastic concentration of 0.011 per cubic meter in the eastern Barents Sea, with noticeable variability in distribution. Concentrations spiked nearer to land masses and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-uncover-microplastics-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">areas of ice melt</a>, indicating these as major contributors to the problem.</p>



<p>These microplastics were predominantly fibrous (92.1%) and conspicuously colored, mostly blue (79%) or red (17%). Analyzing the composition revealed them to be mostly modified cellulose compounds like rayon. They also found traces of polyester, elastomers, and acrylics, pointing to anthropogenic sources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-activities-amplify-the-issue">Local activities amplify the issue</h2>



<p>The research underscored the role of local human activities in escalating this environmental issue. The growing tourism industry in regions like Svalbard, coupled with insufficient waste management infrastructures, likely contributes significantly to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-embedded-in-tissues-of-whales-and-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine microplastic</a> concentrations. </p>



<p>Additionally, other sources such as wastewater discharge, shipping operations, and fishing activities compound the issue, particularly near the coastline.</p>



<p>Lead author Heather Emberson-Marl emphasized the need for more extensive research in this field, considering the scarcity of data regarding microplastics in the Arctic. She stressed the importance of standardized sampling protocols to enhance the comparability and reliability of future studies.</p>



<p>Co-author Dr. Rachel Coppock echoed these concerns. She added a poignant reminder of the far-reaching influence of human activities on the environment. The journey of microplastics from populated regions to the remote Arctic exemplifies the extensive impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-exposure-linked-to-changes-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human behavior</a> on distant ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-wake-up-call">Ecological wake-up call</h2>



<p>This study is not just a revelation of a hidden crisis but a call to action. The presence of microplastics in a region as remote as the Barents Sea is a stark reminder of the longevity and pervasiveness of plastic pollution. The implications of these findings are far-reaching. They underscore the urgency for global strategies to mitigate plastic waste and safeguard vulnerable marine ecosystems.</p>



<p>With funding from the UK’s <a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/nerc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural Environment Research Council</a> (NERC), among others, this research marks a critical step in understanding and ultimately curbing the microplastic menace. The ultimate goal is ensuring the preservation of the Arctic's pristine marine environment for future generations.</p>



<p>The full study is published in the journal <em><a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1241829" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers of Science</a></em>.</p>



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What is driving the surge of microplastics found in the Arctic?

The intrusion of microplastics, minute but insidious pollutants, is no...

Solar,Panels.,Power,Station.,Blue,Solar,Panels.,Alternative,Source,Of

<p>Scientists suggest that the world has reached a crucial juncture in energy usage patterns, indicating that solar power is poised to become the predominant energy source by the middle of this century. However, the transition is fraught with challenges that need immediate attention.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-power-reaches-tipping-point">Solar power reaches tipping point</h2>



<p>The research, collaboratively conducted by teams from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> and <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a>, presents compelling evidence that solar photovoltaics (PV) are on track to dominate the global energy mix. This monumental shift, experts argue, is feasible without relying solely on more aggressive climate policies.</p>



<p>Dr. Femke Nijsse of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute underscores the significance of this shift. She stated, “The recent progress of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewables</a> means that fossil fuel-dominated projections are no longer realistic. We have avoided the ‘business as usual’ scenario for the power sector."</p>



<p>The study's confidence in solar energy stems from an innovative model that captures the dynamic relationship between technology deployment and cost reductions, recognizing the virtuous cycle propelling the rapid growth of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-crops-at-solar-farms-increases-panel-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar</a> power.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-solar-power-transition-barriers">Overcoming solar power transition barriers</h2>



<p>Despite this optimistic projection, the transition to a solar-powered future is not without its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bat-activity-is-significantly-lower-at-solar-farm-sites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obstacles</a>. Researchers pinpoint four primary barriers that could impede progress.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ensuring-grid-resilience">Ensuring grid resilience</h3>



<p>A pivotal aspect of this transition is the need for electricity grids to adapt to the variable nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-harness-plant-energy-to-improve-solar-panels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar</a> power generation. Dr. Nijsse warns of the risks of over-reliance on fossil fuels if these variances aren't managed effectively. </p>



<p>Strategies for resilience could include diversified renewable energy sources, interconnected regional grids, substantial electricity storage, and demand management policies. Early-stage government subsidies and funding are crucial for these infrastructural shifts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-access-to-solar-energy-finance">Access to solar energy finance</h3>



<p>The global disparity in low-carbon finance availability presents a formidable challenge. Currently, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-net-zero-world-will-require-75-trillion-of-investment-and-1-billion-electric-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investments</a> are heavily skewed towards high-income countries, with middle-income nations marginally benefiting at the international level. The study highlights an acute deficiency in financing for solar projects in lower-income countries, especially in Africa, despite their immense potential.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-supply-chains">Expanding supply chains</h3>



<p>The research draws attention to the increased demand for critical minerals essential for a solar-intensive future. The burgeoning need for materials like lithium and copper, pivotal for electrification and battery technologies, suggests a future where renewable technologies will drive substantial portions of global mineral demand. This surge underscores the urgency for robust and sustainable supply chains.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-political-resistance">Navigating political resistance</h3>



<p>The transition's socio-economic dimensions, particularly the resistance from industries set to decline due to this shift, pose another complex challenge. The potential economic fallout for millions employed within the fossil fuel sector worldwide necessitates comprehensive regional development strategies to address inequities and mitigate industrial opposition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-for-global-decarbonization">Strategies for global decarbonization</h2>



<p>Addressing these barriers requires a concerted global effort, particularly in rethinking financial approaches to support this energy transition. </p>



<p>Dr. Nadia Ameli from UCL’s Institute for Sustainable Resources emphasizes this point. She said, “There is a growing belief that, with the dramatic decline in the global average cost of renewables, it will be much easier for the developing world to decarbonize. Our study reveals persistent hurdles, especially considering the challenges these nations face in accessing capital under equitable conditions."</p>



<p>The findings underscore the necessity of strategic financial support mechanisms to expedite the decarbonization agenda globally. This approach may be more effective than traditional price instruments like carbon taxes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-transition-policies-needed">Sustainable transition policies needed</h2>



<p>The study culminates in a call to action for policy-makers. By focusing on these four critical areas, governments can accelerate the shift towards a solar-dominated energy landscape. This involves proactive engagement with grid adaptation strategies, equitable financial structures, sustainable resource management, and socio-political considerations.</p>



<p>As the world teeters on the brink of significant energy paradigm shifts, the actions taken now will determine whether the transition to solar energy contributes to a resilient and sustainable future. The research by the University of Exeter and University College London offers not just a roadmap but also a warning: the path to harnessing the sun's power is not without its shadows.</p>



<p>The paper, published in the journal <em>Nature Communications</em>, is entitled: <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41971-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“The momentum of solar energy.”</a></p>



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Solar power has won the prize to become Earth’s main source of energy

Scientists suggest that the world has reached a crucial juncture...

Little,Fat,Pug,Sitting,On,Sidewalk,In,Summer,Park.

<p>As the global veterinary community grapples with the rising epidemic of obesity in domestic animals, particularly dogs, a new study spearheads the exploration of how factors like sterilization influence this health concern. </p>



<p>The research underscores a nuanced pattern linking obesity rates in sterilized dogs with their breed sizes, unveiling complex health implications that pet owners, veterinarians, and researchers must understand.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sterilization-a-double-edged-sword">Sterilization: A double-edged sword</h2>



<p>Sterilization, a standard practice for controlling the pet population and reducing unwanted births, sees its application in an estimated 70-80% of dogs in the United States. </p>



<p>Valerie Benka, a leading figure in the study and Program Director at the <a href="https://www.acc-d.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alliance for Contraception in Cats &amp; Dogs</a>, emphasizes the procedure's benefits. However, she also flags the necessity to investigate its broader health and behavioral impacts. Her cautious tone is primarily due to the alarming obesity trends among domestic dogs globally.</p>



<p>“Obesity complicates a dog’s health matrix, affecting their comfort, mobility, and overall lifespan while predisposing them to additional health issues,” Benka explains, spotlighting the urgency of addressing this multifaceted problem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-obesity-risk-size-matters">Dog obesity risk: Size matters</h2>



<p>The surprising aspect of the study is the revelation that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overweight-dogs-shorter-lifespans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a> risk post-sterilization is not uniform across all dogs -- it notably fluctuates based on the dog's body size. Small breeds are most vulnerable, whereas giant breeds seem somewhat shielded from this concern. </p>



<p>Intriguingly, certain large breeds, including popular ones such as Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, and golden retrievers, parallel small dogs in their heightened obesity rates post-neutering.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-is-everything">Timing is everything</h2>



<p>Another pivotal discovery is the timing of sterilization. The research denotes a safer window around one year of age, within which the procedure could mitigate the risk of subsequent obesity. </p>



<p>Yet, this timeframe is not a one-size-fits-all solution -- it notably shifts with breed sizes. Early sterilization at just three or six months elevates obesity risk. This is especially true in large breeds, marking a critical consideration for pet healthcare decisions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-assumptions-and-dog-obesity">Gender assumptions and dog obesity</h2>



<p>Challenging widely held beliefs, the study finds that gender plays a unique role in post-sterilization obesity risks. Male dogs, when variables like breed, size, and sterilization age are constant, are more prone to obesity compared to their female counterparts. This insight not only defies common assumptions but also invites a more in-depth consideration of biological and behavioral factors at play.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leveraging-unprecedented-data-scope">Leveraging unprecedented data scope</h2>



<p>What sets this study apart is its extensive and representative dataset, encompassing over 155,000 dog records from <a href="https://www.banfield.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Banfield Pet Hospital</a> clinics. The <a href="https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Morris Animal Foundation</a>, a key contributor to this research, enabled the analysis of not just purebreds but also mixed breeds, offering a panoramic view of the canine demographic.</p>



<p>“Our collaboration with the Morris Animal Foundation significantly enhanced our research scope and depth, allowing us to navigate through a more extensive data pool and draw comprehensive insights,” Benka remarks, appreciating the Foundation's substantial support for this innovative project.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-research-horizon">Expanding the research horizon</h2>



<p>With these findings providing a new understanding, Benka and her team are setting their sights on further research dimensions. Their forthcoming publication intends to delve deeper into specific breed outcomes and probe the intricate relationship between sterilization, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-diet-rich-in-fiber-and-protein-can-help-overweight-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a>, and cranial cruciate ligament injuries, a common canine health issue.</p>



<p>“This study is a stepping stone towards a broader narrative in canine health, and our future endeavors aim to unravel more layers of this narrative,” Benka asserts, signifying the ongoing commitment to enhancing life quality for man's best friend.</p>



<p>In summary, this important research recalibrates existing knowledge about canine sterilization and obesity. It calls for the veterinary community, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overweight-people-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pet owners</a>, and researchers to engage in a more nuanced dialogue, considering breed-specific guidelines and personalized healthcare strategies for our beloved canine companions.</p>



<p>This full study was published in the <em><a href="https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/261/9/javma.22.12.0596.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association</a></em>.</p>



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Surprising new insights into link between dog sterilization and obesity

As the global veterinary community grapples with the rising epidemic...

<p>A <a href="https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-releases/2023/october/penn-study-finds-serotonin-reduction-causes-long-covid-symptoms" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> from the Perelman School of Medicine at the <a href="https://www.upenn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pennsylvania</a> has brought to light new information regarding long COVID, a condition that leaves patients with lingering symptoms such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-may-have-long-term-effects-on-the-brain/">brain fog</a>, fatigue, and memory loss after recovering from a COVID-19 infection.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This research, published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)01034-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Cell</em></a>, reveals that a decrease in circulating levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin might be a key factor contributing to these prolonged symptoms.</p>



<p>According to the CDC, almost 20% of American adults who were infected with COVID-19 report symptoms consistent with long COVID.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Symptoms commonly reported include brain fog, difficulty focusing, memory lapses, general fatigue, and headaches. The exact mechanisms behind long COVID remain largely unknown, and effective treatments are yet to be identified.</p>



<p>“Many aspects of the basic biology underlying long COVID have remained unclear. As a result, we are lacking effective tools for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease,” said study senior author Dr. Maayan Levy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our findings may not only help to untangle some of the mechanisms that contribute to long COVID, but also provide us with biomarkers that can help clinicians diagnose patients and objectively measure their response to individual treatments.”</p>



<p>In collaboration with various departments, the research team studied the impact of long COVID on blood and stool samples from clinical studies and small animal models.</p>



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



<p>A subset of long COVID patients still had traces of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in their stool samples months after the acute phase of the infection.</p>



<p>The lingering virus, known as a "viral reservoir," prompts the immune system to produce interferons, proteins that combat the virus. This results in inflammation that diminishes the absorption of the amino acid tryptophan in the GI tract.</p>



<p>Tryptophan plays a crucial role as it's a precursor for neurotransmitters, including serotonin. This neurotransmitter is mainly produced in the GI tract and mediates various functions like memory, sleep, digestion, and wound healing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, serotonin regulates the vagus nerve, which bridges the communication between the body and the brain. The study found that the depletion of serotonin due to diminished tryptophan absorption can lead to disrupted vagus nerve signaling, resulting in symptoms consistent with long COVID.</p>



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



<p>The research further examined the potential treatment avenues for long COVID. “Clinicians treating patients with long COVID have been relying on personal reports from those patients to determine if their symptoms are improving," explained co-senior author Dr. Sara Cherry.</p>



<p>"Now, our research shows that there are biomarkers we may be able to use to match patients to treatments or clinical trials that address the specific causes of their long COVID symptoms, and more effectively assess their progress."</p>



<p>The team tested if replenishing tryptophan or serotonin could alleviate long COVID symptoms. In small animal models, they found that treatment with serotonin precursors or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) restored serotonin levels and reversed memory impairment.</p>



<p>“There has been some evidence to suggest that SSRIs could be effective in preventing long COVID, and our research now presents an opportunity for future studies to select specific patients for a trial who exhibit depleted serotonin, and to be able to measure response to treatment,” said co-senior author Dr. Benjamin Abramoff.</p>



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



<p>The research suggests that further exploration into how viral infections influence tryptophan absorption could unlock more answers, especially since tryptophan is integral to other processes, such as the production of niacin and melatonin.</p>



<p>“Long COVID varies from patient to patient, and we don’t fully understand what causes the differences in symptoms,” said co-senior author Dr. Christoph Thaiss.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our study provides a unique opportunity for further research to determine how many individuals with long COVID are affected by the pathway linking viral persistence, serotonin deficiency, and dysfunction of the vagus nerve and to uncover additional targets for treatments across the different symptoms patients experience.”</p>



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What causes long Covid? Penn Medicine study solves the mystery

A study from the Perelman School of Medicine at the...

Adult,Shetland,Sheepdog,Seen,From,Above,Looking,Up,With,On

<p>In an insightful delve into canine behavior, researchers from the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a> have revealed that the way to a dog's heart might indeed be through its stomach with food rather than enticing them with toys. The study, a pioneer in examining dogs' preferences in rewards, brings new insights that could significantly impact methods of dog training and interaction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-canine-behavior">Studying canine behavior</h2>



<p>Under the guidance of Nicole Dorey, a lecturer at the UF Department of Psychology, and her team, the study embarked on uncharted territory by investigating whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dog-day-celebrating-all-the-ways-that-dogs-make-life-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> have a stronger inclination towards food or toys. The revelation was startling but clear: a staggering majority of dogs involved in the study exhibited a preference for food over their favorite toys, even within a training simulation context.</p>



<p>Dorey expressed surprise at these findings, acknowledging that prior to this, there had been no significant look into how dogs evaluate toys versus food as rewards. The study's innovative approach sheds light on a crucial aspect of understanding canine motivation and behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-or-toys-dogs-given-a-choice">Food or toys: Dogs given a choice</h2>



<p>The study was meticulously structured to ensure a fair assessment of the dogs' choices. Researchers enlisted 10 pet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/typical-american-dog-knows-18-words-and-love-is-at-the-top-of-the-list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> from the local vicinity, presenting them with an array of six food items and six toys. The variety ensured a wide representation of commonly used treats and toys, ranging from cheese and hot dogs to tennis balls and squeaky toys.</p>



<p>Following the initial selection phase where dogs identified their <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/can-dogs-eat-bananas-and-other-fruits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">favorite food</a> and toy, the experiment escalated, requiring the dogs to exert more effort to receive their reward. The response was telling, as most participants demonstrated a quicker surrender when striving for toys compared to treats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-human-interaction">Role of human interaction</h2>



<p>While the study offers substantial evidence highlighting food as a primary motivator, it also recognizes the potential complexity of canine preference. Other research in the field has suggested that human attention might rival food in its value to dogs.</p>



<p>Dorey recommends an expanded approach for future research, incorporating attention, food, and toys to obtain a more holistic view of what drives dogs, especially in training scenarios. This comprehensive perspective could revolutionize training methodologies and improve human-canine relationships.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-food-when-training-dogs">Using food when training dogs</h2>



<p>The findings challenge some conventional dog training techniques, where toys are often advocated as rewards to circumvent issues like overfeeding. Dorey and her team suggest that if trainers prefer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/playfulness-is-a-key-personality-trait-of-gifted-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">using toys</a>, these should not be in direct competition with food rewards.</p>



<p>Drawing parallels with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mischievous-dogs-experts-reveal-the-top-ten-naughtiest-breeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">training protocols</a> for search and rescue dogs, Dorey mentions that starting early with toys as a form of positive reinforcement can indeed be effective. This adaptation requires a strategic approach, ensuring that the dog’s motivation is correctly aligned with the reward system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continued-research">Continued research</h2>



<p>The significant contributions of undergraduate students, notably Xenabeth Lazaro and John Winter, were instrumental in the study's success, demonstrating the value of academic collaboration and student involvement in research. Expertise from other esteemed institutions, including the <a href="https://www.fit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Institute of Technology</a> and <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a>, further enriched the research.</p>



<p>This study marks a critical step forward in behavioral psychology concerning domestic pets. It invites further exploration while providing current dog owners and trainers with profound insights into more effective training and stronger bonding strategies. As our understanding of canine preferences evolves, it paves the way for enhanced welfare and happiness for our four-legged companions.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/19/3073" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animals</a></em>.</p>



<p>---</p>



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Do dogs prefer food or toys? Scientists conducted a study to find out

In an insightful delve into canine behavior, researchers from the...

Fin,Whale

<p><a href="https://www.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a> biologists have found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/echoes-of-the-past-whalings-long-term-impact-on-genetic-diversity/">whaling</a> in the 20th century wiped out 99% of the Eastern North Pacific fin whale breeding population. This percentage is 29 percent higher than prior assessments. The alarming revelation is a stark reminder of human impacts on the environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When you look at whaling records, you can only tell how many were killed. You can’t tell how many there were to begin with,” said study co-author Meixi Lin. “We know 20th century whaling was severe, but we didn’t know how severe it was for fin whales.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-diversity-nbsp">Genetic diversity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, the researchers also found a silver lining. They determined that genetic diversity among the remaining fin whales of the Eastern North Pacific is still rich enough to ensure that - with adequate conservation measures - these whales can recover without facing the threats of inbreeding.</p>



<p>The UCLA study is a significant advancement from previous research, which was restricted to whaling records or mitochondrial DNA. With the entire genome at their disposal, the researchers now possess a comprehensive understanding of the current size and genetic diversity of these whales.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-industrial-whaling-nbsp">Industrial whaling&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While most whale species faced devastation due to 19th-century whaling, the larger species, particularly blue and fin whales, managed to remain largely unaffected.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, industrial whaling in the subsequent century flipped this scenario, leading to the near extinction of fin whales, especially in the Eastern North Pacific.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-field-research-nbsp">Challenging field research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The methods employed in the research were not only innovative but also challenging. Gathering DNA samples from the whales was not easy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Getting samples from live whales is hard, because you don’t know where they’re going to be - and when they come up, you only have a moment to take the sample before they go back underwater,” said study co-author Nigenda-Morales. “It is a humbling experience to conduct field research and interact with the second-largest animal on the planet.”</p>



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



<p>Overall, 50 whales were studied, including fin whales from the Gulf of California. These whales were not targeted by whalers, but belong to a small, isolated group.</p>



<p>"Nevertheless, this population has been small with limited gene flow from and to the Pacific for thousands of years," noted the study authors. "In contrast, the Eastern North Pacific population was large, interconnected, and overexploited."</p>



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



<p>The analysis revealed that the Gulf of California fin whales diverged about 16,000 years ago, maintaining a population of around 114 adult breeders.</p>



<p>The Eastern North Pacific population remained stable at around 24,000 individuals for millennia. However, 20th-century whaling caused a catastrophic reduction from 24,000 individuals to only 305 in just 26 to 52 years.</p>



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



<p>While earlier studies estimated a 70% decline, the current data illustrates the contrast. The severe drop made the genomic reduction distinctly evident, as noted by Nigenda-Morales.</p>



<p>“It’s usually hard to detect such strong recent reductions in the genome. But in this case, fin whales were really abundant before, which made the sudden reduction very obvious in our data. If the reduction hadn’t been so strong, we wouldn’t have been able to detect it,” said Nigenda-Morales.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovering-whale-populations">Recovering whale populations</h2>



<p>The research also revealed the significance of the Eastern North Pacific fin whale population for the fin whales in the Gulf of California.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the Gulf of California population has faced its set of challenges, including the amplification of harmful genes, occasional visits from Eastern North Pacific whales have introduced new genetic material, ensuring their survival.</p>



<p>However, the situation remains fragile. While current protections appear adequate, they need to be sustained for an extended period, ensuring the continued recovery of these whale populations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>External threats, including climate change and human disturbances like ship strikes, could still threaten this progress.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-computational-models-nbsp">Computational models&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“With improvement in computational models, we can incorporate factors like climate change and relate the risk of extinction from human-mediated processes with what’s happening at the genomic level,” said study co-author Kirk Lohmueller. “Continuing to develop such models is as important as collecting more data.”</p>



<p>The research, which was conducted in dedication to the late UCLA Professor Robert Wayne, represents a significant step forward in understanding the complexities and challenges faced by fin whales.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-40052-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



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The alarming decline and hopeful recovery of fin whales

UCLA biologists have found that whaling in the 20th century...

<p>Climate change has rapidly increased the frequency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drought-to-downpour-climate-change-triggers-extreme-weather-shifts/">extreme weather</a> events worldwide, from wildfires to floods. However, a recent study emphasizes that these events are not merely random occurrences but deeply interconnected phenomena. </p>



<p>This interconnected climate behavior, termed "teleconnections," remains a relatively unexplored field but holds the key to a comprehensive understanding of our intricate climate system.</p>



<p>To investigate, a team of experts developed a novel climate network analysis method. The research is shedding new light on the intensity, distribution, and evolution of these teleconnections.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domino-effect-nbsp">Domino effect&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Teleconnections describe how climate events in one part of the world can affect weather thousands of kilometers away,” explained Jingfang Fan of Beijing Normal University and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. “Think of it as a domino effect on a global scale.”</p>



<p>“Within just five years, we may see temperatures rising to levels that global scientists have been warning us about. It’s like the planet is running a fever that’s steadily getting worse.”</p>



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



<p>But what are climate networks? Imagine a map where specific data points represent locations. The connections or links between these points highlight similarities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team's innovative method combines the directions and distribution patterns of these teleconnections.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meaningful-patterns-nbsp">Meaningful patterns&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Based on global daily surface air temperature data and advanced data processing techniques and mathematical algorithms, the team has identified meaningful patterns and insights.</p>



<p>“Our work uncovered patterns in climate events driven mainly by atmospheric Rossby waves, which are large inertial planetary waves that naturally occur in rotating fluids and cause movement within the atmosphere,” said Fan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teleconnection-intensity">Teleconnection intensity</h2>



<p>Through this research, the team pinpointed regions like southeastern Australia and South Africa as being especially sensitive to these interconnected events.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts found that the strength of these interconnections has amplified over time (from 1948 to 2021), potentially influenced by a combination of climate change, human activities, and other variables. </p>



<p>Moreover, the last 37 years have seen a more pronounced increase in the Southern Hemisphere's teleconnection impact and intensity.</p>



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



<p>This research offers a fresh perspective on measuring and examining climate teleconnections. It will serve as a foundation to identify regions that may face increased risks in the future. The ultimate goal is to devise strategies to address these challenges.</p>



<p>“The next step is like weather forecasting – but on steroids,” said Fan. “Using what we’ve learned, we plan to predict how climate events will unfold and connect. We’re diving deep to explore why these events happen and how various climate ‘tipping points’ within our climate system might be linked."</p>



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



<p>Teleconnections refer to circumstances where climate anomalies or weather events in one part of the world can influence weather patterns in distant, often remote, locations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Essentially, it is the interrelationship of meteorological patterns across vast distances. This interconnected behavior plays a crucial role in understanding global climate variations and can have widespread implications on weather, agriculture, water resources, and more.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-teleconnections-work">How do teleconnections work?</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-waves">Atmospheric waves</h4>



<p>At the heart of teleconnections are atmospheric waves, such as the atmospheric Rossby waves. These are large-scale waves in the atmosphere that play a vital role in the Earth's weather. They form due to the Earth's rotation and temperature differences between the equator and the poles.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oceanic-phenomena">Oceanic phenomena</h4>



<p>Oceans also play a part in teleconnections. Events like El Niño and La Niña in the Pacific Ocean can cause weather pattern changes far from their origin. For instance, an El Niño event can lead to wetter conditions in parts of the U.S. and drier conditions in parts of Australia.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examples-of-teleconnections">Examples of teleconnections</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-atlantic-oscillation-nao">North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)</h4>



<p>This is a fluctuation in atmospheric pressure at sea level between the Icelandic Low and the Azores High. Its phases can influence winter weather in Europe and the East Coast of the U.S.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-north-american-pattern-pna-nbsp">Pacific North American Pattern (PNA)&nbsp;</h4>



<p>Influenced by sea surface temperature anomalies, PNA affects climate patterns across North America.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-el-nino-southern-oscillation-enso">El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)</h4>



<p>Perhaps the most widely recognized teleconnection, ENSO has phases of El Niño (warmer) and La Niña (cooler) that influence global weather patterns.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-nbsp">Implications&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-forecasting">Weather forecasting</h4>



<p>Understanding teleconnections can improve long-range weather forecasting by providing insights into how patterns in one location might impact distant areas.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agriculture">Agriculture</h4>



<p>Predicting rainfall, temperature changes, or drought conditions can help farmers plan their crops accordingly.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-resource-management">Water resource management</h4>



<p>Recognizing teleconnection patterns can aid in predicting periods of heavy rainfall or drought, allowing for better water resource planning.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-studies">Climate change studies</h4>



<p>As our climate changes, the strength and patterns of teleconnections might also shift. This can have cascading effects on weather patterns globally.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0153677"><em>Chaos</em></a>,</p>



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Teleconnections: Climate events are deeply connected across the globe

Climate change has rapidly increased the frequency of extreme weather...

<p>The burden of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loss-of-smell-may-be-the-earliest-warning-of-alzheimers-disease/">Alzheimer’s disease</a> is notably higher in women, with two-thirds of late-onset cases diagnosed in this demographic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As research has consistently shown, not only are women more susceptible to Alzheimer’s, but its progression is also accelerated and intensified in them, leading to a steeper decline in cognitive abilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-female-sex-hormones-nbsp">Female sex hormones&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite the observed differences between genders, the biological underpinnings that account for these variations in Alzheimer’s progression remain unclear. Yet, discerning them is essential for devising targeted treatments.</p>



<p>In a new study on both mice and humans, a team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.uwo.ca/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Western University</a> offers important insights, pinpointing the pivotal role female sex hormones play in Alzheimer’s development within the brain.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/alz.13481" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Alzheimer’s Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association</em></a>, the study highlights the therapeutic potential of focusing on hormonal interactions, particularly revolving around estradiol – an estrogen variant. The methodological approach adopted is as significant as the findings themselves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“To understand how sex hormones play a role in Alzheimer’s, we need to study appropriate animal models.&nbsp;Unfortunately, most studies at this level still focus mainly on the male brain," said senior author Vania Prado, a professor at the <a href="https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schulich School of Medicine &amp; Dentistry</a>.</p>



<p>"Our research emphasizes the importance of using animal models that reflect, for instance, postmenopausal women, to understand how sex hormones influence Alzheimer’s pathology."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beta-amyloid-protein">Beta-amyloid protein</h2>



<p>A defining characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease is the toxic accumulation of beta-amyloid protein within the brain, which disrupts neural communication and hampers cognition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts found differential regulation of beta-amyloid protein in male and female mice brains, with estradiol playing a significant role.</p>



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



<p>Earlier research has spotlighted cholinergic neurons, known to produce acetylcholine crucial for memory and cognition, as particularly susceptible to beta-amyloid accumulation’s deleterious effects.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The interactions between brain chemistry shifts and beta-amyloid protein aggregation in Alzheimer-affected brains was the focus of the current study.</p>



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



<p>“We observed that the relationship between the integrity of the brain region where cholinergic neurons reside and beta-amyloid accumulation was the same for men and women but was different in male and female mice,” reported co-author Marco Prado, a professor at <a href="https://www.uwo.ca/index.html">Western University</a>.</p>



<p>The research included MRI brain scans from healthy elderly humans and observations in both male and female mice, highlighting the complexity of studying Alzheimer’s disease. The scientists made a compelling finding when female mice were modeled to simulate postmenopausal women.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We found that when the sex hormone estradiol was present, the relationship between acetylcholine and toxic amyloid was lost, but when sex hormones were eliminated in the female mice that relationship reproduced the results seen in humans,” said lead author Liliana German-Castelan, a graduate student at the same institution.</p>



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



<p>This discovery calls for further research on amyloid and cholinergic function in individuals aged 40-50, markedly younger than most Alzheimer’s study subjects.</p>



<p>“Women and men respond differently to medications and have a somewhat different journey in Alzheimer’s. To develop more effective therapeutics, we need to study animal models that can reproduce different aspects of the journey. Sex hormones and estradiol levels are just one of these factors,” Prado concluded.</p>



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Study reveals link between sex hormones and Alzheimer’s disease

The burden of Alzheimer’s disease is notably higher in women,...

<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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" 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> 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

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" 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> 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?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" 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 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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" 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 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

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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

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

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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"

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

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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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