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...

Methane emissions play a very large role in climate change. In the fight against global warming, a recent study by <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/">Queen Mary University of London</a> (QMUL) reveals a shocking fact. The experts report that only around 13 percent of global methane emissions are currently regulated. 



Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is responsible for at least 25 percent of the global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-endured-rapid-global-warming-300-million-years-ago/">warming</a> we're experiencing today.



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2023.04.009">One Earth</a>, this comprehensive global review uncovers not only the shortage of regulations, but also raises questions about the efficacy of existing policies.&nbsp;



A significant concern is that many policy decisions are based on methane emission estimations that may not accurately represent reality, potentially downplaying the severity of the problem.



<h2 id="h-urgent-action-needed">Urgent action needed</h2>



In no uncertain terms, the QMUL researchers emphasize the urgent need for increased regulation and improved understanding of their impact, particularly in the context of meeting global climate targets. They propose a global, consistent approach that relies on accurate quantification and reporting, which could open up fresh avenues to substantially cut global warming levels.



To achieve the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global temperature increase to 1.5°C, we must reduce man-made methane emissions by at least 40-45% by 2030, compared to 2020 levels.&nbsp;



Reducing methane is not only a cost-effective strategy for tackling global warming, but it also offers the added benefit of improving air quality. Alarmingly, methane emissions have been rising faster in recent years than at any point since the 1980s.



<h2 id="h-study-reviewed-global-methane-emissions-policies">Study reviewed global methane emissions policies</h2>



The QMUL study provides the first systematic review of methane policies across major man-made emission sources, including agriculture, energy, and waste.&nbsp;



Researchers scrutinized 281 policies worldwide, of which 255 are currently active. They examined the policies' geographical reach, strength, and effectiveness in monitoring and reducing methane emissions.



The study found that three regions have adopted 90 percent of the identified national policies: North America (39%), Europe (30%), and Asia Pacific (21%).&nbsp;



Globally, there has been a gradual increase in methane policies since 1974. However, policies targeting fossil methane emissions, such as those from coal, oil, and gas sectors, are generally less stringent than those aimed at biogenic methane sources, especially in the waste sector.



In regions where fossil methane policies are in place, there are still opportunities for further mitigation. For instance, reducing emissions along supply chains, like emissions from Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier ships, could have a significant impact. This possibility was explored by a team of QMUL researchers led by Dr. Balcombe.



A significant hurdle in controlling methane emissions is the accurate identification and quantification of sources. Technological innovations, such as satellite monitoring, can offer invaluable assistance in this area. They could aid policymakers in measuring and verifying emissions, ensuring compliance, and detecting super-emitters.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-feedback-and-commentary-from-the-research-team">Feedback and commentary from the research team</h2>



If we introduce policies with broader coverage, include mitigation solutions for major sources, and set measurable goals, we could significantly reduce methane emissions and slow down global warming.



Maria Olczak, lead researcher on this project from Queen Mary University of London, said:&nbsp;“Methane reduction is still perceived as a choice rather than a necessary step alongside CO2 reduction to combat global warming. And with so many different sources, there needs to be stronger social support and the political will to act.



“Our review highlights the value of setting policies that are predictable and clear for the industry. They will aid effective investment decisions aligned with the long-term climate mitigation goals, including the decrease in emission intensity and in production across developed and developing economies.”



Dr Paul Balcombe, study author and senior lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Queen Mary, said:&nbsp;“It’s shocking to see that most methane emissions aren’t regulated when they contribute heavily to global warming today, although accurately monitoring emissions is not easy. Our chances of reaching global climate targets are slim if this goes unchecked.



“The good news is that there’s an enormous opportunity to limit warming in the short term if we act fast to get on top of methane emissions. We urgently need tighter regulation on better monitoring of methane and concrete actions towards reduction measures.”



Andris Piebalgs, study author, part-time Professor at the Florence School of Regulation and a former EU Commissioner for Energy, said:&nbsp;“Over the last few years, we have seen growing attention to methane thanks to multilateral initiatives such as the International Methane Emissions Observatory and the Global Methane Pledge."



"The European Union and the US EPA are now working to finalise ambitious regulations targeting methane emissions in the energy sector. I hope that the upcoming COP28 and the first Global Stocktake will make the policymakers across the world realise that methane mitigation is an effective way to enhance their climate commitments.”



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



Methane (CH4) is a colorless, odorless, and highly flammable gas, and it is the simplest hydrocarbon in the alkane series. It's a key component of natural gas and a significant contributor to climate change. Here are some important facts about methane:



<h3 id="h-natural-and-man-made-sources">Natural and Man-made Sources</h3>



Methane is produced both naturally and by human activity. Natural sources include wetlands, termites, oceans, and wildfires. Man-made sources include energy production (like coal mining, oil extraction, and natural gas systems), waste treatment, biomass burning, and livestock farming (where it's a byproduct of the digestive process in ruminants like cows).



<h3 id="h-greenhouse-gas">Greenhouse Gas</h3>



Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Although it's less prevalent in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide (CO2), it is much more effective at trapping heat. Over a 100-year period, the global warming potential (GWP) of methane is 25 times greater than that of CO2. This means that, pound for pound, methane warms the planet 25 times more than CO2 over a century.



<h3 id="h-shorter-atmospheric-lifespan">Shorter Atmospheric Lifespan</h3>



Methane has a relatively short lifespan in the atmosphere, around 10-12 years, compared to CO2, some of which can persist in the atmosphere for thousands of years. However, when methane breaks down, it forms ground-level ozone, another harmful air pollutant.



<h3 id="h-climate-change-connection-to-methane-emissions">Climate Change Connection to Methane Emissions</h3>



Methane emissions contribute significantly to global warming and climate change. Human activities, especially the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, along with agriculture, are the major sources of methane emissions.



<h3 id="h-use-as-energy-source">Use as Energy Source</h3>



As the main component of natural gas, methane is a widely used energy source. It's burned to produce heat and electricity, and used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.



<h3 id="h-methane-hydrates">Methane Hydrates</h3>



Methane can be found in a solid form called methane hydrates or clathrates, which are ice-like structures found in deep sea floors and Arctic permafrost. They represent a vast potential energy source but also a potential source of large methane emissions if destabilized by warming.



<h3 id="h-mitigation-strategies-for-methane-emissions">Mitigation Strategies for Methane Emissions</h3>



Strategies for reducing methane emissions include improving the efficiency of coal mining and gas systems, promoting waste management, reducing methane emissions from livestock, and improving the handling and use of manure.



<h3 id="h-role-in-chemistry-and-industry">Role in Chemistry and Industry</h3>



Methane is a starting material in the production of many chemicals, including hydrogen, methanol, and synthetic hydrocarbons. It's also used in the production of polymers and resins.



<h3 id="h-methanogenesis-and-methanotrophs">Methanogenesis and Methanotrophs</h3>



Methanogenesis is a form of anaerobic respiration used by microbes called methanogens, which produce methane. Conversely, methanotrophs are bacteria that use methane as their carbon and energy source, helping to limit the release of methane into the atmosphere.



In sum, while methane is a critical energy source and industrial chemical, its role as a potent greenhouse gas necessitates careful management and reduction strategies to combat climate change.



—-



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Alarming fact: only 13% of methane emissions are actively monitored

Methane emissions play a very large role in climate change....

Cannabis use among U.S. workers is hitting record highs, according to new data analysis, suggesting that the recent wave of marijuana legalizations is impacting workplace dynamics.&nbsp;



A study from <a href="https://www.questdiagnostics.com/">Quest Diagnostics</a>, the world's largest network of diagnostic labs, shows that in 2022, more than one in 25 employees tested positive for cannabis during routine drug screenings - the highest rate since the company started processing these tests 25 years ago.



This figure marks an increase from approximately three percent in 2018. It seems to reflect a growing acceptance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frequent-cannabis-use-can-lead-to-heart-disease/">cannabis</a> use, with a particularly high prevalence in the food service and hospitality industries, where eight percent of workers tested positive. Retail workers followed closely behind in the rankings.



Keith Ward, the Vice President for Employer Solutions at Quest Diagnostics, explained: "The overall U.S. workforce positivity rate continued to be at a historically elevated level in 2022, even as much of the nation's workforce returned to the office post-pandemic."



"This historic rise seems to correspond with sharp increases in positivity for marijuana in both pre-employment and post-accident drug tests, suggesting that changing societal attitudes about marijuana may be impacting workplace behaviors and putting colleagues at risk."



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



Data show a staggering 54 percent surge in cannabis use across all industries in the last five years. In 2018, 2.8 percent of workers tested positive for cannabis, a figure that rose to 4.3 percent in 2022. The rate is the highest it's been since 1997.



The study analyzed over 6.3 million urine tests from workers across different sectors. Workers in food service, accommodations, and retail were found most likely to use cannabis.



However, the presence of THC — the psychoactive chemical in marijuana — in a person's system does not imply they are under the influence at work. As THC binds to fat molecules in the body, it can linger for weeks, hence, a positive test may merely indicate past use.



Nevertheless, the consistent increase in cannabis use across all major industries coincides with extensive legalization efforts over the past decade. This suggests that general usage of the drug is increasing, potentially even during work hours.



<h2 id="h-which-industries-have-the-most-workers-using-marijuana">Which industries have the most workers using marijuana</h2>



Workers in the accommodations and food service industry ranked highest for marijuana use, followed by the transportation and warehousing industry. In 2022, 6.4 percent of these workers used marijuana, a figure that has escalated from 2.4 percent in 2018 - an astounding 167 percent increase over five years.



Similarly, cannabis usage in realtors and leasing agents rose from about three percent in 2018 to 5.4 percent in 2022, a 93 percent increase. The wholesale trade sector showed a 125 percent surge in marijuana use, with the rate growing from 2.4 percent in 2018 to over five percent in 2022.



Interestingly, states with legal recreational marijuana use exhibited the most significant increases in test positivity rates, climbing nearly 12 percent from 2021 to 2022.&nbsp;



Comparatively, states allowing only medical marijuana use recorded a milder increase of about eight percent. In states where marijuana remains illegal, the positivity rate rose slightly over three percent year on year and nearly 15 percent over five years — 2.7 percent in 2018 versus 3.1 percent in 2022.



Dr. Suhash Harwani, Senior Director of Science for Employer Solutions at Quest Diagnostics, noted: "In the general U.S. workforce, states that have legalized recreational and medical marijuana use exhibit higher positivity rates than the national average. States that have not legalized marijuana appear to have positivity rates below the national averages."



Despite the increasing acceptance of marijuana and its touted benefits for treating chronic pain and mental health issues, there is a mounting body of evidence suggesting that the drug might be more detrimental than beneficial in certain scenarios. Specifically, Quest's findings suggest an increasing correlation between marijuana use and workplace accidents and injuries.



<h2 id="h-linking-work-accidents-to-marijuana-use">Linking work accidents to marijuana use</h2>



In 2022, 7.3 percent of urine drug tests conducted after accidents in the general workforce came back positive for marijuana. This was an increase of 9 percent from the 6.7 percent recorded in 2021.&nbsp;



Over the past decade, there has been a consistent annual rise in post-accident marijuana positivity, which has surged more than 204 percent since 2012. These statistics are concerning given the known effects of cannabis on cognition and motor skills.&nbsp;



"Intoxicating cannabis products, including marijuana, can have a major impact on safety at work and have been proven to slow reaction time, impact memory and impair skills essential to driving. The Quest data provide compelling evidence that increased use of cannabis products by employees can contribute to greater risk for injuries in the workplace," said Katie Mueller, a senior program manager at the <a href="https://www.nsc.org/">National Safety Council</a> focusing on cannabis safety.



The study thus raises critical questions about marijuana usage and workplace safety, especially as cannabis continues to be embraced by numerous sectors of the economy and is legalized in an increasing number of states for recreational and medicinal purposes.&nbsp;



Twenty-one states and Washington, DC have legalized it for recreational use, and almost all states now allow its use for medicinal purposes.



This wave of legalization and the corresponding increase in cannabis use among the workforce underscore the need for comprehensive research and clear guidelines to ensure workplace safety.&nbsp;



The increasing trend of workers testing positive for cannabis necessitates a nuanced discussion on the balance between personal freedoms, societal norms, and workplace safety.



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



Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a plant that contains compounds called cannabinoids. The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).



<h3 id="h-thc">THC</h3>



This is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that causes the high associated with its use. It can influence perception, mood, and cognition. THC can potentially have therapeutic effects, but it's also linked with negative effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and cognitive impairments. The potency of THC in marijuana has been increasing over the past few decades.



<h3 id="h-cbd">CBD</h3>



Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a high. It's been the focus of research for its potential therapeutic effects in treating a variety of conditions, including epilepsy, anxiety, inflammation, and sleep disorders. It's often extracted from the plant to make oils, creams, and other products.



Marijuana is usually consumed by smoking the dried flowers of the plant, but it can also be vaporized, ingested as an edible, taken as a capsule, or applied topically.



Its effects can vary widely depending on many factors, including the individual's physiology, the strain of marijuana, how it's consumed, and the presence of other substances. In general, the effects include relaxation, altered perception, euphoria, increased appetite, and impaired short-term memory.



<h3 id="h-marijuana-and-the-law">Marijuana and the law</h3>



The legal status of marijuana varies by country and by state. Many states in the U.S. have legalized marijuana for medical use, and a growing number have legalized it for recreational use. Still, it remains illegal at the federal level.



There is a significant body of research on the potential therapeutic effects of marijuana. It's been used to treat conditions like chronic pain, glaucoma, and nausea from chemotherapy. There is also evidence to suggest it can help with certain types of epilepsy.



However, there are potential health risks associated with marijuana use. Long-term or heavy use can lead to cognitive impairment, particularly in those who start using marijuana at a young age. It's also associated with mental health risks, such as the onset or worsening of anxiety and depressive disorders, and there is a strong association between cannabis use and the risk of psychosis, though more research is needed to fully understand this relationship.



Marijuana can be addictive, with about 9% of users becoming dependent. The risk of addiction is higher for those who start using in their teens or who use marijuana daily.



As for the societal impact, there is an ongoing debate about the pros and cons of marijuana legalization. Advocates argue that it could lead to reduced law enforcement costs, increased tax revenue, and better quality control and safety regulations. Critics, however, worry about potential public health risks, including increased use and abuse, particularly among young people.



—-



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Record number of Americans are high on marijuana at work

Cannabis use among U.S. workers is hitting record highs, according...

Wild,Forest,Fire,In,Canada

A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/">University of Florida</a> (UF) has recently found that, as woody plants such as trees or shrubs replace grasses, spot fires can occur farther away from the original fire perimeter. This so-called “woody encroachment” is becoming a significant problem not only in grasslands, but also in wetlands and savannahs.



During the past decade, over 61,000 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-ultimately-benefit-plant-and-animal-diversity/">wildfires</a> have decimated about 7.2 million acres annually. Once wildfires start spreading, extinguishing them is challenging due to issues such as spot fires, where winds carry lofted sparks and ignite new fires outside the original fire perimeter. Moreover, the greater the potential spot fire distance, the more difficult it becomes to monitor, control, and suppress wildfires.



“Spot fires are one of the most common reasons why houses burn in a wildfire,” said lead author Victoria Donovan, an assistant professor of Forest Management at UF, who conducted this study as a researcher at the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/">University of Nebraska-Lincoln</a>. 



“It’s not typically because the flames from wildfire reach a house, but that embers from that fire land on roofs, travel through home ventilation systems, or land on other combustible material on or near the home, and ignite the house from there. They’re a big concern for structural damage.”



Donovan and her colleagues examined three phases of wood encroachment: a largely grassland area, a grassland with new forested growth, and a dense forest. By using a mathematical fire simulation program and taking into account the various conditions in the Loess Canyons Experimental Landscape in south Nebraska, they found that prescribed fires – which are often used in Florida to keep woody plant growth under control – could contribute to a significant reduction of spot fires.&nbsp;



“Our study shows that the risk of spot fire is much lower when you’re burning under the weather conditions used for prescribed fire, regardless of encroachment phase, compared to waiting for the potentially more extreme conditions we can see during wildfires,” Donovan said. “This tells us that using prescribed fire early to control encroachment and reduce fuel load is a lot safer than waiting for a wildfire to occur.”



Moreover, the investigation revealed that it is not only spot fire distance that increases wildfire risk from woody plants. Another major problem is that shrubs and trees can grow much taller than grasses. 



“Think about putting out your campfire on the ground by pouring water on it, and compare that to trying to put out a fire a couple stories above you,” Donovan explained.



The concerns this study highlights are universal and show marked similarities regardless of the type of land where the wildfires occur. In Florida, for example, fire suppression has led to a massive encroachment of shrubs, creating dense forest stands that are very different from the open savannah systems in which more wildfires occurred in the past.



Although Florida has recently become a model for prescribed fires, there is still a high degree of hesitancy among some private landowners. However, using prescribed fire as a controlling process for woody encroachment remains less risky than allowing the encroachments and waiting for wildfires to occur.



“Across the country, data has shown that fire is inevitable. Using prescribed fire allows us to decide what we want a lot of that fire to look like,” Donovan concluded. The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0283816">PLoS ONE</a>.



<h2 id="h-wildfires-and-climate-change">Wildfires and climate change</h2>



Wildfires are a natural part of many ecosystems, but they have become more destructive in recent decades, and this trend is partially attributed to climate change. Here's how climate change is contributing to an increase in wildfires:



<h3 id="h-warmer-temperatures">Warmer Temperatures</h3>



Climate change has led to increased temperatures and earlier spring melt. This results in hotter, drier conditions that can prolong fire seasons. Additionally, warmer temperatures aid the spread of pests like the pine beetle, which can kill trees and create more potential fuel for fires.



<h3 id="h-changes-in-precipitation">Changes in Precipitation</h3>



While some areas are experiencing increased rainfall, others are becoming drier due to shifts in weather patterns caused by climate change. In areas that are becoming drier, these changes can contribute to drought conditions that make forests more susceptible to severe wildfires.



<h3 id="h-increased-lightning-activity">Increased Lightning Activity</h3>



Warmer conditions can lead to more thunderstorms, which in turn increase the likelihood of lightning – a major cause of wildfires.



<h3 id="h-stronger-winds">Stronger Winds</h3>



Climate change can also cause changes in wind patterns, and high winds can help spread wildfires.



The relationship between wildfires and climate change is a kind of positive feedback loop. On one hand, climate change creates conditions that can increase the risk of wildfires.&nbsp;



On the other hand, wildfires themselves can contribute to climate change. They release large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) - a greenhouse gas - into the atmosphere, thereby exacerbating global warming. Moreover, when forests that act as carbon sinks are destroyed by fires, they are unable to absorb CO2, further compounding the problem.



Mitigating climate change, therefore, could help reduce the risk of future wildfires. This would involve reducing greenhouse gas emissions through actions like shifting towards renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and protecting and restoring forests.&nbsp;



Adaptation measures, such as better land management practices and the development of more fire-resistant infrastructure, could also help communities become more resilient to wildfires.



—-



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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Wildfires spread farther where woody plants replace grasses

A team of researchers led by the University of Florida...

Stag,Beetle,In,An,Oak,Forest.,Close,Up.

Although scientists have long known that energy is key to life, the connection between available energy and biodiversity in ecosystems is not yet clear.&nbsp;



While ecosystems with higher energy input – such as those exposed to stronger solar radiation near the equator – are clearly endowed with greater biodiversity, not all ecosystems seem to draw their energy exclusively from the sun. This raises important questions, such as which type of energy promotes biodiversity and whether energy sources change along specific food chains.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Now, by analyzing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reconstructing-300-million-years-of-beetle-evolution/">beetles</a> that live in deadwood in forests across Europe, a team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/home/">Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg</a> (JMU) has found that energy can also be stored chemically in resources such as wood, and that beetle diversity is influenced differently by energy types depending on their position in the food chain.&nbsp;



“Species like the stag beetle, whose larvae feed directly on dead wood and are thus at the bottom of the food chain, benefit in their diversity from the amount of energy stored in the wood,” said study lead author Peter Kriegel, a PhD student in Biodiversity at JMU. “The more sugar compounds are stored in the heartwood, the greater their diversity.”



By contrast, at the top end of deadwood beetles’ food pyramid are species such as the ant beetle, which feed on other insects. Rather than being affected by the energy stored in the wood, these beetles’ diversity is much more influenced by solar radiation.



These findings are crucial for basic ecological research and could help slow down alarming developments such as global insect decline. In future research, the scientists plan to turn their attention to biodiversity in deadwood that is not openly visible, to clarify which are the sources such organisms draw their energy from.



“Using methods such as DNA sequencing, we want to detect the molecular traces of hidden organisms: Bacteria, fungi without fruiting bodies, but also groups of insects which are difficult to determine and are therefore often neglected,” Kriegel concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ele.14227">Ecology Letters</a>.



<h2 id="h-beetles-are-indicators-of-ecosystem-health">Beetles are indicators of ecosystem health</h2>



Beetles play several important roles in our ecosystem, which make them indispensable. Here are a few key reasons:



<h3 id="h-decomposition">Decomposition</h3>



Many species of beetles, such as carrion beetles and dung beetles, are vital for breaking down and decomposing dead animals and feces. This is an essential part of the nutrient cycle in ecosystems as it helps to return nutrients to the soil, promoting plant growth.



<h3 id="h-pest-control">Pest Control</h3>



Some types of beetles, like ladybugs, feed on pests that can harm or destroy crops. This makes them invaluable for natural pest control.



<h3 id="h-pollination">Pollination</h3>



Certain beetles are known to contribute to pollination, which is critical for plant reproduction. While they may not be as efficient as bees or butterflies, they do play a role in the pollination of certain types of plants.



<h3 id="h-food-source">Food Source</h3>



Beetles serve as a food source for a large number of animals, including birds, reptiles, and other insects. Their role in the food chain is crucial for maintaining biodiversity.



<h3 id="h-biodiversity-indicators">Biodiversity Indicators</h3>



Beetles constitute the largest group of organisms, with over 350,000 known species. The diversity and sensitivity of beetles to ecological changes make them excellent indicators of overall biodiversity and ecosystem health.



<h3 id="h-human-benefits">Human Benefits</h3>



Certain beetles are also beneficial for human activities. For instance, the dung beetle helps in improving soil structure and fertility, which is beneficial for farming and agriculture. Also, the study of beetles can lead to scientific advancements and breakthroughs.



However, it's worth noting that not all beetles are beneficial. Some species can cause significant damage to crops, forests, and stored products. For example, bark beetles can kill large numbers of trees, and weevils can ruin stored grains or attack crops.



—-



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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Beetle diversity is influenced by energy stored in dead wood

Although scientists have long known that energy is key to...

Scientists at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/">University of Cambridge</a> have broken new ground, ushering in a new era of green energy. The researchers have unveiled a cutting-edge solar-powered technology that transforms carbon dioxide and water into liquid fuels.&nbsp;



The real game changer here is that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-emissions-can-be-turned-into-clean-fuels/">fuels</a> can directly power a car's engine without any modifications - a so-called "drop-in" fuel.



This innovative technology leverages photosynthesis, the natural process through which plants convert sunlight into energy. It manages to replicate this process, using the sun's power to turn CO2 and water into multicarbon fuels. These fuels, ethanol and propanol, pack a high energy density, and the bonus is that they're also simple to store and transport.



<h2 id="h-zero-net-carbon-emissions-thanks-to-photosynthesis">Zero net carbon emissions thanks to photosynthesis</h2>



There's an important difference between these solar fuels and their fossil fuel counterparts. The solar fuels developed by these researchers produce zero net carbon emissions - a critical factor in our fight against climate change.&nbsp;



They are fully renewable, and in contrast to the majority of bioethanol fuels, their production does not encroach on any agricultural land that could otherwise be used for food production.



Although this technology remains at the laboratory stage, it's seen as a significant step toward our departure from a fossil fuel-dependent economy. The groundbreaking findings are documented in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41560-023-01262-3">Nature Energy</a>.



<h2 id="h-breaking-free-of-biofuels">Breaking free of biofuels</h2>



Bioethanol has long been championed as a cleaner substitute for petrol, being plant-derived rather than reliant on fossil fuels. It's noteworthy that many cars and trucks on our roads today operate on petrol with an ethanol content of up to 10% (known as E10 fuel).&nbsp;



The United States holds the title as the world’s largest bioethanol producer. Around 45 percent of all corn grown in the US is dedicated to ethanol production, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.



However, biofuels like ethanol have not escaped controversy. "They take up agricultural land that could be used to grow food instead,” said Professor Erwin Reisner, who led the research.



Reisner and his team, based in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, have been working tirelessly for several years on developing sustainable, zero-carbon fuels. These are inspired by photosynthesis and utilize artificial leaves.



Prior to this breakthrough, these artificial leaves could only generate simple chemicals, such as syngas, a combination of hydrogen and carbon monoxide used in the manufacture of fuels, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and fertilizers. The real challenge was to create more complex chemicals in a single step powered by the sun.



<h2 id="h-major-breakthrough-by-the-research-team">Major breakthrough by the research team</h2>



The team's latest accomplishment has been to adapt the artificial leaf to produce clean ethanol and propanol directly, bypassing the intermediate syngas production step.&nbsp;



This was made possible by developing a catalyst based on copper and palladium. This catalyst was specifically optimized to allow the artificial leaf to create these multi-carbon alcohols.



This achievement is a first. While other scientists have produced similar chemicals using electrical power, it's the first time that such complex chemicals have been produced with an artificial leaf harnessing only solar energy.



Dr. Motiar Rahaman, the paper's first author, expressed his excitement: “Shining sunlight on the artificial leaves and getting liquid fuel from carbon dioxide and water is an amazing bit of chemistry.”&nbsp;



He emphasized that their achievement of converting CO2 into a practical liquid fuel using only sunlight was a tremendous leap forward, one that opens up a whole new path in their work.



<h2 id="h-still-lots-of-work-to-be-done">Still lots of work to be done</h2>



As it stands, this device is a proof of concept, currently demonstrating only modest efficiency.&nbsp;



The experts are striving to improve the light absorbers for enhanced sunlight absorption and tweaking the catalyst for better sunlight to fuel conversion. Moreover, the device's scalability needs attention for it to produce fuel in larger volumes.



"Even though there's still work to be done, we've shown what these artificial leaves are capable of doing," said Reisner. He believes it’s vital to demonstrate that they can push beyond the production of the simplest molecules and generate materials that are directly useful in our transition away from fossil fuels.



This revolutionary research was funded in part by the European Commission Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship, the Cambridge Trust, and the Winton Programme for the Physics of Sustainability.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-a-very-bright-future-for-clean-cars-thanks-to-sunlight">A very bright future for clean cars, thanks to sunlight</h2>



This groundbreaking work undertaken by the Cambridge team signals a promising future for renewable fuels. It's a major advancement in green energy research that could pave the way towards a future less reliant on fossil fuels.&nbsp;



While the technology is still in its early stages, its potential implications for combating climate change and promoting sustainable fuel production are truly exciting. As we continue to battle the effects of climate change, this pioneering work on solar fuels could be a critical piece of the puzzle in our quest for a cleaner, greener world.



<h2 id="h-more-about-clean-energy-and-zero-net-carbon-emissions">More about clean energy and zero net carbon emissions</h2>



Clean energy, also known as renewable energy, refers to energy produced from sources that do not deplete when used or those that naturally replenish within a human lifetime. These sources include wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and even certain forms of biomass.&nbsp;



As a result of their renewable nature, they have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to conventional energy sources like coal, oil, and gas.



One of the most compelling arguments for the use of clean energy is its potential to help achieve zero net carbon emissions or carbon neutrality.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-the-importance-of-carbon-neutrality">The importance of carbon neutrality</h3>



Carbon neutrality means balancing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere with an equivalent amount of CO2 sequestered or offset, or buying enough carbon credits to make up the difference. In essence, it’s when the net amount of carbon dioxide emissions (emissions minus offsets) equals zero.



Why is achieving carbon neutrality important? Well, carbon dioxide is one of the primary greenhouse gases contributing to global warming and climate change. An excess of CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere traps heat, leading to a rise in global temperatures—a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect.



Clean energy technologies play a crucial role in achieving zero net carbon emissions. For example, solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity, and wind turbines generate power from wind flow. Both methods produce electricity without releasing CO2, unlike traditional fossil fuel power plants.



Further, when used for heating, cooling, and transportation – which together account for a large portion of global CO2 emissions – clean energy technologies can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and thereby lower greenhouse gas emissions.



<h3 id="h-achieving-energy-efficiency-through-clean-energy">Achieving energy efficiency through clean energy&nbsp;</h3>



It's worth noting that clean energy also involves energy efficiency. By optimizing how we use energy, we can achieve the same results with less, reducing the overall demand for energy and thereby contributing to lower emissions.



While transitioning to a clean energy future involves significant challenges – including technology and infrastructure development, costs, and policy and regulatory hurdles – the long-term benefits for our environment, health, and economy make it a compelling goal.&nbsp;



This is the context in which the work by the researchers at the University of Cambridge, as well as many other scientists worldwide, takes on such importance. These efforts represent vital steps towards creating sustainable and scalable solutions for clean energy and achieving zero net carbon emissions.



—-



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Breakthrough: Sunshine will soon power your car instead of gasoline

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have broken new ground,...

Loving,Couple,Kissing,At,Sunset.,Love,In,The,Sun.,Valentine's

The sweet, intimate act of lip-to-lip contact, or kissing as we know it, may have originated much earlier than we previously thought.&nbsp;



This surprising revelation comes from Dr. Troels Pank Arbøll and Dr. Sophie Lund Rasmussen, who offer fresh insights on the historical roots of this romantic gesture, pushing the timeline back a further millennium than previously acknowledged. The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adf0512">Science</a>.



<h2 id="h-studying-the-origins-of-kissing">Studying the origins of kissing</h2>



Contrary to prior hypotheses, which pinned the birth of the human kiss at around 3,500 years ago in South Asia, the researchers argue that kissing was already a well-established practice around 4,500 years ago in the Middle East, potentially predating this by even more.



The earliest human societies of Mesopotamia, the region nestled between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers in present-day Iraq and Syria, have provided key insights into this age-old tradition.&nbsp;



“People wrote in cuneiform script on clay tablets. Many thousands of these clay tablets have survived to this day, and they contain clear examples that kissing was considered a part of romantic intimacy in ancient times, just as kissing could be part of friendships and family members’ relations,” explained Dr. Arbøll of the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/">University of Copenhagen</a>.



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



In essence, Dr. Arbøll argues that the act of kissing is not a cultural artifact exclusive to any one civilization or region but appears to be a universal behavior practiced by multiple ancient cultures over several millennia.



“In fact, research into bonobos and chimpanzees, the closest living relatives to humans, has shown that both species engage in kissing, which may suggest that the practice of kissing is a fundamental behavior in humans, explaining why it can be found across cultures," noted Dr. Rasmussen.



<h2 id="h-both-good-and-bad-came-from-the-kissing-revolution">Both good and bad came from the kissing revolution&nbsp;</h2>



The tradition of kissing isn't solely a matter of social and sexual behavior. It may have unintentionally aided the spread of microorganisms, potentially aiding in the transmission of viruses among humans.&nbsp;



However, to dub kissing as a sudden catalyst for the spread of specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/if-pathogens-wish-to-spread-why-make-their-hosts-sick/">pathogens</a>, such as the herpes simplex virus 1, may be a bit of a leap.



“There is a substantial corpus of medical texts from Mesopotamia, some of which mention a disease with symptoms reminiscent of the herpes simplex virus 1," said Dr. Arbøll.



However, he is quick to remind us that these ancient medical texts were influenced by various cultural and religious concepts, therefore cautioning against reading them literally.



<h2 id="h-is-kissing-also-the-origin-of-herpes-infections">Is kissing also the origin of herpes infections?</h2>



Despite these challenges, Dr. Arbøll finds it intriguing to note some similarities between a disease referred to as 'buʾshanu' in these ancient Mesopotamian medical texts and the symptoms caused by herpes simplex infections.&nbsp;



He describes the bu’shanu disease as primarily located in or around the mouth and throat, with symptoms including vesicles in or around the mouth, one of the dominant signs of herpes infection.



If the practice of kissing was as widespread and well-established in a range of ancient societies as suggested, Dr. Rasmussen believes that the effects of kissing in terms of pathogen transmission must likely have been more or less constant.



The researchers believe that the future of understanding complex historical developments and social interactions, such as the role of kissing in early disease transmission, relies on an interdisciplinary approach to studying ancient DNA.&nbsp;



As we continue to unearth more about our shared human history, the roots of a simple kiss prove to be a fascinating probe into the past.



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



Mesopotamia, often referred to as the "cradle of civilization," was a historical region located in the eastern Mediterranean, corresponding to present-day Iraq, Kuwait, and parts of Syria, Turkey, and Iran. The region is known for its fertile land, situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, thus the name Mesopotamia, which translates to "land between the rivers" in Greek.



Mesopotamia was home to several important ancient civilizations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. Each of these civilizations made significant contributions to culture and science, influencing future societies significantly in ways other than kissing.



<h3 id="h-sumerians">Sumerians</h3>



The Sumerians are often considered the creators of civilization as modern humans understand it. They are believed to have developed around 4000 to 3000 BC in southern Mesopotamia. The Sumerians are credited with many 'firsts' in human history, including the invention of the wheel, the development of the earliest known system of writing – cuneiform script, the creation of complex architectural structures such as ziggurats, and the formation of the earliest known codified legal and administrative systems.



<h3 id="h-akkadians">Akkadians</h3>



The Akkadians, led by their king, Sargon the Great, are known for establishing possibly the world's first empire around 2334 BC, bringing together various city-states under one rule.



<h3 id="h-assyrians">Assyrians</h3>



The Assyrian Empire, known for its military prowess and extensive libraries, was centered in the northern part of Mesopotamia. The famous king Ashurbanipal established a vast library in the capital, Nineveh, which included thousands of cuneiform tablets preserving the knowledge of the time.



<h3 id="h-babylonians">Babylonians</h3>



The Babylonians, based in central-southern Mesopotamia, are especially remembered for Hammurabi's law code, one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world. The Babylonians also made remarkable strides in astronomy and mathematics, including the development of a base-60 (sexagesimal) number system, which is still used to measure time and angles today.



Mesopotamia was also a hub of trade and invention, with agriculture playing a vital role in its economy. Mesopotamians invented many agricultural tools and developed an early system of irrigation to counter the annual floods of the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers.



Religion in Mesopotamia was polytheistic, with a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses worshipped in various city-states. Temples held great significance and were central to both religious and political life. Key religious concepts, including the afterlife and humans' relationship with the gods, were central to Mesopotamian worldviews.



Mesopotamia's influence extends into the present day, with its civilizations significantly contributing to human culture (including kissing), governance, technology, and knowledge. Its rich and varied history is a testament to the resourcefulness and adaptability of humanity and the power of civilization.



—-



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Humans first began kissing in Mesopotamia over 4500 years ago

The sweet, intimate act of lip-to-lip contact, or kissing as...

Aging inevitably leads to muscle wasting, a condition known as sarcopenia. Until recently, the scientific world lacked a comprehensive understanding of why and how this occurs.&nbsp;



However, recent research from the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI) at <a href="https://www.monash.edu/">Monash University</a> has made strides in unraveling this mystery, thanks to an unusual subject – the African killifish.



The research suggests that towards the end of life, our muscles may revert to an "early-life" state, which could slow mortality. This groundbreaking revelation potentially opens doors to new approaches that could slow, halt or even reverse the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength.



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/acel.13862">Aging Cell</a>, the study was led by Professor Peter Currie and Dr. Avnika Ruparelia from ARMI and the <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au/">University of Melbourne</a>. The importance of this research becomes increasingly evident in the face of a predicted global surge in the prevalence and severity of sarcopenia.



“There is a pressing need to understand the mechanisms that drive sarcopenia, so that we can identify and implement suitable medical interventions to promote healthy muscle ageing,” said Professor Currie.



<h2 id="h-newest-weapon-in-the-fight-against-aging">Newest weapon in the fight against aging</h2>



The African turquoise killifish, known scientifically as Nothobranchius furzeri, is a recent addition to the pantheon of model organisms used in aging studies. With the shortest known lifespan among captive-breedable vertebrates, killifish make for an intriguing research subject.



Spawned by the African rains, killifish live in seasonal rain pools. Their life cycle is rapid, hatching, growing, and reaching maturity in just two weeks, after which they reproduce daily until the pool evaporates.



What makes them particularly useful in aging research is the manifestation of human-like aging symptoms - cancerous liver and gonad lesions, diminished limb regenerative abilities (in their case, the fin), and genetic hallmarks of aging such as decreased mitochondrial DNA copy number and function, and telomere shortening.



Dr. Ruparelia notes that the study is the first to use killifish in sarcopenia research. “In this study, we performed a thorough cellular and molecular characterization of skeletal muscle from early life, aged and extremely old late-life stages, revealing many similarities to sarcopenia in humans and other mammals.”



<h2 id="h-researchers-make-fascinating-discovery">Researchers make fascinating discovery</h2>



Remarkably, the researchers also discovered these metabolic signs of aging seemingly reversed during the late-life stage.&nbsp;



Dr. Ruparelia suggests that "in extremely old animals, there may be mechanisms in place that prevent further deterioration of skeletal muscle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-failure-is-influenced-by-gut-health/">health</a>, which may ultimately contribute to an extension of their life span."



Drawing a correlation between improved muscle health and declining mortality rates in old age, the team hypothesizes that enhanced muscle health could be a significant factor in prolonging the lifespan of the extremely elderly.



To further investigate this phenomenon, the researchers embarked on a metabolic survey of killifish at different aging stages. This exploration revealed a surprising rejuvenation of certain metabolic features in the oldest fish, mirroring those seen in young fish.



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



The investigation underscored the crucial role of lipid metabolism in this rejuvenation process. Through regulating the formation of certain lipids with drugs, the researchers achieved a similar rejuvenation of aging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-hibernating-bears-could-help-humans-prevent-muscle-loss/">muscle</a>.



“During extreme old age, there is a striking depletion of lipids, which are the main energy reserves in our cells," said Professor Currie. "We believe that this mimics a state of calorie restriction, a process known to extend lifespan in other organisms, which results in activation of downstream mechanisms ultimately enabling the animal to maintain nutrient balance and live longer. A similar process is seen in the muscle of highly trained athletes.”



“The idea that muscle aging may be reversible, and potentially treatable by drugs that can manipulate a cell’s metabolism, is an exciting prospect especially given the social, economic and healthcare costs associated with the ever-growing aged population around the world," said Dr. Ruparelia.



"We are excited by the potential of the killifish model, and very grateful to the Winston Churchill Trust for funding, and to Dr. Kay Patterson for her assistance with establishing the import regulations to establish the first and only killifish facility in Australia. We now have a unique opportunity to study biological processes regulating aging and age-related diseases, and to investigate strategies to promote heathy aging.”



<h2 id="h-more-about-anti-aging-research">More about anti-aging research</h2>



Anti-aging research is an incredibly broad field, encompassing many different disciplines. From genetics and cell biology to pharmacology and lifestyle modification, many promising advances are being made.



One important area of anti-aging research revolves around understanding the underlying biological processes of aging.&nbsp;



Scientists have identified several key hallmarks of aging, including genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication.&nbsp;



By targeting these fundamental processes, researchers hope to slow down or even reverse the signs of aging.



<h3 id="h-telomeres">Telomeres</h3>



These protective end caps of chromosomes that shorten as cells divide, are a major focus in this research. Scientists have discovered that by manipulating an enzyme called telomerase, they can extend the lifespan of cells in the lab. This has the potential to slow down or reverse certain aging processes, although this approach is still being studied for safety and efficacy.



<h3 id="h-caloric-restriction">Caloric restriction</h3>



The practice of reducing daily calorie intake without malnutrition, has been shown to extend lifespan in multiple organisms, from yeast and worms to mice and monkeys. This has led to interest in drugs that can mimic the effects of caloric restriction, such as metformin and rapamycin. These drugs have shown promise in preclinical studies and are now being tested in human trials.



<h3 id="h-senescence">Senescence</h3>



This is a state in which cells can no longer divide and accumulate with age, contributing to tissue dysfunction. Scientists are exploring drugs known as senolytics that selectively eliminate these senescent cells, thereby improving health and lifespan in animal models.



<h3 id="h-regenerative-medicine-and-stem-cell-research">Regenerative medicine and stem cell research&nbsp;</h3>



The idea is to use stem cells to replace damaged or aged cells in the body, effectively rejuvenating tissues and organs. Techniques such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can theoretically produce any cell type in the body, hold great promise in this area.



<h3 id="h-gut-microbes">Gut microbes</h3>



Understanding the role of the microbiome, the community of microbes living in our gut, in aging has gained considerable attention. Studies suggest that the composition of the gut microbiota changes with age and influences health and lifespan. Therefore, interventions that modify the gut microbiota, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplants, may have potential anti-aging effects.



Despite these exciting developments, it's important to remember that aging is a complex process that is unlikely to have a simple, one-size-fits-all solution.&nbsp;



However, the research being done in this field could not only increase lifespan but also "healthspan," the period of life spent in good health, free from the chronic diseases and disabilities of aging.



—-



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African Killifish holds secrets to reversing muscle aging in humans

Aging inevitably leads to muscle wasting, a condition known as...

In a landmark study published today in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abo2812">Science</a>, experts warn that over half of the world's largest lakes are experiencing water loss. As expected, the primary culprits are a warming climate and unsustainable human consumption patterns.



Fangfang Yao, the lead author of the study and a visiting fellow at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), now a climate fellow at the University of Virginia, offers a silver lining amid the alarming data.&nbsp;



“This is the first comprehensive assessment of trends and drivers of global lake water storage variability based on an array of satellites and models,” says Yao.



Yao's motivation to conduct the research originated from witnessing environmental crises in some of the planet's largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-water-is-the-key-to-a-long-and-healthy-life/">water</a> bodies, such as the drying of the Aral Sea situated between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;



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



To measure changes in water levels in almost 2,000 of the world's largest lakes and reservoirs, Yao teamed up with colleagues from the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/">University of Colorado Boulder</a>, Kansas State University, France, and Saudi Arabia. These bodies of water account for 95 percent of the total lake water storage on Earth.



The researchers created an innovative technique that combines three decades of satellite observations with models to track and explain changes in lake storage on a global scale.&nbsp;



Freshwater lakes and reservoirs store 87 percent of Earth's water, underscoring their importance to both human and natural ecosystems. Despite their significance, these lakes have been under-monitored compared to rivers, even though they supply more water to human communities.



“Until now, our understanding of long-term trends and changes to water levels has been largely limited," said study co-author Professor Balaji Rajagopalan. “We are able to provide insights into global lake level changes with a broader perspective using this novel method,” he adds.



The team used a quarter of a million snapshots of lake areas captured by satellites from 1992 to 2020 to survey the area of 1,972 of Earth's biggest lakes. They combined recent water level measurements with long-term area measurements to reconstruct the volume of lakes dating back decades.



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



The findings are sobering: 53 percent of lakes worldwide have seen a reduction in water storage. This loss equates to the volume of 17 Lake Meads, the largest reservoir in the United States.



To unpack these trends in natural lakes, Yao and his team drew on the latest advances in water use and climate modeling. Both climate change and human water consumption were found to be primarily responsible for the global net decline in natural lake volume, as well as water losses in about 100 large lakes.



“Many of the human and climate change footprints on lake water losses were previously unknown, such as the desiccations of Lake Good-e-Zareh in Afghanistan and Lake Mar Chiquita in Argentina,” said Yao.



Worryingly, lakes in both dry and humid regions globally are losing volume. This loss in humid tropical lakes and Arctic lakes indicates a broader drying trend than previously acknowledged.



<h2 id="h-the-team-also-studied-reservoirs">The team also studied reservoirs</h2>



In addition to studying natural lakes, Yao and his colleagues examined water storage trends in reservoirs. They discovered that almost two-thirds of Earth's large reservoirs have undergone substantial water losses.



“Sedimentation dominated the global storage decline in existing reservoirs," noted study co-author Professor Ben Livneh. For reservoirs established before 1992, sedimentation was found to be more impactful than either droughts or years of heavy rainfall.



However, not all lakes are shrinking. The study shows that 24 percent of global lakes have witnessed significant increases in water storage.&nbsp;



These expanding lakes are primarily located in underpopulated areas, such as the inner Tibetan Plateau and Northern Great Plains of North America, and in regions with new reservoirs, such as the Yangtze, Mekong, and Nile river basins.



The study's authors estimate that approximately 2 billion people, or roughly one-quarter of the world's population, live in the basins of these drying lakes. This striking statistic underscores the urgent need to consider the impacts of human consumption, climate change, and sedimentation on water management strategies.



<h2 id="h-disturbing-results-lead-to-potential-solutions">Disturbing results lead to potential solutions</h2>



While the news seems concerning, the study's authors believe it could provide a pathway to potential solutions. According to Livneh, "If human consumption is a significant factor in lake water storage decline, then we can adapt and explore new policies to curb large-scale declines."



The team's research highlights one such success story: Lake Sevan in Armenia. Over the past two decades, Lake Sevan has witnessed an increase in water storage, a positive trend that the authors attribute to the enforcement of conservation laws restricting water withdrawal since the early 2000s.



In conclusion, the study marks a significant advancement in the understanding and tracking of global lake water storage trends. Though the results are worrying, they offer invaluable insights that could potentially guide policy changes and prompt more sustainable water use.&nbsp;



The findings underscore the urgent need for policymakers, water managers, and communities around the world to pay heed and take action to protect this critical resource and the vital ecosystems it supports.



<h2 id="h-more-about-climate-change-and-earth-s-freshwater-supply">More about climate change and Earth’s freshwater supply</h2>



Climate change is having a significant impact on Earth's freshwater supply in several ways. Here are some of the most notable effects:



<h3 id="h-changes-in-precipitation-patterns">Changes in Precipitation Patterns</h3>



Climate change is altering the global water cycle, which affects where, when, and how much precipitation falls. Areas that are dry may become drier, and places that are wet may become wetter or experience more intense rainfall leading to flooding. Both scenarios can have serious implications for freshwater availability.



<h3 id="h-rising-temperatures-and-increased-evaporation">Rising Temperatures and Increased Evaporation</h3>



As global temperatures rise due to climate change, evaporation rates also increase. This leads to a reduction in the amount of surface water in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, as well as groundwater in aquifers. Higher temperatures can also increase water demand from both humans and vegetation.



<h3 id="h-melting-glaciers-and-reduced-snowpack">Melting Glaciers and Reduced Snowpack</h3>



Many regions, particularly those in the western United States and parts of Asia, depend on runoff from snowmelt and glaciers for their freshwater supply. As global temperatures rise, glaciers are melting at an accelerated pace and winter snowpack is declining, leading to decreased water availability in spring and summer when it's most needed.



<h3 id="h-sea-level-rise-and-saltwater-intrusion">Sea-Level Rise and Saltwater Intrusion</h3>



As sea levels rise due to the melting of polar ice caps, saltwater can intrude into freshwater aquifers, particularly those near coasts. This phenomenon is known as saltwater intrusion and can contaminate drinking water supplies and agricultural lands, reducing the availability of freshwater for those purposes.



<h3 id="h-changes-in-ecosystem-health">Changes in Ecosystem Health</h3>



Climate change can impact the health of freshwater ecosystems. Higher water temperatures, changes in water flow, and increased prevalence of drought can stress or even kill fish, birds, and other wildlife that depend on freshwater habitats.



<h3 id="h-increased-frequency-and-severity-of-droughts">Increased Frequency and Severity of Droughts</h3>



Climate change is expected to make droughts more frequent and severe in certain regions, reducing the availability of freshwater.



All of these factors pose significant challenges to managing water resources effectively and ensuring a sustainable freshwater supply for both human and ecological needs. It highlights the urgent need for implementing water conservation measures and developing resilient water management strategies in the face of a changing climate.



—-



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Alarming study: Most of the world’s largest lakes are quickly losing water

In a landmark study published today in the journal Science,...

The global phenomenon of El Niño events - a warm band of ocean water stretching from South America to Asia - periodically disrupts worldwide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-anxiety-can-lead-to-climate-action/">climate</a> patterns. 



When it occurs, it often brings severe floods, destroys crops through drought, decimates fish populations, and increases the frequency of tropical diseases. This year, El Niño is expected to return.&nbsp;



A new study by <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/">Dartmouth</a> researchers, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adf2983">Science</a>, suggests that the economic impact of this recurring climatic pattern extends well beyond the event itself. It could cause a lingering financial aftermath that lasts for years, potentially amounting to trillions of dollars in lost income worldwide.



<h2 id="h-el-nino-impacts-more-than-the-weather">El Niño impacts more than the weather</h2>



The Dartmouth study is a pioneering work in the field, offering an evaluation of El Niño's long-term costs. The projected losses it outlines far surpass previous estimations.



El Niño is part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation - a natural fluctuation between warm and cold temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean. This cycle also includes the cooler La Niña phase.&nbsp;



El Niño events alter global weather patterns, generally resulting in a wetter, warmer winter for the West Coast of the US and a milder Atlantic hurricane season.



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



Over two years, the researchers scrutinized worldwide economic activity in the decades following the significant El Niño events of 1982-83 and 1997-98. They detected a "persistent signature" of slowed economic growth extending for over five years.&nbsp;



These two events led to global economic losses of $4.1 trillion and $5.7 trillion, respectively, in the subsequent half-decade. Most of this burden fell upon the world’s poorest nations located in the tropics.



Looking to the future, the researchers anticipate that global economic losses during the 21st century could reach a staggering $84 trillion. This figure takes into account the potential amplification of El Niño's frequency and strength due to climate change.&nbsp;



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



Even if world leaders fulfill their current pledges to reduce carbon emissions, these predictions will remain the same. For instance, they estimate that the upcoming 2023 El Niño could constrain the global economy by up to $3 trillion by 2029.



Christopher Callahan, the lead author of the study and a doctoral candidate in geography at Dartmouth, shared that this research contributes to an ongoing discussion about society's resilience in the face of major climatic events like El Niño.



"We can say with certainty that societies and economies absolutely do not just take a hit and recover," said Callahan, explaining that the negative economic impact following an El Niño event could linger for up to 14 years, if not longer.



"In the tropics and places that experience the effects of El Niño, you get a persistent signature during which growth is delayed for at least five years." He emphasized the need to account for this prolonged impact when quantifying the financial cost of such events.



<h2 id="h-seeking-to-determine-the-economic-toll-of-climate-change">Seeking to determine the economic toll of climate change</h2>



Study senior author Professor Justin Mankin highlighted the significance of year-to-year climate variations in determining the economic toll of global warming. Even though these climate swings largely operate independently from global warming, they can either intensify or reduce its effects.



El Niño events, which Mankin calls the "trunk of the tree of climate variability," is the most significant source of year-to-year climate variation. It alters weather globally and leaves a substantial imprint on national economies.



Mankin argues that while world leaders and the public rightly focus on the consistent rise in global average temperature when discussing climate change, they must also consider El Niño.&nbsp;



"If you're estimating the costs of global warming without considering El Niño, then you are dramatically underestimating the costs of global warming," said Professor Mankin.



"Our welfare is affected by our global economy, and our global economy is tied to the climate." His research demonstrates that El Niño's effect on climate variation is incredibly costly, stagnating growth for years. This finding has led to cost estimates much larger than previous ones.



<h2 id="h-analysis-of-past-el-nino-events">Analysis of past El Niño events</h2>



According to Mankin and Callahan's analysis, the 1982-83 and 1997-98 El Niño events resulted in the gross domestic product (GDP) of the United States being approximately 3% lower in 1988 and 2003, respectively, than it would have been otherwise. In contrast, the GDPs of tropical coastal nations like Peru and Indonesia were more than 10% lower in the same years.



"The global pattern of El Niño's effect on the climate and the prosperity of different countries reflects the unequal distribution of wealth and climate risk - not to mention the responsibility for climate change - worldwide," Mankin said. He pointed out that El Niño magnifies existing climate change inequities, disproportionately affecting the least resilient and prepared among us.



According to Professor Mankin, the prolonged and substantial financial repercussions revealed by their research suggest that we are currently maladapted to our existing climate.&nbsp;



"Our accounting dramatically raises the cost estimate of doing nothing. We need to both mitigate climate change and invest more in El Niño prediction and adaptation because these events will only amplify the future costs of global warming.”



<h2 id="h-concerns-about-the-2023-el-nino-impact">Concerns about the 2023 El Niño impact</h2>



The El Niño predicted for 2023 is slated to arrive at a time of record-high sea-surface temperatures. Callahan noted that the last major El Niño event, which occurred in 2016, contributed to making that year the hottest in recorded history.



Since then, global warming has only intensified. Moreover, the world is now emerging from a prolonged La Niña phase, and these two phases can intensify each other. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a higher than 80% chance of El Niño setting in by late summer.



"The deck is potentially stacked for a really big El Niño," said Callahan. He suggests that there is likely to be a significant economic toll that depresses economic growth in tropical countries for potentially up to a decade. This could result in a global loss of trillions of dollars in productivity compared to a world without this El Niño.



<h2 id="h-more-about-el-nino">More about El Niño</h2>



El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern that involves changes in the temperature of waters in the central and eastern part of the tropical belt of the Pacific Ocean. Its full name, "El Niño Southern Oscillation" (ENSO), refers to the cycle of warm (El Niño) and cool (La Niña) phases this area undergoes.



During El Niño events, the ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific become significantly warmer than usual. This heating affects the atmospheric pressure patterns, leading to a reversal of the usual trade winds. 



Normally, these winds blow east to west, pushing warm water toward the western Pacific (near Asia). However, during El Niño, these winds weaken or even reverse, causing warm water to spread eastward toward South America.



The effects of El Niño are wide-ranging and global. Here are some of its potential impacts:



<h3 id="h-rainfall">Rainfall&nbsp;</h3>



Regions that are normally dry might receive heavy rainfall, leading to flooding. On the flip side, areas that typically have a wet climate may experience drought. For example, during El Niño events, countries like Peru and Ecuador often face heavy rain and flooding, while Australia and parts of Southeast Asia may experience drought.



<h3 id="h-temperature">Temperature&nbsp;</h3>



El Niño often causes above-average winter temperatures over western and northern Canada and over the western and northern United States. Simultaneously, it can lead to cooler than normal temperatures in the southeastern states of the U.S.



<h3 id="h-agriculture">Agriculture</h3>



Changes in rainfall and temperature can significantly affect agricultural productivity. This can lead to food shortages, increased food prices, and economic problems, especially in countries heavily reliant on agriculture.



<h3 id="h-fisheries">Fisheries&nbsp;</h3>



El Niño can disrupt marine ecosystems. The warmer water temperature leads to a decline in nutrients, which causes a reduction in the marine food chain's productivity. This has a direct impact on the fishing industry, especially in South American countries where economies can be significantly affected.



<h3 id="h-health">Health</h3>



There can be health implications too. Increased rainfall in certain regions can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, potentially leading to outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.



<h3 id="h-wildlife">Wildlife</h3>



Shifts in ocean temperatures and rainfall can also disrupt terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, impacting species distribution and behavior.



El Niño events typically occur every two to seven years and can last for up to a year or sometimes longer. They are part of a natural cycle and have been occurring for thousands of years. However, scientists are researching how climate change might impact the frequency and severity of El Niño events.



El Niño is followed by a phase called La Niña, characterized by cooler than average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific. This phase also has its own set of global impacts, often opposite to those of El Niño.



Predicting El Niño events and their intensity is an active area of scientific research. Improved prediction models can help countries better prepare for the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts.



—-



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El Niño events cost the global economy trillions of dollars

The global phenomenon of El Niño events - a warm...

Big,Ben,And,Shining,Orange,Sun,Heat,Wave,In,London

A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/">University of Oxford</a> has found that climate change is causing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heat-index-is-greatly-underestimated-on-the-hottest-days/">hottest days</a> in North-West Europe to warm at double the rate of average summer days, particularly in England, Wales, and Northern France. The research suggests that extreme heat events – such as UK’s massive heatwave last summer – are likely to become more common in the near future.&nbsp;



Moreover, the experts discovered that although current climate models accurately predict the warming of average summer days, they greatly underestimate the rate at which the hottest days are warming compared to real-life observations.&nbsp;



“These findings underline the fact that the UK and neighboring countries are already experiencing the effects of climate change, and that last year’s heatwave was not a fluke. Policy makers urgently need to adapt their infrastructure and health systems to cope with the impacts of higher temperatures,” said study author Matthew Patterson, a postdoctoral fellow in Climate Dynamics at Oxford.



By analyzing data from the past 60 years (1960-2021) recording the maximum daily temperature (provided by the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts), Patterson discovered that while the maximum recorded temperature varied between years, the hottest days for North-West Europe had warmed at twice the rate of average summer days.&nbsp;



For instance, while average summer days temperatures in England and Wales increased by about 0.26C per decade, the temperatures in the hottest days increased by 0.58C per decade. This faster warming of the hottest days was not observed to this extent in other regions in the Northern Hemisphere.



According to Patterson, the reason causing this faster warming may be linked to hot air transported north from Spain. Since Spain is warming faster than countries in North-West Europe, the air carried in from this region is considerably hotter than the ambient air in the north.&nbsp;



One such phenomenon occurred in 2022, when a plume of hot air carried north from Spain and the Sahara led to massive heatwaves. However, further research is needed to verify these hypotheses.



“Understanding the warming rate of the hottest days will be important if we are to improve climate model simulation of extreme events and make accurate predictions about the future intensity of such events. If our models underestimate the rise in extreme temperatures over the coming decades, we will underestimate the impacts this will have,” Patterson concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2023GL102757">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



<h2 id="h-global-warming-and-human-health">Global warming and human health</h2>



Global warming, a type of climate change, has significant potential impacts on human health, both directly and indirectly. These impacts can be categorized into several broad areas:



<h3 id="h-heat-related-illnesses-and-deaths">Heat-related illnesses and deaths</h3>



Rising temperatures can increase the likelihood of heat strokes, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with existing health conditions.



<h3 id="h-air-quality">Air quality</h3>



Warmer temperatures can increase the concentration of pollutants like ozone in the air, exacerbating respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Additionally, higher temperatures can enhance the production of allergens such as pollen, leading to more severe and prolonged allergy seasons.



<h3 id="h-vector-borne-diseases">Vector-borne diseases</h3>



Warmer climates can extend the range of disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, potentially leading to a rise in diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Lyme disease, and Zika virus.



<h3 id="h-water-and-food-supply-impacts">Water and food supply impacts</h3>



Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can affect the availability and quality of water and food supplies. For example, droughts can lead to water shortages, and warmer temperatures can increase the risk of food contamination.



<h3 id="h-mental-health-impacts">Mental health impacts</h3>



The effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events, can lead to mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.



<h3 id="h-extreme-weather-events">Extreme weather events</h3>



Global warming can increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires. These can directly cause injuries and deaths, as well as indirectly affect health by causing displacement, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting essential services such as healthcare.



To mitigate these effects, it's crucial to undertake both mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation strategies to prepare for and respond to the health risks associated with climate change.



<h2 id="h-rising-temperatures-and-wildlife">Rising temperatures and wildlife</h2>



Rising temperatures due to global warming can have profound impacts on wildlife and biodiversity. Here are several ways this can occur:



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



One of the most significant impacts of rising temperatures is the potential for habitat loss. For instance, warmer temperatures are causing Arctic ice to melt, threatening species like polar bears and seals that depend on sea ice for survival. Similarly, warmer temperatures can also dry out wetlands, harm coral reefs, and lead to forest die-offs.



<h3 id="h-altered-timing-of-natural-events">Altered Timing of Natural Events</h3>



Many species rely on the timing of natural events, such as flowering or insect emergence, for survival. For example, birds may migrate and breed based on the length of daylight. If these patterns are disrupted by changing temperatures, it can lead to mismatches between animals and their food sources.



<h3 id="h-threat-to-cold-adapted-species">Threat to Cold-adapted Species</h3>



Species adapted to cold climates, such as penguins, snow leopards, and many species of fish, may struggle to survive as temperatures rise.



<h3 id="h-spread-of-diseases-and-invasive-species">Spread of Diseases and Invasive Species</h3>



Warmer temperatures can allow disease vectors and invasive species to move into new areas, impacting native wildlife. For example, warmer winters have allowed pine beetles to devastate North American forests they couldn't previously inhabit due to cold.



<h3 id="h-changes-in-food-availability">Changes in Food Availability</h3>



Changes in temperature can affect the availability of food sources for many species. For example, changes in sea temperature can affect the abundance and location of fish stocks, impacting the birds and mammals that rely on them for food.



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



Warmer temperatures can cause changes in species distribution and migration patterns. Some species may move to higher altitudes or latitudes to find cooler conditions, potentially leading to competition with other species.



In many cases, wildlife's ability to adapt to rising temperatures is hindered by other human impacts, such as habitat destruction and pollution. Therefore, efforts to protect wildlife from climate change often involve addressing these other threats as well.



—--



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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Brutal effects of climate change have already arrived in the UK

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

At the beginning of 2023, the U.S. <a href="https://www.epa.gov/">Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA) proposed new rules for maximum allowable levels in drinking water for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Although these human-made so-called “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-are-raining-down-all-over-the-world/">forever chemicals</a>” have been widely used since the 1940s in various industrial and consumer products due to their unique properties, such as oil and water resistance, temperature resistance, and low friction, they can persist for a very long time in the environment, accumulate in the food chain, and lead to a number of health risks.



Unfortunately, according to a recent study led by the&nbsp;<a href="https://seas.harvard.edu/">Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences</a>&nbsp;(SEAS), in various sites across the U.S. – particularly in the vicinity of military bases – drinking water currently contains significantly higher levels of PFAS than EPA’s new guidance would allow.



PFAS are present in fire retardant foams which are widely used by the U.S. military for fire training drills and fighting fires in the form of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), which is one of the largest sources of PFAS contamination in drinking water.&nbsp;



The problem with monitoring the levels of these chemicals in and around military bases stems from the fact that PFAS compounds come in two forms – a precursor and a terminal form. While the terminal compounds do not degrade under normal environmental conditions, the precursor ones are usually transformed through biological and environmental processes into terminal forms. 



Since the EPA’s draft drinking water rules are for six terminal compounds, they fail to take into account the massive presence of precursor compounds in military fire-retardant foams.



“Many PFAS precursors present in AFFF are difficult to measure. This work shows that they are slowly transforming into PFAS of health concern at AFFF-contaminated sites and contributing to downstream contamination,” said senior author Elsie Sunderland, a professor of Environmental Chemistry and Earth and Planetary Sciences at SEAS.&nbsp;



Since much of the PFAS at military sites consists of precursors which are omitted from standard analytical methods, Sunderland and her colleagues used a previously developed technique to capture all the precursors in AFFF and model the expected duration and contribution of these precursors to groundwater contamination. The analysis revealed that the contamination of two newly regulated PFAS chemicals - perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) and perfluorbutane sulfonate (PFBS) – at a military base in Cape Cod, Massachusetts is sustained by microbial precursor transformation in the soil, from which they subsequently leak into groundwater in their terminal form at concentrations thousands of times higher than EPA’s safe threshold.&nbsp;



According to the experts, without urgent advances in remediation technology that are effective at cleaning both terminal and precursor compounds, widespread PFAS contamination of drinking water supplies at the Cape Cod military base, as well as possibly 300 other military facilities across the country, is likely to persist for centuries.



“The role of PFAS precursors in sustaining hazardous levels of contamination at Joint Base Cape Cod raises concern about whether exposure risks are underestimated near hundreds of other sites where they are not measured,” concluded lead author Bridger Ruyle, a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://carnegiescience.edu/">Carnegie Institution for Science</a> in California and former doctoral student in Sunderland’s lab.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.3c00675">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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



"Forever chemicals" is a term used to describe a group of man-made chemicals that are highly persistent in the environment and in the human body – meaning they don’t break down and can accumulate over time. The most well-known and widely studied of these are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).



PFAS are a large group of more than 4,000 synthetic chemicals that are used in a wide variety of industries and products thanks to their resistance to heat, water, and oil. These characteristics have led to their use in a wide array of products, including non-stick cookware and food packaging materials.



However, because PFAS don't readily break down in the environment, they can contaminate soil and water and then accumulate in wildlife and humans. Once in the body, they can stay for a long time and have been associated with a number of health concerns, including certain types of cancer, hormone disruption, liver damage, and issues with the immune system.



In recent years, there has been increasing concern about and attention to the environmental and health impacts of PFAS, leading to efforts to limit their use and improve their management. However, their wide use and persistence make this a significant challenge.



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



Water contamination can occur due to various factors, including both natural and human activities. Natural contamination can occur due to the presence of minerals like arsenic or fluoride in the groundwater, for instance. On the other hand, human activities can lead to water contamination through industrial effluents, sewage discharge, agricultural runoff, and more.



When it comes to drinking water, PFAS contamination is a major concern. These chemicals can accumulate in water sources like rivers, lakes, or groundwater, eventually making their way into the water supply.&nbsp;



Several methods are available for the treatment and removal of PFAS from water, such as granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange resins, and high-pressure membrane systems like reverse osmosis. However, these technologies can be costly and complex to implement, especially for small communities. Also, they don't destroy the PFAS but merely concentrate them, creating a challenge for safe disposal.



In many regions, regulations are being put in place to limit the levels of PFAS allowed in drinking water, and to mandate testing for their presence. There are also ongoing efforts to limit the use of these chemicals, to manage their disposal more effectively, and to clean up contaminated sites.



—-



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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Forever chemicals are an underestimated source of water contamination

At the beginning of 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency...

The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-skin-is-more-diverse-than-previously-thought/">skin</a> of terrestrial vertebrates can have a variety of keratinized appendages, including hair, feathers, or scales. Yet, despite the diversity of forms within and among species, the embryonic development of these appendages usually begins in a similar way – from cells that produce a localized thickening on the skin surface and express particular genes.&nbsp;



For instance, one of these genes, called Sonic hedgehog (Shh), controls a signaling pathway which allows the transmission of messages within and between cells, and is involved in the development of a variety of structures, such as the neural tube, limb buds, and skin appendages.&nbsp;



By manipulating the Shh pathway and modifying its expression, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/">University of Geneva</a> (UNIGE) has recently discovered how to permanently transform the scales which usually cover the feet of chicken into feathers, thus opening novel perspectives for studying mechanisms that enabled radical revolutionary transitions among species.



In previous research, the scientists have shown that hair, feathers, and scales are homologous structures inherited from a common reptilian ancestor. Now, they used the feathers of the embryo chicken as a case study to understand the genetic pathways behind skin appendage development.&nbsp;



“We used the classic technique of ‘<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCYWSgbffnY">egg candling</a>,' in which a powerful torch illuminates blood vessels on the inside of the eggshell. This allowed us to precisely treat chicken embryos with a molecule that specifically activates the Shh pathway, injected directly into the bloodstream,” said study co-author Rory Cooper, a postdoctoral fellow in Artificial and Natural Evolution at UNIGE.



The experiment revealed that this single stage-specific treatment was sufficient to trigger the formation of abundant juvenile down-type feathers, in body regions which would normally be covered in scales. These artificially-induced feathers were comparable to those covering the rest of the chicken’s body, as they were regenerative and subsequently replaced by adult feathers.



“Our results indicate that an evolutionary leap - from scales to feathers - does not require large changes in genome composition or expression. Instead, a transient change in expression of one gene,&nbsp;Shh, can produce a cascade of developmental events leading to the formation of feathers instead of scale,” said senior author Michel Milinkovitch, a professor of Evolutionary and Developmental Biology at UNIGE.



These findings – published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adg9619">Science Advances</a> - could help scientists better understand the evolutionary mechanisms generating the wide diversity of animal forms observed in nature.



<h2 id="h-from-scales-to-feathers">From scales to feathers</h2>



Birds evolved from a group of meat-eating dinosaurs called theropods. One of the most significant changes during this evolution was the development of feathers from scales.



<h3 id="h-reptilian-scales">Reptilian Scales</h3>



The ancestors of birds were theropod dinosaurs that had reptilian scales. These scales are simple, flattened structures made of keratin, a protein that also forms human hair and nails.



<h3 id="h-proto-feathers-or-primitives-feathers">Proto-feathers or Primitives Feathers</h3>



Some dinosaurs, like those from the group Coelurosauria, began to develop feather-like structures. These first "feathers" were actually more like thin, hair-like filaments, now sometimes called "dino fuzz." This was likely a simple mutation that caused the scales to elongate.



<h3 id="h-feather-evolution">Feather Evolution</h3>



Over time, these filaments became more complex. They began to branch out, leading to structures that are more similar to modern feathers. These primitive feathers could have been advantageous for multiple reasons, such as thermal regulation or display during mating rituals, which would encourage their continuation through natural selection.



<h3 id="h-fully-developed-feathers">Fully Developed Feathers</h3>



Eventually, these branched structures developed into the feathers we see in birds today. They evolved into different forms for different purposes - some for flight, others for insulation, camouflage, or mating displays.



It's important to note that this is a simplified explanation of a very complex evolutionary process that occurred over millions of years. Also, the understanding of this process is based on the current scientific consensus and could change as new discoveries are made.



We have direct evidence of this transition in the fossil record. Several species of non-avian dinosaurs have been found with impressions of feathers in the rock surrounding their fossils. Some of the most notable of these are in the Chinese Lagerstätte, which has provided beautifully preserved examples of feathered dinosaurs like Sinosauropteryx and Microraptor.



—-



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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The expression of a single gene can turn scales into feathers

The skin of terrestrial vertebrates can have a variety of...

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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.

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







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.

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



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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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



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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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