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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

Researchers at Cal State University have discovered that juvenile great white sharks are far more prevalent along the California coastline than previously assumed. This presence has shed new light on the reality of human-shark interactions and possibly on how climate change may be affecting shark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dads-lead-young-birds-on-their-first-migration/">migration</a> patterns.



A two-year research project led by Professor Christopher Lowe, director of the Shark Lab and a professor of Marine Biology at <a href="https://www.csulb.edu/">Cal State Long Beach</a>, relied on drone technology to observe more than two dozen beaches along the state's extensive shoreline.



The study's target demographic was juvenile great whites, aged between one and five years. To the researchers' surprise, these young great whites appeared to be particularly concentrated in two locations: southern Santa Barbara County and central San Diego County.



The intriguing aspect of this finding was not just the unexpected frequency of the juvenile sharks in these regions but the nature of their interaction - or lack thereof - with humans. According to the results released last Friday, these aggregation sites often witnessed sharks and humans sharing the oceanic playground simultaneously 97 percent of the time.



<h2 id="h-minding-their-own-business">Minding their own business</h2>



The notion of sharks circling in the same waters as surfers and stand-up paddle boarders might immediately bring to mind scenes from Steven Spielberg's iconic film "Jaws." Yet, the researchers emphasize that their observations provide a clear contrast to these sensationalized Hollywood scenarios.&nbsp;



Rather than menacing predators, the young sharks "tend to mind their own business," says Patrick Rex, a lab technician at the Shark Lab. The researchers frequently observed juvenile whites swimming within 50 yards of where the waves break, even coming within 10 feet of beachgoers - who were often unaware of a shark's presence.



The important question that arises from these observations, Rex points out, is not about fear but about perception: “People think, 'If I see a shark in the lineup (the area where waves begin breaking), I'm going to get bitten or I'm in danger.' And what we've seen is that that's not necessarily the case."



During the entire period of the study, no shark bites were reported at any of the observed beaches. In fact, shark bites in California are quite rare, with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife documenting only 209 incidents from 1950 to November 2022.



<h2 id="h-new-insights">New insights</h2>



This proximity to humans without any significant incident has led the scientists to theorize that these sharks have started to recognize humans as "not food." Although this is not a definitive conclusion, given the complexities of understanding why sharks bite humans in the first place, it does offer a glimmer of insight into the nature of these majestic creatures.



These findings offer invaluable information to lifeguards, particularly those operating in these aggregation sites, to help ensure safe swimming and water recreation. The research also offers a fascinating window into the behaviors of young sharks, who tend to spend their time at these spots feeding on stingrays and small fish at the seafloor.



Interestingly, this research may also be offering insights into broader environmental shifts. The scientists noted that some of the sharks they were observing did not leave the California waters as they traditionally would when the colder seasons set in.&nbsp;



Rex suggests that climate change and the resultant warmer waters might be causing this shift in migratory patterns. "It means that the sharks may not be making that long migration anymore," he explained. However, he was quick to caution that this was an early hypothesis, with more data and time needed before firm conclusions could be drawn.



These intriguing findings emphasize the importance of continued marine research, the results of which not only bring us a deeper understanding of these incredible creatures but also of our role and responsibility in the delicate balance of our shared environment.



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



Great white sharks are the largest predatory fish in the world, with adults typically measuring 13 to 15 feet in length, although specimens exceeding 20 feet have been recorded. These sharks are known for their torpedo-shaped bodies, which allow for speed and agility in the water, and their iconic white underbellies, which gives them their common name. Their back and sides are typically a slate-gray color, providing an effective camouflage in the water.



Great whites have a global distribution, and are primarily found in cool, coastal waters. They have been observed in waters with temperatures ranging from 54-75°F (12-24°C), which means they can be found in seas off the coasts of the United States, South Africa, Japan, Oceania, Chile, and the Mediterranean, among others.



Great white sharks are apex predators, meaning they have no natural predators aside from the occasional killer whale. Their diet mainly consists of fish, seals, small cetaceans (like dolphins), sea turtles, sea birds, and even other sharks. They are known for their "breaching" behavior when hunting seals, propelling themselves out of the water in an impressive display of power and agility.



Despite their reputation, attacks on humans are relatively rare and are usually a case of mistaken identity, such as a shark confusing a surfer for a seal. Contrary to popular belief, humans are not a preferred food source for these sharks.



Great whites are ovoviviparous, which means eggs develop and hatch within the body of the female and are born live. Little is known about their breeding habits, but pups are generally around 5 feet long at birth and are immediately self-sufficient.



These sharks are migratory and can travel thousands of miles. A famous shark named Nicole traveled from South Africa to Australia and back in nine months, a journey of over 12,000 miles.



Unfortunately, great white sharks are currently listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They face threats from hunting (for their fins, teeth, and as trophies), accidental catch (bycatch) in fishing gear, and pollution. Efforts are being made to protect these majestic creatures and ensure their survival for future generations.



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Great whites are far more prevalent than expected on the California coast

Researchers at Cal State University have discovered that juvenile great...

In a landscape that showcases the beauty of nature, with the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas, it seems shocking to realize that Nepal is the most polluted country in the world. Residents of this landlocked nation in South Asia are exposed to alarming levels of air pollution.



According to recent data by Oxford University's <a href="https://ourworldindata.org/">Our World in Data</a> platform, Nepal's average fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels stand at a staggering 99.73 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) throughout the year.&nbsp;



To grasp the scale of the problem, consider that this figure is almost twenty times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline limit of 5μg/m3. The pollution levels in the United Kingdom and the United States, comparatively, are significantly lower, standing at 10.47μg/m3 and 7.41μg/m3, respectively, ranking them as the 24th and ninth cleanest countries.



<h2 id="h-the-top-five-most-polluted-countries">The top five most polluted countries&nbsp;</h2>



The data, collected in 2017, reports PM2.5 levels for 195 countries worldwide. Following Nepal, Niger and Qatar are the second and third most polluted countries, with respective concentrations of 94.05μg/m3 and 91.19μg/m3. The researchers noted North Africa's high levels of pollution, attributing the issue in part to the region's dry conditions and abundance of dust and sand sources.



India, with a staggering population of 1.4 billion, and Saudi Arabia also fall in the top five, with PM2.5 exposures of 90.87μg/m3 and 87.95μg/m3 respectively. Excluding Qatar, PM2.5 levels in each of the top five countries have increased since 1990, indicating that efforts to reduce pollution have been unsuccessful in these nations.



Dr. Raj Tiwari, an assistant professor in Climate Change Data Science at the University of Hertfordshire, expressed deep concern over these findings. "Countries like Nepal (South Asia), Niger (Africa), and Qatar (Middle East) are on the top end for PM2.5, with an exposure of more than 90 - which is very alarming," said Dr. Tiwari.



The smallest increase in PM2.5 levels among the top five was witnessed in Nepal, with a leap of 12.13μg/m3. The list of the countries with the poorest air quality also included Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria, Bahrain, and Chad.



Contrasting these high pollution levels, Finland logged the lowest PM2.5 mean annual exposure at 5.86μg/m3, although still slightly exceeding WHO's safety levels. Brunei, New Zealand, Sweden, Canada, and Iceland also reported relatively low levels of the harmful PM2.5 particles. However, these figures remain above the WHO's recommended safety levels, highlighting the global scope of the air pollution problem.



<h2 id="h-air-pollution-and-mortality-rates">Air pollution and mortality rates</h2>



The adverse health impacts of air pollution are starkly portrayed by the national death rates linked to outdoor air pollution in 2019. Despite Nepal reporting the highest PM2.5 levels, it was Uzbekistan, a Central Asian country with a population of 20.5 million, that haf the most significant fatality rate. The country registered 179 deaths per 100,000 people due to air pollution, a more than twofold increase from the 81 deaths reported in 1990.



Uzbekistan was closely followed by Egypt and Qatar, which recorded death rates of 161 and 133 per 100,000 people, respectively. Considering that these countries are not the most polluted based on PM2.5 levels, the elevated death rates highlight the severe health risks associated with air pollution.



Dr. Tiwari elaborated on the role economics play in these patterns: "Further analysis on death rates from outdoor air pollution is really an eye-opener, as it clearly shows how air pollution is highly linked with the economy of the countries."



According to the United Nations, poorer countries tend to have less stringent air pollution laws, lower vehicle emission standards, and higher numbers of coal power stations. Such factors contribute to the higher levels of pollution and subsequent health impacts seen in these countries.



In stark contrast, Finland, the country with the world's lowest PM2.5 exposure, also reported the lowest number of deaths due to pollution exposure, with just three deaths per 100,000.



However, even as air pollution exacts a significant toll on public health, it is not the leading cause of death globally. The Global Burden of Disease study, published in <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/">The Lancet</a>, reported that high blood pressure was the leading cause of death in 2019, accounting for 10.85 million fatalities, closely followed by smoking, which was responsible for 7.69 million deaths.



<h2 id="h-more-about-fine-particle-pollution">More about fine particle pollution</h2>



PM2.5 are particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, so tiny that they're about one ten-thousandth of an inch. These particles can be composed of various materials, including dust, soot, metals, and harmful chemicals. Emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities, particularly those burning fossil fuels, are the primary sources of such pollutants.



Due to their extremely small size, PM2.5 particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing long-term damage. A wealth of scientific evidence has linked long-term exposure to these particles to a heightened risk of severe illnesses and premature death, primarily due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.&nbsp;



Beyond physical ailments, air pollutants have also been tied to neurological effects, with studies showing correlations between exposure and increased risks of dementia and cognitive decline.



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An invisible crisis: Ranking the world's most polluted countries

In a landscape that showcases the beauty of nature, with...

Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are well-known carriers of pathogens that are responsible for a variety of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-food-diets-linked-to-rise-in-autoimmune-diseases/">diseases</a>, including Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne illness in North America.&nbsp;



Over the past years, these ticks have significantly expanded their range across the Eastern United States and Midwest, challenging previous assumptions regarding their preferred habitats. While climate change has often been hailed responsible for these range shifts, it is not yet clear why ticks are abundant in some areas and rare in others.&nbsp;



To better understand how changes in temperature affect ticks, a team of researchers led by <a href="https://wsu.edu/">Washington State University</a> (WSU) has set up a large field study at three military bases across the U.S. East Coast. The results are published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecm.1572">Ecological Monographs</a>.



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



By placing over 9,000 ticks in soil core enclosures and closely monitoring their survival and development during a period of three years, the experts found that these parasites are much more resilient to extreme temperatures than previously thought.



Although prior laboratory research suggested that even short periods of particularly warm or cold conditions should easily kill ticks, the new study found that this is only the case for their larvae. By contrast, nymph and adult ticks appeared to survive extreme temperatures with relative ease, dying only when they ran out of energy.



“We thought we would see some evidence that if there was like a very dry period, all the ticks might be at a greater risk of dying,” said lead author Jesse Brunner, an associate professor of Biological Sciences at WSU. “However, just the larvae were impacted by heat and dry conditions. Cold weather had even less of an impact. Somehow, they hunker down and survive great.”&nbsp;



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



The investigation revealed that, although extreme weather conditions do not significantly affect tick mortality, it does make them burn through their food faster, suggesting that hotter weather could shorten the window of time for ticks to locate a potential host walking by. This finding was particularly true for tick larvae, whose median survival times were halved when exposed to frequent periods of hot and dry weather.



Moreover, the scientists were surprised to find that soil core enclosures located just a few meters apart from each other frequently exhibited highly different rates of tick mortality. For instance, while in one container 80 percent of ticks survived, in another located right next to it none of them did. Although the cause of these extreme variations is unclear, environmental factors such as arthropods or fungi could possibly play a major role.



Considering the massive impact of tick-borne diseases on public health, the implications of this study could be far-reaching. For instance, the findings highlight the importance of targeting interventions during the larval stage, when ticks are most vulnerable. Focusing on this stage of development, scientists hope to develop effective strategies, such as vaccinating host species, which can significantly reduce tick populations and mitigate the rates of disease transmission.



<h2 id="h-more-research-is-needed">More research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



Further research is needed to clarify the factors leading to localized tick mortality and the role host species such as mice, deer, and humans play in tick survival.&nbsp;



“The ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive framework that can predict and effectively manage tick populations. This could in turn lead to improved public health outcomes,” Brunner concluded.



<h2 id="h-more-about-black-legged-ticks">More about black-legged ticks</h2>



Black-legged ticks, scientifically known as Ixodes scapularis, are primarily found in the northeastern and midwestern regions of the United States, as well as parts of southeastern Canada. They are also commonly referred to as deer ticks.



<h3 id="h-key-points-about-black-legged-ticks">Key points about black-legged ticks:</h3>



<h4 id="h-appearance">Appearance</h4>



Black-legged ticks are small arachnids, with adult females measuring about 3 to 5 millimeters in length, while adult males are slightly smaller. They have a dark brown to black colored body and are characterized by their eight legs.



<h4 id="h-habitat">Habitat</h4>



These insects thrive in wooded areas, particularly in forests with a dense understory and abundant leaf litter. They prefer a humid environment and are often found in areas with tall grasses and shrubs.



<h4 id="h-life-cycle">Life Cycle</h4>



Black-legged ticks have a complex life cycle that involves four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. They require a blood meal at each stage to progress to the next. Small mammals, birds, and reptiles typically serve as hosts for the larval and nymphal stages, while larger mammals, including humans, are preferred hosts for adults.



<h4 id="h-feeding-habits">Feeding Habits</h4>



Black-legged ticks are parasitic and feed on the blood of animals, including humans. They attach themselves to their hosts by biting into the skin, and their feeding process can last several days. During feeding, ticks can transmit disease-causing pathogens, such as the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi).



<h4 id="h-disease-transmission">Disease Transmission</h4>



Black-legged ticks are the primary vectors of Lyme disease in North America. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, and a characteristic skin rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more serious complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.



<h4 id="h-prevention">Prevention</h4>



To protect yourself from black-legged ticks and reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases, it's important to take preventive measures. These include wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes when venturing into tick-prone areas.



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



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Ticks are highly resilient to extreme temperatures

Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are well-known carriers of pathogens that...

Man,,Chess,And,Hands,With,Bishop,On,Board,,Strategy,Challenge

Do you ever wonder if smart people think quicker? Well, wonder no longer, because we have the answer. A surprising finding has emerged from the laboratories of the <a href="https://www.bihealth.org/">Berlin Institute of Health</a> (BIH) and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin in collaboration with a team member from Barcelona. Contrary to popular perception, intelligent individuals don't necessarily think faster.&nbsp;



In fact, the researchers discovered that those with higher intelligence scores were only quick at handling simple tasks, whereas they took more time in solving complex problems than subjects with lower IQ scores.



<h2 id="h-study-used-personalized-brain-models">Study used personalized brain models</h2>



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38626-y">Nature Communications</a>, was focused on personalized brain simulations. The researchers used data from 650 participants to delve into the decision-making mechanics of our grey matter.&nbsp;



The experts found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/differences-in-the-mammalian-and-reptilian-brain-revealed/">brains</a> with less synchrony among various regions were prone to making hasty decisions without waiting for upstream brain regions to process the necessary information for solving the problem. However, for those with higher intelligence, their brain simulations took longer to solve the tougher tasks but committed fewer errors.



Decoding the brain, with its estimated 100 billion neurons and a thousand connections for each neuron, is no small feat. It's this complexity that both accounts for our brain's astounding capabilities and makes it so challenging to understand.



Professor Petra Ritter, who leads the Brain Simulation Section at BIH and the Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, is at the forefront of this investigation. The current project, she says, aims to comprehend how the brain's decision-making processes function and why people make varying decisions.



The team employed digital data from brain scans, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and mathematical models grounded in theoretical knowledge about biological processes. From this, they developed a "general" human brain model, which they then refine using individual data to create "personalized brain models."



The data for this particular study was sourced from the Human Connectome Project, an American initiative that has been studying neural connections in the human brain since September 2010. Professor Ritter explained that it's the "right excitation-inhibition balance of neurons that influences decision-making and more or less enables a person to solve problems."



<h2 id="h-artificial-brains-behave-like-biological-brains">Artificial brains behave like biological brains&nbsp;</h2>



The team successfully reproduced the activity of individual brains, finding these "in silico" brains behaved differently from each other, mirroring their biological counterparts. The simulated brains accurately represented the intellectual performance and reaction times of the original human brains.



Interestingly, both in the human subjects and the brain models, the "slower" brains exhibited more synchrony. The researchers found that greater temporal coordination within the brain allowed the decision-making circuits in the frontal lobe to deliberate longer, as compared to less synchronized brains. The latter would often "jump to conclusions" during the decision-making process.



<h2 id="h-gathering-information-to-make-correct-decisions-takes-time">Gathering information to make correct decisions takes time</h2>



The participants were asked to identify logical rules in a series of patterns, with the tasks becoming progressively complex. In the context of everyday life, a simple task would be stopping at a red light, while a complex task would involve figuring out the best route on a map.



As per the model, decision-making involves a competition among different neural groups, with those having stronger evidence prevailing. However, in complex decisions, clear evidence may not be readily available, forcing the neural groups to make hasty conclusions.



Michael Schirner, the study's lead author, explained that the synchronization or formation of functional networks in the brain changes the properties of working memory. This alteration in turn affects the ability to endure prolonged periods without making a decision.&nbsp;



"In more challenging tasks, you have to store previous progress in working memory while you explore other solution paths and then integrate these into each other," said Schirner.



Professor Ritter expressed satisfaction that the outcomes observed in the computer-based "brain avatars" aligned with those seen in "real" healthy subjects. Her primary focus is on aiding patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's disease.



Professor Ritter explained that the digital simulation technology used in the study has made considerable advancements, opening doors to enhanced personalized medical interventions. This could include the planning of surgical and drug treatments, and even therapeutic brain stimulation.



<h2 id="h-digital-simulation-technology-holds-real-world-promise">Digital simulation technology holds real-world promise</h2>



The technology holds the promise of tailor-made solutions for individual patients. As Ritter elaborated, a physician could potentially use these computer simulations to decide which treatment or medication might work best for a specific patient and would cause the least side effects.



In essence, the simulations can be designed to mirror the patient's brain activity and could even predict the patient's response to a given treatment. This, Ritter believes, will prove immensely useful in managing neurodegenerative diseases and improve patient outcomes.



In other words, the research does not merely challenge the common perception of the link between intelligence and speed of thought. It also gives us a glimpse into the potential future of personalized medicine, where individual treatment plans are designed based on a deep, simulated understanding of a patient's unique brain.



While the human brain's vast neural network and its complexities continue to pose significant challenges to scientists, these findings signal a key breakthrough. With each new insight, we get closer to understanding this intricate organ's functionality, ultimately leading to more refined treatments for various brain-related conditions.



As the exploration of the brain's vast and complex networks continues, we are reminded of the intricate interplay between intelligence, decision-making, and problem-solving. These are not just matters of mere speed, but of careful coordination and balance within our brain's neural circuits.



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



Human intelligence is an intricate and multidimensional concept that encompasses several mental capabilities, including problem-solving, reasoning, learning, adaptation to environment, abstract thinking, comprehension of complex ideas, and creativity.&nbsp;



It's a combination of various cognitive abilities, not just a single monolithic entity. Despite extensive research, understanding the complete picture of what determines human intelligence remains a work in progress.



<h3 id="h-nature-vs-nurture">Nature vs. nurture</h3>



A significant part of human intelligence is believed to be inherited, with twin and adoption studies showing that genetics play a crucial role. However, environmental factors such as socio-economic conditions, education, and cultural influences also significantly impact intelligence.



One key aspect of intelligence is "fluid intelligence," the ability to reason and solve novel problems independent of acquired knowledge. This aspect is closely related to working memory capacity and speed of information processing, which are believed to be influenced by the number and efficiency of neural connections in the brain.



Recent advances in neuroimaging techniques like MRI have helped us understand the neurological basis of intelligence. It appears that the brain's overall structure, as well as the connectivity and efficiency of specific neural networks, contribute to intellectual abilities.



<h3 id="h-certain-brain-regions-play-key-roles">Certain brain regions play key roles</h3>



Several brain regions have been identified as critical for intellectual function. The frontal lobes, specifically the prefrontal cortex, are involved in higher-order cognitive functions such as problem-solving, decision-making, and social behavior. The parietal lobes are associated with spatial skills and mathematical abilities.



Furthermore, the strength of connections between different brain areas seems to play a critical role in intelligence. Greater connectivity between the frontal and parietal lobes, for instance, has been associated with higher intelligence.



<h3 id="h-neural-connections-and-connectivity">Neural connections and connectivity</h3>



However, intelligence is not simply a matter of having more neural connections. Some research suggests that more intelligent brains may be more selective in their neuronal connectivity, focusing on the most efficient pathways rather than maintaining an extensive but less efficient network. This principle is known as "sparse connectivity," and it's thought to allow for faster and more effective information processing.



The brain's plasticity, its ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences, is another important factor. It enables the development of new neural pathways and the strengthening of existing ones, which in turn can enhance cognitive abilities.



Despite these advances in our understanding, human intelligence remains a deeply complex and multifaceted phenomenon, and many questions about its nature and origins are still unanswered. Future research, combining genetics, neuroscience, and psychology, promises to reveal more about the fascinating puzzle that is human intelligence.



—-



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Intelligent minds take longer to solve difficult problems

Do you ever wonder if smart people think quicker? Well,...

The bountiful region of central Texas, already renowned for its diverse biological landscape, has just revealed an even more astonishing secret.&nbsp;The diligent efforts of Dr. JoVonn Hill, Director of the Mississippi Entomological Museum (MEM) at <a href="https://www.msstate.edu/">Mississippi State University</a>, and his team have led to the discovery of this incredible revelation after conducting scientific expeditions in the area for the past five years.



Unveiling an extraordinary treasure trove, the team successfully discovered seven distinct species of flightless grasshoppers that had not been previously identified. Six out of these seven species are endemic to the Edwards Plateau, a stark testimony to the exceptional biodiversity this region holds.



<h2 id="h-honoring-legendary-texas-musicians">Honoring legendary Texas musicians</h2>



In homage to the rich musical heritage of Texas, Dr. Hill chose to name two of these newfound grasshopper species after the legendary musicians Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker. His intent, he explains, was to honor their "immense contributions" and eternalize the lasting legacy of these musicians within the biodiversity of Texas.



"Melanoplus nelsoni and Melanoplus walkeri, the newly named species, symbolize the enduring impact of these musicians and their intrinsic connection to Texas," said Dr. Hill.



Akin to the sentiments expressed by Willie Nelson himself, Dr. Hill admits that after these extensive years of field studies, he too carries "a little Texas in [his] soul." His personal connection to Texas, as well as his scientific journey, was documented in his study recently published in the academic journal, <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1165.104047">ZooKeys</a>.



In regards to Melanoplus walkeri, Dr. Hill recalls the significant influence of Walker's music on his team during their field explorations. According to him, Walker's songs such as Hill Country Rain, Leavin' Texas, and Sangria Wine have been the source of joy and positivity while journeying between field sites and have greatly contributed to the overall experience of the Edwards Plateau.



With the study additionally revealing the close proximity of the newly discovered species to the location of one of Walker's most influential albums, the bond between art, science, and nature seems to become even more apparent.



<h2 id="h-paying-tribute-to-comanche-and-tonkawa-tribes">Paying tribute to Comanche and Tonkawa tribes</h2>



In another heartening gesture, the team pays tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Comanche and Tonkawa tribes, the original inhabitants of the region, by naming two species, Melanoplus commanche and Melanoplus tonkawa.



"These designations are an acknowledgement of the tribes' significant historical and cultural contribution to the region," said Dr. Hill.&nbsp;



"These seven newly described species, along with two preexisting ones, form a cohesive species group, which spotlights their shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships."



According to Dr. Hill, the discovery of this new species group adds substantial value to our understanding of the diverse ecosystems prevalent in central Texas. He further asserts that these findings accentuate the ecological distinctiveness of the region.



Dr. Hill and his colleagues at the Mississippi Entomological Museum continue to reaffirm their commitment to the exploration and understanding of science, the conservation of biodiversity, and inspiring a sense of wonder and appreciation for the intricacies of the natural world. The unearthing of these seven flightless grasshopper species is just another testament to their dedication.



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



Grasshoppers are insects that belong to the order Orthoptera, which also includes crickets and katydids. They are typically characterized by their powerful hind legs adapted for jumping, wings for flying, and a body structure featuring a head, thorax, and abdomen. Grasshoppers are most commonly recognized for their ability to produce sounds by rubbing their hind legs against their wings, a process known as stridulation.



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



Grasshoppers are usually green, brown, or grey, which aids in camouflage within their environment, although some tropical species can be brightly colored. They have a pair of large compound eyes for good vision, two antennae that are typically shorter than their body, and a mouth adapted for biting and chewing vegetation.



Adult grasshoppers have two sets of wings. The front pair is narrow and hard, serving to protect the broader and more flexible hind wings. The hind legs are large and muscular, enabling them to leap distances many times their body length.



<h3 id="h-life-cycle">Life Cycle</h3>



Grasshoppers undergo incomplete metamorphosis in their life cycle. This cycle begins with eggs, which are laid in the ground or on vegetation. When these hatch, they produce nymphs - smaller, wingless versions of the adult grasshoppers. These nymphs will then shed their exoskeletons multiple times in a process known as molting, growing larger each time until they become adults. Unlike complete metamorphosis seen in insects like butterflies, there is no pupal stage in a grasshopper's life cycle.



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



Grasshoppers are primarily herbivores, feeding on a wide range of plants. Some species are known to be more selective, feeding on single plant types, while others have a more varied diet. However, under extreme conditions, some grasshoppers may resort to cannibalism.



These insects are found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, forests, grasslands, and agricultural fields, basically anywhere with ample vegetation for food. They are found worldwide except for extremely cold regions like the poles.



<h3 id="h-ecological-role-and-human-impact">Ecological Role and Human Impact</h3>



Grasshoppers play a significant role in ecosystems. They serve as a food source for various animals, including birds, reptiles, rodents, and other insects. Through their feeding habits, they also contribute to the cycling of nutrients in ecosystems.



On the downside, they can become agricultural pests, especially in the form of locust swarms. Locusts are a type of grasshopper known for their swarming behavior, which can lead to significant crop damage and contribute to famine.



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



Grasshoppers have cultural importance in many societies. They have been symbols of good luck, abundance, and freedom in various cultures. In some regions, they are also utilized as a food source, contributing to the practice of entomophagy (the consumption of insects).



Overall, while they may seem like simple creatures, grasshoppers are fascinating insects with complex behaviors and significant roles in their ecosystems.



Image Credit: JoVonn Hill



—-



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New grasshopper species named after Willie Nelson

The bountiful region of central Texas, already renowned for its...

Nature parks, otherwise known as protected areas, have emerged as invaluable protectors of nature in the battle to save <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-mounds-play-a-critical-role-in-sustaining-biodiversity/">biodiversity</a>. Yet, many of these havens and their inhabitants face constant threats from humanity's encroachment, often due to mounting pressure from resource extraction, agricultural expansion, and population growth.



Recent research from <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/">Princeton University</a> brings forth an important revelation – strengthening the existing nature parks, be it under legal or local community jurisdiction, is equally important for the preservation of biodiversity as the creation of new protected areas.



<h2 id="h-5-000-species-involved-in-the-study">5,000 species involved in the study</h2>



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adg0288">Science Advances</a>, delves into the status of approximately 5,000 species. Alarmingly, around 70% of these species either have zero representation in protected areas, reside in parks that have experienced a downgrade, downsizing, or removal from protection, or face an increased risk of extinction due to prospective land-use changes.



However, not all is lost. The researchers highlight a compelling solution – enhancing the protection of existing parks and extending the existing network of parks across a mere 1% of the earth's land area. This step alone could safeguard the vital habitats of 1,191 animal species teetering on the brink of extinction.



"Parks save species. But they can do so only if the parks themselves are protected against harmful activities," emphasized Professor David Wilcove. "Our study demonstrates just how important it is to protect the places that protect species."



<h2 id="h-more-evidence-proving-the-importance-of-protecting-biodiversity">More evidence proving the importance of protecting biodiversity</h2>



The team's findings align with a growing global recognition of the urgency to safeguard the Earth's species diversity through the creation of new protected zones. This sentiment was echoed at the United Nations biodiversity conference COP15 in December 2022, where countries pledged to earmark 30% of the world's land and seas as protected areas.



Beyond this commitment, the Princeton study highlights an often-overlooked aspect of wildlife conservation, namely, ensuring that existing protected areas continue to serve as safe sanctuaries for biodiversity.



Yiwen Zeng, lead author of the study, commented, "Our study pinpoints where new parks can be created, but also where to restore and reinforce existing parks in order to boost wildlife conservation."



"Many global discussions on conservation rightfully focus on the need to create new protected areas, but our study also shows the importance of ensuring that protected areas remain effective at keeping out harmful human activity," said Zeng, who is currently a research assistant professor at the National University of Singapore's Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions.



This aspect is crucial because protected areas are not impervious to human activities that could undermine their conservation value, especially in the absence of adequate enforcement or political support for wildlife conservation.



<h2 id="h-what-happens-when-parks-lose-their-protection">What happens when parks lose their protection</h2>



The loss of protection or downgrading of parks, usually resulting from government decisions, reduces the degree or extent of protection, leaving them vulnerable to infrastructure expansion, mining, and other activities that could lead to habitat loss or degradation.



To illustrate, the research pointed out that as of 2021, more than 278 million hectares of parks have undergone such types of degradations. The Megophrys damrei, a critically endangered frog exclusive to Cambodia, continues to suffer habitat degradation within and around the national park boundaries, despite the area's protected status.



Moreover, expanding the network of protected areas could be a lifeline for species whose habitats currently lack sufficient protection. As the study suggests, shielding an additional 330 square kilometers of natural landscapes within Indonesia could secure the suitable habitats of 53 species currently deprived of protected area coverage and limited habitat areas.



Rebecca Senior, a former postdoctoral researcher at Princeton and currently an assistant professor of ecology at Durham University in the UK, warns of the dangers of complacency. "There are many wonderful examples in conservation of people fighting to protect species, but there is always a risk that when you take your eye off the ball, pressure builds and hard-won protection is lost," she cautioned.



Senior further emphasized the need for practical, sustained conservation efforts. "Designating parks on paper is not enough; they need to be in the right places, with the right management, and they need to last."



<h2 id="h-research-team-calls-for-two-pronged-approach">Research team calls for two-pronged approach</h2>



This study brings into sharp focus the need to view conservation as a two-pronged effort: creating new protected areas and ensuring the continued integrity of existing ones. As the research has demonstrated, these two strategies are not mutually exclusive but complementary, and both are essential to curbing the loss of biodiversity.



In a world increasingly threatened by human activity and climate change, the research provides a compelling case for not just the creation, but also the strengthening, of protected areas. The study underscores the essential role these areas play in biodiversity conservation and offers a roadmap to achieving better outcomes for species protection.



If heeded, their findings might just be the key to ensuring that parks continue to serve as refuges for thousands of species at risk, ultimately safeguarding our planet's rich tapestry of life for generations to come.



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



Protected areas are regions of land or water specifically managed for the conservation of biodiversity and natural or cultural resources. These areas can take many forms, including national parks, wildlife reserves, marine protected areas, and community-managed conservation areas, among others.



The importance of nature parks to Earth's biodiversity is immense, as they provide a refuge for a wide variety of species, including many that are threatened or endangered.



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



Protected areas are crucial for preserving habitats that species need to survive. They can shield ecosystems from destructive human activities, like deforestation, mining, and overfishing, which degrade habitats and make them uninhabitable for many species.



<h3 id="h-species-preservation">Species Preservation</h3>



Protected areas are often established to preserve species that are endangered or have special significance. They provide a safe haven where these species can live without threats from hunting or habitat destruction.



<h3 id="h-genetic-diversity">Genetic Diversity</h3>



By preserving a wide array of species, protected areas also safeguard genetic diversity. This diversity is crucial for the health and resilience of ecosystems and can provide genetic materials for future scientific discovery and potential use in medicine, agriculture, and other fields.



<h3 id="h-climate-change-mitigation">Climate Change Mitigation</h3>



Protected areas, especially those that contain forests, mangroves, or peatlands, can also help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Additionally, by preserving ecosystem integrity, these areas can help species adapt to changing climate conditions.



<h3 id="h-cultural-importance">Cultural Importance</h3>



Many protected areas also hold significant cultural value. They can protect lands that are sacred or important to Indigenous peoples and local communities, maintaining cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.



<h3 id="h-ecotourism-and-economy">Ecotourism and Economy</h3>



Nature parks often support local economies by attracting tourism. They provide opportunities for recreation, education, and nature appreciation, contributing to the overall quality of human life.



Despite their importance, protected areas face numerous challenges. Encroachment from human activities, insufficient funding for proper management, and climate change can all degrade these spaces and diminish their ability to preserve biodiversity. It's vital that these areas are not just designated, but also effectively managed and enforced, to ensure they can continue to fulfill their crucial role in biodiversity conservation.



—-



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Protecting existing nature parks is just as important as creating new ones

Nature parks, otherwise known as protected areas, have emerged as...

Tree,At,Spring,Against,The,Sun,And,Photovoltaic,Panel

As the world grapples with soaring energy prices, a landmark shift towards renewable energy is taking place. Solar power, in particular, is enjoying a remarkable boom, a phenomenon detailed in a new report released Thursday by the <a href="https://www.iea.org/">International Energy Agency</a> (IEA).&nbsp;



The global drive to embrace clean energy, spurred by Russia's attack on Ukraine and resultant fossil fuel price hikes, is set to result in a record-breaking addition to the world's renewable energy capacity this year.



IEA's report predicts that solar and wind power installations are on track to reach 440 gigawatts in 2023. To put this into perspective, it's an increase of about one-third compared to the capacity added in the previous year. This will push the world's total installed capacity to an impressive 4,500 GW, a figure comparable to the combined power output of the United States and China.



Fatih Birol, the IEA's executive director, explained the significance of this shift. "The global energy crisis has shown renewables are critical for making energy supplies not just cleaner but also more secure and affordable,” he stated.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-more-nations-are-embracing-renewable-energy">More nations are embracing renewable energy</h2>



Governments around the world are acknowledging this, expediting their deployment of renewable energy resources. Recent incentives from the Biden administration, for instance, are already accelerating renewable adoption in the United States.



The surge in renewable power capacity this year will predominantly be driven by photovoltaic (PV) technology, accounting for about two-thirds of the increase. Both large-scale solar farms and small-scale consumer rooftop installations are experiencing significant growth, thanks to the booming manufacturing capacity for PV components, especially in China.



The construction of new wind farms is also anticipated to rebound following a period of subdued growth. However, the IEA report pointed out an important bottleneck: unlike the solar sector, supply chains for wind turbines are not expanding quickly enough to meet the increasing demand.



<h2 id="h-power-grids-must-adapt-and-be-upgraded">Power grids must adapt and be upgraded</h2>



Alongside this surge in renewable energy, Birol highlighted the need for power grids to adapt. Solar and wind power, with their intermittent nature, require a fundamental shift in the way network operators handle energy compared to conventional coal, gas or nuclear plants. Grids must be upgraded and expanded to accommodate this new energy landscape.



By 2024, several European countries, including Spain, Germany, and Ireland, are expected to witness a combined contribution of wind and solar power amounting to over 40% of their overall annual electricity generation.



Transitioning the global economy away from fossil fuels is a crucial step in the fight against climate change. Experts suggest that to achieve the Paris climate accord’s target of restricting global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, emissions must be reduced by half by 2030 and reach 'net zero' by mid-century.



The <a href="https://www.irena.org/">International Renewable Energy Agency</a>, a separate entity from the IEA, is urging for a substantial increase in wind and solar investments. The global community is expected to discuss an international target for renewable energy deployment during this year's U.N. climate summit in Dubai. This signals a shared commitment to a sustainable, renewable-powered future.



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



Solar energy, one of the most popular forms of renewable energy, harnesses the power of the sun's radiant light and heat. It's a clean, abundant, and renewable source of energy that can be used for a multitude of applications, including generating electricity, providing light or comfortable interior environments, and heating water for domestic, commercial, or industrial use.



To capture and convert the sun's energy into usable forms, several technologies are available:



<h3 id="h-solar-photovoltaics-pv">Solar Photovoltaics (PV)</h3>



Photovoltaics is the most well-known method for harnessing solar energy. Solar PV systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials (often silicon-based) through the photovoltaic effect. The cells generate electric current when photons from the sun hit the cell and energize the electrons.



<h3 id="h-concentrated-solar-power-csp">Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)</h3>



CSP plants generate electricity by using mirrors or lenses to concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a small area. The concentrated light is then used as a heat source for a conventional power plant. There are several types of CSP technologies, including parabolic trough, compact linear Fresnel reflector, Stirling dish, and solar power tower systems.



<h3 id="h-solar-heating-and-cooling-shc">Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC)</h3>



SHC technologies collect thermal energy from the sun and use it for heating and cooling purposes. They can be used for water heating, space heating, space cooling, and process heat applications.



<h3 id="h-passive-solar">Passive Solar</h3>



Passive solar design takes advantage of the sun's energy to maintain a comfortable temperature in a building without the need for mechanical systems. It involves designing buildings with efficient insulation, strategic window placement, and reflective coatings on walls, windows, and roofs.



Solar energy has numerous advantages. It's sustainable, renewable, and abundant, and it emits no greenhouse gases when producing electricity. It's also versatile, capable of powering everything from small devices to entire buildings and even cities.



<h2 id="h-challenges-of-using-solar-energy">Challenges of using solar energy</h2>



However, it does come with some challenges. Solar energy production is intermittent since it's dependent on daylight hours and weather conditions. Hence, it requires storage solutions or supplementary power sources for periods of low production.&nbsp;



Additionally, while the cost of solar technologies has dropped significantly in recent years, initial setup and installation can be high.



Given these factors, continued advancements in solar technology, energy storage solutions, and grid management will play a crucial role in expanding the role of solar power in our global energy mix. The future of solar energy remains promising, and it's expected to be a major contributor to the world's transition to sustainable energy.



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



Wind energy is another form of renewable energy that harnesses the natural power of the wind to generate electricity. As the wind moves across the surface of the earth, it carries kinetic energy with it. Wind turbines capture this kinetic energy and convert it into mechanical power, which can then be converted into electricity.



<h3 id="h-there-are-two-main-types-of-wind-turbines">There are two main types of wind turbines:</h3>



<ol>
<li>Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs): These are the most commonly recognized type of wind turbine. They consist of a tower with three blades rotating around a horizontal axis, similar to traditional windmills.</li>



<li>Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs): These turbines have a vertical rotor and can capture wind from all directions without needing to be repositioned, unlike HAWTs. VAWTs are less commonly used than HAWTs, but they can be advantageous in areas where wind direction is highly variable or in urban environments.</li>
</ol>



Wind turbines can be installed both onshore and offshore. Onshore wind farms are typically cheaper to install and maintain, but offshore wind farms can capture more energy due to higher wind speeds over the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-making-the-ocean-more-acidic/">ocean</a>.



One of the main benefits of wind energy is that it's a clean, renewable form of energy that doesn't release harmful emissions. It's also abundant, particularly in certain regions with high wind potential. Wind farms, especially those onshore, can be built relatively quickly compared to other types of large-scale energy infrastructure.



<h3 id="h-challenges-of-using-wind-for-energy-supply">Challenges of using wind for energy supply</h3>



However, there are also challenges associated with wind energy. Wind is intermittent, and its availability does not always coincide with electricity demand, necessitating effective energy storage solutions or backup power sources.&nbsp;



Wind turbines also require a significant amount of space, which can lead to land use conflicts. Furthermore, they have been associated with noise and aesthetic concerns, as well as impacts on wildlife, particularly birds and bats.



In terms of economic considerations, while the cost of wind energy has been decreasing, the initial investment can still be high. However, once a wind farm is set up, the cost of operation and maintenance is relatively low.



Despite these challenges, wind energy plays a crucial role in the transition towards sustainable and clean energy sources. Advancements in technology, like more efficient turbine designs and better energy storage solutions, are continually improving the feasibility and efficiency of wind energy.



—-



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The world's renewable energy capacity will take a record leap this year

As the world grapples with soaring energy prices, a landmark...

In an echo of strategies employed by the tobacco industry, the chemical sector has been implicated in concealing vital information about the detrimental health effects linked to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) exposure.&nbsp;



This finding emerges from an examination of previously confidential industry papers by a team of researchers at <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/">UC San Francisco</a> (UCSF).



Published in the journal <a href="https://annalsofglobalhealth.org/">Annals of Global Health</a>, a shocking paper casts light on how companies like DuPont and 3M, the largest PFAS manufacturers, employed various tactics to delay the public awareness of PFAS toxicity. This deliberate stalling strategy further slowed the formulation of regulations governing the use of these chemicals.



PFAS, notoriously known as "forever chemicals," are extensively used in various household goods, clothing, and food products. Their resistance to degradation has not only resulted in their prevalence in our environment but also in their omnipresence in human bodies.



Tracey J. Woodruff, PhD, professor and director of the UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment (PRHE), and senior author of the paper, said: “These documents reveal clear evidence that the chemical industry knew about the dangers of PFAS and failed to let the public, regulators, and even their own employees know the risks.”



Woodruff, a former senior scientist and policy advisor at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), used this opportunity to analyze the PFAS industry documents for the first time through the lens of exposing tobacco industry tactics.



<h2 id="h-harmful-and-toxic-effects-had-been-known-for-decades">Harmful and toxic effects had been known for decades</h2>



The concealed industry documents were unearthed during a lawsuit launched by attorney Robert Bilott, known for successfully suing DuPont over PFAS contamination, and whose story inspired the film “Dark Waters.”&nbsp;



Bilott forwarded these documents, spanning from 1961 to 2006, to the creators of the documentary, “The Devil We Know.” They, in turn, contributed them to the UCSF Chemical Industry Documents Library.



“Having access to these documents allows us to see what the manufacturers knew and when, but also how polluting industries keep critical public health information private," said lead researcher Dr. Nadia Gaber.



She also stressed the importance of this research in informing policy decisions and pushing towards a precautionary principle in chemical regulation.



The researchers emphasized that public knowledge regarding PFAS toxicity remained minimal during the first five decades of their usage. This lack of transparency persisted despite industry having numerous studies showing adverse health effects at least 21 years before these were made public.



The paper reports that DuPont suppressed evidence from internal animal and occupational studies demonstrating PFAS toxicity. Instead of sharing these results with the EPA as required by TSCA, they were marked "confidential." The paper further indicates instances where industry executives explicitly expressed their desire to have such incriminating memos destroyed.



<h2 id="h-borrowing-the-suppression-strategy-from-the-tobacco-industry">Borrowing the suppression strategy from the tobacco industry</h2>



The paper lays out a timeline of the chemical industry's knowledge of PFAS risks versus public awareness. It uncovers strategies used by the chemical industry to suppress vital information and protect their harmful products.&nbsp;



In 1961, a company report revealed that Teflon's Chief of Toxicology discovered that Teflon materials had “the ability to increase the size of the liver of rats at low doses,” and warned that the chemicals “be handled ‘with extreme care’ and that ‘contact with the skin should be strictly avoided.’”



A 1970 internal memo from DuPont-funded Haskell Laboratory declared C8 (one of thousands of PFAS) as “highly toxic when inhaled and moderately toxic when ingested.” By 1979, Haskell labs found that dogs exposed to a single dose of PFOA “died two days after ingestion.”



In 1980, DuPont and 3M discovered two birth defects among eight pregnant employees working in C8 manufacturing. However, they failed to disclose this finding or inform their employees about it. In a contradictory move, an internal memo in the following year claimed, “We know of no evidence of birth defects caused by C-8 at DuPont.”



Yet, DuPont reassured its employees in 1980, comparing the toxicity of C8 to that of table salt. They further downplayed reports of PFAS groundwater contamination near one of their plants in a 1991 press release, stating, “C-8 has no known toxic or ill health effects in humans at concentration levels detected.”



As lawsuits in 1998 and 2002 raised media attention to PFAS contamination, DuPont contacted the EPA, pushing for a swift public statement. They urged, “We need EPA to quickly (like first thing tomorrow) say the following: That consumer products sold under the Teflon brand are safe and to date there are no human health effects known to be caused by PFOA.”



In 2004, the EPA penalized DuPont for withholding their findings on PFOA. Despite the $16.45 million settlement being the largest civil penalty under U.S. environmental statutes at the time, it constituted a mere fraction of DuPont’s $1 billion annual revenues from PFOA and C8 in 2005.



Reflecting on the implications of the paper, Woodruff said, “As many countries pursue legal and legislative action to curb PFAS production, we hope they are aided by the timeline of evidence presented in this paper.” She noted that this timeline reveals significant flaws in the existing U.S. regulations on harmful chemicals.



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



PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries around the world since the 1940s. They are used in a wide range of products because of their unique properties, such as their resistance to heat, water, and oil.



PFAS can be found in:



<ul>
<li>Food packaging materials, such as microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes</li>



<li>Stain- and water-repellent fabrics</li>



<li>Nonstick products, such as Teflon</li>



<li>Polishes, waxes, paints, and cleaning products</li>



<li>Fire-fighting foams (a major source of groundwater contamination at airports and military bases where firefighting training occurs)</li>
</ul>



PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" because they are extremely resistant to breaking down in the environment. They are stable, persistent, and bioaccumulate, meaning their concentration can increase over time in the environment and in organisms.



Studies have indicated that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse human health effects. Some of the health effects linked with PFAS exposure include:



<ul>
<li>Effects on growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children</li>



<li>Lower fertility and interference with the body’s natural hormones</li>



<li>Increased cholesterol levels</li>



<li>Elevated risk of cancer, particularly kidney and testicular cancers</li>



<li>Impact on the immune system</li>



<li>Increased risk of thyroid disease</li>
</ul>



The most studied PFAS chemicals are PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid). Both of these are no longer manufactured in the United States, but they are still produced internationally and can be imported into the US in consumer goods.



Due to their widespread use and persistence in the environment, most people in the US have been exposed to PFAS. They can be detected in blood, and in certain cases, in drinking water supplies.



There’s increasing concern about the health effects of PFAS exposure, and a growing push for stricter regulation of these chemicals. Various states in the US have enacted legislation or issued guidance regarding PFAS, and there is ongoing research to better understand the impacts of these substances on human health and the environment.



—-



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Creators of forever chemicals covered up the toxic dangers for decades

In an echo of strategies employed by the tobacco industry,...

Mountain,Peak,Green,Nature,Scenery

In an intriguing shift of scientific perspective, research led by <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/">Colorado State University</a> (CSU) has hinted that our understanding of mountain formation may require a deeper look.&nbsp;



The study, largely focused on southern Italy, suggests that the mechanics and underlying causes of mountain building are rooted further beneath Earth's crust than previously believed.



Sean Gallen, the lead author and an assistant professor of geosciences at CSU, commented: "Mountain building is a fundamental process of how Earth behaves, and this study suggests that we may not understand that as well as we thought we did."



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



To dig deeper into this mystery, Gallen and his team developed new data sets and techniques. Their approach was unique: use the landscapes to map out the long-term history of mountain building.



At the heart of the study were subduction zones like Calabria in southern Italy. In these zones, one tectonic plate dives beneath another, causing crumpling and thickening of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-molten-rock-layer-discovered-under-earths-crust/">Earth's crust</a> - typically understood as the primary drivers of mountain formation.



To better understand the history of this process, the team brought together measurements spanning various timescales, from thousands to tens of millions of years. The landscape served as a sort of "geologic tape recorder," filling in the gaps of the tectonic history.



Professor Gallen explained: "In southern Italy, the landscape actually is the bridge between these different methods that we typically use."



By studying flat, high-elevation patches of the landscape along the "toe" of the Italian peninsula, the team made a groundbreaking discovery. These regions mark periods of slower mountain formation, while steep transitions below indicate rapid acceleration. Interpreting these clues, the researchers created an extensive, continuous record of rock uplift – the longest and most complete of its kind.



<h2 id="h-new-approach-yields-surprising-results">New approach yields surprising results</h2>



This innovative method, however, yielded surprising results. "We would expect to see a correlation between the rate at which the plate is diving down beneath the other plate through time and our rock uplift history, and we don't see that," noted Gallen.



Rather than attributing the mountain formation primarily to crust crumpling and thickening, the data pointed to another process. The descent of the lower plate through Earth's mantle and its subsequent alteration of the mantle flow field emerged as key factors controlling rock uplift.



Professor Gallen stressed the significance of this finding: "The results suggest that the typical way we view mountain building doesn't hold for southern Italy. It appears to be controlled by things that are much deeper within the Earth system. This behavior has been seen in models but never in nature. This is the first time we think we've observed it.”



While additional data is needed to verify these findings, existing numerical models provide support. Scientists have previously associated mountain height with tectonic plate interactions within Earth's plastically flowing mantle. However, this research suggests that such interactions may be the primary driver of mountain building in subduction zones.



“The records we have produced imply that deep earth signals appear to dominate what's happening at the surface," said Professor Gallen. "I've been working in the Mediterranean for 15 years, and this result has profoundly changed the way I think about these subduction zones.”



<h2 id="h-added-benefit-new-techniques-invented-for-future-research">Added benefit – new techniques invented for future research</h2>



Beyond its findings, the study also pioneered new techniques for constructing long-term rock uplift histories. The team's innovative approach unifies standard geomorphology measurements - thermochronology, cosmogenic nuclides, bedrock river profiles, and marine terrace records of past sea levels - under one framework. This strategy not only delves further into geologic history but also uses different data sets to uniquely constrain modeling.



The researchers developed software to support their novel approach, making it freely available for other researchers in hopes of spurring more discoveries. The authors of the study - published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01185-4">Nature Geoscience</a> - are Nikki M. Seymour, Christoph Glotzbach, Daniel F. Stockli, and Paul O'Sullivan. These academics are affiliated with the Department of Geosciences in CSU's Warner College of Natural Resources.



While the technique's primary strength lies in its application to active geological systems, it is not without limitations. The landscape of a region offers valuable clues about its geological history, but the further back the geological activity, the more challenging it becomes to reconstruct that history with certainty. Despite this, Professor Gallen remains optimistic about the potential implications of their work.



In conclusion, this groundbreaking research not only challenges our current understanding of mountain formation but also offers innovative tools for further exploration.&nbsp;



This study, which proposes that the processes taking place far deeper beneath the Earth's surface primarily drive mountain formation, calls for a reevaluation of geological theories. It illuminates the importance of continually probing, questioning, and reshaping our knowledge of the world – even when the subject is as solid and unchanging as mountains.



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



Mountains are landforms that rise prominently above their surroundings, characterized by steep slopes and high relief. They're found on every continent and in every kind of environment - in temperate, tropical, and arctic climates. Here is a broad overview:



<h3 id="h-formation-of-mountains">Formation of Mountains&nbsp;</h3>



Mountains are primarily formed through tectonic forces, causing a section of the Earth's crust to uplift. This often occurs at the boundaries of tectonic plates. There are various types of mountains, each formed by different geological processes.



<ol>
<li>Fold Mountains: These are formed when two tectonic plates collide, and the edges of the plates fold due to immense pressure. The Himalayas in Asia, the Alps in Europe, and the Andes in South America are examples of fold mountains.</li>



<li>Fault-Block Mountains: These are formed when faults or cracks in the Earth's crust force materials or blocks of rock upwards or downwards. The Sierra Nevada Mountains in North America are an example of fault-block mountains.</li>



<li>Dome Mountains: These form when a large amount of molten rock, or magma, pushes its way up under the Earth crust but doesn't reach the surface. The magma then cools, creating a bulge or dome. The Black Hills of South Dakota are an example of dome mountains.</li>



<li>Volcanic Mountains: These are formed when magma from deep within the Earth breaks through the crust and erupts on the surface, forming a mountain over time as the lava cools and accumulates. Mount Fuji in Japan and Mount St. Helens in the U.S. are examples of volcanic mountains.</li>



<li>Plateau Mountains: These are formed by erosion, with water, wind, and ice cutting into solid rock to form mountains. The Appalachian Mountains in the Eastern U.S. are examples of plateau mountains.</li>
</ol>



<h3 id="h-ecology-and-biodiversity">Ecology and Biodiversity&nbsp;</h3>



Mountains are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Due to the change in climate with altitude (it becomes colder the higher you go), different levels or zones of vegetation can be seen on a mountain, often referred to as life zones. This altitude effect also means that mountains can host a variety of ecosystems, from temperate forests at their base to alpine tundra environments at their peaks.



In addition to plant life, mountains are also home to a diverse range of animal species. Some animals have evolved to thrive in the harsh conditions at high altitudes, and many species are endemic to mountainous regions (meaning they're found nowhere else on Earth).



<h3 id="h-human-interaction">Human Interaction&nbsp;</h3>



Humans have been interacting with mountainous environments for thousands of years. Mountains have often been seen as sacred places, and many cultures attach spiritual significance to them.



Mountains also provide a range of ecosystem services that are vital for human societies, such as fresh water, forest products, and mineral resources. In addition, they're important for tourism and recreational activities, such as hiking, skiing, and mountaineering.



However, human activities also pose threats to mountain environments. Climate change, deforestation, overgrazing, and other forms of environmental degradation can damage these delicate ecosystems, leading to a loss of biodiversity and affecting the services that mountains provide.



<h3 id="h-importance-for-climate-and-water">Importance for Climate and Water</h3>



Mountains play a crucial role in our planet's water cycle. They receive more rainfall than low-lying areas because as air is forced over higher ground, it cools, causing moisture to condense and fall as rain. They're also home to many of the world's glaciers, which store water as ice during the winter and gradually release it in the warmer months.



Furthermore, mountains have a significant influence on the Earth's climate. They act as barriers to air movement and play a key role in the circulation of the Earth's atmosphere. For instance, they can force air upwards, causing it to cool and leading to condensation and precipitation. This is why one side of a mountain range can be wet (the windward side) while the other side (the leeward side) can be very dry, a phenomenon known as a rain shadow effect.



Cultural Significance



Across many cultures and throughout history, mountains have held a profound cultural and spiritual significance. They've been revered as the dwelling place of deities, as seen in ancient Greek mythology with Mount Olympus, the home of the gods. Many cultures undertake pilgrimages to mountain tops as part of their spiritual practice.



In addition, mountains often feature prominently in literature, art, folklore, and music, symbolizing challenges to overcome, places of solitude, or sites of awe-inspiring beauty.



<h3 id="h-study-of-mountains">Study of Mountains</h3>



The scientific study of mountains is known as orography, a branch of physical geography. It includes studying the formation, classification, and distribution of mountains, as well as understanding the effects of mountains on climate and weather conditions.



<h3 id="h-safety-and-mountain-sports">Safety and Mountain Sports</h3>



While mountains offer recreational activities like hiking, trekking, climbing, skiing, and mountain biking, they also present unique dangers. These include high-altitude sickness due to lower oxygen levels, avalanches, sudden weather changes, and difficult terrain. Mountain safety education is essential for anyone wanting to participate in these activities.



<h3 id="h-conservation">Conservation&nbsp;</h3>



Due to their ecological importance, fragility, and the unique flora and fauna they harbor, many mountainous regions are protected under national park status or other conservation designations. Nevertheless, mountains face threats from climate change, habitat destruction, and over-exploitation of resources, and ongoing conservation efforts are critical.



In conclusion, mountains are fascinating and complex structures. They're integral to Earth's ecosystems, impacting climate, water distribution, and biodiversity. They serve as a source of resources and enjoyment for humans, yet they require our respect and careful stewardship to protect their fragile environments for future generations.



—-



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How and why do mountains form? New theories for an age-old mystery

In an intriguing shift of scientific perspective, research led by...

A groundbreaking study published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/">Science</a> presents a significant leap in our understanding of how environment shapes social behaviors. By studying colobine monkeys, the researchers discovered that adaptations to cold climates have a profound influence on the social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crocodile-evolution-was-influenced-by-environmental-factors/">evolution</a> of species.&nbsp;



Adaptations to cold climates seem to have been critical in facilitating enhanced motherly care, improved infant survival, and fostering the development of large, intricate multi level societies.



The study was conducted by a global team of researchers representing Northwest University in China, the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/">University of Bristol</a> in the UK, and the University of Western Australia.&nbsp;



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



The researchers set out to explore how langurs and odd-nosed monkeys from the Asian colobine family have evolved and adapted over time. These particular primates have found ways to thrive in environments ranging from tropical rainforests to snow-laden mountainous terrains.



According to the researchers, colobine monkeys have distinct types of social organizations. This presents an opportunity to analyze the various mechanisms which drive their social evolution. The experts wanted trace the evolutionary journey from a common ancestral state to the diverse social systems that these primates now exhibit.



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



By combining ecological, geological, fossil, behavioral, and genomic analyses, the scientists found that colobine primates dwelling in colder climates tend to form larger and more complex groups. The experts also determined that glacial periods over the last six million years have favored the selection of genes critical for cold-related energy metabolism and neuro-hormonal regulation.



Among the most remarkable discoveries was the adaptation exhibited by odd-nosed monkeys living in severely cold regions. These primates had developed hormonal pathways, specifically dopamine and oxytocin, which were not just more efficient but may also extend the duration of maternal care. This led to longer breastfeeding periods, and a significant increase in the survival rates of infants.



Such adaptive changes, researchers suggest, appear to have bolstered relationships among individuals, amplified male tolerance and ultimately precipitated the evolution from independent one-male, multi-female groups to large, complex, multilevel societies.



<h2 id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study</h2>



“Our study identified, for the first time, a genetically regulated adaptation linked to the evolution of social systems in primates," said Dr. Kit Opie from the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Bristol.



“This finding offers new insights into the mechanisms that underpin behavioral evolution in primates and could be used to address social evolutionary changes across a wide range of species including humans."



“In addition we would like to examine how changes in social and mating behavior in many primate species may be the result of genetic changes due to past environments as well as other social and environmental factors.”



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



Dr. Cyril Grueter from the University of Western Australia emphasized the pressing urgency of climate change and its potential impact on animals. “With climate change becoming a hugely important environmental pressure on animals, it is hoped that this study will raise awareness for the need to investigate what course social evolution will take as the prevailing climate changes.”&nbsp;



“Our finding that complex multilevel societies have roots stretching back to climatic events in the distant evolutionary past also has implications for a reconstruction of the human social system which is decidedly multilevel."



<h2 id="h-more-about-asian-colobine-monkeys">More about Asian colobine monkeys&nbsp;</h2>



The Asian colobine monkeys are a group of Old World monkeys belonging to the subfamily Colobinae, which is part of the family Cercopithecidae. The colobine monkeys are distinct from other Old World monkeys in a variety of ways, most notably their adaptation for a folivorous (leaf-eating) diet.



The monkeys are found throughout Africa and Asia, but the Asian colobines are a distinct group with several characteristic features. They are distinguished by their elongated bodies, long tails, and slender limbs. Most species are arboreal (tree-dwelling), and their physical features are adapted for a life in the trees. Their hands are elongated and dexterous, allowing them to adeptly handle leaves, their primary food source.



Asian colobine monkeys are known for their complex, multi-chambered stomachs, similar to those of cows. This adaptation allows them to ferment tough plant material, breaking down cellulose to extract nutrients. This is a critical adaptation for their leaf-eating diet, as leaves are generally low in energy and high in hard-to-digest fibers.



<h3 id="h-well-known-examples-of-asian-colobine-monkeys">Well-known examples of Asian colobine monkeys</h3>



<h4 id="h-langurs">Langurs</h4>



These monkeys are often gray or black and live in social groups. One of the most famous is the Hanuman langur of India, named after the Hindu god Hanuman.



<h4 id="h-leaf-monkeys">Leaf Monkeys&nbsp;</h4>



These monkeys are known for their diverse coloration, ranging from golden to dark brown or black. The lutung, or dusky leaf monkey, is an example of this genus.



<h4 id="h-snub-nosed-monkeys">Snub-nosed monkeys&nbsp;</h4>



These monkeys are characterized by their short noses with upward-facing nostrils. They are found in China, Vietnam, and parts of the Himalayas.



<h4 id="h-proboscis-monkeys">Proboscis monkeys&nbsp;</h4>



Native to Borneo, these monkeys are best known for their large, pendulous noses, particularly pronounced in males.



Asian colobines are generally quite social, living in groups that can range from a few individuals to several dozen. They have complex social structures and behaviors, with both male and female hierarchies. Like many primate species, they use a variety of vocalizations and physical gestures to communicate with each other.



Many species of Asian colobines are under threat due to habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade. They are often a focus of conservation efforts, as their loss can have significant impacts on the ecosystems they inhabit.



Image Credit: Guanlai Ouyang



—-



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Cold climates led to longer maternal care among colobine monkeys

A groundbreaking study published in the journal Science presents a...

Fentanyl, a common drug that has already become the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 50, has the potential to be transformed into a tool for mass poisoning, health experts warn. This lethal capacity could turn it into a weapon of terror, suggests a group of researchers including experts from <a href="https://www.rutgers.edu/">Rutgers</a> and other institutions.



In a recently published paper in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1158479">Frontiers in Public Health</a>, Lewis Nelson, the chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, spoke about this looming threat. Nelson, who is also the senior author of the research paper, expressed concern about the ready availability of this deadly substance.&nbsp;



"Before fentanyl, the only viable mass poisons were rare and difficult-to-access agents such as cyanide or nerve agents,” he said. Nelson highlighted the drug's lethal potential, saying, “Fentanyl can be just as deadly if properly disseminated, and it’s ubiquitous. A motivated person could readily obtain enough to potentially poison hundreds of people - which, uncut, would fit easily onto a teaspoon.”



<h2 id="h-different-type-of-threat-than-biological-attack">Different type of threat than biological attack</h2>



Fentanyl's threat is different from that of a biological attack, which could spread globally, potentially claiming millions of lives. In contrast, chemical attacks like fentanyl poisoning harm only those directly exposed. Nevertheless, due to its high toxicity, fentanyl poses a grave threat as an instrument for a destructive, deliberate event aimed at an unsuspecting population.



In terms of the execution of such an attack, an individual with minimum technical skills could potentially introduce lethal doses of the synthetic opioid into building ventilation systems, or local food and water supplies.&nbsp;



Nelson, however, downplayed the likelihood of a successful large-scale attack, asserting that merely dumping a large quantity of fentanyl into a reservoir would likely not result in significant casualties.



A chilling historical example of its potential usage as an aerosolized poison comes from Russia in 2002. Chechen terrorists had seized a crowded theater, threatening to execute hundreds of hostages unless Russia withdrew from Chechnya.&nbsp;



In response, Russian authorities apparently used a fentanyl-like drug to end the crisis. They pumped the fentanyl analog into the theater’s ventilation system, incapacitating nearly everyone inside, including the terrorists.&nbsp;



The authorities then stormed the building and rescued the hostages, but not without a hefty price: the operation resulted in the death of 130 hostages, a grim demonstration of the destructive power of fentanyl when used maliciously.



<h2 id="h-effective-antidotes-currently-available">Effective antidotes currently available</h2>



Yet, there is some silver lining in the form of an effective antidote to fentanyl poisoning. Nelson pointed out, “We have no effective antidotes to many poisons, but we do have an antidote to fentanyl poisoning - naloxone, which also goes by the brand name Narcan."&nbsp;



Owing to the increasing number of unintentional fentanyl overdoses, naloxone is now widely stocked in healthcare facilities and pharmacies.



This unfortunate increase in accidental overdoses has led to an increased awareness among healthcare providers and non-medical personnel about recognizing the signs of fentanyl poisoning. The research paper urges more training for caregivers in order to quickly identify victims and administer naloxone as soon as possible.



Nelson underlined the safety of this approach, saying, “Treating based on clinical findings rather than more definitive tests such as blood-test results is generally safe. If you suspect fentanyl poisoning, administer naloxone, and it turns out the poison was another agent, you generally haven’t hurt the patient.”



<h2 id="h-outline-proposed-for-a-fentanyl-attack-response-plan">Outline proposed for a fentanyl attack response plan</h2>



The response plan proposed by the panel primarily focuses on preparatory measures, such as training more individuals to recognize the signs of poisoning, setting up efficient reporting channels for unusual fentanyl poisoning cases, and identifying common factors among victims.&nbsp;



In addition, the plan also calls for enhanced efforts to eliminate access to fentanyl sources. A crucial part of the strategy includes devising ways to swiftly transport substantial quantities of naloxone to places where they are most needed during an emergency.



The availability of naloxone in both metropolitan and rural areas is encouraging, according to Nelson. "We have a lot of naloxone available in metropolitan and rural areas,” he said.&nbsp;



The drug can safely be administered to victims, as fentanyl powder poses little threat to rescuers unless it's inhaled or ingested. There's essentially no risk of rapid absorption through the skin, he reassured.



One of the primary challenges in the event of a mass poisoning incident would be transporting the antidote swiftly to the scene or facilities suddenly overwhelmed with victims.&nbsp;



"The key in a mass event will be quickly moving naloxone to the scene or to facilities that are suddenly overwhelmed with victims. Fentanyl generally kills more slowly than poisons like cyanide, but it still requires quick action to prevent harm," explained Nelson.



While the prospect of fentanyl being weaponized is a disturbing one, health experts are working diligently to prepare and protect against such a potential event. As the medical community continues to learn from accidental overdose cases, their knowledge and readiness could prove invaluable in responding to an intentional mass poisoning event.



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



Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It's approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-body-positions-that-indicate-your-dog-is-in-pain/">pain</a>. It's often prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges, and is used under a doctor's supervision.



However, due to its potency, fentanyl has also been illicitly produced and misused, often with deadly consequences. Illicitly made fentanyl is sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It's often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine to increase its potency, but users are frequently unaware of its presence, leading to a high risk of overdose.



Fentanyl binds to the body's opioid receptors that control pain and emotions, increasing dopamine levels and creating a state of intense euphoria and relaxation. Its potency comes from its high affinity to these receptors. However, it also affects the areas of the brain that control breathing rate, and a high dose of opioids, especially potent ones like fentanyl, can cause breathing to stop completely, leading to death.



Fentanyl overdoses have been a significant contributor to the opioid epidemic in the United States. By 2021, fentanyl was the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the U.S., and its potential misuse continues to pose significant public health risks.



In terms of medical use, fentanyl can be a very effective drug for managing severe pain. As mentioned earlier, it's often used for pain management in cancer patients, especially those who have built up a tolerance to other opioids.



Overall, while fentanyl has legitimate medical uses, its potency and potential for misuse make it a significant focus of public health efforts to control the opioid crisis.



—-



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Fentanyl can easily be weaponized, nation needs emergency response plan

Fentanyl, a common drug that has already become the leading...

In a groundbreaking investigation, scientists have delved deep into the genomes of 233 nonhuman primate species, casting new light on primate evolution, human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-disease-transmission-between-wildlife-and-humans/">disease</a>, and biodiversity conservation.&nbsp;



The multinational research endeavor, led by the Human Genome Sequencing Center at <a href="https://www.bcm.edu/">Baylor College of Medicine</a>, the Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain, and Illumina, Inc., generated a trove of new information. The experts have now published their findings in a series of studies in a special issue of the scientific journal <a href="https://www.science.org/">Science</a>.



<h2 id="h-nearly-half-of-all-primates-represented">Nearly half of all primates represented</h2>



This initiative, known as the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8920853/">Primate Genome Project</a>, resulted in the most comprehensive collection of primate genomic information to date. Nearly half of all primate species on Earth are represented within this catalog. Over 800 individual primates from these 233 species were studied by researchers hailing from 24 countries. A staggering 4.3 million common missense mutations were identified in this process.



These studies uncovered previously unknown DNA sequence variants and created phylogenies - essentially family trees - for primate species. This wealth of data enriches our understanding of primate and human evolution and expands our knowledge of primate biodiversity.&nbsp;



Moreover, the research team mined the primate genomic data to uncover new insights into the genetic roots of human disease. A novel algorithm was also developed to predict pathogenic variants in humans.



Dr. Jeffrey Rogers, lead investigator and associate professor at the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor, emphasized the significance of these findings. "The simultaneous publication of this broad array of papers on primate genomics demonstrates the value and the power of comparative genetics. When we investigate the genomics of nonhuman primates, we not only learn about these species, which is important and timely, but we can also place human genetics into its proper comparative context, which provides new insights into human health and human evolution."



<h2 id="h-varying-genetic-diversity">Varying genetic diversity</h2>



Genetic diversity among primates varies significantly across geographical regions and taxonomies, as noted by Dr. Tomàs Marquès-Bonet, lead investigator from Pompeu Fabra. "The study of this diversity is crucial for human evolutionary studies, human disease and for their future conservation."



The urgency of conservation efforts is underscored by the findings, which highlight which primate species are in the most desperate need. Dr. Lukas Kuderna, lead investigator from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology, commented, “Our studies show which species are in most dire need of conservation efforts and can help identify the most effective strategies for preserving these species."



One particular study in the consortium turned the spotlight onto baboons. Utilizing whole genome sequence data from 225 baboons, researchers discovered new geographic sites of gene flow between different populations.&nbsp;



The research revealed that yellow baboons from western Tanzania are the first nonhuman primates known to have received genetic input from three distinct lineages. This discovery prompts us to reconsider the evolutionary dynamics of early hominins, which may be far more complex than previously assumed.



"These results suggest that the population genetic structure and history of introgression among baboon lineages is more complex than was previously thought, and that shows that the baboons are a good model for the evolution of humans, Neanderthals and Denisovans," Rogers said.



<h2 id="h-predicting-human-disease-through-primate-mutations">Predicting human disease through primate mutations</h2>



The team also looked at how primate mutations can be used to predict the risk of human disease. Out of the 4.3 million missense mutations identified in the primates studied, researchers found 6% to be likely benign in human disease, as their high frequency in primate populations seems to be benign.&nbsp;



In the other 94% of cases, the PrimateAI-3D deep learning algorithm was deployed to predict pathogenicity in human disease. This artificial intelligence algorithm was developed by the team at Illumina.



Dr. Kyle Farh, lead investigator from Illumina, shed light on the findings, saying, “We discovered that if a ‘rare’ mutation cannot be found in the primate genome, it is very likely to cause a human disease. In addition, some of these rare mutations can cause, by themselves, some diseases considered polygenic.”



<h2 id="h-significant-contribution-to-science-and-the-world">Significant contribution to science and the world</h2>



The newfound genomic catalog significantly impacts our understanding of genetic evolution (see image <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Primate-genome-project_credit-Dong-Dong-Wu.png">here</a>). The number of genomic innovations previously thought to be exclusively human has been cut in half by the findings from these studies. This enables easier identification of mutations not shared with primates, which may be unique to human evolution and the characteristics that set us apart as a species.



Dr. Richard Gibbs, founding director of the Human Genome Sequencing Center and Wofford Cain Chair and Professor of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor, praised the series of studies. “These studies bring comparative genomics to new heights, and we can predict the impact on both understanding of human biology and on practical clinical diagnostic issues," said Dr. Gibbs.



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



Genome sequencing is a laboratory process that determines the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome at a single time. This complex task involves sequencing all of an organism's chromosomal DNA as well as DNA contained in the mitochondria and, for plants, in the chloroplast.



The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, marked the successful execution of the first full sequencing of the human genome. This ambitious international research effort began in 1990, aiming to map and understand all the genes of human beings. All our genes together are known as our "genome."



In genome sequencing, the precise order of the four chemical building blocks - adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine - that make up the DNA molecule is determined. The human genome, for instance, contains about 3 billion of these base pairs, which reside in the 23 pairs of chromosomes within the nucleus of all our cells.



Modern sequencing technology, known as next-generation sequencing (NGS), allows for sequencing multiple DNA strands in parallel, resulting in huge amounts of data generated quickly and at a lower cost than traditional methods. These technological advancements have allowed genomics to become a significant tool in biological research, medical diagnostics, evolutionary studies, and many other fields.



There are a few different methods for sequencing genomes. Sequencing by synthesis, for example, involves synthesizing a complementary strand of DNA based on the sequence of the original strand. Another common method, called nanopore sequencing, pushes a DNA strand through a tiny pore and reads the sequence based on changes in electrical conductivity.



Genome sequencing can have numerous applications. It can be used to study genetic diseases, trace ancestry, understand and combat hereditary disorders, guide personalized medicine, and even in fields like forensic science. It has helped to uncover numerous genetic variants responsible for certain diseases, track the evolution of different species, and has been a cornerstone in understanding our own human biology and health.



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The Primate Genome Project reveals hidden evolutionary secrets

In a groundbreaking investigation, scientists have delved deep into the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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</div></figure>







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



<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>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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