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>.



-----



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



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



-----

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...

A recent study is shedding light on the reasons behind people's inclination to take selfies, and contrary to popular belief, it might not be due to vanity.&nbsp;



The research, published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/home/spp">Social Psychological and Personality Science</a> on April 27, 2023, reveals that first-person and third-person photos serve different purposes for the individuals capturing them.



The study was led by Zachary Niese, a PhD graduate from <a href="https://www.osu.edu/">The Ohio State University</a> and currently a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Tübingen in Germany.&nbsp;



Niese was able to demonstrate that first-person photos, which capture the scene as viewed through one's own eyes, best represent the physical experience of an event. On the other hand, third-person photos, such as selfies, are more effective in conveying the deeper meaning of an event in people's lives.



"We found that people have a natural intuition about which perspective to take to capture what they want out of the photo," said Niese.



These findings challenge the assumption that people post selfies on platforms like Instagram solely for self-promotion. Instead, as study co-author Professor Lisa Libby points out, "These photos with you in it can document the bigger meaning of a moment. It doesn’t have to be vanity."



<h2 id="h-capturing-a-physical-experience">Capturing a physical experience</h2>



Previous research has indicated that capturing the physical experience of an event or its broader meaning are two primary motivations for taking personal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/historical-photos-suggest-that-rhino-horns-have-gotten-smaller/">photos</a>.&nbsp;



For instance, a person at the beach with a friend may take a photo of the ocean to document the physical experience of the beautiful and relaxing day. Alternatively, they could take a photo with themselves in it to capture the deeper meaning of spending time with that friend.



The researchers conducted a series of six studies involving 2,113 participants to explore the impact of perspective in personal photography.&nbsp;



In one online study, participants read a scenario in which they might want to take a photo, such as spending the day at a beach with a close friend. They were then asked to rate the importance of the experience itself and the significance of the event's broader meaning.&nbsp;



The results indicated that the higher participants rated the event's meaning, the more likely they were to take a photo with themselves in it.



<h2 id="h-second-study-offers-similar-results">Second study offers similar results</h2>



Another recent study has provided further evidence supporting people's intuitions regarding the effectiveness of different photographic perspectives in capturing the experience or meaning of events.&nbsp;



One of the experiments in the study focused on people's Instagram posts, asking them to examine their most recent personal photograph and consider whether it evoked "the physical experience of the moment" or "the bigger meaning of the moment."



The results revealed that when participants were featured in the photo, they were more likely to associate it with the bigger meaning of the moment. Conversely, photos that captured the scene from their visual perspective were linked to the physical experience of the moment.&nbsp;



However, the study also found that when there was a mismatch between the photo's perspective and the individual's goal in taking the photo, they tended to have a less positive opinion of the image.



In another experiment, participants were asked about their most recent Instagram post featuring one of their photos and whether they aimed to capture the bigger meaning or the physical experience of the moment. They then rated their feelings about the photo on a scale of 1 (not at all positive) to 5 (extremely positive).&nbsp;



"We found that people didn't like their photo as much if there was a mismatch between the photo perspective and their goal in taking the photo," said Professor Libby. For instance, if the participants' goal was to capture the meaning of the moment, they preferred the photo more if it was taken in the third person, with themselves in the image.



<h2 id="h-conclusion-of-the-studies">Conclusion of the studies</h2>



The study's findings suggest that people intuitively understand the perspective they should use in their photos to achieve their desired outcome. Zachary Niese hopes that "this study increases people's knowledge about how photo perspective affects how they react to photos," allowing them to consciously choose the perspective that will best fulfill their goal.



Furthermore, the results imply that people may have more personal motives for posting photos on Instagram and other social media platforms, beyond appealing to their audience.&nbsp;



"This work suggests people also have very personal motives for taking photos. Even on social media, it appears that people are curating images for themselves to look back on to capture the experience or the meaning of the event," said Niese.



Overall, this research offers valuable insights into the psychology behind people's choices in photographic perspective, challenging the notion that photo sharing on social media is solely driven by external validation. It highlights the personal significance that photography holds in capturing and preserving the essence of our experiences and the events that matter most in our lives.



<h2 id="h-more-about-selfies-and-social-media">More about selfies and social media</h2>



The rise of selfies and social media has had a significant impact on society in various ways, both positive and negative. Here are some key aspects to consider:



<h3 id="h-communication-and-connection">Communication and Connection</h3>



Social media platforms have made it easier for people to stay connected with friends and family, even if they are geographically distant. Sharing selfies and other personal photos can help create a sense of intimacy and maintain relationships. It allows individuals to share their experiences, emotions, and milestones with their online network.



<h3 id="h-self-expression-and-identity">Self-expression and Identity</h3>



Selfies and social media provide an opportunity for individuals to express themselves and present their identity to the world. People can showcase their interests, hobbies, and personalities through the images they share, helping them build a sense of self and connect with like-minded individuals.



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



The impact of selfies and social media on mental health is a topic of ongoing debate. On one hand, sharing selfies can boost self-esteem and promote a positive self-image. However, excessive focus on physical appearance and constant comparison with others can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, the "fear of missing out" (FOMO) can be exacerbated by seeing other people's seemingly perfect lives on social media, increasing feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction.



<h3 id="h-body-image-and-beauty-standards">Body Image and Beauty Standards</h3>



The prevalence of selfies and the tendency to share heavily edited or filtered images on social media have contributed to unrealistic beauty standards. This phenomenon can lead to body dissatisfaction, negative self-image, and even disordered eating behaviors, especially among young people.



<h3 id="h-privacy-and-security">Privacy and Security</h3>



As more people share personal images and information on social media, privacy and security concerns become increasingly important. Oversharing can put individuals at risk of identity theft, online harassment, or even physical danger in some cases.



<h3 id="h-narcissism-and-self-obsession">Narcissism and Self-obsession</h3>



The selfie culture has been criticized for promoting narcissism and self-obsession. While not everyone who takes selfies is narcissistic, the act of constantly sharing images of oneself can foster an excessive focus on one's own appearance and achievements, potentially leading to unhealthy levels of self-absorption.



<h3 id="h-impact-on-tourism-and-public-spaces">Impact on Tourism and Public Spaces</h3>



The popularity of selfies has changed the way people experience tourist attractions and public spaces. Visitors often prioritize getting the perfect selfie rather than immersing themselves in the experience, which can detract from the enjoyment of the place or event. Additionally, the quest for unique and dangerous selfies has led to incidents of trespassing, damage to property, and even accidents or fatalities.



In conclusion, the impact of selfies and social media on society is multifaceted and complex. While these platforms have undoubtedly transformed the way we communicate, connect, and express ourselves, they also bring with them potential risks to mental health, privacy, and personal safety. As with any technological advancement, it is crucial for individuals to use these tools mindfully and strike a balance between the benefits and potential drawbacks.



—-



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

Scientists have figured out why people like to take selfies

A recent study is shedding light on the reasons behind...

A team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/">Newcastle University</a> in the United Kingdom has found that a plant-based compound purified from a traditional Chinese herb called Astralagus - which has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal purposes - could significantly improve the health outcomes of individuals who previously experienced a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-attacks-young-women/">heart attack</a>.&nbsp;



The medication, known as TA-65®, is produced by the pharmaceutical company <a href="https://www.tasciences.com/">T.A. Sciences</a>. Unlike current cardiovascular treatments, TA-65® appears to efficiently reduce inflammation without negatively impacting immunity.&nbsp;



In fact, when given to older patients for over a year after their heart attack, TA-65® significantly increased lymphocytes, thus improving immunity. Moreover, patients treated with this drug experienced less complications, or problems such as chest or joint pain, following the heart attack.



“It has become widely recognized that inflammation plays a key role in the formation, progression, and rupture of a coronary plaque, which induces heart attack, but, importantly, it is also a major risk factor for further complications. Reducing inflammation is, therefore, considered a key treatment target following a heart attack for patients and our study showed that TA-65® reduced inflammation by up to 62 percent,” said senior author Ioakim Spyridopoulos, a professor of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Gerontology at Newcastle.



“While some potent anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to improve outcomes after heart attacks, they result in suppression of the immune system and increase the risk of severe infections. In our study, the widely available drug TA-65® was shown to reduce inflammation but also appears to improve immunity by increasing a patient’s immune cells.”



The researchers - including experts from the <a href="https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/hospitals/james-cook/">James Cook University Hospital</a> - conducted a randomized controlled pilot study in which 90 patients aged 65 or older were given either a placebo drug or TA-65®. The participants had blood measurements taken at baseline, six months, and a year and were reviewed regularly in the clinic for potential side effects.



The investigation revealed that those who received TA-65® - a patented, plant-based compound that helps maintain or rebuild telomeres – had 30 percent fewer side effects, such as fevers or new medical problems, than those given the placebo, while showing reduced inflammation and improved immunity.



The scientists plan to conduct a follow up study with a larger cohort, while also examining whether TA-65® can reduce adverse cardiac events, such as more heart attacks or even death. “If we can show that TA-65® improves the clinical outcomes of patients who have suffered a heart attack, on top of modern treatment options, it will become an important addition to patients’ medical care,” Spyridopoulos concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11357-023-00794-6">GeroScience</a>.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</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 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a>.

Chinese herb improves health of heart attack patients

A team of researchers led by Newcastle University in the...

In a recent study published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1151266">Frontiers in Veterinary Science</a>, scientists have discovered that dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) - the canine equivalent of dementia in humans - experience similar disruptions in sleep rhythms and reductions in delta brain waves as human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-may-also-suffer-from-alzheimers-disease/">Alzheimer's</a> patients.&nbsp;



This groundbreaking research sheds light on the possible similarities in the development and progression of dementia in both humans and dogs, and could potentially pave the way for further studies on the subject.



Alzheimer's disease is well-known for causing disruptions in sleep rhythms in its earliest stages. Affected individuals often experience daytime sleepiness, agitation or confusion around dusk, staying awake longer, and frequently waking up at night. This is believed to stem from damage to the sleep-regulating areas of the brain.&nbsp;



Alzheimer's patients typically spend less time in both REM and non-REM sleep, with the most significant reduction occurring in slow-wave sleep (SWS), a stage of non-dreaming deep sleep characterized by slow "delta" brain waves (0.1 to 3.5 Hz). This is the stage during which day-time memories are consolidated.



The study was led by Dr. Natasha Olby, a professor of Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery at North Carolina State University. The researchers found that dogs with CCDS experienced a similar reduction in sleep time and delta brain waves. This implies that these dogs sleep less and less deeply, echoing the sleep disruptions observed in Alzheimer's patients.



“Our study is the first to evaluate the association between cognitive impairment and sleep using polysomnography – the same technique as used in sleep studies in people – in aged dogs," said Dr. Olby.



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



The study involved 28 senior mixed- and full-breed dogs, both male and female, aged between 10.4 and 16.2 years, which corresponds to between 81% and 106% of their average lifespan, depending on size.&nbsp;



The owners of these dogs were asked to complete a questionnaire about their canine companions, rating the severity of CCDS symptoms like disorientation, poor social interactions, and house soiling.&nbsp;



Additionally, the researchers conducted examinations of the dogs for potential orthopedic, neurological, biochemical, and physiological co-morbidities.



Based on the findings, 28.5% of the dogs were classified as normal, while the remaining participants were classified with varying degrees of CCDS: 28.5% with mild, 14.3% with moderate, and 28.5% with severe CCDS.



The research team then conducted a series of cognitive tests on the dogs to assess their attention, working memory, and executive control. One such test, the 'detour task', required a dog to retrieve a treat from a horizontal transparent cylinder by accessing it from either end.&nbsp;



The task was made more challenging by blocking off the dog's preferred side, forcing them to demonstrate cognitive flexibility to detour to the other end of the cylinder.



<h2 id="h-creating-a-sleep-clinic-for-dogs">Creating a sleep clinic for dogs</h2>



Dr. Alejandra Mondino, a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Natasha Olby's research group at North Carolina State University, and her colleagues performed polysomnography studies on dogs to investigate the relationship between canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) and sleep patterns.&nbsp;



The study's findings suggest that dogs with CCDS exhibit changes in sleep-wakefulness cycles that resemble those observed in people with Alzheimer's disease.



The polysomnography studies were conducted in a quiet room with dim light and white noise, simulating a sleep clinic environment. The dogs were allowed to spontaneously take an afternoon nap while electrodes measured their brain waves, electrical activity of the muscles and heart, and eye movements.&nbsp;



The measurements lasted up to two hours but were stopped if the dogs became anxious, attempted to leave the room, or removed the electrodes. Out of the dogs studied, 93% entered drowsiness, 86% entered non-REM (NREM) sleep, and 54% entered REM sleep.



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



The results of the study demonstrated that dogs with higher dementia scores and those who performed poorly on the detour task took longer to fall asleep and spent less time sleeping, and this held true for both NREM and REM sleep.&nbsp;



Furthermore, dogs with poorer memory scores exhibited changes, such as fewer slow oscillations in their electroencephalograms during REM sleep, suggesting that they slept less deeply during this phase.



"In people, slow brain oscillations are characteristic of SWS and linked to the activity of the so-called ‘glymphatic system, a transport system that removes protein waste products from the cerebrospinal fluid," explained Dr. Olby. "The reduction in slow oscillations in people with Alzheimer’s, and the associated reduced removal of these toxins, has been implicated in their poorer memory consolidation during deep sleep.”



Interestingly, dogs with poorer memory displayed more pronounced fast beta waves, between 15.75 and 19 Hz. Strong beta waves are typical of wakefulness in healthy people and dogs, and are not considered normal during sleep, which once again indicates that dogs with CCDS sleep less deeply.



<h2 id="h-day-sleeping-compared-to-night-sleeping">Day sleeping compared to night sleeping</h2>



Additionally, dogs that performed poorly in the 'sustained gaze' task, which measures attention span, demonstrated tighter coupling in delta waves between the two brain hemispheres, a result also found in people with dementia.



While the study's findings show similarities between CCDS and Alzheimer's, the authors caution that it is still unknown if these changes occur during dogs' nighttime sleep rather than their afternoon naps.



“Our next step will be to follow dogs over time during their adult and senior years to determine if there are any early markers in their sleep-wakefulness patterns, or in the electrical activity of their brain during sleep, that could predict the future development of cognitive dysfunction," said Dr. Olby.



This innovative study highlights the potential for further research into the similarities between the development of dementia in dogs and humans. By understanding the connection between CCDS and Alzheimer's disease, researchers may uncover valuable insights into the development, progression, and potential treatment options for both conditions.



<h2 id="h-more-about-dementia-in-dogs-ccds">More about dementia in dogs (CCDS)</h2>



Dementia in dogs, also known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS), is a neurodegenerative condition that affects a dog's cognitive abilities, behavior, and memory. It is often compared to Alzheimer's disease in humans, as both conditions share similar symptoms and underlying causes.&nbsp;



CCDS is more prevalent in senior dogs, with studies suggesting that over 50% of dogs aged 11 years and older may show signs of cognitive decline.



<h3 id="h-the-symptoms-of-dementia-in-dogs-can-vary-but-some-common-signs-include">The symptoms of dementia in dogs can vary, but some common signs include:</h3>



<h4 id="h-disorientation">Disorientation</h4>



Dogs with dementia may appear confused or lost, even in familiar environments. They may wander aimlessly, become stuck in corners or behind furniture, or have difficulty navigating around obstacles.



<h4 id="h-memory-loss">Memory loss</h4>



Affected dogs may forget previously learned commands, routines, or house training, leading to accidents indoors. They may also fail to recognize familiar people, pets, or objects.



<h4 id="h-altered-sleep-patterns">Altered sleep patterns</h4>



Dogs with dementia may experience disrupted sleep-wake cycles, resulting in increased daytime sleepiness, restlessness at night, and changes in overall sleep quality.



<h4 id="h-changes-in-social-interactions">Changes in social interactions</h4>



Dogs with CCDS might show reduced interest in socializing with people or other pets, display irritability or aggression, or exhibit increased clinginess or separation anxiety.



<h4 id="h-reduced-activity-levels">Reduced activity levels</h4>



Dementia can cause dogs to lose interest in play, exercise, or exploring their environment, leading to an overall decrease in activity levels.



The exact cause of CCDS is not well understood, but it is believed to involve the accumulation of protein deposits in the brain, called beta-amyloid plaques, which interfere with normal brain function.&nbsp;



Additionally, factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and reduced blood flow to the brain may contribute to the development and progression of the condition.



There is no cure for dementia in dogs, but treatment options are available to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected dogs.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-these-may-include">These may include:</h3>



<h4 id="h-medications">Medications</h4>



Certain drugs, such as selegiline (Anipryl), have been shown to alleviate some symptoms of CCDS by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which is involved in cognitive function and mood regulation.



<h4 id="h-dietary-supplements">Dietary supplements</h4>



Supplements containing antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients, such as phosphatidylserine and B vitamins, may help support cognitive function and overall brain health.



<h4 id="h-environmental-enrichment">Environmental enrichment</h4>



Providing mental and physical stimulation through interactive toys, puzzles, or games can help maintain cognitive function and slow the progression of CCDS.



<h5 id="h-consistent-routine">Consistent routine</h5>



Maintaining a predictable daily routine, including regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions, can help minimize stress and confusion for dogs with dementia.



<h4 id="h-veterinary-care">Veterinary care</h4>



Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential for monitoring the progression of CCDS and adjusting treatment plans as needed.



It is important to consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog is showing signs of dementia, as some symptoms can also be indicative of other medical conditions that require different treatments.&nbsp;



Early intervention and management can help improve your dog's quality of life and potentially slow the progression of cognitive decline.



—-



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

Older dogs with dementia aren’t able to sleep well

In a recent study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science,...

As the Arctic continues to warm and lose its sea ice, the increase in trans-Arctic shipping has significantly reduced travel time and costs for international trade.&nbsp;Yet, a new study reveals that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-ocean-was-filled-with-freshwater-at-least-twice-in-history/">Arctic Ocean</a> is becoming foggier as a result of disappearing ice, leading to reduced visibility and costly delays for ships that must slow down to avoid hitting dangerous sea ice.



The study, published in the AGU journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2022GL102395">Geophysical Research Letters</a>, examined the impact of climate change on fog conditions along Arctic shipping routes and how these conditions might change throughout the 21st century.&nbsp;



The researchers used data on Arctic fog collected between 1979 and 2018, along with climate projections from the Fifth Phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. By analyzing this information, the researchers were able to model alternate routes that could minimize foggy days during transit.



For decades, Arctic sea ice has been shrinking, opening up shipping channels in the Northwest Passage and the Northern Sea Route. This has allowed even non-icebreaker vessels to bypass the time-consuming Panama and Suez Canals farther south.&nbsp;



However, as ice recedes, cold air is exposed to more warm water, causing warm vapor to condense into fog in these newly opened passages. Hidden chunks of ice already present significant risks to vessels navigating through foggy, low-visibility routes.



"The future of shipping in the Arctic is unclear, but fog could pose a significant challenge," said Xianyao Chen, a physical oceanographer at the <a href="http://eweb.ouc.edu.cn/">Ocean University of China</a>. "When designing shipping routes across the Arctic, we need to consider the impact of fog."



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



The study's findings indicate that ships crossing the Northwest Passage are more likely to encounter fog than those in the Northern Sea Route. Fog in the Northwest Passage, which avoids the Panama Canal, is more frequent and persistent, potentially increasing sailing time by up to three days.&nbsp;



In comparison, the sailing time for the less-foggy Northern Sea Route, which avoids the Suez Canal, is projected to be no more than one day longer. The researchers suggest that both proposed passages would encounter less fog if the routes were shifted farther away from the sea ice edge.



Fog is already impacting the time saved by taking shorter Arctic routes, as shipping speeds on foggy days are slower than on clear days, according to Chen's findings.&nbsp;



If the Arctic continues to become foggier, shipping could slow even further unless routes are adjusted. With daily operating costs for large container ships typically ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, a multi-day delay due to fog could quickly increase the costs of a trans-Arctic crossing.



"Avoiding ice is critical," said Scott Stephenson, a physical scientist at the RAND Corporation who was not affiliated with the study. "This study did a good job at identifying the risks of fog - an important environmental constraint in the Arctic, and one that has largely been ignored."&nbsp;



As the Arctic continues to warm and sea ice disappears, understanding and addressing the challenges posed by fog will become increasingly vital for the future of shipping in the region.



<h2 id="h-more-about-arctic-sea-ice-reduction">More about Arctic sea ice reduction</h2>



The loss of Arctic sea ice has significant implications for both the environment and human populations. As the Earth's climate continues to warm, the Arctic region has been experiencing a more rapid rate of warming, leading to a decline in the extent and thickness of sea ice. This phenomenon, known as Arctic amplification, is causing profound changes to the region's ecosystems, global weather patterns, and human activities.



<h3 id="h-environmental-impacts">Environmental impacts:</h3>



<h4 id="h-albedo-effect">Albedo effect</h4>



Sea ice has a high albedo, meaning it reflects a large portion of incoming sunlight back into space, helping to regulate the Earth's temperature. As sea ice disappears, the darker ocean surface absorbs more solar radiation, further accelerating the warming process.



<h4 id="h-ecosystems">Ecosystems</h4>



The decline of sea ice disrupts the Arctic's delicate ecosystems. Sea ice provides a habitat for various species, such as polar bears, walruses, and seals. As ice diminishes, these animals struggle to find suitable hunting grounds and resting places, putting their survival at risk. Additionally, the loss of sea ice affects the base of the marine food chain, impacting the availability of food for fish and other marine organisms.



<h4 id="h-methane-release">Methane release</h4>



The Arctic region contains vast stores of methane in the form of frozen hydrates on the seabed and within the permafrost. As the region warms and sea ice melts, these methane deposits can become destabilized, releasing potent greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and further exacerbating climate change.



<h4 id="h-ocean-circulation">Ocean circulation</h4>



Melting sea ice contributes to the freshening of the Arctic Ocean's surface waters, which can disrupt the global ocean circulation system. This alteration could lead to significant changes in global weather patterns and climate.



<h3 id="h-human-impacts">Human impacts:</h3>



<h4 id="h-coastal-communities">Coastal communities</h4>



The loss of Arctic sea ice contributes to rising sea levels, putting low-lying coastal communities around the world at risk of flooding and erosion. Indigenous communities in the Arctic also face challenges to their traditional ways of life, as the changing environment impacts their hunting, fishing, and travel practices.



<h4 id="h-shipping-routes">Shipping routes</h4>



The decline in sea ice has opened up new shipping routes in the Arctic, such as the Northwest Passage and the Northern Sea Route. While these routes can potentially reduce travel time and costs for international trade, they also present challenges in the form of increased fog, as mentioned in the previous article, and navigational hazards from hidden ice.



<h4 id="h-geopolitical-tensions">Geopolitical tensions</h4>



The opening of new shipping lanes, as well as the potential for resource extraction in the Arctic, has led to geopolitical tensions among countries with interests in the region. Nations are vying for influence and control over these newly accessible areas, which could contribute to international conflicts.



<h4 id="h-resource-extraction">Resource extraction</h4>



The melting of sea ice has made the Arctic's vast reserves of oil, natural gas, and minerals more accessible. While this presents economic opportunities, it also raises concerns about the environmental impacts of increased resource extraction in the region.



The loss of Arctic sea ice has far-reaching consequences for both the environment and humanity. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, understanding and addressing the complex interplay between Arctic sea ice loss and its cascading effects is critical for the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.



—-



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

Arctic Ocean is getting foggy as ice disappears

As the Arctic continues to warm and lose its sea...

Aliens may contact Earth by 2029, according to a group of scientists at the <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/">University of California Los Angeles</a> who have been studying a NASA probe traveling through space, currently 27 light years away. The researchers speculate that extraterrestrials might have intercepted a signal sent to the probe in 2002 and subsequently returned a signal expected to reach Earth by 2029.



In 2002, as part of a routine procedure to transmit data and establish communication, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a> sent a radio wave transmission to the Pioneer 12 probe. This signal also reached a star located approximately 27 light-years from Earth, as transmissions tend to spread out upon contacting an object. 



The scientists are hopeful that this signal was intercepted by extraterrestrial lifeforms who have chosen to respond, meaning that humans will have alien contact.



"This is a famous idea from Carl Sagan, who used it as a plot theme in the movie Contact," said study co-author Howard Isaacson, an astronomer at the University of California, Berkeley, when speaking to PopSci. The 1997 film Contact tells the story of a SETI scientist who discovers evidence of extraterrestrial life on a distant planet 26 light-years away and opts to make first contact using radio wave signals.



The team of researchers examined signals sent from Earth to the Voyager 1, Voyager 2, Pioneer 10, Pioneer 11, and New Horizons spacecraft. They created a map illustrating where the signals may have spread upon being released into the universe. 



These spacecraft have been communicating with the Deep Station Network (DSN) radio antennas, downloading scientific and telemetry data. The DSN is NASA's international network of massive radio antennas that support interplanetary spacecraft missions as well as a few Earth-orbiting satellites.



According to the study, published in the <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/publications-of-the-astronomical-society-of-australia">Publications of the Astronomical Society</a>, the researchers found that transmissions sent to Voyager 2, Pioneer 10, and Pioneer 11 have already come into contact with at least one star. 



Pioneer 10's transmissions encountered a white dwarf star in 2002, and the team estimates that the earliest returned transmission, or alien contact, could arrive by 2029. By 2313, Pioneer 10's transmissions will have encountered 222 stars, while signals sent to Voyager 1 and New Horizons are expected to make contact with their first stars in the near future.



The researchers calculated the data transmissions to stars by considering that light covers one parsec every 3.26 years. Using this measurement, they determined the time it would take for transmissions to reach each star, such as those sent to Voyager 1, which have not yet made contact with any stars. 



"The earliest we can expect to receive a returned transmission from potential intelligent extraterrestrial life encountered by Voyager 1's transmissions is 2109," they wrote.



Voyager 2's transmissions have made contact with two objects, both in 2007. By 2336, all 272 nearby stars will have been reached, and scientists anticipate a response from aliens by 2033. Signals sent to Pioneer reached a dwarf star in 2018, but researchers believe all 386 stars will have received a signal by 2317.



New Horizons' transmissions have not yet encountered a star, but they are expected to contact one in 2119 and 139 stars by 2338. The earliest possible returned transmission is predicted for 2232. 



"Transmissions to New Horizons will not encounter a star until 75 years after the transmissions of any other spacecraft," the researchers explained.



Study lead author Reilly Derrick, an engineering student at UCLA, told PopSci that this research could help the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) by providing a narrower group of stars for researchers to focus on. If aliens make contact, this would be an incredible moment in human history, to say the least.



<h2 id="h-signs-of-extraterrestrial-life">Signs of extraterrestrial life</h2>



The search for extraterrestrial life has been a significant part of space exploration for many decades. While there is no direct evidence of life beyond Earth, there are several signs that scientists look for when investigating the possibility of extraterrestrial life.



<h3 id="h-water">Water</h3>



The presence of water, especially in liquid form, is a primary factor scientists consider when searching for signs of life. This is because water is essential for all known forms of life on Earth. For example, the discovery of water ice on Mars and the potential for liquid water beneath the surface of Jupiter's moon Europa and Saturn's moon Enceladus has excited astrobiologists.



<h3 id="h-atmospheric-composition">Atmospheric Composition</h3>



Scientists also examine the composition of a planet's atmosphere for signs of life. Certain gases, such as methane, oxygen, or nitrogen, may indicate the presence of biological activity if found in significant quantities.



<h3 id="h-biosignatures">Biosignatures</h3>



These are any substances, phenomena or patterns that could have been created by life. For instance, certain complex organic molecules, like amino acids, or structures, like stromatolites (formed by microbial mats), could be considered biosignatures.



<h3 id="h-habitable-zone">Habitable Zone</h3>



Also known as the "Goldilocks Zone," this is the area around a star where conditions might be just right - not too hot, not too cold - for liquid water to exist on the surface of a planet. Planets within this zone are considered prime candidates for life.



<h3 id="h-exoplanets">Exoplanets</h3>



The discovery of exoplanets, especially those in the habitable zone of their stars, is another potential sign of life. As of now, thousands of such planets have been discovered.



<h3 id="h-seti-and-meti">SETI and METI</h3>



The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and Messaging Extraterrestrial Intelligence (METI) are initiatives that actively look for signals from intelligent life and attempt to send messages to possible civilizations, respectively. A confirmed extraterrestrial signal would be a clear sign of intelligent life.



It's important to note that these signs are not definitive proof of life, but they indicate the conditions that could support life as we understand it. The search for extraterrestrial life continues to be a fascinating and complex field of research.



—-



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

Cosmic connection: Aliens could make contact by 2029

Aliens may contact Earth by 2029, according to a group...

For many years, biologists argued that top predators such as lions, wolves, or cheetahs can benefit prey herds by targeting the weakest and slowest animals, and thus providing better opportunities for the healthy, strong animals to reproduce – an assumption formalized in 2003 as the “healthy herd hypothesis.”&nbsp;



While this hypothesis has been often used to suggest that manipulating predator numbers to protect prey could be a useful conservation strategy, hard evidence supporting it has been scarce, and recently, many of its assumptions and predictions have been questioned.&nbsp;



To test the healthy herd hypothesis, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://umich.edu/">University of Michigan</a> (U-M) has conducted an experiment on a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-predator-prey-equilibria/">predator-prey</a>-parasite system consisting of predatory fly larvae that feed on the water flea Daphnia dentifera, which hosts a virulent fungal parasite (Metschnikowia bicuspidate).&nbsp;



According to the healthy herd hypothesis, increasing the density of the predator in this three-organism study would help eliminate the fungal pathogen and increase the overall health of the flea populations.&nbsp;



However, the experiment revealed that, although at the highest levels, predation managed to completely eliminate the fungal pathogen, it also dramatically reduced Daphnia population sizes – an outcome not supporting the healthy herd hypothesis.



“The appeal of the healthy herds hypothesis lies in the alignment of multiple conservation goals - simultaneous conservation of predators, reduction of parasitism, and protection of vulnerable populations - as well as the potential to reduce spillover risk to other populations, including humans,” said senior author Meghan Duffy, an aquatic and disease ecologist at U-M. “But even when predators reduce disease in their prey populations, that does not necessarily lead to increased prey population size, as our study shows.”



Other well-known historical examples of attempts to apply the healthy herd hypothesis that have gone wrong include the culling of badgers in the United Kingdom in order to reduce the incidence of bovine tuberculosis in livestock or the culling of bats to reduce the spread of rabies in domestic dogs or wildlife (badgers and bats being the wildlife reservoirs of bovine tuberculosis and rabies, respectively). In both cases, these strategies failed to succeed, and the diseases continued to spread in other animal populations.



“Unless we develop a more comprehensive understanding of when and how predators influence disease, management strategies that propose to reintroduce or augment predator populations could backfire,” explained study lead author Laura Lopez, a former postdoctoral researcher in Professor Duffy’s laboratory, who now works as a Research Vaccine Safety Officer at the <a href="https://www.ncirs.org.au/">National Center for Immunization Research and Surveillance</a> in Australia.



“If your primary concern is the overall population size of a vulnerable animal species, then adding high levels of predation that eliminate disease could be detrimental. Interestingly, intermediate predation levels reduced parasitism in our study without incurring a cost in terms of overall prey density. Any management decisions would need to weigh the potential costs and benefits associated with increasing predation,” Duffy concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4063">Ecology</a>.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</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 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a>

Predators increase the health of prey populations, but reduce their size

For many years, biologists argued that top predators such as...

Taking a siesta or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/midday-naps-lower-blood-pressure/">midday nap</a> is a common custom in some cultures. While previous studies have argued that sleeping in the middle of the day could potentially affect sleep quality, cognitive functioning, and metabolic processes, the relationship between different types of siestas and metabolic health is still poorly understood.



To clarify these issues, a team of researchers led by <a href="https://brighamandwomens.org/">Brigham and Women’s Hospital</a> has recently assesses the relationship of siestas and siesta duration with obesity and metabolic syndrome in a cohort of 3,275 adults from the Spanish region of Murcia. The experts measured baseline metabolic characteristics, and surveyed the participants on their siesta duration (no siesta, shorter than 30 minutes, longer than 30 minutes), along with other lifestyle factors.



“Not all siestas are the same. The length of time, position of sleep, and other specific factors can affect the health outcomes of a nap,” said senior author Marta Garaulet, a visiting professor in the Brigham’s <a href="https://www.brighamandwomens.org/medicine/sleep-and-circadian-disorders/overview">Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders</a>.&nbsp;



“A previous study that we conducted in a large study population in the UK had found that siestas were associated with an increased risk of obesity. We wanted to determine whether this would hold true in a country where siestas are more culturally embedded, in this case Spain, as well as how the length of time for siestas is related to metabolic health.”



The analysis revealed that people who took afternoon naps longer than 30 minutes were more likely to have a higher body mass index, higher blood pressure, and a cluster of other conditions associated to heart disease and diabetes (metabolic syndrome) compared to those who took no siestas. Moreover, long siestas were linked to later nightly sleeping and food timing, as well as increased energy intake at lunch and cigarette smoking.&nbsp;



However, among individuals who took shorter siestas, or “power naps,” the increased risk of obesity and metabolic changes was not present. In addition, short siesta-takers seemed to be less likely to have elevated systolic blood pressure than those who took no siestas at all.&nbsp;



Further studies are needed to investigate the possible benefits of short siestas, particularly in individuals with habits such as having delayed meals and sleep schedules, or smoking.



“This study shows the importance of considering siesta length and raises the question whether short naps may offer unique benefits. Many institutions are realizing the benefits of short naps, mostly for work productivity, but also increasingly for general health,” said co-author Frank Scheer, a senior neuroscientist and professor of Medical Chronobiology at the Brigham’s Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders.



“If future studies further substantiate the advantages of shorter siestas, I think that that could be the driving force behind the uncovering of optimal nap durations, and a cultural shift in the recognition of the long-term health effects and productivity increases that can amount from this lifestyle behavior,” he concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.23765">Obesity</a>.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</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 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a>.

How do afternoon naps impact our health?

Taking a siesta or midday nap is a common custom...

A recent study has revealed that the mysterious comet-like tail of asteroid 3200 Phaethon, the source of the annual Geminid meteor shower, is not composed of dust as previously believed. Instead, the tail consists of sodium gas, challenging long-held scientific assumptions about this enigmatic celestial object.



Discovered in 1983, Phaethon is an asteroid that exhibits comet-like behavior, brightening and forming a tail when near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aztecs-kept-accurate-time-using-the-sun-and-the-mountains/">Sun</a>. Most meteor showers are the result of comets, so when scientists found that Phaethon's orbit matched that of the Geminid meteors, they assumed the tail was formed by dust escaping from the asteroid's surface due to the Sun's heat. In 2009, NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) confirmed the existence of Phaethon's tail, supporting the dust theory.



However, in 2018, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/parker-solar-probe">NASA's Parker Solar Probe</a> observed that the Geminid debris trail contained far more material than Phaethon could possibly shed during its close approaches to the Sun. This prompted Qicheng Zhang, a PhD student at the California Institute of Technology and lead author of the study published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/acc866">Planetary Science Journal</a>, to question the dust hypothesis.&nbsp;



"Comets often glow brilliantly by sodium emission when very near the Sun, so we suspected sodium could likewise serve a key role in Phaethon's brightening," explained Zhang.



To test this hypothesis, Zhang examined images from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), a joint mission between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), which has color filters that can detect sodium and dust. Archival images from STEREO and SOHO were also examined, revealing the tail during 18 of Phaethon's close solar approaches between 1997 and 2022.



SOHO's observations showed the asteroid's tail to be bright in the filter that detects sodium but not in the filter that detects dust. The shape of the tail and the way it brightened as Phaethon passed the Sun also matched what scientists would expect if it were composed of sodium, but not if it were composed of dust. This evidence confirmed that Phaethon's tail is made of sodium, not dust.



Project team member Karl Battams of the Naval Research Laboratory highlighted the significance of the discovery. "Not only do we have a really cool result that kind of upends 14 years of thinking about a well-scrutinized object, but we also did this using data from two heliophysics spacecraft – SOHO and STEREO – that were not at all intended to study phenomena like this."



The researchers suspect that some of the comets discovered by SOHO and the citizen scientists involved in the Sungrazer Project may actually be rocky asteroids like Phaethon, heated up by the Sun. "A lot of those other sunskirting 'comets' may also not be 'comets' in the usual, icy body sense, but may instead be rocky asteroids like Phaethon heated up by the Sun," said Zhang.



A lingering question remains: If Phaethon doesn't shed much dust, how does it supply the material for the Geminid meteor shower observed each December? Zhang's team theorizes that a disruptive event a few thousand years ago, possibly involving a piece of the asteroid breaking apart under rotational stress, caused Phaethon to eject the estimated billion tons of material that make up the Geminid debris stream. The exact nature of this event is still unknown.



Further answers may be forthcoming from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)'s upcoming DESTINY+ mission, which plans to fly past Phaethon later this decade.



<h2 id="h-more-about-comets-and-asteroids">More about comets and asteroids</h2>



Comets and asteroids are celestial objects found within our solar system, often referred to as small Solar System bodies. While both are remnants of the early solar system, they differ in their composition, structure, and behavior.



Comets are made up of a mixture of ice, rock, and dust, and are sometimes referred to as "dirty snowballs." They are believed to originate from the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud, regions located in the outer reaches of the Solar System. When a comet gets close to the Sun, the ice in its nucleus vaporizes, creating a glowing coma (a bright, hazy atmosphere) and a tail that can stretch millions of kilometers. The tail always points away from the Sun due to the solar wind and radiation pressure. Comets typically have elongated, elliptical orbits, which cause them to periodically visit the inner Solar System.



Asteroids, on the other hand, are primarily composed of rock and metal and are the remnants of the early Solar System's building blocks. They are found mostly in the Asteroid Belt, located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, although some can be found in other parts of the Solar System as well. Unlike comets, asteroids do not have a glowing coma or a tail, as they do not contain significant amounts of ice. Their orbits are generally more circular than those of comets, and they can range in size from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter.



While comets and asteroids are distinct celestial objects, some "crossover" bodies exhibit characteristics of both, such as asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which forms a comet-like tail when near the Sun. The study of these celestial objects helps scientists understand the formation and evolution of the Solar System and offers insights into the potential origins of life on Earth.



Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/IPAC



—-



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

Study sheds new light on mysterious asteroid Phaethon

A recent study has revealed that the mysterious comet-like tail...

Closeup,Right,Side,Portrait,Of,Giant,Anteater,From,Climbing,On

Spores of coprophilous fungi pass through the guts of megafauna (animals weighing over 45 kilograms) as part of their life cycle. As a result,&nbsp; the presence of such spores in sediment samples can provide evidence that large animals lived in a specific time and place.&nbsp;



By analyzing samples from a peat bog in Pantano de Monquentiva – located about 60 kilometers from Bogota, Colombia in the Eastern Cordillera mountains – a team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/">University of Exeter</a> discovered that large animals became locally extinct at this location both around 23,000 years ago and 11,000 years ago, severely impacting the ecosystems in which they were embedded.&nbsp;



Considering our current biodiversity crisis, these findings suggest that the disappearance of large animals could once more transform ecosystems that sustain both wildlife and humans.



“We know that large animals such as elephants play a vital role in regulating ecosystems, for example by eating and trampling vegetation,” said&nbsp;study senior author Dunia H. Urrego, a senior lecturer in Physical Geography at Exeter.



“By analyzing samples of fungal spores, as well as pollen and charcoal, we were able to track the extinction of large animals, and the consequences of this extinction for plant abundance and fire activity. We found the Monquentiva ecosystem changed dramatically when large animals disappeared, with different plant species thriving and wildfires increasing.”



Although the analysis of fungal spores does not show which types of megafauna were present, species known to inhabit Columbia during these periods included the giant armadillo and the giant, six-meter-tall ground sloth.&nbsp;



According to the researchers, most of the plentiful megafauna that existed for thousands of years vanished 23,000 years ago. After about 5,000 years, large animals began once more to populate the Monquentiva, before another wave of extinction decimated them approximately 11,000 years ago. While the causes of these extinctions are not yet clear, scientists argue that climate change, hunting by humans, or even meteor strikes could be plausible explanations.&nbsp;



“After the megafauna vanished, plant species at Monquentiva transitioned, with more woody and palatable plants (those favored by grazing animals), and the loss of plants that depend on seed dispersal by animals,” said lead author&nbsp;Felix Pym, a&nbsp;graduate student in Physical Geography at Exeter.



“Wildfires became more common after the megafauna extinctions – presumably because flammable plants were no longer being eaten or trampled upon. Overall, our findings show that this habitat was highly sensitive to the decline of its megafaunal populations.”



The findings suggest that, in the context of our current biodiversity crisis, conservation efforts should take into account the effects of local herbivore declines on the dispersal of various plant species, wildfire activity, and the loss of ecosystem services.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/qua.2022.66">Quaternary Research</a>.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</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 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a>

Colombian megafauna experienced "waves" of extinctions

Spores of coprophilous fungi pass through the guts of megafauna...

Female,Nhs,Uk,Lab,Microbiologist,Biotechnician,Holding,Glass,Bottle,Vial

In a groundbreaking new study, researchers from the <a href="https://www.lji.org/">La Jolla Institute for Immunology</a> (LJI) have uncovered how certain human antibodies can continue to fight against the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pigs-are-highly-resistant-to-sars-cov-2-infection/">SARS-CoV-2</a> virus, despite its mutations. The researchers utilized samples from an anonymous San Diego resident, who has become a fascinating example of the human immune system's ability to adapt and combat the virus.&nbsp;



The research not only reveals the potential of the original Moderna SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in generating antibodies against later Omicron variants, but also offers detailed 3D structures of three promising neutralizing antibodies bound to the Spike protein.



"To blunt the next pandemic and protect people from seasonal re-emergence of this one, we need antibodies of the broadest possible capacity - ones that are not escaped. We found those in a vaccinated San Diegan," explained Dr. Erica Ollmann Saphire, CEO of LJI.



"Studying that person’s immune response in detail uncovered antibodies that are still effective against many Omicron variants," said co-author Dr. Kathryn Hastie. "We now have to figure out how to boost these antibodies that we want over others that are less effective."



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



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112421">Cell Reports</a>, focused on a volunteer who had received two doses of the Moderna SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, with samples collected before the emergence of the Omicron variant.&nbsp;



The researchers then tested these samples against various variants, discovering that the volunteer maintained moderate to high levels of antibodies effective against Beta, Delta, and Omicron lineages BA.1, BA.1.1, and BA.2. Among these, they identified five antibodies capable of decreasing the infectivity of BA.1 by more than 85 percent. The team used cryo-electron microscopy to map out the vulnerabilities on the Spike protein.&nbsp;



"This structural work lets us see exactly how the antibodies interact with the protein and how they can neutralize the virus," said study co-author Xiaoying Yu.



The research showed that two of the promising antibodies latch onto two parts of the protein, locking it in place to halt infection.



Results from a mouse model were also encouraging, with each of the three promising antibodies reducing the viral load in the lungs of mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 and BA.2. The researchers plan to run more human antibodies through this same pipeline at LJI, which includes antibody isolation, screening, structural analysis, and animal model experiments.&nbsp;



"This research will help us combat the variants we have right now and give us targets for future vaccine development and therapeutics," said Yu.



<h2 id="h-key-variants-of-sars-cov-2">Key variants of SARS-CoV-2&nbsp;</h2>



Coronavirus variants are different forms of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that have undergone genetic changes or mutations. As viruses replicate, they can accumulate changes in their genetic code, leading to new variants.&nbsp;



Some of these changes may have little impact on the virus's behavior, while others can lead to significant differences in transmissibility, severity, or the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments.&nbsp;



The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) closely monitor SARS-CoV-2 variants to assess their potential impact on public health.



Key SARS-CoV-2 variants that have emerged throughout the pandemic include:



<h3 id="h-alpha-b-1-1-7">Alpha (B.1.1.7)</h3>



First identified in the United Kingdom in September 2020, the Alpha variant was found to be more transmissible than previous strains. This variant had a higher rate of infection and led to a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases worldwide.



<h3 id="h-beta-b-1-351">Beta (B.1.351)</h3>



First detected in South Africa in December 2020, the Beta variant also exhibited increased transmissibility. Additionally, it raised concerns due to its potential to evade immunity induced by previous infections or vaccinations to some extent.



<h3 id="h-gamma-p-1">Gamma (P.1)</h3>



First identified in Brazil in January 2021, the Gamma variant showed increased transmissibility and potential resistance to immunity from previous infections or vaccinations.



<h3 id="h-delta-b-1-617-2">Delta (B.1.617.2)</h3>



First discovered in India in December 2020, the Delta variant rapidly became the dominant strain globally. It displayed much higher transmissibility than previous strains, leading to surges in cases and hospitalizations. Vaccines have generally proven to be effective against severe disease caused by the Delta variant, although breakthrough infections can still occur.



<h3 id="h-omicron-b-1-1-529">Omicron (B.1.1.529)</h3>



First reported in South Africa in November 2021, the Omicron variant has several mutations on the Spike protein, which raised concerns about increased transmissibility, potential immune evasion, and the effectiveness of vaccines. Early data suggest that while vaccines may be less effective in preventing Omicron infections, they still provide protection against severe disease and hospitalization.



Scientists continue to study these and other emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants to better understand their characteristics and devise appropriate public health strategies. Vaccination, along with other preventive measures such as masking, social distancing, and good hand hygiene, remains a crucial tool in combating the virus and its variants.



—-



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

Human antibodies are adapting to fight emerging Covid variants

In a groundbreaking new study, researchers from the La Jolla...

A recent study published in the journal <a href="https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/15/1675/2023/">Earth System Science Data</a> has found that, for reasons still not clearly understood, the global sea surface temperature reached an unprecedented high this month. Scientists are concerned that this unexpected ocean warming, combined with other weather events, could cause global temperatures to spike to a concerning new level by the end of 2024.&nbsp;



In addition, a strong El Niño event – a weather system which significantly heats the oceans – will likely begin over the next months, further exacerbating the current rapid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-could-be-devastating-to-all-living-creatures/">ocean warming</a> and leading to more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, die-offs of marine life, and decreased capacities of oceans to absorb greenhouse gases.&nbsp;



According to the experts, over the past 15 years, our planet has accumulated nearly as much heat as it did in the previous 45 years, with most of the extra energy going into the oceans.&nbsp;



“It’s not yet well established, why such a rapid change, and such a huge change is happening,” said lead author Karina Von Schuckmann, an oceanographer at <a href="https://www.mercator-ocean.eu/en/">Mercator Ocean International</a>. “We have doubled the heat in the climate system the last 15 years, I don’t want to say this is climate change, or natural variability or a mixture of both, we don’t know yet. But we do see this change.”



Interestingly, a factor possibly influencing the amount of heat entering the world’s oceans could be a reduction in the pollution from shipping following the 2020 regulations put in place by the <a href="https://www.imo.org/">International Maritime Organization</a> to reduce the sulphur content of fuel burned by ships. Although this initiative had a rapid impact in reducing the amount of aerosol particles released by ships that are polluting the atmosphere, removing them may have also caused more heat to enter the waters, since such aerosols can help reflect heat back into space.



In this context of rapid warming, the forthcoming weather phenomenon known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) will likely push temperatures even higher. After three years when this naturally occurring event has been in a cooler phase called La Niña - which has contributed to keeping global temperatures in check - the advent of El Niño during the following months can spell disastrous consequences for the climate, disrupting weather patterns around the globe, weakening the monsoon, and increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires in Australia.



Unfortunately, even without the further complications this weather phenomenon will bring about, the current level of ocean warming (about 0.9C above preindustrial levels) has major global consequences, including loss of species caused by marine heatwaves, more extreme weather characterized by intense and long-lasting hurricanes and cyclones, sea-level rise due to accelerated melting of glaciers that increases the risk of coastal flooding, and less ability of oceans to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



However, according to Von Schuckmann, there is still hope left, particularly since temperatures may once more decrease after the El Niño subsides. In the meanwhile, globally coordinated efforts to mitigate climate change are essential. “We still have a window where we can act and we should use this to reduce the consequences,” she concluded.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</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 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a>.

Ocean warming hit a record high this month, and there's more to come

A recent study published in the journal Earth System Science...

China, despite its late entry into the realm of space exploration, has recently unveiled an ambitious vision that could potentially make it the first nation to establish a lunar base on the moon.&nbsp;



With aspirations of putting Chinese astronauts on the moon's surface within the next seven years, Beijing may even outpace the United States in creating a permanent lunar outpost.



<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a> has disclosed plans for its own Artemis Base Camp, aiming for establishment in the 2030s. This timeline sets up the tantalizing prospect of an intense 21st-century space race between the two countries. Wu Weiren, the physicist leading China's moon mission, shared with state media that Beijing's goal is to build a lunar research station before the end of the decade.



"By 2030, the footprints of the Chinese people will be left on the moon," said Weiren. "There's no question about it."



This development follows China's announcement two years ago of a partnership with Russia to create a joint lunar base by 2035. The latest declaration suggests that the two nations have expedited their plans in an effort to surpass the US-led Western contingent, which includes the space agencies of Canada, Europe, and Japan.



Leaked documents from last year indicated that NASA aimed to begin its moon base construction in 2034. However, the US <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-happens-to-all-the-space-junk/">space</a> agency has also expressed aspirations to have a permanent lunar outpost by the end of the decade.&nbsp;



Just last week, officials hinted that work on this project could commence as early as the Artemis VII mission, which could launch between 2029 and 2030, contingent on the success of earlier milestones in the program.



Although China is a relative newcomer in the field of space exploration, the country has achieved several noteworthy accomplishments over the past decade. The uncrewed Chang'e 1 mission launched in 2007 to orbit the moon, followed by a successful unmanned landing in 2013.&nbsp;



In 2019, China made history as the first country to land on the far side of the moon. At the end of 2020, the Chang'e-5 probe successfully returned with rock and lunar soil samples, further showcasing China's growing prowess in space.



<h2 id="h-russia-s-collaboration-with-china">Russia’s collaboration with China</h2>



In contrast to China's ambitious lunar plans, Russia appears to be taking a different path in the realm of space exploration. Although once a superpower alongside the United States, Russia has transitioned from being a space pioneer to playing a somewhat minor role, particularly after losing its monopoly on ferrying astronauts to the International Space Station due to the emergence of Elon Musk's SpaceX.



Nevertheless, Moscow still possesses substantial expertise and is evidently regarded by China as an ideal partner for its moon base endeavors. In 2021, Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, announced that it had signed an agreement with <a href="http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/index.html">China's National Space Administration</a> to develop research facilities on the moon's surface. The two countries committed to collaborate in the planning, design, development, and operation of the research station.



While the initial goal was to build the lunar outpost by 2035, it seems that Beijing and Moscow are now focused on competing with NASA in the race to establish themselves as the leading global force in space exploration.



According to the official timetable, Beijing plans to launch the Chang'e 7 mission in 2026 for a "comprehensive survey task" to search for water at the moon's south pole. Following this, the Chang'e 8 mission, scheduled for 2028, would aid in constructing an international lunar station that would be available for use by other nations, as explained by Wu Weiren to China Central Television.



He further elaborated on the primary objectives of the Chang'e 8 mission, stating that "its primary task would be to survey resources on the moon and experiment with the reutilization of the resources."&nbsp;



Wu also highlighted potential research questions, such as the feasibility of constructing buildings on the moon, the viability of using bricks, and the methods of communication that would be employed.



<h2 id="h-what-the-u-s-has-planned-for-the-moon">What the U.S. has planned for the moon</h2>



NASA has recently announced the selection of four astronauts for its first moon crew in half a century, as the United States and China-Russia vie to establish lunar outposts. The plan for the Artemis II mission is to fly around the moon next year, with a lunar landing targeted for 2025. This landing, part of the Artemis III mission, would witness the first woman and the first person of color setting foot on the moon. However, many believe that this timeline might experience some delays.



According to the US space agency, the initial missions to begin constructing a base on the moon will be Artemis VII, VIII, and IX, which are likely to coincide with the Chang'e 8 mission. Both the American and China-Russia endeavors are focusing on exploring the lunar south pole for their outposts, as it is known to contain significant amounts of water ice that could be utilized for future colonies.



NASA initially revealed its plans for a single Artemis Base Camp at the lunar south pole back in 2020. Nevertheless, officials hinted last week that the agency might collaborate with international partners, such as the European Space Agency, to expand this into a series of moon bases. One advantage of this approach would be the added redundancy for missions that might face catastrophic emergencies on the moon.



Jim Free, NASA's associate administrator for exploration systems development, explained during a press briefing that working with multiple sites would also allow the Artemis program to maximize its scientific potential. "So we can maybe have two or three sites to go to that help our science diversity because the reason we're doing Artemis in the first place is for science," Free said. "We're probably looking at the later missions, like [Artemis] 7, 8, and 9, where we're starting to look at adding permanent habitation on the surface."



The United States first sent a man to the moon in 1969 and followed with 11 more lunar landings until 1972. However, there have been no manned missions to the moon since then. Last year, NASA launched the Artemis program as a 21st-century successor to the highly successful Apollo missions. The uncrewed Artemis I mission involved sending NASA's Orion spacecraft into orbit on a Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for a 25-day round trip to the moon and back.



<h2 id="h-history-of-the-chinese-space-program">History of the Chinese space program</h2>



The history of the Chinese space program can be traced back to the late 1950s when the country started developing its missile and rocket technologies. Over the years, the program has evolved and expanded, achieving significant milestones and becoming a major player in global space exploration.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-here-are-some-key-events-in-the-history-of-the-chinese-space-program">Here are some key events in the history of the Chinese space program:</h2>



<h3 id="h-early-years-1950s-1960s">Early years (1950s-1960s)</h3>



China's space program began with the founding of the Fifth Academy of the Ministry of National Defense in 1956, which was responsible for missile and rocket development. In 1958, the Chinese Academy of Sciences established a research program for satellite development. With the help of Soviet Union experts, China developed its first ballistic missiles and laid the groundwork for its space program.



<h3 id="h-first-satellite-1970">First satellite (1970)</h3>



On April 24, 1970, China successfully launched its first satellite, Dongfanghong-1 (The East is Red-1), becoming the fifth nation to send a satellite into space. The satellite transmitted the Chinese patriotic song "The East is Red" while orbiting the Earth.



<h3 id="h-manned-space-program-1992-present">Manned space program (1992-present)</h3>



China initiated Project 921 in 1992, which aimed to develop a manned spacecraft. After several years of development and testing, the Shenzhou (meaning "Divine Vessel") spacecraft series was born. The first unmanned Shenzhou mission, Shenzhou 1, was launched in 1999.



<h3 id="h-first-manned-spaceflight-2003">First manned spaceflight (2003)</h3>



China became the third country to send humans into space with the successful launch of Shenzhou 5 on October 15, 2003, carrying astronaut Yang Liwei. This achievement marked a significant milestone in China's space program.



<h3 id="h-lunar-exploration-program-2007-present">Lunar exploration program (2007-present)</h3>



China's lunar exploration program, Chang'e, named after the mythical Chinese Moon goddess, began with the launch of the Chang'e 1 lunar orbiter in 2007. In 2013, Chang'e 3 successfully soft-landed on the moon, deploying the Yutu rover. China became the first nation to land on the far side of the moon with the Chang'e 4 mission in 2019. In 2020, the Chang'e 5 mission successfully collected and returned lunar samples to Earth.



<h3 id="h-mars-exploration-2020-present">Mars exploration (2020-present)</h3>



China launched its first Mars mission, Tianwen-1, in July 2020. The mission includes an orbiter, lander, and rover, and aims to study Mars' geology, atmosphere, and search for signs of water. In May 2021, the mission successfully landed the Zhurong rover on Mars, making China the second country to deploy a rover on the Martian surface.



<h3 id="h-tiangong-space-station-2011-present">Tiangong space station (2011-present)</h3>



The Tiangong ("Heavenly Palace") program aims to establish a modular space station. Tiangong-1 was launched in 2011 as a prototype, followed by Tiangong-2 in 2016. The core module of the new Tiangong space station, Tianhe, was launched in April 2021, with plans to complete construction by 2022.



The Chinese space program continues to evolve, with ambitious plans for future lunar missions, manned space exploration, and international collaboration.



—-



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

China plans to inhabit a space station on the moon by 2030

China, despite its late entry into the realm of space...

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



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.



-----



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



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



-----

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.



-----



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



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



-----

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>



-----



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



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



-----

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.



-----



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



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



-----

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>.



-----



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



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



-----

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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



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)



---



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

News coming your way