Can farms produce enough food to feed us while still leaving space for wildlife? A new proposal says they can.



By setting aside one-fifth of farmland for nature, and tweaking everyday practices on the rest, we can help wildlife recover without sacrificing the food on our tables.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farming-with-wildlife-in-mind">Farming with wildlife in mind</h2>



The plan comes from ecologists at the <a href="https://www.ceh.ac.uk/">UK Centre for Ecology &amp; Hydrology</a> and the University of Alcalá in Spain. Study co-author Professor James Bullock elaborated on the importance of the research.



“Reversing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-calls-for-global-change-to-stop-biodiversity-loss/">biodiversity loss</a> and degradation of ecosystems is essential both for nature as well as long-term global food security. But there is no single silver bullet for nature recovery and so far it has been unclear how to integrate rewilding into agricultural landscapes," said Professor Bullock. 



“Our proposed approach moves beyond land sparing versus land sharing. We believe rewilding can be interwoven into agricultural landscapes and could be key to maintaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-based-food-production-would-have-extremely-positive-impact/">food production</a> in a way that is sustainable in the long term for people and the planet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dedicating-land-to-nature-recovery">Dedicating land to nature recovery</h2>



According to the study, fostering rewilding approaches alongside farming could create agroecological landscapes that accommodate biodiversity while remaining resilient and functionally connected. Certain incentives would encourage farmers to adopt this approach.



“While setting aside land for nature recovery could potentially be made a legal requirement for farmers and landowners, there is more likely to be acceptance and success of rewilding if there are incentives in the form of payments for ecosystem services and tax deductions,” noted Professor José María Rey Benayas, lead author on the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-farming-needs-wildlife">Why farming needs wildlife</h2>



Modern farming has greatly increased food production since the 1940s. But this has often come at the expense of nature. 



Clearing land, using heavy fertilizers and pesticides, and removing natural features like hedgerows have pushed many plant and animal species to the edge.



This loss doesn’t just affect wildlife - it disrupts vital services that farms depend on, such as healthy soil, natural pest control, and water retention. As these services decline, the long-term productivity and resilience of farming systems are put at risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cost-of-declining-wildlife">The cost of declining wildlife</h2>



Across Europe and beyond, once-common species are disappearing from farmland. For example, the U.K. has lost over 40 million birds since 1970, and wild bee populations have declined in more than half of European countries, according to multiple long-term surveys.



These animals aren’t just part of the scenery - they’re key to food production. Birds eat crop pests. Bees and other insects pollinate the flowers that develop into fruits and vegetables. Their loss means greater reliance on artificial fertilisers, pesticides, and expensive manual labour.



Bringing wildlife back isn’t just a conservation goal - it’s a practical step toward more affordable and reliable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-cover-crops-may-be-the-future-of-sustainable-farming/">farming</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steps-to-farming-alongside-wildlife">Steps to farming alongside wildlife </h2>



The researchers suggest a four-part plan that links nature conservation with everyday farming. 



First, they recommend reserving at least 20% of farmland for nature. This space would include large patches of woodland, wetlands, and species-rich grassland to form strong core habitats. 



Second, these patches should be connected by green corridors - such as hedgerows, ponds, and strips of scrubland - that allow wildlife to move, feed, and reproduce.



Third, they propose protecting small hotspots within working fields. This would involve setting aside about 10% of cropped land for flower strips, beetle banks, and bird perches, bringing the total to the 30% global restoration goal. 



Finally, they call for small changes in daily farming practices, like reducing chemical use, planting flowers for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/">pollinators</a>, and letting livestock graze more freely to help spread seeds and support healthy soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewilding-has-benefits-for-farmers">Rewilding has benefits for farmers</h2>



Many European regions cannot host bears or bison. However, smaller species such as lynx, wildcat, or European hare can still boost ecosystem health. Choosing the right mix depends on local conditions.



Helping wildlife can pay off in more ways than one. When farms support natural habitats, they often see practical benefits in return. 



Better soil retains more water and nutrients, which supports stronger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-can-help-make-crops-more-resilient/">crops</a>. Pollinators and natural predators of pests can help increase yields in nearby fields. 



Farmers may also spend less on fertilizers and pesticides, lowering overall input costs. In some places, governments might provide payments or tax breaks to reward efforts that support biodiversity and ecosystem services.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-room-for-wildlife">Making room for wildlife</h2>



Reaching the 20% target may be challenging for small farms, but collective action can make it achievable. At the same time, each region will need to adapt the plan to fit its local conditions. 



Areas with heavily degraded farmland have the most to gain, while places with traditional, low-impact farming may require fewer changes. 



The researchers emphasize that this is just a starting point - but the message is clear: making room for wildlife alongside farming can help secure both indigenous species and food for the future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.2860">Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment</a>.



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Farming for wildlife: How traditional practices can protect nature

Can farms produce enough food to feed us while still leaving space for wildlife? A new proposal says they can. By setting aside one-fifth of farmland for nature, and tweaking everyday practices on the rest, we can help wildlife recover without sacrificing the food on our tables. Farming with wildlife in mind The plan comes from ecologists at the UK Centre for Ecology &amp; Hydrology and the University of Alcalá in Spain. Study co-author Professor James Bullock elaborated on the importance of the research. “Reversing biodiversity loss...

Pups of the greater sac-winged bat have been recorded spending a significant part of their day making a curious chatter. This chatter, known as babbling, lasts around seven minutes on average, with some sessions reaching an impressive 43 minutes.



Researchers studied 19 pup-mother pairs in roosts across Panama and Costa Rica. According to Dr. Ahana A. Fernandez from the <a href="https://stri.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute</a>, the project focused on how maternal behavior influences this vocal practice in young bats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bat-pup-babbling-and-infant-speech">Bat pup babbling and infant speech</h2>



These tiny creatures produce many different syllable types during their babbling phase. Some of these sounds match up with calls that adults use for territorial defense and group identification.



Scientists use the term <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222518205_Nonmutual_vocal_mother-pup_recognition_in_the_greater_sac-winged_bat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vocal ontogeny</a> to describe how bat pups develop the full range of sounds that adults make. Babbling by greater sac-winged bats features repetitive and varied sequences that resemble early infant speech in humans.



Male bats sing loud territorial songs at dawn and dusk. Pup babbling, though, seems mostly linked to interactions with their mothers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maternal-influence-on-bat-babbling">Maternal influence on bat babbling</h2>



Researchers filmed and recorded each babbling session. They noticed that some mothers stayed quiet, while others hovered, crawled, or moved closer to their pups during these long bouts of chatter.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disappearance-of-bats-linked-to-a-rise-in-infant-deaths/">Bat</a> pups with more interactive mothers kept babbling longer. Those pups also showed a bigger variety of the learned song syllables in their practice.



Interestingly, the number of singing males in a roost did not matter for pup babbling length. Instead, the mother’s activity seemed to drive how long and how richly the pup practiced its sounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-feedback-shapes-learning">How feedback shapes learning</h2>



“Social interactions can have a direct effect on how baby talk develops,” concluded a <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1332441100" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> by Michael Goldstein and colleagues. In human babies, certain social responses can speed up the shift from simple babble to more mature sounds.



Bats may follow a similar pattern. Mothers often respond to babbling pups with touches, movements, or by allowing nursing right after a session.



Scientists suggest that these gestures reinforce the pup’s interest in babbling. The pups might then refine their vocal control more quickly through this extra practice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-babbling-beyond-male-tutors">Babbling beyond male tutors</h2>



Adult males offer a steady supply of acoustic input through their songs. Yet the presence of multiple singers in a colony does not appear to increase a pup’s babbling time.



Mothers, on the other hand, engage in direct interactions. The physical movements and close attention may push the pup to keep going, stacking more practice into each day.



This result differs from research in songbirds, where direct tutor interaction is often critical for learning. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hoary-bat-flying-over-open-ocean-first-ever-sighting/">Bat</a> pups instead appear to depend heavily on their mothers for motivation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-female-pups-babble-too">Why do female pups babble too?</h2>



Male bats use these songs later to mark territory. Females normally leave their birth colony once they are grown and do not sing these territorial tunes as adults.



Scientists were surprised to see no difference between male and female pups during babbling sessions. Both sexes copy adult song syllables, show similar levels of practice, and respond to their mothers in a similar way.



One idea is that female pups benefit from early song practice to identify local song dialects in new colonies. This extra experience might help them recognize males from their home group or pick suitable mates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mother-s-moves-and-vocal-maturity">Mother’s moves and vocal maturity</h2>



Researchers also tracked whether pup syllables moved toward more adult-like features. They found that pups whose mothers showed higher activity reached mature-sounding syllables earlier.



These results could mean that the mechanical skills and brain processes for producing adult calls are boosted by social contact. Over time, the pup transitions from broad babbling to crisp, well-formed phrases.



Scientists have proposed that such maternal feedback helps the young strengthen vocal skills. Pups learn by comparing their own calls to the calls they hear, then adjusting until there is a match.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connections-to-human-speech">Connections to human speech</h2>



Though humans and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-half-of-north-american-bats-face-extinction-risk-in-15-years/">bats</a> are worlds apart, both rely on extensive vocal imitation in early life. People have long studied infant babbling to find clues about how children master speech.



Some researchers think that babbling might serve <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29375276/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiple goals</a>. It gives the infant a chance to practice forming sounds, and it can trigger extra bonding time with caregivers.



Bats might display a comparable loop. Pups try out different notes, the mother replies with movement or attention, and the pup is encouraged to produce more complex sounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-babbling-sessions-and-complex-learning">Long babbling sessions and complex learning</h2>



The final number of syllables mastered by weaning did not directly link to how active each mother was. That aspect might depend more on how long pups keep babbling or how quickly they pick up new sound types.



Future work could explore whether mothers respond more often to specific syllables. That level of detail may reveal patterns of back-and-forth shaping that were not obvious in the broader analysis.



Scientists also wonder if close contact with motherly affection can spark hormone changes in pups. This might influence how quickly babbling matures, echoing theories in human child development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-bat-pup-babbling">Significance of bat pup babbling </h2>



These findings hint at a social element in mammalian voice learning. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-bat-appreciation-day-the-crucial-role-of-bats-in-nature/">Bats</a> share certain brain structures with humans, making them especially interesting for understanding speech origins.



The study offers a glimpse into how complex communication systems can appear in non-human mammals. It also opens the door to new ideas on how maternal cues guide early vocal practice.



Such knowledge can enrich our understanding of communication in the animal kingdom. It might even offer fresh perspectives on how humans first learned to talk.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://elifesciences.org/reviewed-preprints/99474" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife</a>.



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What secrets are hidden in the babbling of bats?

Pups of the greater sac-winged bat have been recorded spending...

The,Theatre,Of,Aspendos,Ancient,City,In,Antalya

Archaeologists working at Driffield Terrace, a well-preserved Roman cemetery in York, have uncovered the first direct physical evidence of gladiatorial combat between a human and fierce, wild animal. 



The breakthrough came through a close forensic analysis of bite marks found on one of the 82 robust male skeletons excavated at the site.



This discovery reshapes our understanding of Roman entertainment beyond the walls of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ancient-romans-made-such-incredibly-durable-concrete-is-no-longer-a-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colosseum</a>. The cemetery first made headlines in 2010 when experts revealed that the men buried there were young, muscular individuals who had likely undergone intense physical training. 



Their skeletons also bore signs of violent trauma, and their unusual burial practices hinted at lives lived, and often ended, in combat.



However, until now, the idea that these men were gladiators had remained a compelling theory - lacking one final piece of evidence. That final piece came in the form of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-and-female-lions-have-different-social-strategies-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lion</a>’s bite.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gladiator-combat-confirmation">Gladiator combat confirmation</h2>



Malin Holst, a lecturer in Osteoarchaeology at the <a href="https://www.york.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of York</a> and managing director of <a href="https://yorkosteoarchaeology.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">York Osteoarchaeology</a>, led the analysis that definitively linked the bite marks to a large feline predator.



“The bite marks were likely made by a lion, which confirms that the skeletons buried at the cemetery were gladiators, rather than soldiers or slaves, as initially thought and represent the first osteological confirmation of human interaction with large carnivores in a combat or entertainment setting in the Roman world,” she explained.



This new insight stems from research that began in 2004, when the first of these 1,800-year-old skeletons was excavated along a Roman road leading out of York. Experts determined that many of these individuals had come from different parts of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lead-pollution-may-have-caused-the-fall-of-the-roman-empire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roman Empire</a>. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gladiator-bones_bite-marks_lion_romans_credit-PLOS-One_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gladiator-bones_bite-marks_lion_romans_credit-PLOS-One_1s.webp" alt="Lesions on the left iliac spine of 6DT19. Credit: PLOS One (2025)" class="wp-image-1967179"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lesions on the left iliac spine of 6DT19. Credit: PLOS One (2025)</figcaption></figure>



An analysis of their bones suggested high levels of physical strain and repeated injuries - markers typical of gladiators. The man in question was aged between 26 and 35 at the time of death. 



His skeleton, found buried with two others and overlaid with horse bones, bore evidence of a tough life - spinal issues likely from strain, inflammation in the lungs and thigh, and signs of early malnutrition that he had recovered from.



However, the lion bite - unhealed and fatal - was what sealed his fate. After death, he was also decapitated, a ritual observed in several other burials of the same period, though the cultural reasoning behind this remains uncertain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lions-in-combat-with-gladiators">Lions in combat with gladiators</h2>



Professor Tim Thompson from <a href="https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maynooth University</a> in Ireland highlighted the significance of the discovery. “For years, our understanding of Roman gladiatorial combat and animal spectacles has relied heavily on historical texts and artistic depictions," he said.



"This discovery provides the first direct, physical evidence that such events took place in this period, reshaping our perception of Roman entertainment culture in the region,” he continued.



Analysis of the remains suggests the man may have been a Bestiarius, a type of gladiator tasked with fighting wild animals. These roles were often filled by volunteers or enslaved individuals. 



What’s particularly notable is that the combat involving this individual likely did not take place in Rome but in Roman York - a major provincial city. Although the city’s amphitheater has yet to be discovered, this evidence strongly suggests one existed.



“We often have a mental image of these combats occurring at the grand surroundings of the Colosseum in Rome, but these latest findings show that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/youth-sports-are-more-accessible-to-privileged-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sporting events</a> had a far reach, well beyond the center of core Roman territories,” Holst said. “An amphitheatre probably existed in Roman York, but this has not yet been discovered.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gladiators-combat-and-the-roman-empire">Gladiators, combat, and the Roman Empire</h2>



York’s importance as a political and military hub during the Roman period - home to influential figures including Emperor Constantine - meant it would have had the cultural infrastructure to support such spectacles. 



Gladiatorial games were not merely brutal displays; they were high-stakes entertainment, tied into the social and political fabric of Roman cities. Interestingly, despite their expendability, gladiators were valuable assets. 



Owners would invest in their success, and when they did die, some were given burial gifts to serve them in the afterlife, as seen at Driffield Terrace. 



Owners of gladiators would most likely not have wanted them to die, since they were expensive ‘sports people,’ similar to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/college-athletes-have-lasting-brain-changes-after-concussion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">footballers</a> today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewriting-roman-history-in-the-north"><a></a>Rewriting Roman history in the north</h2>



According to David Jennings, CEO of <a href="https://yorkarchaeology.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">York Archaeology</a>, this finding is crucial in expanding the story of the Roman world beyond its capital. 



“This latest research gives us a remarkable insight into the life - and death - of this particular individual, and adds to both previous and ongoing genome research into the origins of some of the men buried in this particular Roman cemetery,” he said.



“We may never know what brought this man to the arena where we believe he may have been fighting for the entertainment of others, but it is remarkable that the first osteo-archaeological evidence for this kind of gladiatorial combat has been found so far from the Colosseum of Rome, which would have been the classical world’s Wembley Stadium of combat,” Jennings added.



Visitors to <a href="http://www.digyork.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DIG: An Archaeological Adventure in St Saviourgate</a> will soon have the chance to come face-to-face with history, as the lion-bitten skeleton will be displayed there alongside a reconstructed model of the gladiator’s face - bringing a forgotten chapter of Roman Yorkshire vividly back to life.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0319847" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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First physical evidence found of gladiators fighting fierce animals in Roman arenas

Archaeologists working at Driffield Terrace, a well-preserved Roman cemetery in...

Babies don’t need to see everything to start learning what things mean. Even before they can talk, they’re already picking up new words by simply listening to people around them. 



Picture a baby on the floor surrounded by toys while adults chat nearby. Even if the topic is something unfamiliar - like kumquats - the baby might still start piecing together what the word refers to, without ever laying eyes on the fruit.



That surprising ability was at the center of a study led by scientists from <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern</a> and Harvard Universities. The researchers found that 15-month-old babies can learn about objects they’ve never seen, just by hearing others talk about them. In contrast, 12-month-olds don’t yet show the same skill.



The findings reveal how quickly babies begin to understand the world through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-humans-first-develop-language-scientists-think-they-know/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language</a>, even when the objects in question are completely hidden.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-babies-learn-words-through-sound">Babies learn words through sound</h2>



The team wanted to explore how early humans start forming mental pictures of things they've only heard about. To test this, they recruited 134 infants - half were 12 months old and the other half were 15 months.



The task was simple but clever. First, the babies heard familiar words like "apple" or "banana," and saw matching images of those fruits. 



Then, they were introduced to a new word, like “kumquat,” but without seeing any image - just hearing the word while the matching object stayed out of sight. Later, two new items appeared, for example, a kumquat and a whisk. The researchers asked, “Where is the kumquat?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-babies-form-mental-representations">Babies form mental representations</h2>



The results were striking. Fifteen-month-olds looked longer at the <a href="https://earthpedia.earth.com/plant-encyclopedia/angiosperms/rutaceae/kumquat-tree/?_gl=1*2njz2n*_gcl_au*ODI4OTcxMzk1LjE3NDQ0MjA1ODE.*_ga*MTg3OTEyMjQ2Ni4xNzIxMDYzMTg3*_ga_STJW8JPZJQ*MTc0NTU1MzA5Ny4zNjIuMS4xNzQ1NTU2NjMwLjUyLjAuMA.." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kumquat</a>, even though they had never seen one before. They didn’t need the object to be present - the language alone gave them enough clues to identify which item matched the new word.



“The study shows that even babies who are just beginning to say their first words learn from the language they hear, even if the objects or events being discussed are not present,” said senior author Sandra Waxman. 



“Babies take in what they hear, and even if no object is present, they form a mental representation - or ‘gist’ - of the new word’s meaning, one that is strong enough for them to use later when its referent object does appear.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-babies-use-context-to-learn-words">Babies use context to learn words</h2>



At 12 months, babies didn’t yet show this ability. The researchers believe this may be because younger infants haven’t heard enough familiar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caregiver-speech-shapes-infant-language-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">words</a> in conversation to grasp what a new one might mean. For instance, if they don’t yet recognize words like “apple” or “banana,” then “kumquat” just sounds like more noise.



“Many people believe that success in word learning requires that the infant ‘map’ a new word to an object that is physically present (e.g., ‘Look at the kumquat!’),” Waxman explained. “But in the natural course of a day, it is very common for us - and for infants - to hear words when the objects to which they refer to are not available to our immediate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-perception-we-see-the-world-based-on-what-we-expect-to-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perception</a>."



"We’re asking whether infants, too, can use the conversational contexts in which a word occurs to begin to learn their meaning.” The answer, at least for 15-month-olds, is yes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-world-through-language">Understanding the world through language</h2>



The experiment offered a unique window into how language itself shapes a child’s understanding of the world. By designing a test where the object stayed out of sight until later, the researchers could see just how much infants rely on context to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-need-quick-responses-to-their-babbling-to-learn-language/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learn</a>.



This also reflects everyday life. Infants constantly hear adults talking about things they can’t see - while reading books, walking through the grocery store, or chatting during dinner.



The study shows that these moments still matter. Even if a baby doesn’t yet know the word “kumquat,” they’re already forming ideas about what it might be.



“When we hear new words, like ‘kumquat’ in conversation when there are no kumquats around, we don’t waste the opportunity to home in its meaning,” said Waxman. “We now know this is also true about tiny babies.”



The research sheds light on one of the earliest building blocks of human language and thought: our ability to understand the world not just through what we see, but through what we hear. And for babies, it seems that the process begins even earlier than many people might think.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0321775" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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How babies learn words for objects they've never seen

Babies don’t need to see everything to start learning what...

Middle-aged mice lived 33% longer when they cut back on one particular dietary building block. This finding has grabbed attention because it suggests a simple strategy that may support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/leg-balance-is-a-key-indicator-of-healthy-aging/">healthy aging</a>.



This work comes from research teams who tracked how limiting the isoleucine in rodent meals boosted their longevity. 



This approach was led by metabolism researcher <a href="https://www.medicine.wisc.edu/directory/lamming_dudley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dudley Lamming</a> from the University of Wisconsin, US, and colleagues who also observed improved blood sugar control and leaner physiques among the animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isoleucine-s-role-in-healthy-aging">Isoleucine’s role in healthy aging</h2>



“Different components of your diet have value and impact beyond their function as a calorie, and we've been digging in on one component that many people may be eating too much of,” explained Lamming, who was involved in these mouse experiments, in 2023. Isoleucine is an essential part of our diet, yet some people consume too much of it.&nbsp;



Too much of this amino acid has been linked to unhealthy weight gain. The mix of amino acids in a person’s diet is now seen as an important factor in metabolic health. 



Higher intake of the branched-chain amino acid isoleucine has been <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11185563/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">linked</a> to increased body mass index in humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isoleucine-restriction-extends-lifespan">Isoleucine restriction extends lifespan</h2>



Male mice on reduced-isoleucine chow experienced lifespan increases of about a third. They also handled glucose better and stayed slimmer even while allowed to eat more total calories.



Restricting isoleucine did not require complicated food measurements. It simply involved changing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-model-esm3-creates-new-protein-that-simulates-500-million-years-of-biological-evolution/">protein</a> proportions in their daily ration so that isoleucine was the limiting factor. The mice were allowed to eat freely, which makes the results even more surprising.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-male-female-variation-in-isoleucine-restriction">Male-female variation in isoleucine restriction</h2>



In this study, male mice showed a 33% boost in lifespan, while females only gained about 7%. This big gap raises questions about how sex hormones, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-metabolism-has-evolved-to-become-energetically-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolism</a>, and body composition may influence how the body responds to amino acid changes.



Researchers have seen similar patterns before with other nutrient-based interventions. Hormonal differences can affect fat storage, muscle metabolism, and how energy is used, which may explain why the same diet creates different results depending on sex.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-gains-from-limiting-isoleucine-intake">Health gains from limiting isoleucine intake</h2>



“It's interesting and encouraging to think a dietary change could still make such a big difference,” said Lamming. Such results spark optimism for ways to support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-say-this-is-the-best-fruit-to-eat-for-a-healthier-liver/">healthier</a> aging.&nbsp;



Scientists believe that trimming isoleucine intake helps the body regulate insulin activity, which in turn aids energy balance and metabolic stability. The 2021 study in mice supports the idea that altered amino acid levels can reprogram liver function and fat storage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks-and-rewards-of-isoleucine-reduction">Risks and rewards of isoleucine reduction</h2>



Experts note that isoleucine is one of three branched-chain amino acids needed for survival, so eliminating it is not an option. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hemp-seeds-could-be-a-game-changer-as-an-alternative-protein-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Higher-protein foods</a> like eggs, dairy, soy, and meats typically provide ample amounts of it, which can be troublesome for those at risk of excessive intake.



Lifestyle adjustments must be approached carefully, because going too low in protein can also cause problems. “We can't just switch everyone to a low-isoleucine diet,” Lamming said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incorporating-isoleucine-limited-foods-into-daily-meals">Incorporating isoleucine-limited foods into daily meals</h2>



People who eat mostly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meat-protein-boosts-survival-but-plants-boost-longevity/">animal-based foods</a> may be getting more isoleucine than they realize. Meats, dairy, and eggs are especially rich in branched-chain amino acids, including isoleucine. 



Swapping some of these foods for plant-based proteins - like beans, lentils, or tofu - could be a practical way to bring levels down without under-eating protein altogether.



This isn't about extreme dieting. It’s more about tweaking food choices to reduce excess. Since isoleucine is just one of many amino acids, small shifts in dietary sources might be enough to improve long-term health without sacrificing nutrition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-isoleucine-focused-research-and-treatment">Next steps in isoleucine-focused research and treatment</h2>



Researchers believe more targeted changes, including drugs that block how the body processes isoleucine, may one day be explored. 



Some observers hope physicians and dietitians might soon personalize amino acid profiles for specific health needs.



A short-term trial <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27346343/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indicated</a> that low-protein diets can reduce weight and improve metabolic markers even without cutting overall calories. Such findings hint that translating the rodent results to human benefits is not far-fetched.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-prospects-for-isoleucine-and-healthy-aging">Future prospects for isoleucine and healthy aging</h2>



Many see this approach as a clue about the intricate links between diet and aging. These rodent models give reason to think that certain dietary tweaks could support longevity in people too.



The investigators emphasize that fine-tuning is key. They plan to keep studying how these food-based strategies could be adapted into safe recommendations for adults. 



Any future guidance will need to balance nutrient needs, metabolic responses, and practical eating habits across different age groups and lifestyles. The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413121001662" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Metabolism</a>.



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Reducing isoleucine is the key to a 33% longer life

Middle-aged mice lived 33% longer when they cut back on...

Conspiracy theories often seem bizarre or extreme to some people, but they can take root in something very human - the desire to feel that our lives have meaning. This basic need for purpose drives many of our decisions - both good and bad. 



For some people, it can even lead down dangerous paths. In a new book titled The Quest for Significance, social psychologist Arie Kruglanski and journalist Dan Raviv have explored this idea in depth.



Their research is backed by extensive psychological studies and their own personal experiences, including childhood memories shaped by historical trauma. The book is the product of work conducted at the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-significance-matters">Why significance matters</h2>



“Experts on human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-regulates-both-learning-and-motivation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">motivation</a> contend that all people share the same set of basic needs, and everything people do, try to attain, or avoid is in the service of satisfying one or more of those basic needs,” explained the researchers.



“The need for significance and mattering is one such pre-eminent basic need that all people have.”



This need, they argue, often flies under the radar of conscious thought. Yet it plays a powerful role in shaping our emotions, behaviors, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conversations-with-ai-chatbots-can-reverse-reduce-conspiracy-theory-beliefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beliefs</a>. 



When people feel they’ve lost their sense of importance or dignity, they may seek it out in extreme places - sometimes believing false narratives that make them feel special or give them a sense of control.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-link-between-uncertainty-and-belief">The link between uncertainty and belief</h2>



Today’s world is filled with unpredictability. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/financial-losses-during-the-pandemic-took-a-toll-on-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Financial instability</a>, political unrest, war, and global health crises create an environment where people feel vulnerable. 



“But it is not the uncertainty alone that has been so troubling to so many,” the authors noted. “It is a loss of significance that the uncertainty connotes.”



When life feels unstable, people often imagine worst-case scenarios. They worry about losing their homes, their jobs, or their cultural identity. This fear creates a gap, and conspiracy theories step in to fill it - offering easy answers and a sense of direction.



“The loss of significance that people around the globe have been experiencing makes them vulnerable to a particular brand of narratives; ones that acknowledge their fears and anxieties and blame some agent or entity for nefarious plots and actions aimed at humiliating and diminishing them,” explained the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-appeal-of-conspiracy-theories">The appeal of conspiracy theories</h2>



The authors show how conspiracy theories gain traction by assigning blame and calling for action. They note that these stories often center on a common enemy, suggesting that violence or resistance is the only way to reclaim lost dignity.



“An important aspect of those narratives has been a call to arms against the party or parties allegedly responsible for these evil machinations. In recent years, there has been a proliferation of conspiracy theories identifying an assortment of culprits as the enemy that must be violently confronted and whose satanic plans must be aggressively thwarted.”



A well-known example is the theory promoted by David Icke, who claims that a race of interdimensional reptilians disguised as humans - including world leaders - are secretly trying to control the world.



“From a psychological perspective, the real question is what do these theories offer Icke’s audiences that motivates them to take the claims seriously? In fact, they offer quite a lot. First, to be privy to a truth so scandalous and shocking makes a person feel very special, one of a select few ‘in the know,'” the experts wrote. 



Conspiracy theories make people feel seen and valued. They can offer a sense of belonging and even hope. This makes them especially attractive to people who feel sidelined or powerless in society.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conspiracy-theories-fill-an-emotional-void">Conspiracy theories fill an emotional void</h2>



Research in psychology has long shown that motivations shape belief. When someone’s sense of importance is low, they’re more likely to believe stories that make them feel elevated or heroic.



“Disseminated by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-covid-conspiracy-theories-persist-on-social-media/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media</a> at lightning speed, conspiracy narratives purport to identify the alleged culprits responsible for proliferating misery,” explained the researchers.



“In our private lives, and on the world stage, the challenge is to find ways that can enhance our significance as a win-win project, rather than through a bitter, competitive zero-sum game.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-self-awareness">The power of self-awareness</h2>



The book doesn’t just outline the problem of people believing conspiracy theories. It also offers a way forward. The authors argue that self-awareness is key. 



Many people don’t fully understand what drives them. This lack of insight makes them more vulnerable to manipulation and harmful narratives.



“People are often blissfully unaware of why they do what they do, and what basic motives underlie their choices, decisions, and actions. Despite these misgivings, it may be better to face the truth about ourselves and navigate it, rather than bury our head in the proverbial sand."



Knowing your needs can lead to better decisions, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of purpose. It can also help protect against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brains-may-be-hardwired-to-believe-lies-and-conspiracy-theories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">false beliefs</a> that offer a quick - but misleading - sense of significance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-yourself-from-conspiracy-theories">Protecting yourself from conspiracy theories</h2>



Most people don’t realize what shapes even their everyday choices, let alone their core beliefs. The authors suggest paying attention to what affects you emotionally - things such as pride, envy, admiration, or shame.



“If you can somehow quantify how important significance is to you, how strongly you react to challenges to your dignity, how badly you feel when ‘put down’ by others, and what arouses your envy, empathy, or admiration, then you might identify guidelines for navigating your life more successfully,” the researchers wrote.



“This part of ‘knowing thyself’ may suggest to you which situations could be beneficial and which ones to avoid, which invitations to accept and which to turn down, which friends to choose or to eschew, and which goals to commit to or reject.”



Understanding what makes you tick is not just self-help advice. It’s a form of defense - against manipulation, against harmful ideologies, and against losing touch with what truly matters.



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Why some people believe conspiracy theories

Conspiracy theories often seem bizarre or extreme to some people,...

Astronomers have spent years investigating a puzzling object in our galaxy’s constellation Sagittarius. They uncovered signs of a mysterious presence that warps the light of background stars in a way only a powerful black hole could manage.



This object garnered attention once team members used data from the Hubble Space Telescope. It stood out because it appeared to travel on its own, without any nearby companion star to betray its position.



Dr. Kailash C. Sahu, an astronomer at the <a href="https://www.stsci.edu/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Telescope Science Institute</a>, worked with colleagues to confirm that this wandering anomaly is indeed a lone black hole.



He collaborated with researchers from several institutions, sifting through new data to settle earlier debates about whether the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-active-black-holes-discovered-where-it-was-believed-they-couldnt-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">object</a> might be a neutron star instead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bending-light-in-our-galaxy">Bending light in our galaxy</h2>



Astronomers first noticed strange activity in 2011, when the object magnified a remote star’s brightness and caused a temporary shift in the star’s apparent location. 



Experts describe that effect as <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2019/02/Detecting_exoplanets_with_microlensing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microlensing</a>. Scientists realized something massive but invisible had briefly crossed in front of that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-massive-early-universe-black-hole-stuns-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a>.



They gathered more details in 2021 and 2022, reinforcing the notion that the mass of this lensing body is about seven times that of our sun. The absence of any detectable star at the same spot ruled out a less extreme option.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-data-not-a-neutron-star">The data: Not a neutron star</h2>



Researchers initially considered the possibility of a neutron star. Its tight gravitational pull can also produce microlensing signals. Yet the object’s strong influence over the background star’s light pointed to an even heavier culprit.



They relied on observations from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Gaia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gaia mission</a> to pin down the motions of local stars. Those measurements showed how the unidentified lens sped past its environment in a way that matched theoretical expectations for an isolated black <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monster-in-the-shadows-giant-black-hole-emerges-from-cosmic-dust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hole</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-confirms-the-object-s-identity">Tracking confirms the object’s identity</h2>



Teams updated their findings by collecting new Hubble images over an 11-year time frame. That longer record revealed how the source star and background field moved in separate directions.



“The BH nature of the lens is conclusively verified,” said Sahu, lead author of the study. This declaration came after researchers completed precise measurements of how the black hole bent light in our galaxy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-it-is-alone">Why it is alone?</h2>



Most stellar-mass black holes known in our galaxy have a companion <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-turn-into-white-holes-and-blast-out-matter-and-time-runs-backwards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> that betrays their presence. That energy flow makes them easier to spot. This newly confirmed body lacks that cosmic partner, so its discovery is a rare success in the hunt for hidden black holes.



Scientists point out that the black hole’s distance is around 5,000 light years from Earth. That location places it within our <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/asset/hubble/milky-way-bulge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way’s Galactic bulge</a>, though no ordinary star has been spotted orbiting it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-black-hole-questions-about-origin">The black hole: Questions about origin</h2>



Experts suggest that a massive star collapsed long ago, leaving this black hole behind. A possible <a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2018AAS...23113203I/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natal kick</a> might have sent it on a path that diverged from the usual flow of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-found-hiding-in-a-pure-starburst-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> around it.



They see the black hole’s movement as a clue that these collapses can set off powerful blasts. Those events potentially jostle the resulting black hole, giving it a distinct velocity that stands out compared to local stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spotting-more-black-holes-in-the-galaxy">Spotting more black holes in the galaxy</h2>



Researchers anticipate more discoveries once the <a href="https://roman.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope</a> launches on May 1, 2027. Its instruments should detect additional microlensing events, including more lone black holes.



Teams plan to track how each candidate bends light. Detecting even a slight wiggle in a star’s position could reveal a new free-floating black hole. Such studies help astronomers learn about black hole birthrates across our galaxy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-on-hidden-objects">Insights on hidden objects</h2>



Enthusiasts note that isolated black holes may be common. Their detection remains tricky because they barely emit anything unless material flows into them. Until now, astronomers mostly confirmed black holes in binary systems or through X-ray outbursts.



They caution that each new find answers some questions while posing fresh ones about supernova physics. Improved telescopes will likely uncover more black holes on silent journeys through the Milky Way.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studies-confirm-the-black-hole">Studies confirm the black hole</h2>



Several papers support these conclusions. Investigators relied on analysis of microlensing curves and advanced space observatories to bolster each claim. They also tapped large telescopes on Earth for spectroscopic insights into the background stars.



Teams compare these results to earlier data and see consistent patterns that favor a black hole. A neutron star cannot match the measured mass and lensing signals.



This solitary black hole underscores how much remains hidden in our galaxy. Some astronomers believe that many more roam undetected, awaiting sharp-eyed instruments and careful analysis.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/adbe6e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



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Astronomers confirm lone black hole wandering through our galaxy

Astronomers have spent years investigating a puzzling object in our...

Extreme weather is no longer an occasional event. Drought-fed wildfires in Southern California, a deadly hurricane in the Appalachian Mountains, and devastating floods in New England demonstrate that climate disasters are growing costlier. 



As climate-related damages escalate, governments seek recovery and try to hold fossil fuel companies responsible. Yet legal efforts have stumbled over one issue: proof.



A study published in the journal Nature changes that. It presents a method to scientifically tie specific companies’ emissions to measurable climate damage. This approach could shift how courts handle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-wins-in-2025-came-from-unexpected-places/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> liability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-damage-linked-to-specific-companies">Climate damage linked to specific companies</h2>



"Will it ever be possible to sue anyone for damaging the climate?" That question was first raised 20 years ago. Now, researchers say the scientific case is closed.



Using a method called “end-to-end” attribution, scientists link companies’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-impacting-earths-rotation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> to specific harms. This approach merges emissions data, peer-reviewed climate models, and economic damage assessments.



"We argue that the scientific case for climate liability is closed, even if the future of these cases remains an open question," said Justin Mankin, the study's senior author from <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth College</a>.



"Just over 20 years later, we find the answer to be 'yes.' Our framework can provide robust emissions-based attributions of climate damages at the corporate scale."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimating-financial-harm">Estimating financial harm</h2>



The research draws on Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions data. Scope 1 includes direct emissions from a company’s operations. Scope 3 includes emissions from customers using their products.



By integrating this data with climate models, the study estimates the financial harm linked to each company. It compares today’s reality with an alternate world where those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2025-our-power-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> never occurred.



"Our findings demonstrate that it is in fact possible to compare the world as it is to a world absent individual emitters," said Christopher Callahan, the study’s first author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-companies-may-owe-trillions">Top companies may owe trillions </h2>



From 1991 to 2020, heat-related economic damage from just 111 fossil fuel companies reached $28 trillion. 



Of this, $9 trillion came from the five worst offenders. Chevron, the top investor-owned emitter, may be responsible for losses between $791 billion and $3.6 trillion.



The damages did not fall evenly. The experts pointed out that the tropical regions least culpable for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a> have been disproportionately impacted. These areas contribute the least to emissions but bear the heaviest burden.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legal-potential-of-end-to-end-attribution">Legal potential of end-to-end attribution</h2>



The framework is transparent, flexible, and reproducible. It creates a direct, evidence-based chain from polluter to harm. That clarity could transform litigation.



"We illustrate the trillions in economic losses attributable to the extreme heat caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealthier-nations-set-bold-climate-targets-but-citizens-give-less/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> from individual companies," noted the researchers.



"The affluence of the Western economy has been based on fossil fuels, but just as a pharmaceutical company would not be absolved from the negative effects of a drug by the benefits of that drug, fossil fuel companies should not be excused for the damage they've caused by the prosperity their products have generated," said Callahan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-climate-science-to-target-companies">Using climate science to target companies</h2>



Vermont’s 2024 Climate Superfund Act uses attribution science to assign disaster recovery costs to fossil fuel firms. Mankin contributed testimony, and early versions of this framework influenced the law.



Legal challenges have begun. Opponents argue the state cannot prove which companies caused which damages. But the Nature study directly addresses that gap.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-climate-damage-to-companies">Linking climate damage to companies</h2>



Previous climate models focused on general greenhouse gas levels. This study takes a sharper approach by directly simulating each company’s emissions. That allows researchers to trace the exact role each company played in warming.



"Our approach simulates emissions directly, allowing us to trace warming and its repercussions back to specific emitters," said Callahan.



The study highlights heat damage because it’s both measurable and widespread. Earlier work by Mankin and Callahan showed heat waves’ financial toll. Now, they use that foundation to tie losses to corporate behavior.



"Extreme heat is indelibly linked to climate change itself and the losses from it have been an instigator for legal claims," noted Mankin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accountability-for-climate-damages">Accountability for climate damages</h2>



This study documents what has already happened. "We also live in a world that has warmed considerably over the past 20 years," said Mankin.



"This analysis is not a predictive exercise where we ask what the future holds. Instead, it's a documentary effort where we show what has already happened and provide the reason why."



Science is no longer the obstacle. Climate attribution is now detailed enough to meet legal standards. For communities seeking justice, this could be the beginning of real accountability.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08751-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Fossil fuel companies linked to specific climate damages

Extreme weather is no longer an occasional event. Drought-fed wildfires...

Antarctica’s winter sea ice usually forms a bright lid over millions of square miles. So when a massive, black patch was spotted by NASA scientists for the first time, satellite operators were taken aback, to say the least.



Then roughly a year later, the situation got even stranger. The gap, called a polynya, swelled to the size of Switzerland and stayed open for weeks.



Only after it refroze did researchers start piecing together how such an enormous opening in the ice could appear hundreds of miles from the nearest shoreline - right above a submerged plateau named Maud Rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-polynyas-the-basics">Understanding polynyas - the basics</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-storage-mystery-emerges-in-the-southern-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Southern Ocean</a> is normally a layer cake. A thin cap of cold, relatively fresh water floats over saltier, warmer layers, and that slight density difference keeps the column from churning. 



A mid‑ocean polynya needs the cake to collapse. Salt must slip into the surface, make the top layer heavier, and flip the stack. 



Once that happens, convection kicks in, the lid fractures, heat pours skyward, and the ocean “breathes” gases.



Coastal versions manage something similar each year because fierce winds shove ice away from land. Out on the high seas, though, the phenomenon is much less common.



<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maud_Rise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maud Rise</a>, a 4,600‑foot‑tall seamount, may provide the missing ingredient by diverting currents and trapping water in tight spirals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stubborn-patch-over-maud-rise">Stubborn patch over Maud Rise</h2>



History backs that hunch. Between 1974 and 1976, a much larger hole lingered over Maud Rise each winter. 



The Maud Rise polynya was discovered in the 1970s, when remote‑sensing satellites capable of observing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-antarctic-sea-ice-loss-is-causing-severe-storms-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a> over the Southern Ocean were first launched. 



It persisted through consecutive winters from 1974 to 1976, and oceanographers at the time assumed it would become an annual occurrence. But since the 1970s, it has occurred only sporadically and for brief intervals.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/antarctica_sea-ice-hole_Maud-Rise-polynya_switzerland-size_blue-ice_credit-NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/antarctica_sea-ice-hole_Maud-Rise-polynya_switzerland-size_blue-ice_credit-NASA_1s.webp" alt="An arial view of the Maud Rise polynya. Scientists were baffled as to how this formed but now have an explanation. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory" class="wp-image-1966649" style="width:300px;height:auto"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An arial view of the Maud Rise polynya. Scientists were baffled as to how this formed but now have an explanation. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</figcaption></figure>



“2017 was the first time that we've had such a large and long‑lived polynya in the Weddell Sea since the 1970s,” said Aditya Narayanan of the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a>, lead author of the study in Science Advances. 



He joined colleagues to probe the comeback with robotic floats, tagged elephant seals, and a high‑resolution <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-sea-ice-what-record-lows-tell-us-about-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean model</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salt-storms-and-a-hidden-conveyor">Salt, storms, and a hidden conveyor</h2>



During those winters, the clockwise Weddell Gyre sped up. That spin drew a deep layer of warm, salty water nearer the surface, softening ice from below. Yet the meltwater should have freshened the lid and shut down mixing.



"This upwelling helps to explain how the sea ice might melt. But as sea ice melts this leads to a freshening of the surface water, which should in turn put a stop to the mixing," explained Fabien Roquet, a Professor in Physical Oceanography at the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a> and co-author of the research. 



"So, another process must be happening for the polynya to persist. There must be an additional input of salt from somewhere."



Roaring extratropical storms supplied part of that punch. Their swirling winds flung sea ice outward and dragged briny water toward Maud Rise. 



Atmospheric rivers - plumes of moist air stretching a thousand miles - added warmth from above, helping strip away stratification.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ekman-transport-as-the-missing-shove">"Ekman transport" as the missing shove</h2>



A final push came from physics first described a century ago. When wind blows across the ocean, Earth’s rotation deflects the surface flow roughly 90 degrees, a process called <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_currents/04currents4.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ekman transport</a>. 



The model showed this flow steering salt‑laden water onto the northern flank of Maud Rise, exactly where the 2017 hole opened. 



“Ekman transport was the essential missing ingredient that was necessary to increase the balance of salt and sustain the mixing of salt and heat towards the surface water,” said co‑author Alberto Naveira Garabato, also from the University of Southampton.



The storms didn’t just move ice; they herded the right water into the right spot, letting convection roar. By late September, the opening had vented more than twenty times the heat that normally seeps through unbroken ice before finally freezing again.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polynyas-have-a-global-impact">Polynyas have a global impact</h2>



A hole in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-ocean-absorbs-more-co2-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Ocean</a> sea ice may look local, yet its fingerprints show up far away. 



“The imprint of polynyas can remain in the water for multiple years after they've formed," noted Professor Sarah Gille from University of California San Diego (<a href="https://www.ucsd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSD</a>), another co-author of the research



"They can change how water moves around and how currents carry heat toward the continent. The dense waters that form here can spread across the global ocean.” 



Deep convection hauls carbon‑rich water upward, where it can release CO₂, and sends newly formed, oxygen‑rich brine sliding along the seafloor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



That heavy brine eventually feeds the global conveyor belt of currents that helps regulate climate. Because the Maud&nbsp;Rise mechanism hinges on a stronger gyre and stormier skies, its future frequency could ride on winds already shifting as the planet warms.



“For the first time since observations began in the 1970s, there's a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-low-antarctic-sea-ice-and-rapid-melting-pace-stuns-climate-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">negative trend in sea ice</a> in the Southern Ocean, which began around 2016. Before then, it had remained somewhat stable," Professor Gille concluded.



The same rise of warm, salty water that primed the 2017 hole now seems to be thinning ice across Antarctica’s fringe.



Scientists will watch the next few winters closely. Whether the polynya returns or not, its story shows that the frozen edge of the world can still spring surprises - and that what happens far south seldom stays there, for the wider planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adj0777" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Enormous hole the size of Switzerland appeared in the Antarctica sea ice, now we know why

Antarctica’s winter sea ice usually forms a bright lid over...

Long before humans roamed the Australian continent, the land teemed with giants. Towering reptiles, thunderous birds, and hulking marsupials defined a wild and ancient world of sprawling rainforest ecosystems. Among these formidable creatures was&nbsp;Protemnodon, a now-extinct genus of giant kangaroo.



Despite its size - some individuals tipped the scales at 170 kilograms (375 pounds) - it wasn’t a long-range wanderer.



Instead, Protemnodon lived a curiously local life. New research reveals that these megafaunal marsupials stayed close to home, navigating only a small stretch of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainforest</a> terrain. That fateful trait may have doomed them when the land began to dry. 



A study led by Christopher Laurikainen Gaete at the <a href="https://www.uow.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wollongong</a> uncovers how restricted mobility, climate change, and the loss of rainforest habitats converged to erase these kangaroos from the map.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-kangaroos-stayed-close-to-rainforests">Giant kangaroos stayed close to rainforests</h2>



In the animal kingdom, large herbivores tend to move over vast areas to meet their dietary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-species-act-faces-its-biggest-legal-shift-in-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">needs</a>. Scientists use this trend to predict how extinct animals might have behaved. 



Based on this logic, Protemnodon, with its substantial mass, should have had a home range exceeding 11 square kilometers. The research team, using a regression model anchored in data from living macropods, estimated a predicted home range of 11.6 ± 5.8 km² (4.5 ± 2.2 square miles).



But when they examined fossilized teeth from eight individual Protemnodon collected from the limestone caves of Mt Etna in central Queensland, they found something surprising. The chemical signatures etched into these ancient teeth told a different story. 



Strontium isotopes, which reflect the geology of the area where an animal foraged, revealed the kangaroos fed within a narrow band of territory. Their enamel contained isotopic ratios matching only the local limestone of the Mount Alma Formation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-teeth-prove-they-lived-locally">Fossil teeth prove they lived locally</h2>



The findings relied on a cutting-edge approach. The researchers conducted strontium isotope analysis using laser ablation mass spectrometry. This technique allowed them to trace where each individual likely lived and ate during enamel formation.



Surprisingly, the vast majority of samples matched strontium levels from the immediate area <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2025-what-were-really-fighting-for/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surrounding</a> the Mt Etna caves.



Only one individual showed signs of a slightly wider movement pattern. This tooth, labeled WIGL8550, held isotope signatures more consistent with nearby formations like Alton Downs Basalt, suggesting a movement of about 1.5 km (0.9 miles) to the east or south.



However, the researchers can’t confirm whether this movement occurred in life or after death. One theory suggests scavengers, such as Thylacoleo carnifex or Sarcophilus, may have dragged the body to the cave after the animal died elsewhere.



In most other specimens, the teeth recorded a remarkably stable pattern. These kangaroos didn’t roam widely. They seemed to live and die within the same small patch of forest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainforests-gave-kangaroos-food-and-shelter">Rainforests gave kangaroos food and shelter</h2>



The study explored three main reasons why Protemnodon might have avoided long-distance travel. The first was environmental. 



For over 200,000 years, the Mt Etna region maintained a stable rainforest ecosystem. This lush <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a> offered abundant food and shelter, meaning the kangaroos didn't need to search far for survival.



Second, the species’ feeding habits likely played a role. While modern kangaroos like Macropus are grazers, feeding on grasses across open landscapes, Protemnodon probably browsed. 



Its low-crowned teeth and long forelimbs suggest a diet of leaves, fruits, and soft vegetation, more easily found in dense forest environments. Browsers often have smaller foraging ranges compared to grazers of similar size, and this pattern seems to hold true here.



Third, locomotion appears to have been a limiting factor. Unlike their hopping cousins, Protemnodon may have moved on all fours. Its anatomy - including elongated forelimbs and robust humeri - points toward a quadrupedal gait.



This form of movement, although efficient in forests, restricts the speed and distance an animal can cover. Without the ability to hop long distances, these kangaroos were naturally more sedentary within rainforests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainforests-disappear-so-do-the-giants">Rainforests disappear, so do the giants</h2>



These limited movement patterns became a fatal flaw when the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-honors-success-in-clean-energy-and-wildlife-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> began to shift. Around 280,000 years ago, the once-stable rainforest began to decline. Increasing aridity transformed the landscape into dry woodlands. The thick vegetation Protemnodon relied upon began to vanish.



Because these kangaroos were so tightly tied to their habitat, they couldn’t adjust. They couldn’t migrate to find new rainforests. The kangaroos lacked both the physical capability and behavioral tendency to move long distances. In effect, they became stranded in an ecological trap. The resources they needed evaporated around them.



New dating methods, including thermally transferred optically stimulated luminescence (TT-OSL) and uranium-thorium dating, confirmed that these individuals lived between 280,000 and 330,000 years ago. Their extinction coincided with the local collapse of rainforest ecosystems. 



Over time, the rainforest fauna of Mt Etna gave way to animals adapted to dry, open conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-ideas-about-extinct-species">New ideas about extinct species</h2>



The implications of this research stretch beyond a single species, challenging the assumption that body size alone predicts home range in extinct animals.



Instead, the study suggests that environment, diet, and movement style must also be considered. The idea that Australia’s megafauna had flexible ranges similar to African elephants or North American bison may not apply across the board.



“Using data from modern kangaroos, we predicted these giant extinct kangaroos would have much larger home ranges. We were astounded to find that they didn’t move far at all, with ranges mirroring smaller modern kangaroo species,” said Laurikainen Gaete.



“These new isotopic techniques have blown our field wide open. Imagine ancient GPS trackers - we can use the fossils to track individuals and know where they moved, what they ate, who they lived with and how they died. It’s Palaeo Big Brother,” added Dr. Scott Hocknull.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fate-of-giant-kangaroos">The fate of giant kangaroos</h2>



The Protemnodon case reveals how extinction can creep up slowly. The kangaroos didn’t die out in a dramatic, singular event - the loss of rainforests sealed their fate. 



Rather, they were slowly cornered by environmental changes they couldn’t outrun. Their highly specialized biology, once perfectly suited to rainforest life, became a burden.



These findings offer a cautionary tale. Species adapted to narrow niches are often the first to go when habitats shrink. For scientists studying extinction, understanding those ancient patterns helps anticipate what modern species might face as climate shifts intensify.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0319712" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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Giant kangaroos died out when rainforests disappeared

Long before humans roamed the Australian continent, the land teemed...

Scent plays a vital role in how we experience the world. It shapes our memories, emotions, and choices. Fragrance companies spend years perfecting the right blend. But what if artificial intelligence (AI) could do it in minutes?



A team from the <a href="https://www.isct.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Science Tokyo</a> has developed an AI model that does just that. The system, named Odor Generative Diffusion (OGDiffusion), uses essential oil data and scent descriptors to create new, ready-to-blend fragrances.



The work signals a shift from traditional perfume artistry to data-guided <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scent-plays-a-powerful-role-in-choosing-friends/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aroma</a> creation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-overcomes-obstacles-in-scent-design">AI overcomes obstacles in scent design </h2>



In perfumery, food, and household products, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-recreated-julius-caesars-signature-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scent</a> influences our reactions. Traditionally, only experienced perfumers could design blends. The process involves many trial-and-error steps, often leading to inconsistent results.



OGDiffusion removes this bottleneck. It uses mass spectrometry data from essential oils as a chemical fingerprint. This allows the model to understand and recreate scents without needing chemical knowledge or manual testing.



The innovation lies in its learning method. The model starts with noisy data and learns to clean it up, mapping it to scent labels like "citrus" or "woody." It then builds a scent profile using essential oils and a mathematical method called non-negative least squares.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-training-ai-to-create-scents">Training AI to create scents</h2>



Commercial systems like IBM’s Philyra and Firmenich’s Scentmate assist <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-the-gene-that-gives-a-flower-its-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perfumers</a>. However, they depend on private datasets and still need human input. OGDiffusion is different. It uses open data, works without expert help, and creates blendable recipes using essential oils.



“Our diffusion network uses patterns in mass spectrometry data of essential oils to generate new fragrance profiles in a fully automated, streamlined, and data-driven approach while maintaining high-quality data output. By eliminating human intervention and molecular synthesis from the process, we provide a fast, general, and efficient method for fragrance generation,” explained Nakamoto.



Unlike other AI systems, this model was trained on data from 166 essential oils and 9 common odor descriptors. The training process involved adding controlled noise to the data, then teaching the network to reconstruct the original scent information.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-creates-scents-with-precision">AI creates scents with precision </h2>



Creating data-driven scents is one thing. Matching human expectations is another. The researchers performed several sensory tests with human volunteers to validate their work.



In one test, participants had to match AI-generated scents to their correct descriptors. In another, they had to tell apart blends with and without a specific scent label. Both tests showed high accuracy. Volunteers could reliably identify the correct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-mood-sharper-nose-optimistic-dogs-excel-in-scent-detection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scent</a> or pick the one that matched the descriptor.



A third test asked participants to rank AI-generated scents and real essential oils by strength of a single descriptor. The AI blends consistently ranked higher. This confirmed the system's precision in producing distinct and expected scent profiles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-efficient-and-scalable-method">An efficient and scalable method</h2>



“This approach represents a significant advancement in aroma design,” said Nakamoto.



“By automating the generation of mass spectra corresponding to desired odor profiles, the OGDiffusion network offers a more efficient and scalable method for fragrance creation. Moreover, even a novice can create an intended scent to make scented digital contents.”



The OGDiffusion model bridges chemistry and sensory science. It understands how changes in chemical composition affect what we smell. It can even generate multiple variations of the same scent by using different input noise, introducing creative diversity into the process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aroma-by-algorithm-what-s-next">Aroma by algorithm: What’s next</h2>



The researchers see potential far beyond the lab. OGDiffusion could revolutionize how fragrances are designed in perfumery, flavoring, cosmetics, and even virtual reality. 



Scented digital content is already a reality in experimental spaces. This AI system could make scent design scalable and accessible.



There are limits, though. The current model works with only nine odor descriptors. Adding more would require a larger training set and better data curation. Also, standardizing scent language across datasets remains a hurdle.



Still, the network can expand. It can potentially integrate natural language inputs using embedding tools like fastText. That would allow users to describe a scent in plain words - and get a fragrance back.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-can-now-customize-scents">AI can now customize scents </h2>



The model proves that scent creation can be automated, validated, and customized. By using mass spectrometry data as input and blending essential oils as output, OGDiffusion creates a closed loop of design and realization.



The vision is clear: computers not only see and hear - they can now "smell" in a meaningful way. And soon, you might design your own perfume with a few words and clicks. That’s more than a technical win - it’s a sensory revolution.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10943150" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IEEE Access</a>.



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AI can now create custom fragrances from scent labels

Scent plays a vital role in how we experience the...

Wine is more than a beverage in Italy. It’s a cultural emblem, a historical constant, and an agricultural marvel. From rustic vineyard rows in the hills of Tuscany to sophisticated wine cellars beneath Rome, the Italian wine and grapes story is celebrated.



But few realize that this tale took shape over millennia. The wine we sip today results from thousands of years of patient transformation.



A new study published in the journal PLOS One uncovers this complex history. Led by Mariano Ucchesu from the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=University+of+Montpellier&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Montpellier</a>, the research team analyzed 1,768 grape seeds from 25 archaeological sites across Italy and San Marino.



These seeds spanned from the Early Neolithic to the Medieval period, covering around 7,000 years. 



Using geometric morphometrics, the team compared ancient seeds to modern wild and cultivated grapes to track their evolution. What emerged was a slow, regionally varied shift from wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-grapes-every-day-can-transform-your-muscles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grape</a> gathering to systematic cultivation and winemaking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-italians-used-wild-grapes-for-wine">Early Italians used wild grapes for wine</h2>



The oldest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resveratrol-may-boost-female-fertility-naturally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grape</a> seeds, from the Early Neolithic and Early Bronze Age, show no signs of domestication. Most seeds resembled those of modern wild grapevines, suggesting early communities did not yet cultivate vines. 



Instead, people gathered berries from naturally growing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/death-of-the-dinosaurs-helped-grapes-conquer-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. These seeds, preserved in waterlogged conditions, remained intact and highly informative.



In these early phases, no domestic-type seed was identified. The study used advanced linear discriminant analysis, trained on a balanced modern reference set, to classify seeds with over 95% accuracy. 



Most pips from La Marmotta (Lazio) and Canàr di San Pietro in Polesine (Veneto) were wild. Even in the Middle Bronze Age, sites across Toscana, Marche, and Emilia Romagna showed only four domestic pips out of 142 examined - a number too small to indicate established cultivation.



This supports a picture of grape use as primarily foraged rather than grown. The absence of consistent domestic traits in northern and central Italy during this period points to a society still reliant on nature’s offerings rather than intentional farming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-point-in-grape-cultivation">Turning point in grape cultivation </h2>



One site, however, told a different story. Sa Osa in Sardinia revealed a turning point. 



By the end of the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1300–1100 BC), nearly half the seeds from this site were domestic in shape and size. This marks the first significant appearance of cultivated grapes in the western Mediterranean.



The domestic seeds from Sa Osa showed a distinct morphology. They were longer and more elongated, with features typical of modern cultivated grapes. 



Paleogenetic analysis revealed that some seeds shared chlorotypes with modern Armenian varieties. This suggests eastern Mediterranean grapevines reached Sardinia through trade or migration.



Several hypotheses exist to explain this. Local communities may have begun their own domestication process. Alternatively, they may have imported fully domesticated plants. 



Or perhaps there was a blend - cultivated grapes from the east mixed with Sardinian wild varieties, creating new hybrids. Evidence of wine residue in Bronze Age Sardinian pottery supports the idea that these grapes were used not just for eating, but for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wine-production-in-a-warming-world-the-winners-and-losers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fermentation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-exchange-and-early-viticulture">Cultural exchange and early viticulture</h2>



Sardinia’s role in early viticulture may have depended on its strategic location. The island maintained trade connections with the Mycenaeans and Minoans during the Bronze Age. 



These interactions likely carried not only goods but also agricultural knowledge. Techniques for pruning, vine training, and fermentation could have spread westward with sailors and merchants.



“The appearance of the first domesticated grapes during the Bronze Age, in Italian archaeological contexts, points to a long-standing tradition of Italian wine heritage within the broader landscape of Western Europe,” noted the researchers.



At Terramara Santa Rosa di Poviglio in Emilia Romagna, researchers found pollen matching female wild grapevines. This pollen came from flowers with inaperturate grains, a trait of uncultivated plants. 



Its presence suggests people may have been managing or cultivating wild grapevines nearby - an early, experimental form of agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expansion-of-grape-farming">Expansion of grape farming</h2>



By the 4th century BC, Italy’s grape story had evolved. At Etruscan sites in Emilia Romagna, most seeds were domestic. This shows that true viticulture had taken root. Grape cultivation wasn’t just experimental - it was widespread and sophisticated.



Evidence from Cetamura in Tuscany backs this up. Genetic testing showed links between Etruscan grape seeds and both wild and domestic varieties. Morphometric analysis also aligned these seeds with modern cultivated grapes. 



The Etruscans not only grew grapes but made and traded wine extensively. Their amphorae have been found across France, Spain, and North Africa.



This period marks a major shift in both grape farming and wine culture. Grapes were chosen for specific traits, possibly including flavor, productivity, and resistance. These communities were no longer passive gatherers of fruit. They were actively shaping grape biology and wine traditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-romans-blended-wild-and-domestic-vines">Romans blended wild and domestic vines</h2>



Viticulture flourished under Roman rule. Between the 1st and 6th centuries AD, archaeological sites show a clear dominance of domestic grape seeds. However, wild seeds did not disappear. In places like Domagnano and Cervia, a significant number of wild or intermediate seeds were found alongside cultivated ones.



This mix points to a deliberate practice. Roman farmers may have cultivated wild vines to create new varieties through introgression. This genetic blending could result in grapes with novel traits—perhaps better suited to different soils or climates.



Interestingly, during Roman times, the difference in shape and size between wild and domestic seeds narrowed. This supports the idea that even wild-looking seeds were cultivated, though not fully transformed. 



Wine was a booming industry, and farmers likely tried every possible way to enhance their yields and flavors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grapes-and-wine-became-fully-domesticated">Grapes and wine became fully domesticated</h2>



The Medieval period (8th–14th centuries AD) marked a high point in grape domestication. 



Seeds from this era were almost entirely domestic in both shape and size. Sites in Trentino-Alto Adige, Emilia Romagna, and Sardinia all showed this trend.



These seeds closely resembled modern cultivated grapes, suggesting that experimental phases had ended. Farmers had identified and preserved varieties that worked well. Wild vines were no longer widely used. Grape cultivation had become standardized and entrenched in Italian agriculture.



Seed morphology over time supports this. Domestic seeds grew longer and more elongated. Wild seeds, when cultivated, also grew larger than their wild-growing counterparts. But by the Medieval period, the distinction between wild and domestic seeds was wide again, showing that viticulture had settled into a clear direction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legacy-of-patience-and-innovation">A legacy of patience and innovation</h2>



“This research has made it possible, for the first time, to trace the history of the origins of viticulture in Italy,” the authors write. 



“The appearance of the first domesticated grapes during the Bronze Age, in Italian archaeological contexts, points to a long-standing tradition of Italian wine heritage within the broader landscape of Western Europe.”



Supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program and the ANR MICA project, the study shows how cultural exchange, experimentation, and adaptation shaped Italy’s wine landscape. It emphasizes that domestication is not a moment, but a slow evolution.



“This research was made possible thanks to funding received through the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Curie Fellowship (2021–2023 n. Agreement-101019563-VITALY) and supported by the ANR MICA project (grant agreement ANR-22-CE27-0026),” noted the study authors. 



”The successful outcome of the research is also due to the valuable collaboration of the archaeobotanical colleagues from CNRS-ISEM in Montpellier and all the Italian colleagues who generously provided the archaeobotanical materials, valuable advice and suggestions for this research.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-italian-grapes-evolved-to-wine">Italian grapes evolved to wine</h2>



The domestication of grapes in Italy was not a single event. It unfolded over thousands of years, shaped by geography, trade, and curiosity. From wild vines gathered by Neolithic foragers to the disciplined vineyards of Medieval monks, the grape’s journey mirrors Italy’s own transformation.



Today, each glass of Italian wine carries that deep past. With every sip, you taste the result of ancient selections, cross-regional exchanges, and countless seasons of change. The story of the Italian grape is, in essence, the story of civilization itself - patient, rooted, and ever evolving.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0321653" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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How grapes became wine in Italy over 7,000 years

Wine is more than a beverage in Italy. It’s a...

Many people go through upsetting events that leave them stuck with a lingering sense of panic, nightmares, or restlessness. These signs often point toward post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that can damage relationships, block progress at work, and disrupt sleep - though meditation may offer a path toward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-meditation-and-critical-thinking-matter-in-the-age-of-ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healing</a>.



After repeated evidence that certain mind-based practices can soothe distressed veterans, college students, and others, experts at <a href="https://www.miu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maharishi International University</a> have stepped forward to share their findings.



“I’ve served in war zones and seen how PTSD ravages lives long after the battle ends. This research shows transcendental meditation (TM) offers a safe, scalable, and profoundly effective solution - often with results in just a few weeks,” noted Dr. Brian Rees, a co-author of the study and former U.S. Army Medical Corps officer. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-the-danger-ends-ptsd-lingers">When the danger ends, PTSD lingers</h2>



Most health professionals recognize that PTSD <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26741477/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">starts</a> when people experience or see dangerous events, including assaults, accidents, or other shocks. The brain often stays in a fight-or-flight mode, which can make day-to-day life hard to bear.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-rewires-the-emotional-centers-of-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Therapeutic</a> methods commonly rely on talking about past traumas or reliving them under guided conditions. While these approaches can help some people, they may feel unsettling to others who prefer gentler methods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quick-relief-for-ptsd">Quick relief for PTSD</h2>



The new meta-analysis reviewed 15 separate investigations involving over 1,200 subjects. In each study, <a href="https://www.tm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transcendental meditation</a> led to a noticeable drop in PTSD symptoms faster than inactive comparisons or standard support programs.



“I have 13 years of experience teaching TM in an army hospital to over 300 active-duty soldiers with PTSD and traumatic brain injury issues,” said Dr. Vernon Barnes, an expert in the Georgia Prevention Institute at Augusta University.



”The experience of providers I have worked with is that patients who get TM after therapy recover faster and more completely than those who do not.”



Studies suggest that TM addresses deep-rooted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-slows-biological-aging-at-the-molecular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tension</a> without forcing someone to relive disturbing moments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speed-matters-in-recovery">Speed matters in recovery</h2>



In many of the reviewed studies, results showed up fast - sometimes within days or weeks.



South African college students, for example, experienced a 14-point drop in PTSD symptoms in just two weeks, a change large enough to be clinically significant.



Rapid progress matters because people suffering from PTSD often struggle with motivation, consistency, or even the hope that things can improve. Seeing early success can encourage them to stick with the practice long enough to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-deep-meditation-experiences-feel-timeless-no-past-no-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experience</a> more lasting relief.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healing-ptsd-without-reliving-trauma">Healing PTSD without reliving trauma</h2>



Transcendental meditation uses a simple technique of settling into quieter levels of thought for a short period, twice a day.



This can produce calm breathing, lower heart rate, and reduce emotional flare-ups. People of varying backgrounds and ages appear to benefit, whether they’ve witnessed combat, faced severe physical harm, or endured natural catastrophes.&nbsp;



“I saw people burst into tears of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-meditation-is-a-powerful-weapon-against-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relief</a> during their very first meditation. One man I taught was so traumatized from war - and then the earthquake - that he did not speak,” said Dr. David Orme-Johnson, professor of psychology at Maharishi International University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-impact-on-health">Broader impact on health</h2>



Long-term <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33334335/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a> can magnify the odds of heart complications, immune system problems, and emotional burnout. By easing tension and jumpiness, transcendental meditation may indirectly help other areas of well-being.



Along with professional counseling, TM adds another tool for those wishing to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27537781/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reduce dependence on medications</a> or talk-focused therapies. Some clinicians regard it as an additional support to standard treatments, especially when patients feel overwhelmed by repeated trauma recollections.



Research <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0081246314547124" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groups</a> note the need for longer studies that follow participants beyond just a few months. Scientists want to confirm that any relief holds steady over time and across different populations.



They also suggest scaling meditation alongside existing medical care. This may include more training in community centers, hospitals, and universities, where people can maintain regular sessions without financial hurdles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meditation-could-reshape-ptsd-care">Meditation could reshape PTSD care</h2>



These projects highlight a new option that doesn’t demand rehashing frightening experiences. They point to a technique that goes easy on the nervous system and often produces improvements in less than a month.



Experts believe that future research with bigger volunteer pools will confirm the potential of transcendental meditation as a widely accepted practice. They say that combining it with other counseling methods may make a difference for those whose PTSD has not responded to established approaches.



Transcendental meditation may also reduce the burden on overloaded mental health systems by offering a self-managed option that doesn’t require licensed clinicians for every session. That could make it easier for communities with limited access to therapy to still receive meaningful support.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/61/4/659" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medicina</a>.



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Meditation can rapidly reduce PTSD without revisiting trauma

Many people go through upsetting events that leave them stuck...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes a new map of Mars that is providing insight into the planet’s watery past. The map also reveals where future missions could safely land on Mars.&nbsp;



The map has been created over the last decade using observations of water-rich rocks and mineral deposits. The images were captured by ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.



"A big surprise is the prevalence of these minerals, with the map revealing hundreds of thousands of water-affected locations in the oldest parts of the planet," says ESA. "The new data will help answer exciting questions about Mars’ climate history, whether water was globally persistent or confined to short, intense episodes, and whether the conditions were ever suitable for life."



"Specifically, the map shows the locations and abundances of aqueous minerals. These are from rocks that have been chemically altered by the action of water in the past, and have typically been transformed into clays and salts."



According to John Carter of the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), our collective understanding of Mars has been oversimplified. He explained that planetary scientists have tended to think that only a few types of clay minerals on Mars were created during its wet period, then as the water gradually dried up, salts were produced across the planet.



The new map shows that the composition of Mars is much more complicated than what we thought. For example, while many salts formed after Martian clays, there are some salts that are presumed to be older than some of the clays.&nbsp;



“The evolution from lots of water to no water is not as clear cut as we thought, the water didn’t just stop overnight. We see a huge diversity of geological contexts, so that no one process or simple timeline can explain the evolution of the mineralogy of Mars. That’s the first result of our study. The second is that if you exclude life processes on Earth, Mars exhibits a diversity of mineralogy in geological settings just as Earth does,” said Carter.



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. 



The experts found that the muscle metabolism of cavefish has been genetically reprogrammed over time. As a result, the animals have experienced major changes in their morphology and behavior. Despite these changes, however, the cavefish remain healthy and fit.



The research may provide new clues about the evolutionary consequences of prolonged physical inactivity in humans.&nbsp;



“It’s no surprise that people are moving less and less as technology has advanced,” said Rohner. “With cavefish, we have a unique system where we can study what might happen if people remained couch potatoes over very, very long periods of time.”



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> some of the most incredible waves in the world, as seen by Landsat satellites.



"With more than 370,000 miles of coastline on Earth, there are plenty of places where epic waves build up, curl over, and hurtle toward the shore.- much to the thrill of surfers," says NASA. "There are some places where these waves are so magnificent that they can be seen from space."



"With the broad perspective of satellites, we can see how these iconic waves develop into the world’s tallest, longest, fastest, and heaviest."



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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