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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic less than 5mm in size, have become a ubiquitous environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/specific-air-pollutants-linked-to-asthma-attacks-in-urban-children/">pollutant</a>, infiltrating air, water, and food chains globally. While the pervasive nature of microplastics and their detrimental effects on marine organisms are well-documented, there has been limited research on the health impacts of microplastic exposure in mammals. 



A team of experts led by Professor Jaime Ross at the <a href="https://www.uri.edu/">University of Rhode Island</a> set out to investigate the potential health consequences of microplastic exposure on mammals.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The study specifically focused on neurobehavioral effects, inflammatory responses, and tissue accumulation. 



The results suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic</a> exposure in mammals, including humans, is a serious health concern. Among other complications, the researchers found a potential link to Alzheimer's disease.



Ross and her research team exposed both young and old mice to varying levels of microplastics in their drinking water over a three-week period.&nbsp;



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



The experts found that exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-embedded-in-tissues-of-whales-and-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> led to both behavioral changes and alterations in immune markers in the liver and brain tissues of the test subjects. Strikingly, the study mice began to exhibit behaviors akin to dementia in humans, with the effects being more profound in older animals.



“Current research suggests that these microplastics are transported throughout the environment and can accumulate in human tissues; however, research on the health effects of microplastics, especially in mammals, is still very limited,” said Professor Ross.&nbsp;



“This has led our group to explore the biological and cognitive consequences of exposure to microplastics.”



<h2 id="h-behavioral-changes">Behavioral changes&nbsp;</h2>



The study showed that the infiltration of microplastics was as widespread in the body as it is in the environment. Surprisingly, this linked directly to behavioral changes, particularly in older test subjects.



“To us, this was striking. These were not high doses of microplastics, but in only a short period of time, we saw these changes,” said Ross.&nbsp;



“Nobody really understands the life cycle of these microplastics in the body, so part of what we want to address is the question of what happens as you get older. Are you more susceptible to systemic inflammation from these microplastics as you age? Can your body get rid of them as easily? Do your cells respond differently to these toxins?”



<h2 id="h-microplastics-found-in-every-organ">Microplastics found in every organ</h2>



To answer these questions and understand the physiological systems contributed to the observed behavioral changes, the researchers dissected several major tissues. They included the brain, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, heart, spleen, and lungs. 



Alarmingly, the team found that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-uncover-microplastics-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic</a> particles had begun to bioaccumulate in every organ, as well as in bodily waste.



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The implications of this study are significant, as they suggest that microplastic exposure may induce behavioral changes and immune system alterations. These changes possibly contribute to the development of conditions like Alzheimer's disease. 



Researchers need to conduct more research to fully understand the long-term effects of microplastic exposure and their lifecycle within the body. This study highlights the urgent need for further investigation into the potential health impacts of microplastics on humans and other mammals.



<h2 id="h-crossing-the-blood-brain-barrier">Crossing the blood brain barrier&nbsp;</h2>



"Given that in this study the microplastics were delivered orally via drinking water, detection in tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract, which is a major part of the digestive system, or in the liver and kidneys was always probable,” said Ross.&nbsp;



“The detection of microplastics in tissues such as the heart and lungs, however, suggests that the microplastics are going beyond the digestive system and likely undergoing systemic circulation."



"The brain blood barrier is supposed to be very difficult to permeate. It is a protective mechanism against viruses and bacteria, yet these particles were able to get in there. It was actually deep in the brain tissue.”



<h2 id="h-future-research">Future research&nbsp;</h2>



Brain infiltration also may cause a decrease in glial fibrillary acidic protein (called “GFAP”), a protein that supports many cell processes in the brain, results have shown.&nbsp;



“A decrease in GFAP has been associated with early stages of some neurodegenerative diseases, including mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as depression,” Ross said. “We were very surprised to see that the microplastics could induce altered GFAP signaling.”



Ross said that in future research, her team wants to understand how plastics may change the ability for the brain to maintain its homeostasis or how exposure may lead to neurological disorders and diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512308">International Journal of Molecular Science</a>. 



<h2>More about microplastic exposure</h2>



Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have become a growing concern due to their widespread presence in the environment and potential health impacts on humans and animals. They can originate from various sources. These include the breakdown of larger plastic items, microbeads in personal care products, and synthetic fibers shed from clothing during washing.



Researchers are still actively studying the health impact of microplastic exposure, and they have yet to make definitive conclusions. However, we outline some potential health impacts and areas of concern below.



<h3>Physical impact</h3>



Once ingested, microplastics can accumulate and possibly lead to physical harm. For example, in marine organisms, there is evidence that microplastics can block digestive tracts or alter feeding behavior by creating a false sense of fullness.



<h3>Chemical impact</h3>



Microplastics can absorb and carry organic pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). If ingested by humans or animals, there's a potential for these toxic chemicals to be released and cause harm.



<h3>Biochemical impact</h3>



Some studies suggest that microplastics can cause inflammation, stress, and alter physiological processes in marine animals. The degree to which this translates to human health is still under investigation.



<h3>Endocrine disruption</h3>



Plastics often contain additives like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). When ingested, these can act as endocrine disruptors. These are chemicals that interfere with the body's endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects.



<h3>Vector for pathogens</h3>



Microplastics can serve as vectors for pathogenic bacteria. While the significance of this in terms of human health impact is not yet clear, there's a potential concern about the spread of harmful bacteria in environments where microplastics are prevalent.



<h3>Impact on food chain</h3>



A wide range of marine life, from small zooplankton to larger fish, ingests microplastics. Humans consume these organisms directly or indirectly. This leads to a potential for bioaccumulation of microplastics and associated pollutants in the food chain.



<h3>Uncertain long-term effects</h3>



The long-term effects of chronic exposure to microplastics, especially at low levels, are still unknown. Research on this topic is ongoing.



It's important to note that we find microplastics almost everywhere, including in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. However, the actual concentration and exposure levels vary. Additionally, the human body might excrete many of the microplastics ingested. However, the efficiency and implications of this process are still under study.



Given the potential risks, many countries have taken steps to reduce microplastic pollution, such as banning microbeads in personal care products. Nonetheless, given the ubiquity of plastic in modern life, microplastic pollution is a complex issue that requires multidimensional solutions.



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Microplastic exposure linked to changes in behavior and brain alteration

Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic less than 5mm in size,...

Scientists at the <a href="https://www.cshl.edu/">Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory</a> (CSHL) have identified the mechanism by which plants pass down genetic memories to their offspring. This discovery has significant implications for agriculture, food supplies, and the environment.&nbsp;



The research, conducted by CSHL Professors Rob Martienssen and Leemor Joshua-Tor, was focused on the transmission of chemical markers that guide cells on how to use the genetic code embedded in DNA. This phenomenon, known as epigenetic inheritance, is especially prevalent in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-pass-down-memories-to-help-offspring-survive/">plants</a>.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



Martienssen and Joshua-Tor investigated how plants transmit markers that inhibit the activity of transposons, also known as "jumping genes."



When activated, transposons can relocate and interfere with other genes. To prevent this and safeguard the genome, cells attach regulatory markers to specific DNA sites, a process known as methylation.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-making-room-for-genetic-memories">Making room for genetic memories&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers have revealed how the protein DDM1 facilitates the enzyme responsible for placing these markers on new DNA strands.



Plant cells require DDM1 to access their DNA, which is densely packed around packing proteins called histones to maintain a compact and organized genome.&nbsp;



“But that blocks access to the DNA for all sorts of important enzymes,” Martienssen noted. For methylation to take place, “you have to remove or slide the histones out of the way.”



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



DDM1 was first identified by Martienssen and former CSHL colleague Eric Richards three decades ago. Since then, it has been found to slide DNA along its packing proteins, thereby exposing sites that need methylation.&nbsp;



Martienssen compared this movement to a yo-yo gliding along a string, with the histones “moving up and down the DNA, exposing parts of the DNA at a time, but never falling off.”



Using genetic and biochemical experiments, Martienssen identified the specific histones displaced by DDM1. Meanwhile, Joshua-Tor employed cryo-electron microscopy to capture detailed images of the enzyme interacting with DNA and associated packing proteins.&nbsp;



This allowed the researchers to observe how DDM1 latches onto particular histones to remodel packaged DNA.&nbsp;



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



“An unexpected bond that ties DDM1 together turned out to correspond to the first mutation found all those years ago,” Joshua-Tor remarked.



Moreover, the experiments uncovered how DDM1's preference for certain histones preserves epigenetic controls across generations.&nbsp;



The researchers demonstrated that a specific histone, found only in pollen, resists DDM1 and serves as a placeholder during cell division.&nbsp;



“It remembers where the histone was during plant development and retains that memory into the next generation,” explained Martienssen.



This discovery has far-reaching implications beyond the plant kingdom. Humans also rely on proteins similar to DDM1 to maintain DNA methylation, suggesting that this new insight may shed light on how these proteins preserve the functionality and integrity of our genomes.



<h2 id="h-more-about-genetic-memories">More about genetic memories&nbsp;</h2>



The creation of "genetic memories" involves the transmission of information from one generation to another that is not coded in the DNA sequence itself. Instead, it refers to the inheritance of traits or characteristics that are transmitted through epigenetic markers.&nbsp;



Epigenetics involves changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype that do not involve alterations of the underlying DNA sequence.



<h3 id="h-epigenetic-markers">Epigenetic markers</h3>



In the context of the study, genetic memories are forged through the transmission of epigenetic markers that guide cells on how to use the DNA code. These markers are crucial for the regulation of genes and the maintenance of the genome.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-jumping-genes">Jumping genes</h3>



Specifically, the study conducted by Martienssen and Joshua-Tor investigated how plants transmit markers that keep transposons, or 'jumping genes,' inactive. Transposons can move around the genome and disrupt other genes, so it is essential to silence them to protect the genome.



<h3 id="h-ddm1">DDM1</h3>



The researchers found that a protein called DDM1 plays a critical role in this process by making way for the enzyme that places regulatory markers (methylation) on new DNA strands.&nbsp;



This process is complicated by the fact that the DNA in plant cells is tightly packaged around proteins called histones. DDM1 helps by sliding the DNA along its packing proteins to expose the sites that need methylation.



Interestingly, the study also revealed that a specific histone found only in pollen resists DDM1 and acts as a placeholder during cell division, thus preserving epigenetic controls across generations.&nbsp;



This finding suggests a mechanism by which plants "remember" where certain histones were during development and retain that memory into the next generation.



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Genetic memories: How plants pass down information across generations

Scientists at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) have identified...

A recent <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10112860/">study</a> published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety and on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website suggests that wearing N95 Covid masks, specifically KF94 medical masks, may expose individuals to a dangerous level of toxic volatile organic compounds (TVOCs).&nbsp;



Researchers from <a href="https://www.jbnu.ac.kr/eng/">Jeonbuk National University</a> in South Korea analyzed two types of disposable medical-grade masks and several reusable cotton masks. They found that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-so-green-hidden-chemicals-found-in-paper-straws/">chemicals</a> released by these masks had eight times the recommended safety limit of TVOCs.



"An increase in the concentration of environmental particulate matter and the spread of the COVID-19 virus have dramatically increased our time spent wearing masks. If harmful chemicals are released from these masks, there may be harmful effects on human health," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-tvoc-exposure">TVOC exposure&nbsp;</h2>



Exposure to TVOCs has been associated with health issues like headaches and nausea, and prolonged and repeated exposure has been linked to organ damage and even cancer. "It is clear that particular attention must be paid to the VOCs associated with the use of KF94 [medical] masks and their effects on human health," the researchers stated.&nbsp;



However, they also noted that "exposure can be significantly reduced if a mask is opened and left to sit for at least 30 minutes," suggesting that the packaging of these masks could play a role in the chemical levels they contain.



<h2 id="h-limitations">Limitations</h2>



The study did not measure the effects of people actually wearing the masks, leading Dr. Stuart Fischer, an internal medicine physician in New York, to caution against drawing strong conclusions from the study.&nbsp;



Dr. Fischer told DailyMail.com that there is increasing evidence showing the drawbacks of mask-wearing, and "there seems to be diminishing returns on the need for masks."



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



TVOCs are a large group of odorous chemicals released by cleaning and beauty products, burning fuel, cooking, aerosol sprays, disinfectants, moth repellents, air fresheners, automotive products, building materials, office equipment, permanent markers, correction fluids, carbonless copy paper, and craft materials including glues and adhesives.&nbsp;



These chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, cause difficulty breathing and nausea, and damage the central nervous system and organs like the liver, according to the American Lung Association (ALA). Some are even considered human carcinogens.



For the investigation, 14 disposable and cloth masks purchased online were tested for TVOCs. The disposable masks were KFAD and KF94 models made from thermoplastics polypropylene and polyurethane nylon, popular in South Korea, whereas KN95s are more popular in the US.&nbsp;



The cloth masks were made from cotton, ramie (a vegetable fiber), and polyurethane.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



The researchers found that the disposable masks contained up to 14 times the TVOCs contained in cotton masks, exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended limit of 0.5 parts per million in indoor air.



The experts specifically flagged the chemicals dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and dimethylformamide (DMF) for being linked to liver and reproductive damage. They acknowledged that the sample size was small and that they did not test several other popular disposable masks like KN95s.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The study builds off previous research suggesting that mask-wearing could cause more harm than good, including a study by the Cochrane Institute that suggested face masks made "little to no difference" in Covid infections and deaths.



Dr. Fischer told Daily Mail that "it is indeed possible that certain masks have side effects, just as certain helpful medications (anti-histamines, psychotropic drugs, antibiotics) have side effects. Almost everything in healthcare has a benefit/side effect profile."&nbsp;



Dr. Fischer emphasized the need for policies that do not fracture society while providing minimal protection as Covid is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.



<h2 id="h-covid-variant-ba-2-86">Covid variant BA.2.86</h2>



The study's findings may have new relevance as the Covid variant BA.2.86 spreads, potentially dodging the body's immune defenses from prior infections or vaccinations.&nbsp;



Authorities consider BA.2.86 part of the Omicron variant family, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated this could change if the strain spreads more widely.&nbsp;



With Covid cases climbing in the US and businesses and schools reinstating mask mandates, the study's findings could make mask mandates ineffective.&nbsp;



"I think following the general recommendations might be helpful, but it's not clear yet if we need the sweeping edicts of three years ago," Dr. Fischer told Daily Mail.



"Extreme fears about the lethality of Covid may have led to decisions that were counterproductive."



"Covid won't be going away for a long time, if ever. We desperately need policies that do not fracture our society while providing minimal protection."



The NIH said: "Inclusion in an NLM database does not imply endorsement of, or agreement with, the contents by NLM or the National Institutes of Health."



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Covid masks may expose users to harmful chemicals

A recent study published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental...

Researchers at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/">Ohio State University</a> (OSU) have found that white-tailed deer are reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2 viruses.



The experts report that a significant number of white-tailed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-shows-deer-can-transmit-covid-for-up-to-five-days/">deer</a> across Ohio have been infected with SARS-Cov-2 and that viral variants evolve about three times faster in deer than in humans.&nbsp;



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



Between November 2021 and March 2022, the researchers collected 1,522 nasal swaps from free-ranging deer in 83 of Ohio’s 88 counties and tested them for the virus causing COVID-19.&nbsp;



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



The analysis revealed that over 10 percent of the samples were positive, and at least one positive case was found in 59 percent of the counties in which testing was conducted.&nbsp;



Surprisingly, genomic analysis showed that at least 30 infections in deer have spilled over from humans.



<h2 id="h-interspecies-transmission">Interspecies transmission&nbsp;</h2>



“We generally talk about interspecies transmission as a rare event, but this wasn’t a huge sampling, and we’re able to document 30 spillovers. It seems to be moving between people and animals quite easily,” said study co-senior author Andrew Bowman, an associate professor of Veterinary Preventive Medicine at OSU.&nbsp;



“And the evidence is growing that humans can get it from deer – which isn’t radically surprising. It’s probably not a one-way pipeline.”



These findings suggest that white-tailed deer are a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 which enables continuing mutation, and that the virus’s widespread circulation in deer could potentially lead to its spread to other wildlife and livestock.



<h2 id="h-not-just-a-localized-problem">Not just a localized problem&nbsp;</h2>



In December 2021, Bowman and his colleagues first reported the detection of the virus in white-tailed deer in nine locations in Ohio. In the current study, they expanded monitoring in a variety of other locations.&nbsp;



“We expanded across Ohio to see if this was a localized problem – and we find it in lots of places, so it’s not just a localized event,” Bowman explained. “Some of the thought back then was that maybe it’s just in urban deer because they’re in closer contact with people. But in rural parts of the state, we’re finding plenty of positive deer.”



Besides detecting active infections, the scientists also found a significant number of blood samples containing antibodies, suggesting that an estimated 23.5 percent of deer in Ohio had already been infected with the coronavirus.



<h2 id="h-spillover-events">Spillover events</h2>



Among the 80 whole-genome sequences obtained from the samples, the researchers identified the highly contagious and virulent delta variant (the predominant human strain in the United States in the early fall of 2021), which accounted for nearly 90 percent of the sequences, and alpha, the first variant of concern that was identified in humans in the spring of 2021.&nbsp;



The investigation revealed that the genetic composition of delta variants in deer closely matched the dominant lineages found in humans during the same time period, pointing to several spillover events, and suggesting that deer-to-deer transmission followed in clusters, some of them spanning multiple counties.



“There’s probably a timing component to what we found – we were near the end of a delta peak in humans, and then we see a lot of delta in deer. But we were well past the last alpha detection in humans. So the idea that deer are holding onto lineages that have since gone extinct in humans is something we were worried about,” Bowman said.



According to the experts, vaccination is likely to protect people against severe diseases in case the virus will spill back into humans. For instance, an investigation of the effects of deer variants on Siberian hamsters (an animal model widely used in COVID-19 studies) provided clear evidence that vaccinated hamsters did not get as sick after infection as unvaccinated ones.



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



Unfortunately, the variants circulating in deer are expected to continue to change at a faster rate than that seen in humans. “Not only are deer getting infected with and maintaining SARS-CoV-2, but the rate of change is accelerated in deer – potentially away from what has infected humans,” Bowman reported.



Further research is needed to clarify how the virus is transmitted from humans to white-tailed deer and assess the likelihood of mutated variants to spill back into humans.&nbsp;



Although no substantial outbreaks of deer-origin strains have occurred in humans until now, circulation among animals remains very likely. Moreover, since about 70 percent of free-ranging deer in Ohio have not been exposed to the virus yet, there is a large number of immunologically-naïve animals that the virus could spread through uninhibited.



“Having that animal host in play creates things we need to watch out for. If this trajectory continues for years and we have a virus that becomes deer-adapted, then does that become the pathway into other animal hosts, wildlife or domestic? We just don’t know,” Bowman concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40706-y">Nature Communications</a>.&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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COVID-19 is circulating and evolving rapidly in white-tailed deer

Researchers at Ohio State University (OSU) have found that white-tailed...

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In 2020, Auckland’s <a href="https://www.watercare.co.nz/">Watercare</a> – New Zealand’s largest water utility – excavated two huge vertical shafts from beneath the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant in order to upgrade a major pipeline which brings raw sewage for treatment from the central areas of the city.&nbsp;



To their surprise, the excavations revealed a fossil treasure trove, consisting of 266 species of three-million-year-old fauna.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-previously-unknown-species">Previously unknown species&nbsp;</h2>



This extraordinary finding – described in a recent article published in the&nbsp;<a href="http://tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00288306.2023.2243234">New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics</a> – represents one of the richest and most diverse group of Late Pleistocene fauna ever discovered in New Zealand. The experts estimate that at least ten previously unknown species will soon be described and named.



Once they were informed of the significance of the fossil deposit, Watercare and their contractors dumped an enormous heap of shelly sand in a nearby paddock so that a team of paleontologists could thoroughly examine it over many months.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-once-in-a-lifetime-find">Once-in-a-lifetime find&nbsp;</h2>



The experts analyzed more than 300,000 fossils, from which several thousands were taken to the <a href="https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/">Auckland Museum</a> as a record of a “once-in-a-lifetime find,” as lead author Bruce Hayward, a principal scientist at the <a href="https://www.geomarine.org.nz/">Geomarine Research</a> in Auckland, put it.



“Detailed identification of the fossils shows that they were deposited between 3 and 3.7 million years ago in a subtidal channel in an early version of the modern Manukau Harbor," said Hayward.



"At that time, sea level was slightly higher than it is today as the world was also several degrees warmer than now. As a result, the fossils include a number of subtropical species, whose relatives today live in the warmer waters around the Kermadec and Norfolk islands. At least ten previously unknown species are present and will be described and named in future work."



<h2 id="h-surprising-findings">Surprising findings</h2>



Hayward said it is surprising that the fauna contains fossils that lived in many different environments that have been brought together in the ancient marine channel by wave action and strong tidal currents.&nbsp;



"It includes ten specimens of the iconic NZ flax snail that must have lived on the adjacent land and been washed down into the sea by storm runoff," noted Hayward.



"These are by far the oldest known flax snails in the world. Most of the fossils lived on the sea floor, some in brackish estuaries, others attached to hard rocky shorelines and still more have been carried in from offshore of the exposed west coast at the time.”



<h2 id="h-rare-fossils">Rare fossils</h2>



Some of the rarest findings from this collection include isolated baleen whale vertebra, a broken sperm whale tooth, the spine of an extinct sawshark, the dental plates of eagle rays, and a variety of great white shark teeth.



In future research, the experts plan to formally describe the new taxa, comprehensively investigate its paleoecology, and compare these fossils to those discovered in other locations in New Zealand, such as Otahuhu, Kaawa, and Whanganui Basin.



Image Credit: Bruce Hayward



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By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Fossil treasure trove found in Auckland contains at least 10 new species

In 2020, Auckland’s Watercare – New Zealand’s largest water utility...

In recent years, the eastern United States has been under siege by a large planthopper native to Asia, the spotted lanternfly.



With a seemingly insatiable appetite for both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-stabilize-the-production-of-food-crops/">crops</a> and ornamentals, particularly cultivated grapes, this invasive pest has been wreaking havoc on wine-making regions in Pennsylvania and New York - and now threatens important wine hubs on the US Western coast.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-a-successful-invader">A successful invader&nbsp;</h2>



The spotted lanternfly was accidentally introduced in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014, likely alongside shipments of landscaping materials. By 2023, it bad spread to a total of 14 states.



The expansion of this pest has been fueled by its ability to hitch rides undetected on cargo and passenger vehicles.&nbsp;



The spotted lanternfly has also been promoted by the widespread presence of one of its favorite food sources, the tree of heaven, another invasive species in North America.



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



Researchers and field managers face two main challenges in controlling the spotted lanternfly: determining its current location to target eradication campaigns, and predicting its future locations to invest in prevention practices.&nbsp;



Both efforts require accurate and extensive knowledge of its past and present distribution.&nbsp;



However, the data on the spotted lanternfly's presence is scattered and hard to access due to different practices adopted by state and federal agencies, individual research institutions, and self-reporting tools developed for public use.



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



To address this issue, researchers at Temple University, led by Dr. Matthew Helmus, have been monitoring the pest's spread and collecting data from various institutions.&nbsp;



In a recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.86.101471">NeoBiota</a>, Dr. Helmus, Dr. Sebastiano De Bona, and collaborators from several agencies created a comprehensive dataset of all recorded spotted lanternfly sightings in the US.&nbsp;



This dataset, derived from control actions, citizen-science projects, and research efforts, contains highly detailed data (at 1 km2 resolution) with yearly information on the presence or absence of spotted lanternflies, the establishment status of the pest, and estimated population density, across over 650,000 observations.



“The lydemapr package will aid researchers, managers, and the public in their understanding, modeling, and managing of the spread of this invasive pest," said study lead author Dr. De Bona.



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers hope that their new tool will facilitate the forecasting of the spotted lanternfly's spread and foster more effective collaboration between agencies and researchers.



As the spotted lanternfly continues to establish its presence in new territories, the need for effective tools and collaboration becomes increasingly vital.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-spotted-lanternfly">More about the spotted lanternfly</h2>



The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a colorful, invasive insect native to parts of China, India, Vietnam, and introduced to Korea where it has become a major pest. It is not a fly, despite its name, but a planthopper.&nbsp;



Adult lanternflies have a distinct appearance with forewings that are grey with black spots and hind wings that are red and black with a white band. They are about an inch long and a half-inch wide.



<h3 id="h-life-cycle">Life cycle&nbsp;</h3>



The life cycle of the spotted lanternfly involves four nymph stages and an adult stage. The eggs are laid in masses on smooth surfaces, such as tree trunks or stones, and are covered with a mud-like substance.&nbsp;



The nymphs hatch in the spring and go through four instar stages, molting and growing larger with each stage.&nbsp;



The first three instars are black with white spots, while the fourth instar nymphs are red and black with white spots. In the late summer or early fall, the nymphs mature into adults, which are active from July to December.



<h3 id="h-diet-and-impact">Diet and impact</h3>



Spotted lanternflies feed on a wide variety of plants using their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract sap.&nbsp;



They have a preference for the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but also feed on fruit trees, grapevines, hardwoods, and ornamentals. Their feeding damages the plants and leaves them vulnerable to diseases.&nbsp;



Additionally, as they feed, they excrete a substance called honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold and attracts other pests.&nbsp;



This results in further damage to the plants and can lead to decreased crop yields and economic losses for farmers.



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Tracking the spread of the spotted lanternfly, a successful invader 

In recent years, the eastern United States has been under...

Wastewater has been identified as a potential climate and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-gain-a-stronger-connection-with-nature/">nature</a> solution, despite its growing threat to health and the environment, according to&nbsp; a recent report from the <a href="https://www.unep.org/node">UN Environment Programme</a> (UNEP) and GRID-Arendal.



The report highlights the potential of wastewater as an alternative energy source for half a billion people, a means to supply over 10 times the water currently provided by global desalination capacity, and a way to offset over 10 percent of global fertilizer use.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



Wastewater, originating from kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, industrial and agricultural effluents, stormwater, and urban run-off, contributes to the degradation of ecosystems, including soil, freshwater sources, and oceans, which in turn exacerbates food insecurity and other social issues.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the release of potent greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide from wastewater accounts for about 1.57 percent of global emissions, just below the climate harm caused by the global aviation industry.



<h2 id="h-huge-potential">Huge potential</h2>



The report reveals that with proper policies and management, wastewater can be transformed from a problem into a circular economy opportunity.&nbsp;



This could create new jobs and revenue streams, reducing water insecurity, supporting climate change adaptation efforts, and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers.&nbsp;



According to the experts, only 11 percent of the world's treated wastewater is currently reused, and around half of the world's untreated wastewater still enters rivers, lakes, and seas.



“Globally, wastewater is full of potential, yet it is currently allowed instead to contaminate the ecosystems we rely on," said Leticia Carvalho, principal coordinator of the Marine and Freshwater Branch of UNEP.



"We must not let the opportunity simply disappear down the drain: it’s time to realize the promise of wastewater as an alternative source of clean water, energy, and important nutrients.”



<h2 id="h-multiple-opportunities">Multiple opportunities&nbsp;</h2>



The report calls for a reduction in the volume of wastewater produced, prevention and reduction of contamination, and management of wastewater to capture resources that can be safely reused.&nbsp;



The experts also emphasize that by generating biogas, heat, and electricity, wastewater can produce about five times more energy than is required for its treatment, which could provide electricity for around half a billion people per year.&nbsp;



Additionally, reusing nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium from wastewater would help offset 13.4 percent of the global agricultural nutrient demand.



<h2 id="h-proper-wastewater-management">Proper wastewater management&nbsp;</h2>



The report states that proper wastewater management can irrigate around 40 million hectares, nearly the size of Paraguay.



It can recover additional resources such as raw materials for producing paper, polymers, pesticides, rubber, paint, biodiesel, food preservatives and flavors, fireproofing and waterproofing fabrics, medical products, jewelry, and packaging of food, hygiene, and other products.



Improving water management and reuse is a complex challenge, but the experts have identified successful wastewater management examples from both high- and low-income countries, including the Caribbean, China, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, India, Israel, Namibia, Senegal, Sweden, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, and Tunisia.



"We need to keep the pressure up to improve some critical underlying conditions if these actions are to succeed. For that to happen, we need more effective governance, investment, supporting innovation, strengthening data, improving capacity to implement and – critically shifting our behavior – all of us as individuals and institutions," said Peter Harris, director of GRID-Arendal.



The <a href="https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/water/what-we-do/global-wastewater-initiative-gwwi">Global Wastewater Initiative</a> (GWWI) is a unique global platform that brings together various United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, development banks, and other stakeholders to implement and scale up efforts to protect freshwater and marine ecosystems from wastewater pollution worldwide.



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UN report: Wastewater is a hidden solution to the climate crisis 

Wastewater has been identified as a potential climate and nature...

In a new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38191-w">Nature Scientific Reports</a>, researchers have successfully extracted ancient DNA from a 2,900-year-old clay brick, uncovering a wealth of information about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-have-humans-impacted-the-worlds-plant-life/">plant life</a> cultivated during that era.&nbsp;



While offering an invaluable look into the past, this monumental research also opens the door for similar studies on clay material from various sites and time periods.



<h2 id="h-king-of-assyria">King of Assyria</h2>



The clay brick analyzed for the study is currently housed at the National Museum of Denmark. It originates from the palace of Neo-Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II, in the ancient city of Kalhu, now known as the North-West palace in Nimrud, modern-day northern Iraq.&nbsp;



The construction of this palace commenced around 879 BCE. Remarkably, the brick carries a cuneiform inscription in the extinct Semitic language Akkadian, declaring it as "The property of the palace of Ashurnasirpal, king of Assyria."



This inscription enables researchers to date the brick with remarkable precision, to within a decade (879 BCE to 869 BCE).



<h2 id="h-dna-sequencing">DNA sequencing&nbsp;</h2>



The extraction of DNA from the brick's inner core was conducted during a digitalization project at the Museum in 2020, minimizing the risk of DNA contamination since the creation of the brick.&nbsp;



The research team adapted a protocol previously used for other porous materials, such as bone, to extract the DNA. The sequencing of the extracted DNA led to the identification of 34 distinct taxonomic groups of plants.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-botanical-records">Botanical records&nbsp;</h2>



Notably, the most abundant sequences belonged to the Brassicaceae (cabbage) and Ericaceae (heather) families. Other identified families included Betulaceae (birch), Lauraceae (laurels), Selineae (umbellifers), and Triticeae (cultivated grasses).



The interdisciplinary research team, which included assyriologists, archaeologists, biologists, and geneticists, compared their findings with modern-day botanical records from Iraq and ancient Assyrian plant descriptions.



<h2 id="h-protected-mass-of-clay">Protected mass of clay&nbsp;</h2>



The brick was primarily made of mud collected from the nearby Tigris river, mixed with materials like chaff, straw, or animal dung, then shaped in a mold, inscribed with cuneiform script, and left to dry naturally in the sun.&nbsp;



The absence of burning in the brick-making process contributed to the preservation of genetic material within the clay.



Dr. Sophie Lund Rasmussen is the joint first author of the paper and a member of the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at the University of Oxford.



‘We were absolutely thrilled to discover that ancient DNA, effectively protected from contamination inside a mass of clay, can successfully be extracted from a 2,900-year-old clay brick," said Dr. Rasmussen.



"This research project is a perfect example of the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in science, as the diverse expertise included in this study provided a holistic approach to the investigation of this material and the results it yielded.’



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



Beyond the insight provided by this individual brick, the research serves as a proof of concept and method that could be applied to various archaeological sources of clay from different places and time periods worldwide to identify plants and animals of the past.&nbsp;



Clay materials can be found in archaeological sites worldwide, and their context often allows for highly precise dating.



While this study focused on plant DNA, as these specimens were the most prevalent and well-preserved, the method has the potential to identify all taxa, including vertebrates and invertebrates.&nbsp;



The ability to accurately describe ancient biodiversity is a valuable tool for understanding and quantifying present-day biodiversity loss and gaining deeper insights into ancient and lost civilizations.



Dr. Troels Arbøll is the joint first author of the paper and was a junior research fellow at Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford when the study was conducted.



"Because of the inscription on the brick, we can allocate the clay to a relatively specific period of time in a particular region, which means the brick serves as a biodiversity time-capsule of information regarding a single site and its surroundings," said Dr. Arbøll. "In this case, it provides researchers with a unique access to the ancient Assyrians."



Image Credit: Arnold Mikkelsen og Jens Lauridsen



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Time capsule of plant life extracted from 2,900-year-old clay brick

In a new study published in the journal Nature Scientific...

The mass slaughter of the North American bison in the 19th century, widely recognized as an ecological catastrophe, also delivered a crippling blow to the Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains, according to a new study led by <a href="https://www.emory.edu/home/index.html">Emory University</a>.



The research sheds light on the long-lasting economic and social consequences the bison slaughter had on these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indigenous-forests-prevent-15-million-yearly-cases-of-disease/">Indigenous</a> communities that once thrived on bison.



Researchers from Emory University, the University of Toronto, and the University of Victoria quantified the economic shockwaves that continue to affect Indigenous populations. The study exposes the economic disparities rooted in this nearly forgotten aspect of American history.



<h2 id="h-economic-shock">Economic shock</h2>



In the mid-19th century, the United States was home to an estimated eight million bison, a number that plummeted to fewer than 500 in just two decades.&nbsp;



While this decimation momentarily boosted the economies of settlers, hunters, and traders who profited from selling bison hides and bones, the Indigenous peoples who had depended on the bison for their livelihood for over 10,000 years experienced a catastrophic economic shock, the reverberations of which are still felt today.



<h2 id="h-health-consequences">Health consequences&nbsp;</h2>



The economic fallout manifested in several ways, including a striking decline in the average height of bison-dependent Indigenous men.&nbsp;



“Adult height across a population is one proxy of wealth and health given that it can be impacted by nutrition and disease, particularly early in development," said study co-author Professor Maggie Jones.



Prior to the slaughter, bison-reliant Indigenous men averaged around six feet in height, making them “among the tallest people in the world in the mid-19th century,” said Jones.&nbsp;



However, in the aftermath of the slaughter, the average height of the most affected Indigenous populations dropped by over an inch within a generation. “That’s a major drop, but given the magnitude of the economic shock, it’s not necessarily surprising,” she adds.



<h2 id="h-a-persistent-economic-gap">A persistent economic gap</h2>



The researchers also found that by the early 20th century, child mortality rates among bison-dependent Indigenous nations were 16 percentage points higher, and the likelihood of working-age males reporting an occupation was 19 percentage points lower compared to Indigenous nations never reliant on bison.&nbsp;



Furthermore, income per capita for bison-reliant nations remained 25% lower on average than other nations from the mid-20th century to the present day. This persistent gap could not be accounted for by variations in agricultural productivity, self-governance, or the application of the Dawes Act of 1887.



The study identifies limited access to credit as a key factor that hindered the economic adjustment of bison-reliant nations following the near-extinction of the bison.&nbsp;



“One role of economists is to provide quantitative evidence that people can turn to when trying to design more effective policies,” said Jones. “By providing data that benchmarks disparities among bison-reliant people and the sources and evolution of these disparities, we hope to support efforts to improve the situation.”



<h2 id="h-a-critical-industry-lost">A critical industry lost</h2>



The slaughter of the bison was precipitated by the completion of the transcontinental railroad, advancements in European tanning technology, and a deliberate strategy by the U.S. Army to force Indigenous peoples onto reservations. The slaughter is described by the researchers as one of the most rapid and extensive losses of a critical industry in North American history.&nbsp;



“Centuries of human capital were built around the use of the bison, and within 10 to 20 years this economic underpinning disappeared,” said Jones. “And many channels of economic adjustment were cut off for Indigenous populations.”



<h2 id="h-cultural-aftershocks">Cultural aftershocks</h2>



For over 10,000 years, bison were integral to the livelihoods of many Indigenous communities, offering not just sustenance but also hides for clothing, bones for tools, and other invaluable resources. Their disappearance did more than just topple an economic cornerstone; it ripped apart a cultural fabric that cannot be quantified.



“Bison were not just key to the economies of some Indigenous nations,” said Jones. "The bison were also important cultural and spiritual symbols. You would expect a psychological impact when they were ripped away. That’s an important part of the story that this paper didn’t get to tell.”



Even though the study was focused on the economic impacts, the researchers acknowledge the complex toll the bison slaughter had on Indigenous communities, from immediate loss to generational trauma.&nbsp;



The research shines a light on an overlooked part of American history, and emphasizes the urgency of understanding and addressing the inequalities that continue to persist in Indigenous communities.



The research is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/restud/rdad060">The Review of Economic Studies</a>.



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Bison slaughter had lasting, traumatic impacts on Indigenous communities

The mass slaughter of the North American bison in the...

In a new study conducted by the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en">University of Gothenburg</a>, experts found that bus drivers faced double the risk of being hospitalized for severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-made-covid-19-patients-sicker-for-longer/">COVID-19</a> during the later stages of the pandemic.&nbsp;



This research revealed that several other occupations in education and healthcare were also at a heightened risk of serious illness due to the virus.&nbsp;



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



The researchers meticulously analyzed a substantial amount of data, specifically 552,562 confirmed COVID-19 infections and 5,985 cases of severe COVID-19 infection, from various registers.&nbsp;



This data, encompassing hospitalizations from October 2020 to December 2021, was then cross-referenced with the occupations of the individuals from November of the previous year.&nbsp;



The researchers compared occupations that required close contact with others and those that did not require significant interaction with colleagues or the public.



<h2 id="h-results-of-the-study">Results of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The results showed that bus and tram drivers had a 98% increased risk of hospitalization for severe COVID-19.



The study also exposed an elevated risk among staff at after-school clubs (72% increased risk), registered nurses (68% increased risk), compulsory school teachers (60% increased risk), and preschool child minders (60% increased risk).



The study uncovered interesting disparities between men and women in several occupations. A 53% increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalization was observed among specialist doctors of both genders. However, when focusing solely on female specialists, the increase in risk jumped to 105 percent.



“When looking at specific occupations, interesting gender differences emerge," said Maria Åberg, professor of General Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg.



"Among women, there are increased risks for specialist doctors, nurses, midwives, and preschool staff. Male occupations that carry higher risk include bus and tram drivers and security guards. This also reflects the fact that we have a gender-segregated labor market.”



<h2 id="h-high-risk-occupations">High-risk occupations&nbsp;</h2>



The research team hopes that these findings will serve as a wake-up call for employers, highlighting the urgent need for better risk assessment and preventive measures across various sectors, not just in healthcare. The results of the study indicate a work-related contagion in several different types of contact professions.



“The workplace is also an important arena for informing about and carrying out vaccination," said Kjell Torén, professor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy.



"Over the course of our research, we have come to the strong conclusion that workplaces or employers need to be involved in getting these high-risk occupations access to vaccination, for example by allowing them to be vaccinated during working hours or by organizing vaccination sessions at their place of work. And occupational healthcare has an important role to play in making this happen.”



“We know that vaccination protects against severe COVID-19 and we believe that vaccination in high-risk workplaces during working hours would further reduce the risks," said Professor Åberg.&nbsp;



"This applies in particular to bus and tram drivers and preschool staff. Healthcare workers were usually offered vaccination during working hours, but perhaps additional measures could have increased vaccination uptake.”



The study, published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.4103">Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment &amp; Health</a>, was a collaborative effort with Karolinska Institutet.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-more-about-high-risk-workplaces">More about high-risk workplaces&nbsp;</h2>



High-risk workplaces are environments where employees are more susceptible to contracting infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, due to the nature of their work, which often involves close contact with others.&nbsp;



The recent study conducted by the University of Gothenburg highlights that not only healthcare settings but also several other sectors, including education and transportation, fall into this high-risk category.



Bus and tram drivers, for instance, were found to have a 98% increased risk of hospitalization for severe COVID-19. This is particularly concerning given that public transportation is a vital service, and its operators are exposed to a large number of people on a daily basis.&nbsp;



It is crucial for employers in these sectors to acknowledge the heightened risk faced by their employees and to implement comprehensive preventive measures to protect their workforce.&nbsp;



These measures may include regular testing, enforcing mask-wearing, maintaining physical distance wherever possible, enhancing ventilation, and encouraging frequent hand hygiene.&nbsp;



Additionally, vaccination plays a pivotal role in mitigating the risk of severe illness. Therefore, employers should actively facilitate vaccination for their employees by allowing them to get vaccinated during working hours or by organizing vaccination sessions at the workplace.



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Bus drivers have double the risk of hospitalization for severe COVID-19

In a new study conducted by the University of Gothenburg,...

Age-related hearing loss is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. Researchers from various institutions in Argentina have recently published a study in the open access journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002257">PLOS Biology</a>, which suggests that common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbal-supplements-are-not-always-safe/">supplements</a> containing phytosterols might help in reducing natural hearing loss associated with aging.&nbsp;



The study was led by María Eugenia Gomez-Casati from the University of Buenos Aires-CONICET, Mauricio Martin from the Institute of Medical Research Mercedes, and Martín Ferreyra from INIMEC-CONICET-UNC, National University of Córdoba.



The results demonstrate the connection between the decrease of cholesterol in the inner ear and sensory dysfunction in mice.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The inner ear consists of sensory cells called outer hair cells (OHCs) that play a crucial role in amplifying sounds by changing their length.&nbsp;



As individuals age, these cells lose their ability to stretch in response to sound, thereby preventing sound amplification and ultimately leading to age-related hearing loss.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-brain-cholesterol">Brain cholesterol&nbsp;</h2>



Cholesterol is a key component in the stretch response of OHCs. Recent studies have shown a decrease in brain cholesterol with age, leading the researchers to theorize that hearing loss might be related to the loss of cholesterol in OHCs.&nbsp;



To test this hypothesis, experiments were conducted on mice. The team of researchers began by measuring the levels of CYP46A1, an enzyme involved in breaking down and recycling cholesterol, in the inner ear OHCs of mice.&nbsp;



As anticipated, the experts found higher levels of CYP46A1 in the inner ears of older mice compared to younger ones, resulting in less cholesterol.&nbsp;



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



To establish a cause-and-effect relationship, the researchers induced hearing loss in young mice by over-activating CYP46A1 with a drug, which led to abnormal inner ear-cell output.&nbsp;



Following this, they tested whether increasing cholesterol in the brain could counter the effects of the drug.&nbsp;



Since cholesterol cannot directly enter the brain from the blood, the researchers used plant-based cholesterol-like compounds called phytosterols, which can cross the blood-brain barrier.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-what-the-study-revealed">What the study revealed</h2>



Young mice treated with both the CYP46A1-activating drug and a three-week regimen of dietary phytosterols displayed improved OHC function.



This discovery is particularly promising as phytosterols are present in many over-the-counter supplements, making them a convenient option to combat age-related hearing loss.&nbsp;



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



However, the researchers caution that further testing on older mouse models and humans is necessary before more definitive conclusions can be drawn.&nbsp;



Nonetheless, this study represents a significant step forward in understanding the relationship between cholesterol levels in the inner ear and age-related hearing loss, and opens up new avenues for potential treatments.



The study authors noted: “In the present work we show that: 1) aging triggers cholesterol loss from sensory cells of the inner ear, 2) a retroviral treatment widely employed for HIV/AIDS patients reproduces the cholesterol loss observed in aged individuals and leads to impaired outer hair cells’ function and 3) we found that these defects can be partly reversed by phytosterols supplementation."



"Our findings are very promising because they provide the first proof-of-principle supporting phytosterols supplementation as a possible approach for prevention or treatment of hearing loss



<h2 id="h-more-about-age-related-hearing-loss">More about age-related hearing loss&nbsp;</h2>



Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a common condition that affects many people as they get older. It usually occurs gradually over time and can affect one or both ears.&nbsp;



This type of hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process and is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults.



<h3 id="h-causes">Causes</h3>



The exact cause of age-related hearing loss is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be a combination of several factors:



<h3 id="h-wear-and-tear">Wear and tear</h3>



Years of exposure to loud noises can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, which are responsible for transmitting sound to the brain. These hair cells do not regenerate, so their loss is permanent.



<h3 id="h-changes-in-blood-flow">Changes in blood flow</h3>



As people age, there can be changes in blood flow to the ear, which may affect hearing.



<h3 id="h-changes-in-the-structure-of-the-ear">Changes in the structure of the ear</h3>



The structure of the ear changes with age, which can also contribute to hearing loss. For example, the eardrum may become less flexible, making it harder for sounds to pass through.



<h3 id="h-genetic-factors">Genetic factors</h3>



Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing hearing loss as they age.



—-



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.”

Common supplements can combat age-related hearing loss

Age-related hearing loss is a common ailment that affects millions...

A recent study from <a href="https://duke.edu/">Duke University</a> has revealed the remarkable physics behind the ability of witch hazel plants to launch seeds with incredible velocity.



The team discovered that members of the witch hazel family can propel heavier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundbreaking-technology-uncovers-the-mysteries-of-alfalfa-seeds/">seeds</a> just as swiftly as lighter ones, thanks to the spring-loaded mechanism of their fruits.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The study, led by graduate student Justin Jorge and senior author Sheila Patek, explored the world of plant biomechanics through high-speed video camera recordings and meticulous measurements.



The witch hazel, commonly found in forests, is often admired for its sweet-smelling shrub with crinkly ribbon-like petals.&nbsp;



However, according to Jorge, it is more akin to a howitzer due to the impressive firepower of its fruits.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-rapid-seed-dispersion">Rapid seed dispersion&nbsp;</h2>



When witch hazels are ready to disperse their seeds, their woody seed capsules split open. Pressure builds up, and eventually the seeds shoot out like bullets fired from a rifle, hitting 30 feet per second in about half a millisecond.



This rapid seed dispersion happens so swiftly that it is almost impossible to capture with a regular camera. "If you blink you'll miss it," said Jorge. 



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="mfCzjlSZy8-2963542-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



The research team utilized a high-speed video camera capable of recording at 100,000 frames per second to document the phenomenon.



The team collected fruits from three different witch hazel species found in Duke Gardens or Duke Forest.&nbsp;



The collected seeds varied in weight, with the lightest ones weighing only 15 milligrams - lighter than a grain of rice, while others were ten times more massive.&nbsp;



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



Surprisingly, the witch hazels were able to fling the heavier seeds just as fast as the lighter ones.&nbsp;



“We found that the launch speeds were all roughly the same,” said Jorge. “Given the order of magnitude difference in seed masses, I was not expecting that at all.”



Their findings, published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2023.0234">Journal of the Royal Society Interface</a>, delved into the mechanics of how the plants achieve this feat.&nbsp;



The researchers discovered that the secret to the seed's velocity lies in the spring-loaded launch of the fruit capsule.



<h2 id="h-seed-propulsion">Seed propulsion&nbsp;</h2>



The three species investigated in the study employed the same mechanism for seed propulsion.&nbsp;



Before the seeds are ejected, the fruit capsule dries out and deforms, akin to a piece of wood warping. The compression of the woody fruit capsule's walls is what eventually sends the seed flying.



“It’s similar to how you can shoot out a watermelon seed by squeezing it between your fingers,” explained Jorge.



<h2 id="h-spring-like-seed-capsule">Spring-like seed capsule&nbsp;</h2>



Typically, to propel a heavier object at the same speed as a lighter one, more force is required. The witch hazel achieves this by using springs.&nbsp;



The researchers estimated the elastic potential energy stored in the spring-like seed capsule by measuring the force needed to wedge the seed back into place.&nbsp;



They found that witch hazel species with heavier seeds have larger capsules that can store more elastic energy.



Jorge plans to investigate further by examining the forces acting on witch hazel seeds as they fly through the air and assessing how far they can travel.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



This study not only sheds light on the remarkable adaptations of the witch hazel, but also contributes to the broader understanding of seed dispersion mechanisms in the plant kingdom.



The researchers say that some of the lessons learned from nature could lead to better designs for robots.&nbsp;



“People ask me all the time, ‘why are you looking at seed-shooting plants?’” Jorge said. “It’s the weirdness of their springs."



“When we think of springy things, we typically think of rubber bands, coils, or archery bows,” Jorge said. “But in biology, we have all these weird, complex shapes."



"Perhaps there are some benefits to these shapes that can be used to improve the design of synthetic springs, such as those used in small jumping robots, but first we need to understand how these biological springs work.”



Video Credit: Patek lab, Duke University



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Witch hazel plants propel seeds at bullet speeds

A recent study from Duke University has revealed the remarkable...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
</div></figure>







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

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