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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

<p>The <a href="https://www.who.int/">World Health Organization</a> (WHO) has confirmed that they are monitoring a new Covid variant known as BA.2.86. This variant, a spinoff of the widely-recognized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omicron-is-much-more-deadly-than-the-seasonal-flu/">Omicron</a> variant, has more than 30 mutations in the spike protein relative to the current predominant variant.</p>



<p>So far, only three cases of this strain have been identified worldwide since it first came under the radar a month ago. A report in The Guardian says it's currently unclear if the variant causes more severe disease than its predecessors.</p>



<p>A significant detail that has piqued the interest of health officials is the variant's collection of mutations, which differ from those of previously recognized strains.</p>



<h2 id="h-careful-monitoring">Careful monitoring&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's lead for the Covid response, said that despite the limited data available, this new variant "requires careful monitoring due to its extensive mutational profile."</p>



<p>The emerging variant initially gained attention after a digital virus-tracker spotted two cases in Denmark. Intriguingly, these findings came shortly after the same lineage was found in Israel.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thanks to the science of sequencing – a process that breaks down the exact genetic composition of virus samples – virologists have been able to determine that all three cases are of the same virus.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-mutations-on-the-spike-protein">Mutations on the spike protein&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Preliminary tests indicate that BA.2.86 has over 30 mutations on its spike protein. This protein is essential as it's responsible for the virus's ability to attach to and infect human cells. Notably, the spike protein is the part of the virus that vaccines aim to neutralize.</p>



<p>While several of these mutations are yet to have their functions classified, some are believed to aid the virus in dodging our immune defenses.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-will-the-virus-spread-rampantly">Will the virus spread rampantly?</h2>



<p>Despite these findings, the million-dollar question remains: will BA.2.86 spread prolifically or simply fizzle out like many of its highly-mutated counterparts?</p>



<p>Professor Paul Hunter, a distinguished infectious disease specialist at the University of East Anglia, expressed concerns regarding the strain's potential reach.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Professor Hunter said that if the variant is as contagious as we fear, it's likely already in places like the UK or the United States. "If it isn't now, then it probably very soon will be."</p>



<h2 id="h-is-it-time-to-mask-up">Is it time to mask up?</h2>



<p>This concern has led some scientists to advocate for the reintroduction of measures like face masks to curb its spread. Dr. Trisha Greenhalgh, a leading primary care expert from Oxford University, recently took to Twitter suggesting, "it looks like it's once again time to MASK UP." Yet, she also admitted her understanding of the variant's specifics remains limited.</p>



<p>Currently, the UK has yet to make a formal announcement regarding BA.2.86. The United Kingdom is, however, keeping tabs on another variant termed Eris, which, interestingly, saw a significant jump in prevalence in the past month.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to experts, Eris does not appear to be more threatening than other circulating strains, including Omicron.</p>



<h2 id="h-increase-in-covid-hospitalizations">Increase in Covid hospitalizations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The UK has seen a recent increase in COVID hospitalizations, which could potentially herald another wave. This trend is particularly concerning as the nation approaches the typically demanding autumn and winter seasons.</p>



<p>Some experts theorize factors such as adverse weather and the "Barbenheimer effect" might be playing a role in the infection spike, alongside diminishing immunity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the UKHSA, said: 'The latest data shows that Covid cases continue to rise. To help combat the spread of the virus, we continue to advise anyone with symptoms of a respiratory infection should try to stay at home and away from others - especially those who are vulnerable."</p>



<p>"Hospitalizations are also increasing, but still remain at very low levels. ICU admissions have increased in this week's report, but remain extremely low. We will continue to monitor these rates closely."</p>



<p>"We urge everyone eligible to take up the vaccine when offered by the NHS this autumn."</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

New Covid variant has 30 mutations on the spike protein

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that they are...

<p>Around the world, the dire impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-climate-change-happening-too-fast-for-birds-to-keep-up/">climate change</a> and human-caused environmental alterations are placing enormous strain on living organisms, including plants, animals, and even microbes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Amid this turbulence, scientists are seeking to understand which species are adaptable enough to thrive in varied environments, and which are tethered so tightly to their niches that they are at risk of extinction?</p>



<h2 id="h-generalist-and-specialist-species">Generalist and specialist species</h2>



<p>Traditionally, ecologists categorize organisms into two broad types. Think of it as a spectrum: on one end, we have the "generalists" - hardy creatures able to thrive in diverse environments and habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By contrast, the "specialists" at the opposite end possess narrow survival criteria, often rooted in very specific environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The iconic panda bear is a perfect example of a specialist. With its exclusive bamboo diet, its existence hangs precariously on the fate of this single plant species.</p>



<p>Beyond the visible life forms, there is a microscopic realm teeming with life beneath our feet and inside of us. Which category do the soil microbes belong to?</p>



<p>To investigate, Michelle Afkhami's biology lab at the <a href="https://www.as.miami.edu/">University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences</a> embarked on a groundbreaking study.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The research, which is now published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02149-y"><em>Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</em></a>, centered on prokaryotes - a vast microbial group encompassing all bacteria and archaea.</p>



<p>“The idea behind the project was to find out whether these microbes can exist within a narrow or broad range of conditions along many different environmental dimensions,” said Damian Hernandez, a former graduate student in Afkhami’s lab who is now a postdoc preparing for a biology fellowship with the National Science Foundation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Specifically, we wanted to know whether microbes are typically multidimensional specialists, multidimensional generalists, or use different strategies on different environmental dimensions—and what effect that could have on their roles within communities."</p>



<p>“The environmental dimensions we used to determine whether the microbes are generalists or specialists were based on multiple environmental conditions in the soil in which they live, for example, leaf litter, temperature, water, and nutrients."</p>



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



<p>For two years, the team meticulously dissected the DNA sequences from over 200 soil samples gathered from various U.S. locations by the National Ecological Observatory Network.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their analysis of over 1,200 prokaryotes yielded unexpected revelations. Contrary to prior assumptions, a staggering 90% of the microbes exhibited either "multidimensional generalist" or "multidimensional specialist" traits.</p>



<p>This means a microbe that's a generalist in one environmental aspect extends its versatility across all aspects. Conversely, a specialist microbe remains specialized across every environmental axis.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>While this is a breakthrough in understanding microbial communities, the discovery also raises alarms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The specialist microbes, despite their vital roles as ecosystem engineers – nurturing plant growth, detoxifying soil, breaking down complex carbons, and replenishing soil nutrients – are vulnerable to environmental shifts. These microbial "community organizers," despite their high functionality, face an uncertain future in our rapidly changing world.</p>



<p>“We found that microbes can be very restricted on where they can exist,” said Hernandez, who is the first author of the study.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The generalist microbes are very flexible and can withstand a wider range of conditions. But the specialist microbes are sensitive to many different environmental conditions because they are restricted on multiple environmental axes and thus any changes in the environment may hinder their survival."</p>



<p>“Hypothetically, if an ecosystem is structured by microbes that are specialists, then those ecosystems are more likely to be sensitive to environmental change,” he said.</p>



<h2 id="h-which-microbes-will-survive">Which microbes will survive?</h2>



<p>Afkhami confirms that the findings present an interesting argument on how microbes can survive in a changing climate.</p>



<p>“As we learned from the study, microbes that are generalists can live across a wide range of habitats, and this can mean that those microbes may be resilient to climate change or habitat fragmentation because they are likely to tolerate changing environmental conditions. They are also very dominant within microbial communities,” she said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is very concerning because what we also learned in the study is that microbial specialists are highly connected within the microbial network and can be considered as keystone species for maintaining and driving the diversity and function of the microbiome,” said Afkhami.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In this study, we can start to understand - across a wider sense in the microbiome community - some of their biological functions, their roles in the microbial community, and how they will respond to global changes on the planet.”</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Can soil microbes survive climate change?

Around the world, the dire impacts of climate change and...

<p><a href="http://www.worldorangutanevents.org/international-orangutan-day.php">International Orangutan Day</a> is observed annually on August 19th to raise awareness about the plight of these great apes. Orangutans, which are native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, are critically endangered due to habitat destruction caused primarily by deforestation for palm oil plantations.</p>



<p>The day aims to highlight the urgent need for conservation measures to protect and save orangutans from extinction. Various conservation organizations and advocates participate in events, campaigns, and educational programs on this day to shed light on the challenges faced by orangutans and ways in which people can help.</p>



<p>Individuals can support the cause by reducing their consumption of products containing palm oil, supporting sustainable palm oil initiatives, and donating to or volunteering with organizations that work on orangutan conservation.</p>



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



<p>Orangutans are one of the world's largest primates and are known for their intelligence, strong parental bonds, and unique behaviors. Here's a brief overview of these fascinating creatures:</p>



<h3 id="h-species-and-distribution">Species and distribution</h3>



<p>There are three species of orangutans:</p>



<ul>
<li>Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)</li>



<li>Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii)</li>



<li>Tapanuli Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis)</li>
</ul>



<p>The Bornean species is found on the island of Borneo, while the Sumatran and Tapanuli species are native to Sumatra.</p>



<h3 id="h-physical-characteristics">Physical characteristics</h3>



<p>Orangutans have a distinctive reddish-brown fur. Adult males have large cheek pads and a throat pouch that they use to make loud calls. They have long arms, which are well-suited for brachiation (swinging from branch to branch) in the canopy.</p>



<h3 id="h-behavior-and-lifestyle">Behavior and lifestyle</h3>



<p>Orangutans are mostly arboreal, which means they spend a majority of their life in trees. They construct nests daily for sleeping. They are largely solitary creatures, especially adult males, who can be territorial.</p>



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



<p>Orangutans are primarily frugivorous, meaning their diet consists largely of fruits. However, they also consume leaves, flowers, bark, insects, and, on rare occasions, small vertebrates.</p>



<h3 id="h-reproduction">Reproduction</h3>



<p>Orangutans have a long inter-birth interval, one of the longest for any animal. A female may only give birth once every 7-9 years, leading to a slow population growth.</p>



<h3 id="h-intelligence">Intelligence</h3>



<p>Orangutans are highly intelligent and are known to use tools in the wild. They've been observed using sticks to extract termites or honey and leaves as gloves or makeshift umbrellas.</p>



<h3 id="h-conservation-status">Conservation status</h3>



<p>All three species of orangutans are critically endangered. The primary threats they face are habitat loss due to logging and the expansion of palm oil plantations, illegal pet trade, and hunting.</p>



<h3 id="h-cultural-significance">Cultural significance</h3>



<p>In Malay and Indonesian, "orangutan" means "person of the forest" (from "orang" meaning "person" and "hutan" meaning "forest"). They play an important role in the cultures of the regions where they are found and are considered symbols of the wild and untamed jungle.</p>



<p>Protecting orangutans and their habitat is vital not only for the species themselves but also for the overall health of the ecosystems they inhabit, which have a direct influence on global climate and biodiversity.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-to-celebrate">How to celebrate&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Celebrating International Orangutan Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the plight of orangutans and to promote actions that can help save these magnificent creatures and their habitats. Here are some ways you can observe and celebrate the day:</p>



<h3 id="h-educate-yourself-and-others">Educate yourself and others</h3>



<p>Read about orangutans, their habitat, and the challenges they face. Share this information with friends, family, and colleagues.</p>



<h3 id="h-social-media-campaigns">Social media campaigns</h3>



<p>Use social media platforms to share facts, images, and stories about orangutans. Use relevant hashtags like #InternationalOrangutanDay or #SaveTheOrangutans.</p>



<h3 id="h-support-orangutan-charities">Support orangutan charities</h3>



<p>Donate to reputable organizations that work on orangutan conservation, such as the Orangutan Foundation International, Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, or <a href="https://savetheorangutan.org/">Save the Orangutan</a>.</p>



<h3 id="h-adopt-an-orangutan">Adopt an orangutan</h3>



<p>Some organizations offer symbolic <a href="https://www.theorangutanproject.org/adopt/">adoptions</a> where you can "adopt" an orangutan, helping fund care and conservation efforts.</p>



<h3 id="h-reduce-palm-oil-consumption">Reduce palm oil consumption</h3>



<p>Check product labels and reduce or eliminate products that contain unsustainably sourced palm oil. Look for products with the RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) label, which indicates sustainably sourced palm oil.</p>



<h3 id="h-host-an-awareness-event">Host an awareness event</h3>



<p>Organize or participate in events at schools, community centers, or parks to educate people about orangutans. This can be through presentations, documentaries, or interactive activities.</p>



<h3 id="h-visit-a-zoo-or-sanctuary">Visit a zoo or sanctuary</h3>



<p>If there's a zoo or sanctuary near you that has orangutans and supports conservation efforts, consider paying a visit. This can offer a closer look at these animals and learn more about them.</p>



<h3 id="h-buy-orangutan-friendly-products">Buy orangutan-friendly products</h3>



<p>Support companies and products that are committed to sustainable practices, especially when it comes to palm oil.</p>



<h3 id="h-petitions-and-advocacy">Petitions and advocacy</h3>



<p>Sign and share petitions calling for the protection of orangutans and their habitats. Advocate for policies and practices that promote conservation at local, national, and international levels.</p>



<p>Every small action counts. The more people become aware of the challenges orangutans face and take steps to help, the better chance they have for a future in the wild.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

International Orangutan Day: Help protect these fascinating creatures

International Orangutan Day is observed annually on August 19th to...

<p>As the world relies more heavily on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mobile-devices-may-soothe-children-but-with-consequences/">digital devices</a>, there has been a surge in the popularity of blue-light blocking lenses. These lenses promise to shield the eyes from the detrimental effects of blue light emitted by our everyday screens.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, a new comprehensive study led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au/">University of Melbourne</a> suggests that these promises might be more fiction than fact.</p>



<h2 id="h-surprising-conclusions">Surprising conclusions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers investigated the supposed benefits of blue-light filtering lenses. After meticulously evaluating 17 randomized controlled trials, the experts came to some surprising conclusions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Contrary to many advertising claims, there seems to be little proof that blue-light filtering lenses offer any substantial relief from the eye strain often attributed to prolonged screen use.</p>



<h2 id="h-no-evidence-of-protection">No evidence of protection&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The review, which assessed the short-term efficacy of these lenses - from a mere two hours up to one week of use - found no substantial evidence that these lenses have any notable impact on sleep quality or offer any protection against potential retinal damage.</p>



<p>The international scope of the research further strengthens its credibility. The analysis was focused on data from studies performed across six countries, involving a total of 619 participants. The results consistently point to a gap between marketing promises and scientific evidence.</p>



<h2 id="h-no-short-term-advantages">No short-term advantages&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Professor Laura Downie, the senior author of the review and the head of the Downie Laboratory at the University of Melbourne, cautioned both consumers and eye care professionals about the findings.</p>



<p>“We found there may be no short-term advantages with using blue-light filtering spectacle lenses to reduce eye strain associated with computer use, compared to non-blue-light filtering lenses,” said Professor Downie.&nbsp;</p>



<p>She further emphasized that the impact of these lenses on vision quality, sleep outcomes, and long-term retinal health remains nebulous. "People should be aware of these findings when deciding whether to purchase these spectacle lenses.”</p>



<p>Professor Downie said the lenses are often prescribed to patients and that many marketing claims exist about their potential benefits, which patients can find confusing.</p>



<h2 id="h-evidence-is-inconclusive">Evidence is inconclusive&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The outcomes of our review, based on the current, best available evidence, show that the evidence is inconclusive and uncertain for these claims,” she said.</p>



<p>“Our findings do not support the prescription of blue-light filtering lenses to the general population. These results are relevant to a broad range of stakeholders, including eye care professionals, patients, researchers and the broader community.”</p>



<h2 id="h-more-in-depth-research-is-needed">More in-depth research is needed</h2>



<p>Study first author Dr. Sumeer Singh, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Downie Laboratory, said: “High-quality, large clinical research studies with longer follow-up in more diverse populations are still required to ascertain more clearly the potential effects of blue-light filtering spectacle lenses on visual performance, sleep and eye health.”</p>



<p>“They should examine whether efficacy and safety outcomes vary between different groups of people and using different types of lenses.”</p>



<p>Dr. Singh noted that the amount of blue light our eyes receive from artificial sources, such as computer screens, is about one&nbsp; thousandth of what we get from natural daylight.</p>



<p>“It’s also worth bearing in mind that blue-light filtering lenses typically filter out about 10-25 percent of blue light, depending on the specific product. Filtering out higher levels of blue light would require the lenses to have an obvious amber tint, which would have a substantial effect on color perception,” said Dr. Singh.</p>



<p>The research was a collaborative effort with experts from City, University of London and Monash University.</p>

Do blue-light blocking lenses work? Experts say there is little to no proof

As the world relies more heavily on digital devices, there...

<p>In the busy era of modern life, the dangers of living alone with cognitive impairment may go unnoticed. But according to an alarming revelation from <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/">UC San Francisco</a>, a significant number of older Americans face the challenges of cognitive decline daily, and often on their own.</p>



<p>Approximately one in four older Americans diagnosed with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-increased-risk-of-dementia/">dementia</a> or mild cognitive impairment lives alone. These individuals are susceptible to many dangers ranging from unsafe driving to wandering outside of their homes, confusing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/listening-to-music-makes-medication-more-effective/">medications</a>, and missing critical medical appointments.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-u-s-health-system-is-unprepared">U.S. health system is unprepared&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Ultimately, the researchers concluded that the U.S. health system is largely unprepared to support individuals living solo with cognitive impairments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The repercussions of such a setup are profound, akin to the impacts of poverty, racism, and low education on one's health, according to study lead author Dr. Elena Portacolone.</p>



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



<p>For the investigation, the team interviewed 76 healthcare providers spread across three states - California, Michigan, and Texas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The interviewees hailed from various specialties, including memory clinics, home care services, and social services.</p>



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



<p>The picture painted by these professionals was disturbing. From patients who lost track of why they had medical appointments to those who remained unreachable for follow-ups, the gap in care was evident.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One physician expressed frustration, saying, “We don’t necessarily have the staff to really try to reach out to them.”</p>



<p>In more serious instances, some patients couldn't supply missing information on their medical charts. The lack of emergency contacts for many left healthcare providers at a loss.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-a-system-in-crisis">A system in crisis</h2>



<p>A case manager pointed out the grim reality: many patients had “not a family member, not even a friend to rely on in case of a crisis.” The subsequent risks of untreated conditions, malnutrition, falls, and self-neglect loomed large.</p>



<p>The overarching challenge remains the lack of a robust infrastructure to identify and support these individuals before they face a severe crisis, like a medication-induced reaction or a fall.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Some were discharged without a support system in place. In one case, a patient was sent home with a taxi voucher - a situation that a psychiatrist likened to “sending a kid out to play on the freeway.”</p>



<h2 id="h-disturbing-trend">Disturbing trend</h2>



<p>Furthermore, Dr. Portacolone highlights a concerning trend in the U.S. health care system. While 79 percent of people with cognitive decline don't qualify for Medicaid-subsidized home care aides in long-term care due to their income bracket, paying out-of-pocket becomes unsustainable for many.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Most patients need to pay out-of-pocket and since cognitive impairment can last for decades, it is unsustainable for most people. Aides that are available via Medicaid are very poorly paid and usually receive limited training in caring for older adults with cognitive impairment,” said Dr. Portacolone.</p>



<p>By contrast, subsidized home care aides are generally available to a significantly larger percentage of patients living in parts of Europe, Japan and Canada, said Dr. Portacolone, citing a&nbsp; 2021 review of 13 countries, of which she was the senior author.</p>



<h2 id="h-rethinking-priorities">Rethinking priorities</h2>



<p>"In an era when Medicare is going to spend millions of dollars for newly approved drugs with very marginal benefits, we need to remember that Medicare and other payers refuse to pay far less money to provide necessary supports for vulnerable people with dementia," said study senior author Dr. Kenneth E. Covinsky of UCSF's Division of Geriatrics.</p>



<p>The researchers believe in reimagining a healthcare system with robust support funded by an expanded Medicare and Medicaid. This will become increasingly critical in an age where childlessness and divorce are rampant, and older adults are living longer - often in solitude, noted Dr. Portacolone.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This research is published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen"><em>JAMA Network Open</em></a>.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Alarming reality: One in four Americans with cognitive impairment lives alone

In the busy era of modern life, the dangers of...

<p>In the intricate tapestry of human emotions, our love for nature emerges as one of the most heartwarming threads. For ages, poets, writers, and philosophers have romanticized our relationship with the green world.</p>



<p>But the question arises – is this fondness for nature intrinsic or learned? An interesting study by researchers at the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a> and the <a href="https://www.slu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences</a> (SLU) suggests that it's a combination of both.</p>



<p>At the heart of this investigation is the concept of biophilia – an idea that people have an instinctual bond with nature. While urban areas often exemplify man's triumph over nature, the positive impact of trees and green spaces on city dwellers' well-being is undeniable. Yet, the origins of biophilia have been a matter of debate among scientists.</p>



<p>Historically, some experts contend that our ancestors, having evolved amidst nature, passed down an innate fondness for the environment and deep love of nature. Meanwhile, others believe that childhood encounters and teachings primarily shape this affection.</p>



<h2 id="h-love-of-nature-involves-many-factors">Love of nature involves many factors</h2>



<p>To decode this puzzle, the research team extensively reviewed multiple studies that delved into both our inborn traits and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-gain-a-stronger-connection-with-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life experiences</a>. Their findings suggest that while both heredity and environment influence an individual’s love for nature, it’s the interplay of myriad factors that dictates its expression.</p>



<p>Professor Bengt Gunnarsson is Professor Emeritus of Environmental Science at the University of Gothenburg. He shed light on the findings, stating, “We have been able to establish that many people have an unconscious positive experience of nature.”</p>



<p>Gunnarsson added that the popular biophilia hypothesis needs reevaluation to encompass the variations rooted in the synergy of genetic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-increased-well-being-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental factors</a>.</p>



<h2>“Nature” takes on different meanings</h2>



<p>Highlighting the diverse reactions people exhibit towards nature, a Japanese study found that a stroll in the woods elicited positive emotions in only 65% of participants. In contrast, another environmental psychology study discovered an inherent pull towards nature over urban settings. These feelings were particularly intensified for those who developed a love of nature from a nature-rich upbringing.</p>



<p>Lending a genetic perspective, Bengt cited an intriguing twin study. “An additional study on identical and non-identical twins revealed a genetic aspect influencing an individual’s bond with nature. Yet, environmental factors, too, play a crucial role in molding attitudes towards the green world.”</p>



<p>The research underscores the multifaceted nature of 'nature' itself. For some, manicured parks represent an oasis, while others yearn for the raw wilderness. This gamut of preferences, the researchers argue, stems from both our DNA and upbringing.</p>



<h2>Maintaining nature’s footprint in urban settings</h2>



<p>Marcus Hedblom, a researcher at SLU and co-contributor to the <a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/ecology-evolution/fulltext/S0169-5347(23)00149-0">research paper</a>, emphasized the importance of preserving nature's diversity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-gardens-promote-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban planning</a>. “We shouldn’t replace wild greenery with a park and assume it will cater to everyone's green cravings,” he noted.</p>



<p>The transformation of modern cities leans heavily on densification for sustainability. However, this often clashes with the desire to incorporate green spaces.</p>



<p>Research continually underscores the manifold benefits of urban greenery. These range from fostering physical activity to being a sanctuary against stress. Furthermore, trees act as urban lungs, purifying air and offering solace on sweltering days.</p>



<p>Wrapping up the discussion, Bengt acknowledged the potential variance in nature’s appeal among individuals. “There might be a significant chunk of the population indifferent or even aversive to nature due to genetic reasons,” he concluded.</p>



<p>As we look ahead, understanding the intricate dance of genes and environment in shaping our love for nature becomes crucial, especially in creating cities that cater to diverse green preferences.</p>



<p>In the end, nature's allure is an enchanting blend of our shared human heritage and personal tales. And as we weave the future tapestry of urban landscapes, it's paramount to let everyone find their unique shade of green.</p>



<h2>The health benefits of being outside</h2>



<p>Spending time outside, whether it's in nature, a park, or even just a walk in your neighborhood, offers numerous health benefits for the mind and body. Here are some of the health benefits of spending time outdoors:</p>



<h3>Vitamin D exposure</h3>



<p>Sunshine is a primary source of Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune system function, and even mood regulation. Just be sure to protect your skin with sunscreen after sufficient exposure.</p>



<h3>Improved mental well-being</h3>



<p>Nature has been shown to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Even a simple walk in the park can decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol.</p>



<h3>Enhanced creativity</h3>



<p>Time in nature has been linked with improved creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. This is possibly due to the reduced exposure to technology and the calming effects of nature.</p>



<h3>Improved concentration</h3>



<p>Activities like "forest bathing" (immersing oneself in natural surroundings) have been shown to improve focus and concentration, especially for those with ADHD.</p>



<h3>Enhanced immune function</h3>



<p>Regular exposure to nature can strengthen the immune system, potentially due to the combination of physical activity, exposure to diverse bacteria in natural environments, and decreased stress levels.</p>



<h3>Physical activity</h3>



<p>Being outside often involves physical activities like walking, hiking, biking, or playing sports, all of which boost cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility.</p>



<h3>Reduced risk of myopia</h3>



<p>Spending time outdoors during childhood has been associated with a reduced risk of developing nearsightedness (myopia).</p>



<h3>Improved sleep</h3>



<p>Exposure to natural light helps regulate the body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm, which can lead to better sleep.</p>



<h3>Social connection</h3>



<p>Outdoor activities often involve interacting with others, which can foster social connections and improve overall mental well-being.</p>



<h3>Exposure to negative ions</h3>



<p>Areas with moving water, such as waterfalls or beaches, release negative ions. Some studies suggest that exposure to negative ions can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.</p>



<h3>Connection to nature</h3>



<p>Engaging with nature fosters an appreciation for the environment. This connection can have profound psychological benefits, fostering feelings of belonging and purpose.</p>



<h3>Reduction in mental fatigue</h3>



<p>Urban environments and technology can be mentally draining. Nature provides a respite from this overstimulation, allowing the mind to refresh and reset.</p>



<h3>Improved air quality</h3>



<p>Generally, outdoor air (especially in green areas away from urban centers) is cleaner and less polluted than indoor air, promoting better respiratory health.</p>



<h3>Reduction in harmful blue light exposure</h3>



<p>Spending less time in front of screens reduces exposure to blue light, which has been linked to disruptions in sleep patterns and eye strain.</p>



<p>To fully reap the health benefits of spending time outside, it's recommended to be active and engage in activities that you enjoy, whether it's gardening, hiking, or simply taking a leisurely walk. </p>



<p>Also, while the outdoors offers many benefits, always ensure you are protecting yourself from potential risks, like sunburn, insects, or uneven terrain.</p>

People’s love of nature is both learned and inherited genetically

In the intricate tapestry of human emotions, our love for...

<p>A new study led by the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/">University of Massachusetts at Amherst</a> has found that the wealthiest Americans – individuals whose incomes place them in the top ten percent of earners – are responsible for 40 percent of the country’s total <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-cause-a-major-delay-in-rainfall/">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This study is the first to connect income – particularly that derived from financial investment – to the emissions used in generating that income. These findings suggest that policymakers should adopt taxes focused on shareholders and the emission intensity of investment income to equitably meet the goal of mitigating climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-consumption-based-approaches">Consumption-based approaches</h2>



<p>Scientists and environmentalists have long been aware that consumption – the amount and types of foods we eat, the things we buy, or the cars we drive – is closely associated to greenhouse emissions. Thus, traditional environmental policy has focused on either limiting consumption or guide it into more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as replacing red meat with plant-based diets or switching to electrical vehicles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“But consumption-based approaches to limiting greenhouse gas emissions are regressive. They disproportionately punish the poor while having little impact on the extremely wealthy, who tend to save and invest a large share of their income,” explained study lead author Jared Starr, a sustainability scientist at UMass Amherst.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Consumption-based approaches miss something important: carbon pollution generates income, but when that income is reinvested into stocks, rather than spent on necessities, it isn’t subject to a consumption-based carbon tax. What happens when we focus on how emissions create income, rather than how they enable consumption?”</p>



<h2 id="h-how-do-emissions-create-income">How do emissions create income?</h2>



<p>Answering this apparently simple question is quite challenging, since although it is relatively easy to understand the distribution of wages and salaries for about 90 percent of Americans, it is much more difficult to get a sense of the investment income which makes up a large source of the wealth of the richest Americans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To address this, the experts examined three decades’ worth of data, by first using a database containing over 2.8 billion inter-sectoral financial transfers and then following the movements of carbon and income through these transactions. These methods allowed them to calculate two different values – supplier-based and producer-based greenhouse emissions of income.</p>



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



<p>Supplier-based emissions are those generated by industries supplying fossil fuels to the economy. For example, although the operational emissions released by fossil fuel companies are in fact quite low, such companies make huge profits by selling oil to other who will burn it and thus contribute to pollution. On the other hand, producer-based emissions are those directly released by the operations of specific businesses, such as coal-fired power plants.</p>



<p>By taking into account these two values, the researchers linked emission data with another database containing comprehensive demographic and income data for over five million Americans. This data differentiated active income (salaries and wages earned through employment) from the passively generated investment income.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The analysis revealed that over 40 percent of U.S. emissions were attributable to the income flows of the top ten percent wealthiest citizens, with the top one percent of earners generating between 15 to 17 percent of the country’s emissions. While white, non-Hispanic households had the highest emission-connected income, Black households had the lowest.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, emissions tended to increase with age, peaking with the 45-54 age group, before starting to decline. Finally, the scientists also identified so-called “super-emitters” with extremely high emissions intensity, consisting of the top 0.1 percent of households, most of them active in fields such as finance, real estate, insurance, manufacturing, and mining and quarrying.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>“This research gives us insight into the way that income and investments obscure emissions responsibility,” Starr said. “For example, 15 days of income for a top 0.1 percent household generates as much carbon pollution as a lifetime of income for a household in the bottom 10 percent. An income-based lens helps us focus in on exactly who is profiting the most from climate-changing carbon pollution, and design policies to shift their behavior.”</p>



<p>According to the experts, to solve this problem, officials should focus on income and shareholder-based taxation rather than taxing consumables.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In this way, we could really incentivize the Americans who are driving and profiting the most from climate change to decarbonize their industries and investments. It’s divestment through self-interest, rather than altruism. Imagine how quickly corporate executives, board members, and large shareholders would decarbonize their industries if we made it in their financial interest to do so. The tax revenue gained could help the nation invest substantially in decarbonization efforts,” Starr concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pclm.0000190"><em>PLOS Climate</em></a>.</p>



<p>—</p>



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



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

America’s wealthiest 10 percent linked to 40 percent of emissions

A new study led by the University of Massachusetts at...

<p>Urbanization is accelerating all around the globe, fundamentally transforming natural landscapes and presenting a vast variety of animals that are forced to live in cities and towns with new challenges.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although some animals may benefit from milder temperatures and the presence of fewer natural predators, they also need to find ways of coping with increased pollutants and changes in their diets.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-paler-plumage">Paler plumage&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Previous research has shown that urban-dwelling animals have duller coloration compared to their non-urban counterparts (the so-called “urban dullness” phenomenon).&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, while these studies have largely focused on single geographic locations, a team of scientists led by <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/">Lund University</a> in Sweden has now investigated this phenomenon across the entire Europe, by taking as a case study a common songbird, the great tit (<em>Parus major</em>).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feather-fingerprints-reveal-secrets-of-endangered-seabirds/">feather</a> samples collected from great tits in cities and forests across Europe, the experts have found that urban great tits are indeed paler than their forest-dwelling counterparts.</p>



<h2 id="h-lack-of-carotenoids">Lack of carotenoids&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The typical yellow color in the great tit’s feathers is caused by carotenoids, a class of pigments that the birds get from the insects they eat. These insects, in turn, get these nutrients from the plants they consume.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Since carotenoids are important antioxidants which help the body mitigate the toxic effects of pollutants, if urban great tits cannot obtain sufficient carotenoids from their food, their plumage becomes paler, resulting in weaker resistance to the adverse effects of pollution.</p>



<p>“Our findings suggest that birds in the city are not getting the right diet. This can help us understand how to create urban environments that are more beneficial for biodiversity. By planting more native trees and plants in our gardens and parks we can help small birds, such as great tits, by providing them with a healthy diet of insects and spiders for themselves and their chicks,” said study senior author Hannah Watson, a biologist at Lund.</p>



<p>Surprisingly though, the analysis revealed that the effects of cities on birds’ coloration vary across the European continent. For instance, while in Lisbon, forest great tits displayed much brighter feathers than urban great tits, in Malmö, the difference in plumage between city and forest tits was considerably smaller.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-urban-dullness">Urban dullness&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Overall, our results provide evidence for uniformity in the ‘<em>urban dullness</em>’ phenomenon but also highlight that the magnitude of the effect on coloration depends on local urban characteristics,” the authors explained.</p>



<p>“We need further research to understand why some cities have more favorable environments for birds and wildlife than others. This can help urban planners develop biodiversity-friendly policies and improve the quality of life for people living in cities,” Watson concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13982"><em>Journal of Animal Ecology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-great-tits">More about great tits</h2>



<p>The great tit (Parus major) is a passerine bird in the tit family Paridae. It's a common and easily recognizable bird found across Europe, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa.</p>



<p>The great tit is known for its vibrant coloration, mainly yellow with a black stripe down the breast and black head. It's a medium-sized bird, typically weighing between 14 to 18 grams and measuring around 12.5 to 14 cm in length.</p>



<p>Their diet mainly consists of insects, seeds, and nuts, and they are often found in woodlands, gardens, and parks. Great tits nest in tree holes or nest boxes and typically lay between 5-12 eggs. The female incubates the eggs, and both parents help feed the chicks.</p>



<p>Known for their curiosity and intelligence, they have been observed using tools and solving problems to obtain food. Their song is a familiar sound in many parts of their range and is composed of several repeated notes.</p>



<p>The great tit is not currently considered endangered, although changes in habitat due to human activity may affect local populations.</p>



<h2 id="h-other-aspects-of-urban-dullness">Other aspects of urban dullness</h2>



<p>Urban dullness refers to the monotony or lack of variety and excitement in urban environments. It can manifest in various ways:</p>



<h3 id="h-architectural-monotony">Architectural monotony</h3>



<p>Repetitive building designs, lack of color, and lack of architectural variety can make cityscapes seem bland.</p>



<h3 id="h-lack-of-green-spaces">Lack of green spaces</h3>



<p>A shortage of parks, trees, and gardens can result in a concrete jungle effect, where nature is sparse.</p>



<h3 id="h-routine-lifestyle">Routine lifestyle</h3>



<p>Living in a city can sometimes become routine – wake up, commute, work, commute, sleep. This daily grind can feel monotonous for many.</p>



<h3 id="h-overcrowding">Overcrowding</h3>



<p>High population densities without adequate infrastructure or recreational spaces can contribute to a sense of congestion and monotony.</p>



<h3 id="h-lack-of-cultural-activities">Lack of cultural activities</h3>



<p>While many urban areas are rich in culture, if these activities or places aren't readily accessible or promoted, it can add to the feeling of dullness.</p>



<h3 id="h-noise-and-pollution">Noise and Pollution</h3>



<p>Constant noise from traffic, construction, and other urban activities can make the environment feel stressful and uninviting.</p>



<p><em>—-</em></p>



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



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

Great tits often lose their vivid colors in the city

Urbanization is accelerating all around the globe, fundamentally transforming natural...

<p>In a striking discovery, the invasive yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) has been spotted in the United States for the first time. The <a href="https://agr.georgia.gov/">Georgia Department of Agriculture</a> (GDA) made the unsettling announcement earlier this week, marking a significant event in the nation's ecological landscape.</p>



<p>The confirmation of a living yellow-legged hornet in Georgia was made through a coordinated effort involving the GDA, the USDA, and the University of Georgia. This marks the first time a live specimen of this non-native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-hornets-so-successful-as-invasive-species/">hornet</a> species has been identified in the wild in the United States.</p>



<h2 id="h-potential-implications">Potential implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The potential implications of this discovery are substantial. If allowed to establish in Georgia, the yellow-legged hornet could threaten honey production, native pollinators, and even the state's most crucial industry - agriculture.</p>



<p>In an urgent statement, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper emphasized the importance of community vigilance, stating: "Georgians play an important role helping GDA identify unwanted, non-native pests, and I want to thank the beekeeper who reported his sighting to us, as well as our partners at the University of Georgia and USDA’s Animal &amp; Plant Health Inspection Service for working swiftly to confirm its identity."</p>



<p>"Our experienced team of professionals will continue to assess the situation and are working directly with USDA APHIS and UGA to trap, track, and eradicate the yellow-legged hornet in Georgia."</p>



<h2 id="h-first-sighting-in-savannah">First sighting in Savannah&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The yellow-legged hornet's arrival in Georgia was first noticed by a beekeeper in Savannah earlier this month. Following the beekeeper's report to the GDA, the insect was identified as the yellow-legged hornet by the University of Georgia on August 9, 2023.</p>



<p>This social wasp species, known for constructing large egg-shaped paper nests, is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia. It has already spread to most parts of Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia where it is not indigenous.</p>



<p>“The foundation of this response is the strong relationship USDA has developed with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the University of Georgia over many years," said Dr. Mark Davidson, Deputy Administrator of APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine Program.</p>



<p>"Our partnership is already paying off as our teams come together to apply the science and technology in our response planning. The public can also play a critical role by reporting potential sightings of the hornet to help eradicate this pest.”</p>



<h2 id="h-eradication-plans-in-motion">Eradication plans in motion</h2>



<p>The plan to control and ultimately eradicate the yellow-legged hornet in Georgia is already in motion. Experienced scientists from the GDA's Pest Program are working with USDA and academic experts to develop an operational strategy that involves trapping, tracking, and eradication. The response also includes DNA analysis to determine if the hornet is related to European populations.</p>



<p>In the meantime, the public is urged to play an active part in this battle against an invasive species. The GDA's website offers an accessible form to report potential sightings and cautions against interacting with these potentially dangerous insects.</p>



<p>The discovery of the yellow-legged hornet in the United States opens a new chapter in the ever-evolving story of our ecosystem, reminding us once again of the delicate balance between nature and human intervention.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-yellow-legged-hornets">More about yellow-legged hornets</h2>



<p>The yellow-legged hornet, scientifically named Vespa velutina, is an insect that has gained significant attention in recent years due to its invasive nature in regions outside its native habitat. Here's a more in-depth look into the characteristics, behavior, and impact of the yellow-legged hornet:</p>



<h3 id="h-origin-and-distribution">Origin and distribution</h3>



<p>The yellow-legged hornet is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including areas of China, northern India, and the Indonesian archipelago.</p>



<p>In recent years, it has spread to several parts of Europe, such as France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, and even the UK. Its appearance in these regions is of concern due to its invasive nature and potential to harm native ecosystems.</p>



<h3 id="h-physical-characteristics">Physical characteristics</h3>



<p>The yellow-legged hornet is noticeably smaller than the European hornet.</p>



<p>As its name suggests, it has characteristic yellow legs. The body is dark brown or black with a yellow band near the rear, and the face is primarily orange with two yellow bands.</p>



<h3 id="h-behavior-and-habitat">Behavior and habitat</h3>



<p>It is a social wasp species that constructs large, egg-shaped paper nests. These nests are typically found above ground, often in trees, and can house thousands of workers.</p>



<p>The hornet is a formidable predator, particularly of honeybees. It waits outside bee hives to capture returning honeybees, which they decapitate and bring back to their nest to feed their larvae.</p>



<h3 id="h-impact-on-ecosystems">Impact on ecosystems</h3>



<p>In areas where it has become invasive, the yellow-legged hornet poses a threat to honeybees and, consequently, honey production. This can also have indirect effects on pollination and local agriculture.</p>



<p>Its predatory behavior can lead to the decline of native bee populations. In some regions, it's responsible for significant losses in honeybee colonies.</p>



<h3 id="h-human-interaction">Human interaction</h3>



<p>While the yellow-legged hornet is primarily a threat to honeybees, it can pose a risk to humans if provoked. Like other hornets and wasps, it can deliver a painful sting. For individuals who are allergic, a sting can be particularly dangerous.</p>



<p>Given the potential ecological and economic implications of the yellow-legged hornet's spread, it's essential for affected regions to remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to monitor and control its population.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Alien invasion: Yellow-legged hornet spotted in the U.S. for the first time

In a striking discovery, the invasive yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina)...

<p>A new study suggests that pouring rust into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-water-is-the-key-to-a-long-and-healthy-life/">water</a> may not be as counterintuitive as it sounds. A team of researchers has come up with a unique type of iron oxide nanoparticles - called "smart rust" - that surprisingly purifies water instead of contaminating it.</p>



<p>Typically, adding rust to water would make it undrinkable. However, this new "smart rust" has the innate ability to attract a plethora of pollutants such as oil, nano and microplastics, and the herbicide glyphosate.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-magnetic-nanoparticles">Magnetic nanoparticles&nbsp;</h2>



<p>What’s even more interesting is how these pollutants are removed from the water. The magnetic nature of the nanoparticles ensures easy extraction using a mere magnet.</p>



<p>Recently, the scientists announced that they have further refined the particles to trap potentially harmful estrogen hormones, which are known to adversely affect aquatic life.</p>



<p>The groundbreaking research was recently presented at the fall meeting of the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) 2023.</p>



<h2 id="h-dramatically-improving-water-treatment">Dramatically improving water treatment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Our ‘smart rust’ is cheap, nontoxic, and recyclable," said Dr. Marcus Halik, the study's principal investigator. “And we have demonstrated its use for all kinds of contaminants, showing the potential for this technique to improve water treatment dramatically.”</p>



<p>For years, Dr. Halik's team at <a href="https://www.fau.de/">Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg</a> has been on a mission to find eco-friendly ways to purify water.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The core component of their research revolves around superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. These particles are unique due to their magnetic pull, attracting them to magnets without causing them to stick to one another.</p>



<p>Taking the research a step further, the scientists developed a technique to bind phosphonic acid molecules to these nanoparticles. </p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="IbWjqMawTn-2946099-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 id="h-promising-results">Promising results&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“After we add a layer of the molecules to the iron oxide cores, they look like hairs sticking out of these particles’ surfaces," said Dr. Halik. By manipulating the binding of the phosphonic acids, the team found they could alter the nanoparticles' surfaces, enabling them to effectively absorb varied pollutants.</p>



<p>In their early experiments, the smart rust showed promising results in purifying water collected from the Mediterranean Sea of crude oil and pond water of glyphosate. In addition, the nanoparticles effectively removed nano and microplastics from various water samples.</p>



<h2 id="h-trace-contaminants">Trace contaminants&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Lukas Müller, a graduate student on the team, took on the challenge to see if the nanoparticles could be altered further to draw in trace contaminants, specifically hormones. When these hormones, natural and synthetic estrogens, are disposed of, they seep into our waterways, causing potential harm to both plant and animal life.</p>



<p>Müller focused on the estrogen estradiol, and its four structurally similar derivatives. By coating the nanoparticles with two distinct compounds - one long and the other positively charged - he believed they could create countless "pockets" to effectively trap the estrogen.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To verify their hypothesis, Müller has relied on sophisticated instruments, and while early results are promising, further experiments are in the pipeline.</p>



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



<p>Looking ahead, the research team plans to evaluate the efficiency of these nanoparticles on real-world water samples. They are optimistic that the high surface area of each nanoparticle, rich with trapping pockets, will offer multiple usages, making the purification process more cost-effective.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“By repeatedly recycling these particles, the material impact from this water treatment method could become very small," said Dr. Halik.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-water-purification">More about water purification&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Water purification is an essential process that ensures the availability of clean and safe drinking water for humans and animals. With rising concerns over water scarcity and the increasing contamination of available water sources, advancements in water purification techniques are becoming ever more vital.</p>



<h3 id="h-traditional-methods">Traditional methods</h3>



<h4 id="h-boiling">Boiling</h4>



<p>One of the oldest methods, boiling kills many pathogens. However, it doesn't remove chemical pollutants.</p>



<h4 id="h-solar-disinfection-sodis">Solar disinfection (SODIS)</h4>



<p>Placing water in transparent bottles and exposing them to sunlight for several hours can kill pathogens. This method harnesses UV radiation from the sun.</p>



<h3 id="h-filtration">Filtration</h3>



<h4 id="h-activated-carbon-filters">Activated carbon filters</h4>



<p>They are used to remove larger particles like sediment and silt from water. These filters also remove bad tastes and odors from the water.</p>



<h4 id="h-reverse-osmosis">Reverse osmosis</h4>



<p>This involves forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, which filters out contaminants and impurities.</p>



<h4 id="h-distillation">Distillation</h4>



<p>This process involves boiling water and then condensing the vapor back into liquid in a separate container, leaving many contaminants behind.</p>



<h3 id="h-chemical-methods">Chemical methods</h3>



<h4 id="h-chlorination">Chlorination</h4>



<p>Chlorine is added to water to kill bacteria and other pathogens. This is a common method used in municipal water treatment.</p>



<h4 id="h-iodine-and-chlorine-dioxide">Iodine and chlorine dioxide</h4>



<p>These are chemical tablets or drops that can purify water, often used by travelers and in emergency situations.</p>



<h3 id="h-modern-innovations">Modern innovations</h3>



<h4 id="h-ultraviolet-uv-purification">Ultraviolet (UV) purification</h4>



<p>UV light can destroy various bacteria and viruses. It's a chemical-free method of purification.</p>



<h4 id="h-nanotechnology">Nanotechnology</h4>



<p>This includes methods like the "smart rust" mentioned previously, using nanoparticles to trap and remove contaminants from water.</p>



<h4 id="h-biosand-filters">Biosand filters</h4>



<p>A point-of-use decentralized water treatment system, it uses layers of sand, gravel, and sometimes crushed brick. The biofilm developed on the sand's surface is the active layer that traps pathogens.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

"Smart rust" purifies water instead of polluting it

A new study suggests that pouring rust into water may...

<p>A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.crick.ac.uk/">Francis Crick Institute</a> in London has recently discovered that molecules found in cruciferous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-will-eat-more-vegetables-if-they-see-adults-enjoy-them/">vegetables</a> such as broccoli and cauliflower play a pivotal role in fortifying the lung barrier and alleviating infections.</p>



<p>Molecules in cruciferous vegetables – such as kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage – act as dietary "ligands" for a protein called AHR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor), which is predominantly located at barrier areas, including the gut and lungs.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-endothelial-cells">Endothelial cells&nbsp;</h2>



<p>When consumed, these molecules activate AHR, which then impacts a variety of genes. Some of these influenced genes serve to switch off the AHR system, allowing it to self-regulate.</p>



<p>While the influence of AHR on immune cells is already a well-known fact, the current study provides evidence that AHR also shows significant activity in endothelial cells, which form the lining of blood vessels in the lungs.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The lungs have a delicate barrier separating our body from the external environment, consisting of two layers, one of endothelial cells and one of epithelial cells.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While this barrier is essential for oxygen intake, it must also effectively shield against pollutants and pathogens.</p>



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



<p>By conducting an experiment on mice, the researchers aimed to clarify the role of AHR in lung barrier fortification. When mice were infected with the flu virus, blood was found in the airspaces in the lungs, indicating that it had leaked across a barrier breach.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, when AHR was hyperactivated, there was significantly less blood in these airspaces. Moreover, mice exhibiting a more active AHR system experienced milder weight loss upon flu infection and demonstrated a heightened ability to counter secondary bacterial infections.</p>



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



<p>By contrast, when AHR was prevented from being expressed in the lung endothelial cells of infected mice, an increased presence of blood and immune cells in the lung airspaces was noticed, signifying intensified barrier damage.</p>



<p>The study also highlighted an intriguing correlation between diet and AHR activity during viral infections. Mice infected with the flu displayed a reduction in protective lung AHR activity, but this was observed only in those fed with AHR ligands pre-infection.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-dietary-habits-and-lung-health">Dietary habits and lung health</h2>



<p>Such observations suggest that dietary habits directly impact AHR efficacy: due to illness, infected mice consumed lesser food, leading to diminished AHR ligand intake, translating into heightened lung damage.</p>



<p>These findings highlight the significance of an AHR ligand-rich diet. Mice on such a diet showed superior lung barrier health and sustained minimal damage during infections when compared to their counterparts on a regular diet.</p>



<p>“Until recently, we’ve mainly looked at barrier protection through the lens of immune cells. Now we’ve shown that AHR is important for maintaining a strong barrier in the lungs through the endothelial cell layer, which is disrupted during infection,” said senior author Andreas Wack, the Head of the Immunoregulation Laboratory at Francis Crick.</p>



<h2 id="h-gut-lung-axis">Gut-lung axis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“People may be less likely to maintain a good diet when they’re ill, so aren’t taking in the molecules from vegetables which make this system work. It’s a good idea to eat lots of cruciferous vegetables anyway, but this shows it’s even more important to continue eating them when you’re ill!”</p>



<p>“What we’ve identified is a gut-lung axis – linking diet to protection against lung infection via endothelial cells,” added lead author Jack Major, a former doctoral student in Wack’s lab and currently a visiting scientist at Francis Crick.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We looked at flu in this research, but other research has shown that COVID-19 may also reduce AHR activity in the lung. It will be interesting to investigate the impact of other respiratory viruses on AHR, and also whether different molecules in our diet use other pathways than AHR to affect lung function via endothelial cells.”</p>



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



<p>According to the scientists, AHR might play a crucial role in endothelial cells in other barrier organs. For instance, another recent study published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06508-4"><em>Nature</em></a> has found that dietary factors stimulate AHR in gut endothelial cells, countering uncontrolled cell proliferation and inflammation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This newly uncovered mechanism in the gut resembles the one observed in the lungs, further emphasizing the critical connection between dietary habits and organ health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06287-y"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



<p>—</p>



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



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

Cruciferous vegetables strengthen the lung barrier, protect us from illness

A team of researchers led by the Francis Crick Institute...

<p>Leaf-tailed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-gecko-species-scales/">geckos</a> are well-known masters of disguise. Some species have skin flaps around their entire bodies and heads, along with flattened tails, and spend their days resting head-down on tree trunks with these skin flaps spread out, blending seamlessly into their surroundings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>At night, they awaken to search for invertebrate prey along the fine branches of the understory. Now, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://zsm.snsb.de/?lang=en">Bavarian State Collection for Zoology</a> (ZSM) has discovered and named a new leaf-tailed gecko species from the north of Madagascar.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-confirming-the-new-leaf-tailed-gecko">Confirming the new leaf-tailed gecko&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts collected extensive data on the genetics, morphology, and distribution of this new species – which they called <em>Uroplatus garamaso </em>– and undertook several expeditions to northern Madagascar to gather more information about this gecko.</p>



<p>“When we first discovered this species in 2000, we already suspected it might be new to science,” said lead author Frank Glaw, a curator of herpetology at ZSM. “But it has taken us many years to amass enough information to confidently describe it as a new species.”</p>



<h2 id="h-cryptic-species">Cryptic species&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A major challenge in understanding the characteristics of this species was that <em>Uroplatus garamaso</em> is remarkably similar to another species of leaf-tailed gecko, <em>Uroplatus henkeli</em>, and has often been confused with it in the past.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is quite common for reptiles from Madagascar,” said co-author Jörn Köhler, a senior curator of Vertebrate Zoology at the <a href="https://www.hlmd.de/en/index.html">Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt</a>. “There are a lot of these so-called ‘cryptic species,’ which are waiting for taxonomic treatment.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, through careful analysis, the scientists succeeded in finding some features that differentiate the two leaf-tailed gecko species.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-series-of-new-uroplatus-geckos">Series of new Uroplatus<em> </em>geckos</h2>



<p>“The real key was the discovery that the tip of the tongue is blackish in&nbsp;<em>U. henkeli</em>, whereas it is pink in&nbsp;<em>U. garamaso</em>,” reported co-author Philip-Sebastian Gehring, a biologist at the <a href="https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/(en)/">University of Bielefeld</a> in Germany. Moreover, at a length of 20 cm, the new species is also slightly smaller than <em>U. henkeli</em>, and has a narrower tail.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This species is the latest in a series of new <em>Uroplatus </em>geckos from Madagascar scientists discovered and described over the past few years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We are close to completing the taxonomic inventory of the genus, but this is just the start of our understanding of their evolution and ecology,” concluded co-author Mark Scherz, a curator of herpetology at the <a href="https://snm.ku.dk/english/">Natural History Museum of Denmark</a>. “The mouth color, which has been so useful to identify different species, has a totally unknown function. There is a lot we still do not know about these geckos, from their broader evolutionary relationships to their behavior.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373118974_A_new_large-sized_species_of_leaf-tailed_gecko_Uroplatus_from_northern_Madagascar"><em>Salamandra</em></a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-geckos">More about geckos</h2>



<p>Geckos are small to medium-sized reptiles that belong to the family Gekkonidae in the order Squamata. There are over 1,500 species, making them one of the most diverse groups of lizards.</p>



<p>Geckos play a vital role in ecosystems as both predators and prey. They also help control insect populations.</p>



<p>Due to their unique appearance and behavior, many gecko species, like the leopard gecko and crested gecko, are popular pets.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-appearance">Appearance</h3>



<p>They have unique toe pads that allow them to adhere to a wide variety of surfaces, from smooth glass to rough walls.</p>



<p>Geckos don't have eyelids. Instead, they have a transparent membrane over their eyes which they clean using their tongue</p>



<h3 id="h-tail-defense">Tail defense</h3>



<p>Geckos have a defense mechanism known as "caudal autotomy," where they can drop their tail to escape predators. The tail often wriggles to distract the predator while the gecko makes its escape. Over time, they can regrow a new tail.</p>



<h3 id="h-vocalization">Vocalization</h3>



<p>Unlike many reptiles, some gecko species are vocal and produce various sounds, including chirps, clicks, and barks.</p>



<h3 id="h-">.</h3>



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



<p>They mostly eat insects and other small invertebrates. Some larger species might consume smaller lizards or even small mammals.</p>



<h3 id="h-mating-and-reproduction">Mating and reproduction</h3>



<p>Before mating, male geckos often display various courtship behaviors which can include chirping, waving their tails, or making specific body movements to attract a female.</p>



<p>Most geckos are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. The number of eggs per clutch can vary between species, but many geckos lay in pairs.</p>



<p>Some geckos give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. This is more common in species living in colder climates where eggs might not survive.</p>



<h3 id="h-habitat">Habitat</h3>



<p>Geckos are found in various habitats worldwide, especially in warm climates. They can be seen in deserts, jungles, and even urban areas.</p>



<h3 id="h-thermoregulation">Thermoregulation</h3>



<p>Geckos, like all reptiles, are ectothermic, meaning their internal body temperature is regulated by external environmental conditions rather than internal metabolic processes.</p>



<p>Geckos, particularly diurnal species, will bask in the sun to increase their body temperature. This helps them become more active and aids in digestion.</p>



<p>To avoid overheating, geckos may seek shade or burrow into cooler substrates. Many species are nocturnal, which allows them to avoid the intense heat of the day. Their activity during the cooler nighttime hours helps them maintain a suitable body temperature.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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



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

New species of leaf-tailed gecko discovered in Madagascar

Leaf-tailed geckos are well-known masters of disguise. Some species have...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



<p></p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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