<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>A study led by NASA scientists has found that certain regions of New York City are either sinking or rising, and it's not just due to modern human intervention - some of the reasons trace back to the last Ice Age.</p>



<p>While the elevation changes are just fractions of inches per year, the experts noted that they can increase or diminish local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-flood-risks-plague-the-us-housing-market/">flood risks</a> associated with sea level rise.</p>



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



<p>The detailed analysis was conducted by experts from NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-led-study-pinpoints-areas-of-new-york-city-sinking-rising" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in California and Rutgers University in New Jersey.</p>



<p>The researchers used interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data from 2016 to 2023. This advanced remote sensing technique merges multiple 3D observations of an area to expose surface movements or changes in topography.</p>



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



<p>A considerable amount of the movement was detected in areas previously altered by human activity, such as land reclamation or the establishment of landfills.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such activities made the underlying ground more susceptible to compression, especially under the weight of new constructions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavy-ice-burden">Heavy ice burden</h2>



<p>However, not all of the alterations were recent. The last ice age, which peaked around 24,000 years ago, saw vast parts of New England blanketed in ice.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This heavy ice burden impacted the Earth's mantle. Areas like New York City, which were located just outside the ice sheet's periphery, have been undergoing a "rebalancing" of sorts, leading to the current sinking pattern.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vertical-land-motion-nbsp">Vertical land motion&nbsp;</h2>



<p>On average, the metropolitan area saw a decline of approximately 0.06 inches (1.6 millimeters) per year. To put it in perspective, that's roughly the pace at which a toenail grows monthly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But certain landmarks and neighborhoods in New York have been sinking faster than this average. </p>



<p>Brett Buzzanga, the study's lead author, expressed excitement at the granularity of the data.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’ve produced such a detailed map of vertical land motion in the New York City area that there are features popping out that haven’t been noticed before," said Buzzanga.</p>



<p>Understanding these local elevation shifts is pivotal for flood mapping, especially given the global climate crisis and rising sea levels, noted David Bekaert, a JPL scientist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zones-of-change">Zones of change</h2>



<p>A significant finding from the study highlights two regions in Queens, both associated with landfills, which are subsiding at alarming rates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One such area is runway 13/31 at LaGuardia Airport, descending at approximately 0.15 inches per year. The other notable location is the Arthur Ashe Stadium, sinking about 0.18 inches each year.</p>



<p>Other affected zones include parts of Governors Island, areas near Brooklyn's Coney Island and Queens' Arverne by the Sea built on artificial fill, and parts of New Jersey crisscrossed by Route 440 and Interstate 78.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upward-movement">Upward movement</h2>



<p>Yet, not all areas are on a downward trajectory. Surprisingly, regions in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Woodside, Queens, showed uplift.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Woodside rose a notable 0.27 inches annually between 2016 and 2019.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Study co-author Robert Kopp of Rutgers University said that groundwater pumping and injection wells used to treat polluted water may have played a role, but further investigation is needed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I’m intrigued by the potential of using high-resolution InSAR to measure these kinds of relatively short-lived environmental modifications associated with uplift,” said Kopp.</p>



<p>The scientists noted that cities like New York, which are investing in coastal defenses and infrastructure in the face of sea level rise, can benefit from high-resolution estimates of land motion.</p>



<p>With billions invested in coastal defenses and infrastructural adaptations, understanding and accounting for these subsiding and rising zones might just be the blueprint they need for a more resilient future.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adi8259" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Parts of New York City are sinking, while others are rising

A study led by NASA scientists has found that certain...

<p>An emerging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-some-sea-stars-more-susceptible-to-disease/">disease</a> that was believed to only cause hoof deformation in elk appears to trigger molecular changes throughout the entire animal system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This is the conclusion of an epigenetic study by experts at <a href="https://vetmed.wsu.edu/departments/veterinary-microbiology-and-pathology/elk-hoof-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a> (WSU), who set out to gain a better understanding of elk treponeme-associated hoof disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapidly-spreading-disease-nbsp">Rapidly spreading disease&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In a previous <a href="https://news.wsu.edu/press-release/2021/09/16/wsu-researchers-discover-one-way-elk-become-infected-devastating-hoof-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study from WSU</a>, researchers discovered that healthy elk can contract the disease by simply walking on soil contaminated by infected hooves. </p>



<p>The experts described the disease as "devastatingly painful," noting that it often leads to death.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Affected elk suffer with deformed hooves, lameness, and increasingly poor health as a result of the infection," said the report.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The disease is spreading unabated and has been found in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physiological-changes-nbsp">Physiological changes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The results of the latest study indicate that the molecular changes caused by hoof disease might not be limited to where the infection is visible, but could potentially be affecting the entire physiology of the elk.</p>



<p>According to the researchers, the illness severely impairs the elk’s ability to find food and escape predators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heritable-impacts">Heritable impacts</h2>



<p>The research suggests that the disease-induced changes may be heritable, but it is not yet clear whether this means subsequent generations of elk may be more prone to catching the disease.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s not just the absence or presence of the infection. It’s affecting the animal’s entire physiology, all the cells,” said study senior author Michael Skinner, a WSU biologist. “It shows that there's a molecular impact by the presence of the disease organisms.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-epigenetic-changes-nbsp">Epigenetic changes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Epigenetics refers to stable molecular processes that influence gene behavior, independently of the DNA sequence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These changes in an organism’s epigenetics can be brought about by various factors such as nutrition or the environment. The current study suggests that infectious diseases can also play a part.</p>



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



<p>The research team analyzed cells from the leg tendons of 55 Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk, both infected and uninfected.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These specimens were provided by hunters and procured by wildlife agencies across five states: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, and South Dakota.</p>



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



<p>Interestingly, the findings reveal epigenetic changes associated exclusively with the disease in the infected elk.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Considering that the tendon cells were located away from the hoof infection, this suggests that the changes induced by the treponeme-associated hoof disease could be systemic.</p>



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



<p>According to Margaret Wild, this research is only the tip of the iceberg.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’re building foundational knowledge to understand this disease,” said Wild. “By doing this epigenetic study, we can see apparent systemic impacts from the infection, even though we don't see those pathological changes when we look at the elk.”</p>



<p>The disease's name originates from the treponeme bacteria. However, researchers now theorize that it might be caused by multiple bacterial strains.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Wild and her team are currently undertaking studies in captive elk to identify the transmission mode of the disease. This research could also shine a light on factors like diet that may alter the animals' vulnerability to the infection.</p>



<p>While elk remain the only wild species detected with the disease, WSU researchers are exploring possible connections to bovine digital dermatitis found in cattle.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There's also an ongoing effort using computer modeling to identify environmental factors, such as soil type, moisture, and geography, which might determine where elks are more susceptible.</p>



<p>“This is a brand-new emerging disease that hardly anything is known about,” Wild said. “We are taking a multi-pronged approach and conducting a broad range of exploratory studies."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our goal is to do as much research as we can to learn about all the impacts this disease is having on individuals and elk populations to help wildlife managers address the disease.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-42546-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a>.</p>



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Emerging hoof disease may cause physiological changes in elk

An emerging disease that was believed to only cause hoof...

<p>Lava <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitable-zone-planets-support-life/">planets</a>, characterized by their gleaming skies and turbulent seas of molten volcanic material, starkly differ from the celestial bodies within our solar system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Remarkably, around half of all identified rocky exoplanets demonstrate the ability to sustain surface magma, a phenomenon attributed to their proximity to host stars, resulting in orbits completed in less than 10 days.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such closeness subjects these planets to severe weather conditions and elevates surface temperatures, rendering them largely unsuitable for known life forms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-super-earths">Hot Super-Earths</h2>



<p>Now, a team of scientists led by <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a> (OSU) has highlighted the significant role of these vast molten oceans in determining the characteristics and evolutionary trajectory of hot rocky Super-Earths. </p>



<p>The study, recently published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/acea85" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Astrophysical Journal</em></a>, discovered that the highly compressible nature of lava leads to magma-abundant planets without atmospheres being slightly denser than their solid counterparts, thus affecting the structure of their mantles, which encompass the core of the planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-nature">Complex nature </h2>



<p>However, the complex nature of these celestial bodies makes understanding the basic principles governing lava planets challenging, according to Kiersten Boley, the study’s main author and an astronomy graduate student at OSU.</p>



<p>“Lava worlds are very odd, very interesting things and because of the way we detect exoplanets, we’re more biased to finding them,” said Boley, whose research focuses on understanding what crucial ingredients makes exoplanets unique and how tweaking these ingredients – or in the case of lava worlds, their temperatures – can fundamentally change them.</p>



<p>55 Cancri e, an exoplanet located approximately 41 light-years away and hosting both sparkling skies and roiling lava seas, stands as one of the most notable examples of these enigmatic burning worlds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-earth-s-past">Insights into Earth's past</h2>



<p>While our solar system does contain highly volcanic entities like Jupiter’s moon Io, it lacks genuine lava planets for close study.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, according to Boley, exploring how the makeup of magma oceans influences the development of other celestial bodies can provides insights into Earth’s volcanic past.</p>



<p>“When planets initially form, particularly for rocky terrestrial planets, they go through a magma ocean stage as they’re cooling down,” she explained. “So lava worlds can give us some insight into what may have happened in the evolution of nearly any terrestrial planet.”</p>



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



<p>Employing the exoplanet interior modeler software&nbsp;<a href="https://github.com/amloren1/ExoPlex">Exoplex</a>&nbsp;and data from earlier studies, the researchers modeled several evolutionary scenarios for an Earth-like planet with surface temperatures ranging from 2,600 to 3,860 degrees Fahrenheit – temperatures at which the solid mantle would liquify.</p>



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



<p>The constructed models revealed three potential forms for magma ocean planets’ mantles: one entirely molten, another featuring a surface magma ocean, and a third exhibiting a layered structure with magma oceans at the surface and near the core, separated by a solid rock layer.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the study revealed that the second and third mantle structures appear slightly more frequently than entirely molten forms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The composition of the magma oceans on these planets impacts their ability to retain volatile elements crucial for early atmospheric formation for extended periods.</p>



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



<p>As Boley stresses, the capacity to trap significant amounts of volatile elements within their mantles has broader implications for planets habitability potential.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When we’re talking about the evolution of a planet and its potential to have different elements that you would need to support life, being able to trap a lot of volatile elements within their mantles could have greater implications for habitability,”&nbsp;she explained.</p>



<p>Although lava planets are far from hosting life, understanding the mechanisms that might lead them there is crucial.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, assessing their density is not the most accurate method for characterizing these planets compared to solid exoplanets, as the presence of a magma ocean doesn’t markedly alter a planet’s density.</p>



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



<p>The study suggests that focusing on different terrestrial aspects, such as variations in surface gravity, will yield more insights into the functioning of hot lava planets, which will be beneficial for future broader planetary studies.</p>



<p>“This work, which is a combination of earth sciences and astronomy, basically opens up exciting new questions about lava worlds,” Boley concluded.</p>



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Strange lava worlds: Magma oceans affect the evolution of hot planets

Lava planets, characterized by their gleaming skies and turbulent seas...

The,Harvest,Moon,And,Japanese,Pampas,Grass.

<p>The Harvest Moon is set to rise this Thursday as the final supermoon of 2023, wrapping up a summer marked by big, radiant full <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-atmosphere-beyond-moon/">moons</a>.</p>



<p>According to Space.com, this special supermoon will be joined by a parade of planets, including the largest worlds in our solar system -&nbsp; Jupiter and Saturn - as well as Mercury, which is the smallest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-supermoon">What is a supermoon?</h2>



<p>A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/next-weeks-blue-supermoon-will-be-the-biggest-and-brightest-of-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermoon</a> is a celestial phenomenon that occurs when the moon is at or near its closest approach to Earth in its orbit. This proximity makes the moon appear larger and brighter in the night sky compared to other periods in its cycle.</p>



<p>This year's last supermoon will hit its peak brilliance at approximately 6 a.m. ET on Friday after making its grand appearance on Thursday night, according to the <a href="https://www.almanac.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmer's Almanac</a>. The illumination will still be visible on Friday evening.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-corn-moon">The Corn Moon</h2>



<p>This week's full moon is known as the "Harvest Moon," which is due to its proximity to the autumnal equinox which took place on September 23.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Traditionally, September's full moon has also been known as the Corn Moon, a tribute to the end-of-summer harvests.</p>



<p>While the Harvest Moon typically graces us in September, every three years it shifts to October. This means that not all Corn Moons earn the title of Harvest Moon.</p>



<p>Those who might miss out on this week's event need to mark their calendars for summer 2024, when the next supermoon will be visible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-origin-of-the-harvest-moon-nbsp">The origin of the Harvest Moon&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The term Harvest Moon is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions. "In the days before tractors with headlights, having moonlight to work by was crucial to getting the harvest in quickly before rain caused it to rot," explained Alan MacRobert, an editor at <a href="https://skyandtelescope.org/">Sky &amp; Telescope</a> magazine.</p>



<p>The timeline of the Harvest Moon aligns with the ripening of numerous crops in late summer and early autumn.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In those days, farmers, burdened with the immense workload, had no choice but to extend their labor hours past sunset. Moonlight was their guiding light.</p>



<p>NASA, citing the Oxford English Dictionary, notes that the term "Harvest Moon" made its first printed appearance in 1706.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-characteristics">Unique characteristics</h2>



<p>Beyond its agricultural significance, the Harvest Moon is also known for its unique characteristics.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brightness-and-timing">Brightness and timing</h3>



<p>One of the main reasons the Harvest Moon is special is due to its path across the sky. It rises during twilight for several nights in a row, which means there's no long period of darkness between sunset and moonrise.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This results in several evenings of bright moonlight early in the evening, which was traditionally helpful to farmers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-color">Color</h3>



<p>The Harvest Moon often appears orange in color as it rises. This is due to the angle at which it rises - making it seem larger on the horizon and its light having to pass through a larger portion of the Earth’s atmosphere. This scattering of light results in the orange hue.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festivals">Festivals</h3>



<p>Many cultures have harvest festivals around the time of the Harvest Moon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, in East Asia, the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated around this time. It's a time of family gatherings, moon gazing, and the consumption of mooncakes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-in-folklore">Cultural significance in folklore</h3>



<p>The Harvest Moon is a prominent fixture in various cultures' folklore and traditions. It has been associated with both romance and mysticism in various legends.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbol-of-abundance-nbsp">Symbol of abundance&nbsp;</h4>



<p>Given its association with the time of harvest, this moon symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and preparation for the winter months.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superstitions">Superstitions</h4>



<p>Some believed that the Harvest Moon could bring out certain behaviors in people and animals, often attributing heightened restlessness or craziness to its appearance.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fertility-and-romance">Fertility and romance</h4>



<p>In some cultures, the Harvest Moon is seen as a symbol of fertility, with some believing that its light has special properties. Couples might try to conceive under its light.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-end-of-cycle">End of cycle</h4>



<p>As the Harvest Moon signifies the ending of the harvest and the impending approach of winter, some myths might focus on themes of death, rebirth, or the cyclical nature of life.</p>



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Beautiful "Super Harvest Moon" reaches its peak tonight

The Harvest Moon is set to rise this Thursday as...

<p>The mysterious origin of Saturn's rings may finally be revealed. A team of researchers suggests that the rings evolved from the debris of two icy moons that collided a few hundred million years ago.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supercomputer-simulations-nbsp">Supercomputer simulations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For their investigation, the experts used a new series of high-resolution supercomputer simulations. The research sheds light on why the rings appear significantly younger than the planet itself.</p>



<p>The simulations also provide a plausible explanation for the formation of Saturn's rings.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collision-scenario">Collision scenario</h2>



<p>"We tested a hypothesis for the recent formation of Saturn's rings and have found that an impact of icy moons is able to send enough material near to Saturn to form the rings that we see now," said Dr. Vincent Eke from <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a>. </p>



<p>The proposed collision scenario involves the progenitor moons smashing into one another, leading to the dispersal of the rock in their cores less widely than the overlying ice, consequently forming ice-rich rings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ring-composition">Ring composition </h2>



<p>These findings help to clarify the composition of Saturn's rings, which Cassini spacecraft data revealed to be almost pure ice with minimal dust pollution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Cassini, which orbited <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-has-megastorms-that-affect-its-weather-for-centuries/">Saturn</a> for 13 years beginning in 2004, provided invaluable data by passing and diving through the gap between Saturn and its rings, capturing precise details about the planet and its surrounding system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The nearly pure icy composition of the rings suggests their formation occurred relatively recently in the life span of the solar system.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The collaborative research effort involved scientists from NASA, Durham University, and Glasgow University.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team simulated various collision scenarios between precursor moons at a resolution over 100 times higher than previous studies, offering unprecedented insights into the Saturn system's history.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saturn-s-roche-limit-nbsp">Saturn's Roche limit&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Through nearly 200 different versions of simulated impacts, the researchers found that numerous collision scenarios could feasibly scatter adequate amounts of ice into Saturn’s Roche limit, eventually settling into rings resembling those observed today.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Roche limit represents the maximum orbit distance where a planet's gravitational pull can disintegrate larger bodies of rock or ice drawing closer. Material orbiting beyond this limit might aggregate to form moons.</p>



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



<p>The in-depth simulations and their results provide a convincing explanation for the icy purity of Saturn's rings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Considering that other elements of the planet's system have a mixed ice-and-rock composition, alternative theories struggled to account for the minimal rock content in the rings.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-results-nbsp">Fascinating results&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Jacob Kegerreis is a Durham University graduate who is now a research scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There’s so much we still don’t know about the Saturn system, including its moons that host environments that might be suitable for life, so it’s exciting to use big simulations like these to explore in detail how they could have evolved," said Dr. Kegerreis.</p>



<p>“The apparent geological youth of Saturn’s rings has been a puzzle since the Voyager probes sent back their first images of the planet," said Dr. Luis Teodoro from the <a href="https://www.gla.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Glasgow</a>.</p>



<p>"This collaboration has allowed us to examine the possible circumstances of their creation, with fascinating results.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-saturn-s-rings">More about Saturn's rings</h2>



<p>Saturn’s rings are a prominent feature of the planet, made up of countless small particles ranging from tiny, dust-sized icy grains to larger debris several meters across. These particles are predominantly composed of water ice with traces of rocky material.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orbit-of-the-rings">Orbit of the rings</h3>



<p>The rings orbit around Saturn at various distances, creating distinct bands or rings. Each ring orbits at a different speed and has varying widths and thicknesses.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-naming-system">Naming system</h3>



<p>The rings have been named in the order they were discovered, leading to a non-sequential naming system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The main rings are, from nearest to furthest from Saturn, the D, C, B, A, F, G, and E rings. The gaps between the rings also have names, such as the Cassini Division, which is the dark area between the B and A rings.</p>



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



<p>The origin of Saturn’s rings is still a subject of research and debate among scientists.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The current study suggests they are remnants of shattered moons, while other experts believe they may have formed along with Saturn itself.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings are published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/acf4ed"><em>The Astrophysical Journal</em></a>.</p>



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Saturn's rings may have formed after two icy moons collided

The mysterious origin of Saturn's rings may finally be revealed....

Wildlife,Conservation,Day,Wild,Animals,To,The,Home.,Or,Wildlife

<p>A new study underscores the importance of protected lands in preserving biodiversity, especially for vertebrates like amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. </p>



<p>The research, led by the <a href="https://serc.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Environmental Research Center</a> (SERC) and <a href="https://www.conservation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation International</a>, sheds light on the critical role of effective governance and supports the United Nations’ "30 by 30" initiative. </p>



<p>The findings also emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to conservation that goes beyond protected areas alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-protected-lands">Conservation and protected lands</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-negatively-impact-wildlife-even-in-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human activities</a> have dramatically escalated the natural extinction rate of vertebrates, increasing it by 22 times. This rapid loss of biodiversity destabilizes food webs and endangers essential ecological services such as crop pollination, healthy diets, and disease control. </p>



<p>"Humans are inextricably dependent on biodiversity for survival,” says Justin Nowakowski, SERC conservation biologist and lead author of the study. “It provides food, fuel, fiber and other ecosystem services that we depend on for life.”</p>



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



<p>The study involved meticulous data collection for over 1,000 species from every continent, excluding Antarctica, leveraging data from the Living Planet and BioTIME databases. </p>



<p>Nowakowski’s team studied 2,239 vertebrate populations, comparing the states of species within and outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-parks-enrich-mammal-diversity-beyond-the-boundaries-of-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a>. The research revealed that vertebrates inside protected areas are declining at a rate of 0.4% per year, nearly five times more slowly than those in unprotected areas (1.8% per year).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-significance-of-protected-lands">The significance of protected lands</h2>



<p>Protected areas offer a refuge where biodiversity is closer to stability. “They buy us much-needed time to figure out how to reverse the biodiversity crisis,” stated Luke Frishkoff, coauthor and assistant professor of biology at the University of Texas at Arlington. </p>



<p>Frishkoff further noted that populations outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-provide-a-thermal-buffer-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a> could halve in 40 years, while those inside would take 170 years to face a similar fate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-different-species">Impact on different species</h2>



<p>The study found that certain vertebrate classes, notably amphibians and birds, benefitted more within protected lands. This is likely due to the severe threats they face outside, including habitat loss, climate change, and diseases like the chytrid fungus affecting amphibians. </p>



<p>“Amphibians typically have fairly small home ranges, and they’re also really sensitive to small changes in the environment,” said Jessica Deichmann, coauthor and ecologist with the Liz Claiborne &amp; Art Ortenberg Foundation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-external-factors">Challenges and external factors</h2>



<p>However, the conversion of nearby land for agriculture and development along with climate change continue to undermine the efficacy of protected areas. The research team made sure to highlight the urgent need for interconnected protected zones and adaptive strategies that align with the ecological fluidity, as species are constantly moving.</p>



<p>The findings also reaffirm the UN’s commitment made last December, where nearly 200 nations pledged to protect 30% of Earth’s land and water by 2030. This ambitious roadmap is called the <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2021/07/a-new-global-framework-for-managing-nature-through-2030-1st-detailed-draft-agreement-debuts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"30 by 30" initiative</a>. </p>



<p>While this commitment has fueled a surge in establishing protected lands, the study cautions against mere compliance through ‘paper parks’ and emphasizes actual biodiversity conservation within these regions.</p>



<p>In addition, effective governance emerged as a crucial factor in successful conservation efforts. Nations with transparent and corruption-free governments are often more efficient in enforcing environmental laws, managing conservation funds and involving local communities in conservation laws.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-protected-lands">Beyond protected lands</h2>



<p>Conservation experts are advocating for diverse strategies to conserve biodiversity. Examples include “payment for ecosystem services” programs, such as the one in Costa Rica, which incentivizes landowners to preserve forests. These innovative models, along with biological corridors and Indigenous-led protected areas, offer flexible and effective alternatives to traditional conservation approaches.</p>



<p>In summary, the study by SERC and Conservation International illustrates the pivotal role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation, but also emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive strategies that encompass effective governance, community involvement, and innovative conservation models. </p>



<p>By adopting such holistic approaches, humanity can hope to curb the ongoing biodiversity crisis and ensure the survival and thriving of myriad species on Earth.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06562-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Nature</a>.</p>



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Loss of wildlife happens five times slower in protected lands

A new study underscores the importance of protected lands in...

<p>A recent study led by Dr. CUI Yuzhu has confirmed that a supermassive black hole is spinning in the center of the nearby radio galaxy M87.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study, which is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06479-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>, was conducted by an international team of scientists using an array of radio telescopes from around the globe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-m87-s-oscillating-jet">M87's oscillating jet</h2>



<p>Situated 55 million light-years away from Earth, M87 harbors a colossal black hole that is approximately 6.5 billion times the Sun’s mass.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The galaxy exhibits a fascinating oscillating jet, moving up and down at an amplitude of around 10 degrees.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-decades-of-data">Two decades of data</h2>



<p>The team meticulously analyzed telescope data spanning from 2000 to 2022, revealing a recurrent 11-year cycle in the jet base’s precessional motion.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discovery is consistent with predictions made by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, linking the jet's dynamic behavior directly to the central supermassive black hole's spin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazing-discovery-nbsp">Amazing discovery&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The analysis indicates that the rotational axis of the accretion disk misaligns with the black hole's spin axis, leading to the precessional jet. This precession provides clear evidence that the supermassive black hole in M87 is, in fact, spinning.</p>



<p>"We are thrilled by this significant finding," said study co-author CUI Yuzhu, a postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://en.zhejianglab.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zhejiang Lab</a>. "Since the misalignment between the black hole and the disk is relatively small and the precession period is around 11 years, accumulating high-resolution data tracing M87's structure over two decades and thorough analysis are essential to obtain this achievement."</p>



<p>"After the success of black hole imaging in this galaxy with the EHT, whether this black hole is spinning or not has been a central concern among scientists," added Dr. Kazuhiro Hada from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. "Now anticipation has turned into certainty. This monster black hole is indeed spinning."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-significance">Historical significance</h2>



<p>M87 holds historical significance in the field of astronomy as it was where the first observational astrophysical jet was identified in 1918.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Due to its relative proximity to Earth, scientists have been able to study the jet formation regions near its black hole in intricate detail using Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI).&nbsp;</p>



<p>This technique was crucial in obtaining high-resolution data, such as the recent black hole shadow images captured with the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spinning-black-holes">Spinning black holes</h2>



<p>Supermassive black holes, like the one in M87, are recognized as disruptive celestial bodies, with the ability to accrete massive amounts of material and generate powerful plasma outflows, or jets.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These jets travel at speeds approaching that of light, extending thousands of light-years into space.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The spin of the black holes plays a crucial role in this process, extracting energy from the black hole itself, thus propelling surrounding material outwards with significant energy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frame-dragging-nbsp">Frame-dragging&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This spin also induces a significant impact on the surrounding spacetime, dragging nearby objects along its axis of rotation, a phenomenon known as "frame-dragging."&nbsp;</p>



<p>This effect, predicted by Einstein’s theory, contributes to the precessional motion of the jet, providing irrefutable evidence of the black hole’s spin.</p>



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



<p>Over 20 telescopes worldwide participated in the study, with contributions from China's Tianma 65-meter and Xinjiang 26-meter radio telescopes, known for their high sensitivity and angular resolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Future contributions are expected from the Shigatse 40-meter radio telescope, currently under construction by the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, promising enhanced imaging capabilities due to its location on the Tibetan Plateau, an optimal site for sub-millimeter wavelength observations.</p>



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



<p>While providing valuable insights, the research also leaves some questions unanswered, including uncertainties regarding the accretion disk’s structure and the exact value of the M87 black hole’s spin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scientists expect to discover more sources with similar configurations, presenting an opportunity to improve our understanding of supermassive black holes.</p>



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



<p>Black holes, perhaps the most enigmatic entities in our universe, defy the boundaries of our understanding of physics and time. Born from the remnants of massive stars, they cloak themselves in a shroud of mystery and fascination, compelling scientists to incessantly unveil their secrets.</p>



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



<p>Stars that possess about 20 times the mass of our Sun experience a dramatic demise, leading to the birth of black holes. When these stars exhaust their nuclear fuel, they can no longer support the gravitational forces pressing inward, causing them to collapse in a spectacular explosion known as a supernova. </p>



<p>What remains is a core where gravity pulls everything into a single point known as a singularity, around which a boundary called the event horizon forms. Once an object crosses this threshold, escape becomes impossible, even for light, thus rendering the black hole invisible against the cosmic backdrop.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-black-holes">Types of black holes</h3>



<p>Scientists categorize black holes into three primary types: stellar, supermassive, and intermediate. Stellar black holes result from the gravitational collapse of massive stars and typically possess up to 20 times the mass of the Sun. </p>



<p>Supermassive black holes, lurking at the centers of galaxies, including our Milky Way, boast masses equivalent to millions or billions of suns. The existence of intermediate black holes, with masses between those of stellar and supermassive black holes, remains a subject of ongoing research and discussion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accretion-disk-and-hawking-radiation">Accretion disk and hawking radiation</h2>



<p>Black holes draw nearby matter into a swirling accretion disk, where intense gravitational forces heat the material, causing it to emit X-rays and other forms of radiation. This emission allows scientists to observe and study black holes indirectly.</p>



<p>The concept of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-black-hole-creates-a-trail-of-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawking Radiation</a>, proposed by physicist Stephen Hawking, suggests that black holes can also emit particles due to quantum mechanical effects near the event horizon, leading to a slow loss of mass and energy. This phenomenon implies that given enough time, black holes could eventually evaporate completely.</p>



<p>The relentless pursuit of knowledge by astronomers and physicists promises to uncover more layers of the mysteries enshrouded by black holes, gradually assembling the pieces of the cosmic puzzle and enriching our comprehension of the universe’s intricate tapestry.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Yuzhu Cui et al. 2023, Intouchable Lab@Openverse and Zhejiang Lab</p>



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First direct proof that monster black hole is spinning

A recent study led by Dr. CUI Yuzhu has confirmed...

<p>Recent research indicates that even short-term exposure to air pollution could significantly increase the risk of stroke.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This revelation comes from a comprehensive meta-analysis published by the <a href="https://www.aan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Neurology</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-term-exposure-nbsp">Short-term exposure&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study defines "short-term exposure" as any exposure occurring within five days prior to the stroke event.</p>



<p>“Previous research has established a connection between long-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of stroke. However, the correlation between short-term exposure to air pollution and stroke had been less clear," said study lead author Dr. Ahmad Toubasi from the <a href="https://www.ju.edu.jo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Jordan</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"For our study, instead of looking at weeks or months of exposure, we looked at just five days and found a link between short-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of stroke.”</p>



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



<p>The experts reviewed 110 distinct studies, which collectively involved more than 18 million stroke cases. Key <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/specific-air-pollutants-linked-to-asthma-attacks-in-urban-children/">pollutants</a> such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide were the primary focus.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, the researchers investigated the different sizes of particulate matter present in the air. This included PM1, particles that are less than 1 micron (μm) in diameter; PM2.5, minute inhalable particles emanating from vehicle exhaust, industrial fuel burning, and natural fires; and PM10, which captures dust from roads and construction sites.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-stroke-risks">Increased stroke risks</h2>



<p>The results of the study showed that exposure to elevated concentrations of these pollutants was directly associated with an increased stroke risk.</p>



<ul>
<li>Nitrogen dioxide: 28% increased risk</li>



<li>Ozone: 5% increased risk</li>



<li>Carbon monoxide: 26% increased risk</li>



<li>Sulfur dioxide: 15% increased risk</li>



<li>PM1: 9% increased risk</li>



<li>PM2.5: 15% increased risk</li>



<li>PM10: 14% increased risk</li>
</ul>



<p>These pollutants were also associated with a higher risk of death from stroke, with nitrogen dioxide leading to a 33% increased risk and sulfur dioxide resulting in a 60% increase.</p>



<p>“There is a strong and significant association between air pollution and the occurrence of stroke as well as death from stroke within five days of exposure," said Dr. Toubasi.</p>



<p>"This highlights the importance of global efforts to create policies that reduce air pollution. Doing so may reduce the number of strokes and their consequences.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-and-cardiovascular-health">Air pollution and cardiovascular health</h2>



<p>Air pollution is known to have extremely detrimental impacts on health, particularly the cardiovascular system.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-attacks">Heart attacks</h3>



<p>Air pollution is associated with a higher incidence of heart attacks. Particulate matter and toxic gases in polluted air can accelerate the formation of plaque in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attacks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stroke">Stroke</h3>



<p>As found in the meta-analysis published in Neurology®, short-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of strokes. The pollutants can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to changes in the arteries that supply blood to the brain.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hypertension">Hypertension</h3>



<p>Studies have shown that exposure to air pollution can result in elevated blood pressure levels. Pollutants may cause the blood vessels to constrict, leading to hypertension, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-failure">Heart failure</h3>



<p>There is evidence that air pollution can exacerbate heart failure, where the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should. The pollutants can lead to inflammation, affecting the heart’s functionality and worsening pre-existing conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arrhythmias">Arrhythmias</h3>



<p>Exposure to air pollution has been linked with irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Particulates and other pollutants can affect the heart's electrical activity, leading to arrhythmias, which can be dangerous if not managed.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-vein-thrombosis">Deep vein thrombosis</h3>



<p>Research has found correlations between exposure to high levels of air pollution and an increased risk of developing DVT, a condition where blood clots form in veins deep in the body, usually in the legs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-effects">Long-term effects</h3>



<p>Chronic exposure to air pollution over the years can lead to persistent inflammation and stress on the cardiovascular system, resulting in long-term damage and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.</p>



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Short-term exposure to air pollution increases stroke risk

Recent research indicates that even short-term exposure to air pollution...

<p>Hundred-year storms on Earth? On Saturn, that's how long megastorms last, according to a new report from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>.</p>



<p>Jupiter's iconic Great Red Spot is a megastorm that spans 10,000 miles in width and has been raging for at least 342 years, according to NASA. It is the largest known storm in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-earth-like-planet-may-be-hiding-just-beyond-neptune/">solar system</a>. </p>



<p>In a new study, experts have revealed that Saturn - despite its unassuming appearance - also experiences lingering megastorms that leave marks on its atmosphere for centuries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-saturn-s-megastorms">Studying Saturn's megastorms</h2>



<p>The research, conducted by astronomers from <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Berkeley</a> and the University of Michigan, was focused on radio emissions from Saturn, which come from below the surface. The results unveiled long-term disruptions in the distribution of ammonia gas.</p>



<p>The phenomenon of megastorms on Saturn, which arise roughly every two to three decades, bears a resemblance to Earth's hurricanes in terms of their cyclonic nature, but on a massively amplified scale.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Curiously, the driving force behind Saturn's <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Saturn_northern-storm_cassini_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">megastorms</a> is a mystery. What is understood, however, is that Saturn's atmosphere is dominantly composed of hydrogen and helium, with smaller quantities of methane, water, and ammonia.</p>



<p>Imke de Pater of UC Berkeley has invested over four decades in studying gas giants. The focus of his research is to better understand the composition of these planets and what makes them unique, using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array to probe the radio emissions from deep inside the planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-perspective-nbsp">A new perspective&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study lead author Cheng Li noted that the latest findings from Saturn offer a profound perspective.</p>



<p>"Understanding the mechanisms of the largest storms in the solar system puts the theory of hurricanes into a broader cosmic context, challenging our current knowledge and pushing the boundaries of terrestrial meteorology," said Li.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"At radio wavelengths, we probe below the visible cloud layers on giant planets. Radio observations help characterize dynamical, physical and chemical processes."</p>



<p>The researchers found something very unexpected in the radio emissions from Saturn - anomalies in the concentration of ammonia gas in the planet's atmosphere. The experts connected these abnormalities to past occurrences of megastorms in the planet's northern hemisphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conclusions-about-saturn-s-megastorms">Conclusions about Saturn's megastorms </h2>



<p>The team's observations reveal that while ammonia concentrations dip at mid-altitudes, they show an enriching trend at lower altitudes, ranging from 100 to 200 kilometers further down.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This shift in ammonia distribution is believed to be the result of precipitation followed by evaporation processes - effects that can persist for centuries.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://science.nrao.edu/facilities/vla" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array</a>, part of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, is a prized facility under the U.S. National Science Foundation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-saturn">Mysteries of Saturn</h2>



<p>Many other mysteries of the fascinating planet Saturn still await exploration and understanding by scientists.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hexagon-storm-on-the-north-pole">Hexagon storm on the north pole</h3>



<p>Saturn's north pole hosts a hexagon-shaped storm that has been persistent for decades, if not longer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Each side of the hexagon is approximately 13,800 kilometers (8,600 miles) long. Scientists are uncertain how such a geometrically precise structure can maintain its shape for such a long period.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rotational-period">Rotational period</h3>



<p>Determining Saturn's exact rotational period has proven difficult. This is primarily because the planet is a gas giant, and different latitudes can rotate at different speeds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Voyager spacecraft measurements indicated a period of about 10 hours and 39 minutes, but later measurements from the Cassini spacecraft were inconsistent with these findings.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interior-composition">Interior composition</h3>



<p>Though it's known that Saturn is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, the exact distribution and state of these elements in its interior are not fully understood.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The core's composition and the transition between the core and the outer envelope are subjects of ongoing study.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saturn-s-rings">Saturn’s rings</h3>



<p>Astronomers still debate the origin and age of Saturn’s rings. Some believe the rings are as old as the Solar System, while others think they may have formed more recently. Scientists also do not fully understand the processes that govern their dynamics, stability, and longevity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-field">Magnetic field</h3>



<p>The magnetic field of Saturn is unusual because it aligns almost perfectly with the planet's rotation axis. The mechanisms that generate and maintain this magnetic field, as well as its alignment, are still unknown.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moons-influence">Moons’ influence</h3>



<p>Saturn has <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-now-leads-the-solar-system-moon-race-with-145/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">145 known moons</a>, and each may have an intricate relationship with the planet and its rings. The interaction between the moons, rings, and the planet itself is complex and not yet fully explained.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-titan-s-methane-lakes">Titan's methane lakes</h3>



<p>Titan, one of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-new-image-of-saturns-rings-and-several-moons-captured-by-jwst/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moons</a>, has liquid methane lakes and rivers. The processes that cycle methane in the form of rain, rivers, and lakes - comparable to Earth's water cycle - are intriguing and still under investigation.</p>



<p>---</p>



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Megastorms on Saturn rage for centuries and leave marks

Hundred-year storms on Earth? On Saturn, that's how long megastorms...

<p>A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> has revealed a new kind of earthquake threat to the Pacific Northwest. The examination of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-rings-reveal-the-shocking-extent-of-arctic-air-pollution/">tree rings</a> helped the researchers pinpoint a significant seismic event in the Puget Lowlands in western Washington around late A.D. 923 or early 924.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastating-seismic-activity">Devastating seismic activity</h2>



<p>The team discovered that similar shallow faults, located less than 18 miles beneath the surface, ruptured approximately 1,000 years ago, mirroring the recent earthquakes that devastated the Turkey-Syria border.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria was followed by one nearly as large nine hours later. Shallow faults less than 18 miles beneath the surface buckled. The violent earthquakes leveled thousands of buildings and killed more than 50,000 people.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthquake-threat">Earthquake threat</h2>



<p>The new earthquake threat that has been uncovered by the Arizona team poses a significant risk to over 4 million residents across the Pacific Northwest, including major cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers noted that the ancient quake in this region could have either been a solitary event with an estimated magnitude of 7.8 or a sequence of twin quakes occurring consecutively, with magnitudes of about 7.5 and 7.3.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linked-faulting">Linked faulting</h2>



<p>One of the striking revelations of the study was the interconnectedness of the shallow faults. According to study first author Professor Bryan Black, these events on shallow faults are intricately linked, either through subterranean connections or through the transference of stress from one fault to another.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Regional hazard models, used to develop engineering design and policies, don't currently reflect the possibility of this earthquake threat - but should, said Professor Black.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shallow-faults">Shallow faults</h2>



<p>Scientists have been finding shallow faults in the region since the 1960s, when the Seattle Fault was first discovered, followed by the Saddle Mountain Fault, which runs along the eastern foothills of the Olympic Mountains, and the Tacoma and Olympia faults.</p>



<p>"These are four shallow faults that had shown evidence of having ruptured roughly 1,000 years ago in a cluster of earthquakes called the millennial cluster," Black said. "A 25-foot cliff was thrusted into the air from west Seattle out to Puget Sound. It also triggered a local tsunami and landslides that stripped mountainsides of whole forests and discarded them into nearby lakes Washington and Sammamish."</p>



<p>Prior to this study, it was not known when and how these faults last gave out. "These quakes could have ruptured at the same time, hours apart or centuries apart," said Black. "We weren't sure."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synchronous-timing-of-death">Synchronous timing of death</h2>



<p>To investigate, the researchers explored the Pacific Northwest’s rugged terrain, collecting samples from tree stumps that perished during previous seismic activities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team utilized underwater chainsaws, powered by generators placed on makeshift barges, to extract samples from trees that died during the millennial cluster of earthquakes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts compared the growth patterns of these ancient trees with those still living, discovering a synchronicity in the time of death across trees situated along different fault lines.</p>



<p>The tree deaths, occurring during their dormant season, provided crucial insight into the timing of the ancient seismic events, narrowed down to late fall through early spring of late 923 to early 924.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hazardous-conditions-nbsp">Hazardous conditions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Combined, the evidence showed us that these trees from across the region died together, and this was in fact a linked event," said Black.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We've taken uncertainties around these two faults that used to span decades or centuries and narrowed it down to within one season. It's a much different scenario if we have earthquakes on these two faults separated by 100 years versus 100 hours."</p>



<p>"Demonstrating that these faults can rupture synchronously or in very rapid succession has really changed what we understand about the hazard in the region."</p>



<p>However, current hazard models don't currently recognize that linked faulting is possible, he said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-succession-nbsp">Rapid succession&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"If Saddle Mountain and Seattle faults went together it would be on par with the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco," Black said. "Or, like the quakes in Turkey, they can also go at rapid succession."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"If that were the case, the infrastructure and landforms already weakened by one quake are then going to get the knockout punch with a second quake. It will still be quite destructive: thrusting up water mains, severing roads, triggering landslides and local tsunamis."</p>



<p>Luckily, he said, the bigger and more severe the quake, the less frequent it is. Earthquakes of this size are relatively uncommon.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adh4973"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Violent earthquake threat in the Pacific Northwest revealed in tree rings

A recent study led by the University of Arizona has...

<p>A new study suggests that male zebra finches prioritize winning a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-zebra-finches-choose-mates-based-on-their-dialects/">mate</a> above all other tasks, and that these intentions are reflected in dopamine-releasing brain cells.</p>



<p>The researchers found that the presence of a potential mate causes the males to drop what they are doing immediately shift their focus.</p>



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



<p>A male zebra finch is often engrossed in a task like finding water or refining the song taught to him by his father. The study shows that these activities quickly take a backseat the moment he perceives the proximity of a female.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study was co-authored by Dr. Vikram Gadagkar, a lead investigator at Columbia’s <a href="https://zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zuckerman Institute</a>, and graduate student Andrea Roeser of Cornell University..</p>



<p>“The males stop worrying about anything else and, for the first time, we have found signs of that re-prioritization in the behavior of specific brain cells,” said Dr. Gadagkar.</p>



<p>“Our findings could help explain what our brains are doing when they shift gears as different opportunities arise and as our priorities change."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dopamine-signals-nbsp">Dopamine signals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Historically, Dr. Gadagkar and his team have been tracking male zebra finches as they practiced their songs to serenade females.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found that when a bird made a mistake while rehearsing, there was a notable decline in the dopamine - a chemical signal generated by particular brain cells.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Dopamine seems to function as an internal error signal, helping the bird to realize that it has made a blunder and did not quite replicate the song it had memorized,” said Dr. Gadagkar.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Previously, the researchers had found that when birds get the song right, dopamine production is boosted and acts as an internal reward signal for their good performance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For the current study, the researchers measured variations in dopamine in situations where a bird must choose between several objectives such as practicing its song, finding water, or pursuing a mate.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-track-mind">One-track mind</h2>



<p>The experts discovered that the dopamine error signals, which previously played a role in tasks like finding water or practicing songs, were notably muted when courtship was in the picture.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition, the dopamine reward signal was amplified when the bird's song succeeded in fetching return calls from a female.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-evaluation-system-nbsp">Self-evaluation system&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We think this is the first demonstration of a socially driven shift of dopaminergic error signals,” said Dr. Gadagkar.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The big idea here is that your self-evaluation system, which you're using to learn when you're practicing, might be dialed down or switched off when you're performing and your dopamine system instead becomes primed to receiving social feedback.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<br></p>



<p>“A big question for us now is whether these systems may be widely at play when it comes to learning many kinds of behaviors, including speaking, singing, playing an instrument and all kinds of behaviors where learning depends on internal self evaluations."</p>



<p>“Now I want to know if this same circuitry might be much more general-purpose than anyone previously had thought.”&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Zebra finches, native to the Central Australian grasslands, exhibit unique and fascinating courtship behaviors which are integral for mate selection and bonding.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-male-initiation">Male initiation</h3>



<p>Male zebra finches typically initiate the courtship process. During this phase, the males showcase their vitality and genetic fitness to attract potential female partners. They employ a combination of visual and auditory displays, including brightly colored feathers, dynamic dances, and melodic songs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-courtship-song">Courtship song</h3>



<p>One of the most distinctive elements in their courtship is the male's song. Each male zebra finch develops a unique song during their juvenile stage, primarily learned from their fathers or other adult males within the vicinity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The courtship song is more complex and structured compared to their regular communication chirps. Males sing to attract females, with each song being distinctive, allowing the females to identify and choose their preferred mates.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dance-display">Dance display</h3>



<p>Apart from singing, male zebra finches also engage in a dance display. They puff up their chests, flutter their wings, and hop around to garner attention from the females.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This dance, paired with their vibrant songs, creates a comprehensive display designed to entice and woo potential mates.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-female-selection">Female selection</h3>



<p>Female zebra finches play a critical role in mate selection. They evaluate the males based on their songs and displays, choosing a partner whose traits are most appealing or suitable for producing offspring.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Females may consider the complexity, volume, and pitch of the male's song, as well as their overall health and vigor, before making a selection.</p>



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



<p>Once a female selects a mate, the pair forms a strong bond, often mating for life. This bond is reinforced through mutual grooming, feeding, and coordinated activities. The strong partnership ensures collaborative efforts in building nests, incubating eggs, and raising their offspring.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nesting-behavior">Nesting behavior</h3>



<p>After the courtship and bonding, the pair engage in nesting behaviors. Male zebra finches actively participate in nest-building, collecting materials like twigs and feathers to construct a safe and comfortable environment for their eggs and future chicks.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06580-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Love on the brain: Male zebra finches drop everything to pursue a mate

A new study suggests that male zebra finches prioritize winning...

<p>A recent study conducted by researchers at <a href="https://www.augusta.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Augusta University</a> reveals that maintaining a consistent sleep routine not only supports overall health but also plays a crucial role in slowing down the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-boost-healthy-aging-during-global-warming/">aging</a> process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vital-role-of-sleep">The vital role of sleep</h2>



<p>Sleep helps in cognitive processes such as thinking, concentrating, and processing information. Adequate sleep aids in improving memory and problem-solving skills.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, it plays a pivotal role in mood regulation; insufficient sleep can lead to mood swings and even mental health disorders like depression.</p>



<p>The new research shows that a consistent sleep schedule can help us live a longer, healthier life by slowing down the aging process at a cellular level.</p>



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



<p>The team analyzed the sleep patterns of over 6,000 participants with an average age of 50 using data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The participants wore sleep trackers for a duration of 4-7 days, providing valuable data on sleep duration, variability, and regularity, as well as information on catch-up sleep and social jet lag.</p>



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



<p>Through careful analysis of the participants' blood samples, the researchers estimated their biological ages. These samples indicated signs of various health factors, including liver and kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol levels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The participants also answered queries related to their lifestyle, including their health, weight, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and physical activity.</p>



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



<p>The study revealed that approximately 65% of participants slept for 7 to 9 hours nightly. In addition, 16% slept under 7 hours, while 19% slept over 9 hours.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On average, the participants' bed time changed by 60 minutes each night, while they got an extra 78 minutes of sleep on the weekend.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-age">Biological age</h2>



<p>A significant finding was the correlation between the participants' biological age and their sleep patterns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Individuals exhibiting substantial differences in bedtime and sleep duration during weekdays and weekends had the highest biological age.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conversely, those with a flexible sleep schedule were found to have a biological age roughly nine months older than consistent sleepers.</p>



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



<p>The researchers suggest that deviations in our internal body clock likely interrupt the core mechanisms that govern biological aging.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The data implies that irregular sleep schedules may accelerate cellular aging, increasing our susceptibility to age-related diseases and even earlier death.</p>



<p>However, the research is in its initial stages, and further studies are needed to explore the&nbsp; relationship between sleep and the body’s internal clock. This could improve our understanding of how sleep influences the rate of biological aging.</p>



<p>"In this study, we found that day-to-day deviations in sleep parameters are independently associated with biological aging in US general population," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Since day-to-day deviation in sleep is a modifiable behavioral factor, our finding suggests that intervention aiming at increasing regularity in sleep patterns may be a novel approach for extending a healthy life span."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-benefits-of-sleep">Health benefits of sleep</h2>



<p>Sleep plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. During sleep, the body works to repair heart and blood vessels, heal damaged tissues, and boost muscle mass.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hormones">Hormones</h3>



<p>Sleep also helps maintain a healthy balance of hormones, including those that regulate stress, growth, and appetite.</p>



<p>Deep sleep triggers the release of hormones that promote normal growth, boost muscle mass, and help repair cells and tissues.</p>



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



<p>Adequate sleep supports the immune system, aiding in the prevention of common illnesses.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-reduction">Stress reduction</h3>



<p>Sleep reduces stress levels and lowers the production of stress hormones, promoting emotional and mental resilience.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mood-regulation">Mood regulation</h3>



<p>Consistent sleep helps prevent mood swings and decreases the risk of developing disorders like depression and anxiety.</p>



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



<p>Sleep enhances cognitive processes such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and creativity.</p>



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Consistent sleep slows down aging at a cellular level

A recent study conducted by researchers at Augusta University reveals...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



<p></p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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