Plastic may not always float where we expect it. The ocean’s surface might look clean in some places, but far beneath the waves, a different story is unfolding. 



In the southeastern Mediterranean, the deep seafloor is turning into a massive storage ground for plastic packaging, especially bags. A new study shows how this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-retailers-are-replacing-plastic-bags-with-eco-friendly-paper-bags/">waste</a> ends up thousands of feet below the surface, and the answer isn’t as simple as trash just “sinking.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-in-the-deep-sea">Plastic in the deep sea</h2>



Plastic debris has entered every corner of the ocean, but previously, most of the research has concentrated on floating plastic or beach trash. That changed with this latest study, which took a closer look at what is occurring on the ocean floor. 



Scientists discovered that the Levant Basin - a deep section of the eastern <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/two-continents-meet-along-the-mediterranean-coastline/">Mediterranean</a> off the coasts of Israel, Egypt, and Turkey - is among the world's most contaminated deep-sea areas.



“We used trawls to survey the seafloor and we mainly found plastic bags and packaging that dominate the debris,” said Xing-Yu Li from the <a href="https://www.haifa.ac.il/?lang=en">University of Haifa</a>, the study’s lead author.



This raised a question: how does something so light - something meant to float - end up nearly a mile underwater?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-forensic-approach-to-trash">A forensic approach to trash</h2>



To answer that, the team decided to treat each plastic item like a crime scene. Every piece of debris was carefully examined using a method called multi-marker analysis. 



This approach looks at everything about the plastic - size, shape, color, material, surface features, and even what kinds of things are stuck to it, like tar or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-organisms-may-adapt-to-climate-change-but-with-hidden-costs/">marine organisms</a>.



“In the multi-marker approach anything that is found on a piece of plastic is an evidence,” said Xing-yu. “We extracted as many evidence as possible from every piece of waste, more than many previous studies, to build a fuller, more detailed view of the bottom waste.”



Instead of just counting how much trash was found, this method helped researchers understand how it got there, why it sank, and where it might have come from.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-some-plastic-doesn-t-sink">Why some plastic doesn’t sink</h2>



Most of the plastics found were <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/everyday-kitchen-tool-that-could-be-leaching-toxins-into-your-food-polypropylene-cutting-board/">polyethylene</a> - the same material used in grocery bags. Normally, this kind of plastic floats. But when additives like calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) are mixed in during manufacturing, the plastic becomes heavier. 



Those with CaCO₃ sank closer to the shore. Others, without these additives, drifted farther out before eventually settling on the seafloor.



The study also revealed that the deep basin at over 3,000 feet deep acts like a trap. Pressure and fine sediments help keep the plastic down. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biofilms-could-change-the-way-we-track-plastic-pollution/">Biofilms</a>, which are slimy layers formed by microbes, usually help weigh plastics down too, but they don’t grow well in this part of the sea. Instead, things like tar, sand, and tiny shells helped plastics stay put.



The scientists noted that these plastic films - while thin and lightweight - are ending up where they can do the most long-term damage. 



Even more troubling, the team found that some of this plastic could become buoyant again if disturbed, but because of how the deep sea works, that rarely happens. Once the plastic settles, it stays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-the-trash-is-coming-from">Where the trash is coming from</h2>



The plastic pollution isn’t only from local beaches. According to the research, land-based sources from Egypt, Israel, and Turkey are a big part of the problem. 



Shipping also plays a role, especially in deeper waters. Surprisingly, fishing was not a major contributor - possibly due to strict Israeli regulations.



For years, scientists noticed high levels of plastic at the seafloor, but they didn’t fully understand why. 



“For years in our monitoring reports we have reported a high concentration of plastic debris in this area. It was an unsolved mystery as we know that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-floor-harbors-up-to-11-million-tons-of-plastic-debris/">plastic debris</a> should remain floating on the sea surface. Now we have a deep understanding of how it happens,” said Dr. Yael Segal from Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR). 



“The Eastern Mediterranean is the most polluted area in the world, and we must take action for the sake of the next generation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-risks-to-marine-life">Long-term risks to marine life</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grapevines-could-offer-a-breakthrough-alternative-to-plastic-packaging/">Plastic packaging</a> is cheap, easy to produce, and used globally - but it doesn’t go away. It breaks into smaller pieces and can remain in the environment for hundreds of years. 



Deep-sea habitats are already fragile, and adding plastic into the mix could disrupt food webs, introduce toxins, and harm species that haven’t even been fully studied yet.



“As the head of the national monitoring program, I see firsthand how plastic pollution is impacting the entire sea environment: beaches, water, sea bottom, and even local turtle populations,” said Dr. Segal.



Professor Revital Bookman said that the discovery is fascinating in the worst possible way. 



"The eastern Mediterranean is quietly turning into a deep-sea landfill. Plastics that we use for only a few minutes are ending up trapped for centuries, threatening deep marine ecosystems we barely understand," noted Professor Bookman. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-needs-to-happen-next">What needs to happen next</h2>



According to the researchers, this study changes how we should think about ocean pollution. Plastic doesn’t just float around until it hits a beach. It travels far, interacts with other pollutants like tar, and ends up in hidden places. 



“This previously overlooked dynamic necessitates a broader perspective on pollution processes in marine environments,” said Professor Bookman. 



“Without systematic deep-sea accounting, we risk underestimating the true environmental footprint of plastic pollution and misallocating mitigation efforts by neglecting offshore and deep-sea sinks.”



To deal with this, the experts call for coordinated efforts across the region. Countries that share the sea need to work together on monitoring, cleanup, and prevention. 



Without a shared strategy, plastics will continue piling up, silently choking one of the planet’s most mysterious ecosystems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X25009671?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Pollution Bulletin</a>.



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Hidden plastic graveyard uncovered in the deep Mediterranean Sea

Plastic may not always float where we expect it. The ocean’s surface might look clean in some places, but far beneath the waves, a different story is unfolding. In the southeastern Mediterranean, the deep seafloor is turning into a massive storage ground for plastic packaging, especially bags. A new study shows how this waste ends up thousands of feet below the surface, and the answer isn’t as simple as trash just “sinking.” Plastic in the deep sea Plastic debris has entered every corner of the ocean, but...

From a distance, the Arctic paints a picture of tranquility and serenity. A closer look at the massive icy region around the North Pole reveals a sobering reality. Climate change and rapid urbanization cast a shadow over this frequently overlooked part of our planet.



In this playground of polar bears and reindeer, the chills of the Arctic starkly contrast the heat of growing human activity.



The average temperature in these freezing plains shot up 3 degrees Celsius since 1979. This increase was nearly quadruple the global average.



With such climate shifts, the once inaccessible lands of the Arctic are witnessing an upsurge in industrial and urban development. It's important to understand the human impact on the region because of its delicate ecosystems and sustainable growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-industrialization-unveiled">Arctic industrialization unveiled</h2>



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uzh.ch/de.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a> with colleagues from NASA and the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin-Madison</a>, studied the intensity and spread of industrialization across the Arctic with data derived from satellite imagery of artificial light between 1992 and 2013.



“More than 800,000 km2 were affected by light pollution, corresponding to 5.1% of the 16.4 million km2 analyzed, with an annual increase of 4.8%,” said Gabriela Schaepman-Strub, who led the international team.



From the European Arctic to the oil and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/britain-approves-controversial-oil-and-gas-field-in-the-north-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas fields</a> of Alaska, USA, and Russia, signs of civilization stand stark against the pitch-dark landscapes. 



The findings revealed that only about 15% of the lit areas host human settlements with the rest attributable to industrial activities. This artificial twilight, responsible for significant light pollution, spreads yearly in scope and intensity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-of-industry-and-light-pollution">Effects of industry and light pollution </h2>



The data lays a strong foundation for future research into the effects of industrial development on Arctic ecosystems.



“In the vulnerable permafrost landscape and tundra ecosystem, even just repeated trampling by humans, and certainly tracks left by tundra vehicles, can have long-term environmental effects that extend well beyond the illuminated area detected by satellites,” said Cengiz Akandil, a doctoral student on Schaepman-Strub’s team.



The Arctic's biodiversity is under unprecedented threat due to the impacts of artificial light and industrial activities. 



For example, artificial light impairs Arctic reindeer's ability to adapt their eyes to the deep blue hues of winter twilight, a key adaptation to locate food sources and avoid predators.



Light pollution also affects leaf coloration and bud break, which are crucial for Arctic species with a limited growth season.



Meanwhile, rapid urbanization from oil, gas, and mining industries fuels the expansion of invasive species and environmental pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-industrialization-and-arctic-preservation">Balancing industrialization and Arctic preservation</h2>



With climate change forcing local communities to swiftly adapt and industrial development adding to the pressures on the region, the projected impacts of human activity on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dramatic-regime-shift-observed-in-arctic-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic ecosystems</a> could outpace or amplify the effects of climate change in the coming decades.



Assuming the industrial development growth rate from 1940–1990 is sustained, approximately 50–80% of the Arctic may reach critical levels of human interference by 2050.



Schaepman-Strub emphasized the importance of detailed analysis of spatial variability and hotspots of industrial development to support monitoring and planning efforts in the Arctic.



This information could help indigenous people, governments, and stakeholders align decisions with the <a href="https://sdwg.org/what-we-do/projects/sustainable-development-goals-in-the-arctic-the-nexus-between-water-energy-and-food-wef/">Sustainable Development Goals in the Arctic</a>. The ultimate goal is a harmonious existence that includes both human and environmental flourishing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-ecosystems-under-strain">Arctic ecosystems under strain</h2>



The rapid industrialization of the Arctic is not without its environmental consequences. The region's delicate ecosystems feel the strain as human activity encroaches upon its natural landscapes.



Increased infrastructure development for oil, gas, and mining operations disrupted the permafrost, a critical component of the Arctic environment. Thawing permafrost releases trapped greenhouse gases like methane, further accelerating the cycle of climate change.



Wildlife in the Arctic faces unprecedented challenges. Species such as polar bears, Arctic foxes, and migratory birds experience <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a> due to expanding industrial activities.



The combination of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-visibility-is-deteriorating-due-to-light-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a> and noise from machinery also affects the behavior of species that depend on the Arctic's natural rhythms for survival.



With projections of continued industrial growth, researchers warn the region may experience more profound ecosystem shifts.



The Arctic's biodiversity is vulnerable to human-induced changes. It's crucial to prioritize the balance between development and environmental preservation for both local and global health.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2322269121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Arctic industrialization: How will it impact delicate ecosystems?

From a distance, the Arctic paints a picture of tranquility...

Methane is a central player in the fight against climate change. While exploring sources of methane and the role of microbes as a potential solution, a team of researchers discovered something surprising.



The experts identified a miniature but potent contributor to the worsening global warming crisis — and it’s not our industrial activities.



In a world-first, the study has revealed that microbes in the environment play a significant role in the ongoing surge of global methane emissions. This unexpected discovery may help guide more effective mitigation strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-emissions-from-microbes">Methane emissions from microbes</h2>



Sylvia Michel is a senior research assistant at the&nbsp;Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research(INSTAAR) and a doctoral student in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CU Boulder</a>.



"Understanding where the methane is coming from helps us guide effective mitigation strategies. We need to know more about those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-methane-emissions-threaten-earths-habitability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> to understand what kind of climate future to expect," said Michel.



Methane takes the spotlight in these findings for good reason. It's a potent greenhouse gas that is responsible for a third of the planet’s post-industrialization warming.



Despite a lower atmospheric presence than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period, methane has 30 times the heat-trapping power. This makes it a formidable foe in the climate change battle.



“Methane concentrations in the air have almost tripled since the 1700s," noted study co-author Professor Jianghanyang (Ben) Li.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-methane-emissions">Reducing methane emissions</h2>



Interestingly, this harmful methane gas degrades within a decade, unlike CO2, which lingers in the atmosphere for millennia. 



Addressing methane emissions provides immediate and potent effects in slowing down global warming, making it a "low-hanging fruit,".as Li put it.



While research suggests microbes surpassed fossil fuels in methane emissions, it doesn't diminish the importance of reducing fossil fuel consumption for climate change mitigation.



The team further recommends cutting down on food waste and consuming less red meat as effective measures in reducing individual methane footprints.



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



Historically, scientists identified <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuel</a> production as responsible for 30% of global methane emissions. Microbial sources including wetlands, cattle, and landfills contribute to over half of these emissions.



Archaea, a soil-dwelling microorganism and resident of cow intestines, produces methane as a byproduct of organic matter decomposition.



The research team collaborated with Boulder’s Global Monitoring Laboratory at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.



By analyzing air samples from around the world, the team identified <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=Methane%20source&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane sources</a> by examining the sample's carbon atoms and isotopes. The lab has conducted methanol isotope measurements since 1998.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-contribution-to-methane-emissions">Microbes' contribution to methane emissions</h2>



The team used computer simulations to model different emissions scenarios. They found that between 2020 and 2022, microbial sources drove a staggering increase in atmospheric methane.



While microbes contributed significantly to methane emissions since 2007, their contribution skyrocketed to over 90% in 2020.



“Some prior studies have suggested that human activities, especially fossil fuels, were the primary source of methane growth in recent years," said Xin (Lindsay) Lan, a scientist at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences. 



"These studies failed to look at the isotope profile of methane, which could lead to a different conclusion and an incomplete picture of global methane emissions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-true-origins-of-methane-emissions">True origins of methane emissions</h2>



It remains to be seen whether increased methane emissions from microbes originated primarily from natural sources like wetlands or from human-driven activities such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landfills-emit-exorbitant-amount-methane-into-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landfills</a>, livestock farming, and agriculture.



Pinpointing the exact origins of the emissions is crucial for developing tailored strategies to combat methane release.



The research team will use advanced tools and methodologies to identify the precise source of this methane. This will provide clearer insights into how human activity and natural processes contribute to the global methane surge.



“In a warming world, it wouldn't be surprising if any of these sources emitted more methane," said Michel. 



"Consequently, more methane could stay in the atmosphere to accelerate global warming.&nbsp;So we need to address the climate crisis, and that really means addressing CO2 emissions."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2411212121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Microbes have emerged as major source of methane emissions

Methane is a central player in the fight against climate...

Are global forest fires becoming more frequent and more intense? According to a new study, the answer is a resounding yes. 



The research reveals that carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from forest fires have risen by 60% worldwide since 2001.



In some northern boreal forests, which are acutely sensitive to climate variances, CO2 emissions have almost tripled during this time frame.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surge-in-forest-fire-emissions">Surge in forest fire emissions</h2>



The research explores the concept of "pyromes," a term used to denote regions witnessing similar forest fire patterns due to comparable environmental, human, and climatic influences.



The aim was to identify the key elements fueling the surge in forest fire activities of late.



One startling discovery was that emissions from fires in one of the largest pyromes, stretching across <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-is-the-leading-cause-of-wildfires-in-boreal-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boreal forests</a> in Eurasia and North America, saw a 50% hike from 2001 to 2023.



This increase was not exclusive to this region, and was also present across extratropical forests globally - contributing to the CO2 output by half a billion tons per year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-climate-change-influences-forest-fires">How climate change influences forest fires</h2>



The study links escalating emissions to a surge in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-caused-the-devastating-2020-fire-season-in-california/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fire-prone</a> weather, such as heatwaves and droughts, and an uptick in forest growth leading to an abundance of combustible vegetation. 



Both of these circumstances are amplified by the swift warming in the high northern latitudes - a trend that’s occurring twice as fast as the global average.



This research, led by Dr Matthew Jones at the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a> (UEA), highlights not just the growing scale of forest wildfires over the past two decades but also their intensifying severity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgency-for-net-zero-emissions">Urgency for net zero emissions</h2>



The international team included scientists from the UK, the Netherlands, the US, Brazil, and Spain. The experts caution that unless the primary culprits of climate change like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-carbon-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuel emissions</a> are addressed, forest fires will continue to proliferate.



"Surging forest fires globally, both in extent and severity, have led to a dramatic rise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-fires-have-released-a-billion-tons-of-carbon-dioxide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a>. We’re seeing startling shifts in global fire geography, largely explained by escalating climate change impacts in the world’s boreal forests," said Dr. Jones. 



"To protect these critical ecosystems from escalating wildfire threats, we must keep global warming at bay, emphasizing the urgency to move towards net-zero emissions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-carbon-storage-and-wildfires">Global carbon storage and wildfires</h2>



Forests play a significant role in global carbon storage, reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> rates by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere.



This makes forests instrumental in achieving international climate targets. Schemes like reforestation and afforestation are aimed at negating human-induced CO2 emissions in sectors that are difficult to decarbonize.



But the effectiveness of these initiatives hinges on permanent carbon storage in forests - a prospect that is increasingly threatened by wildfires.



Extratropical fires are now emitting half a billion tons more CO2 than they were two decades ago. The potential long-term effects are dependent on the capacity of our forests to recover.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-impact-of-rising-wildfire-severity">Hidden impact of rising wildfire severity</h2>



Increased emissions from forest fires stand in stark contrast with the reduced burning witnessed in the world’s tropical savannahs during the same period.



Forest fires burn with more severity and release larger amounts of harmful smoke into the atmosphere compared to savannah grassland fires, posing significant threats to people living nearby and even distant communities affected by declining air quality caused by smoke.



“Our work shows that fires are increasingly happening where we don’t want them to - in forests, where they present the greatest threat to people and to vital carbon stores," noted Dr. Jones, debunking the prevailing narrative that overall falling annual area burned globally means a declining wildfire impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-and-mitigating-wildfires">Managing and mitigating wildfires</h2>



Machine learning was key to understanding shifting global fire geography. This technology grouped the world’s forest ecoregions into 12 distinct pyromes, making it easier to isolate the effects of climate change from other influencers like land use.



The research provides a fresh perspective on effective strategies for mitigating wildfires and protecting forests. 



“We need substantial financing to support strategic programs for forest management, stakeholder involvement and public education," said Dr. Jones. "The focus should be on a proactive approach, like managing fuel loads at places of highest potential fire risk during favorable fire weather.”



The study received support from the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), European Commission Horizon 2020 programme, and the European Space Agency.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.ado6828" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Global CO2 emissions from forest fires have surged by 60 percent

Are global forest fires becoming more frequent and more intense?...

A recent study has revealed that plants worldwide are absorbing significantly more carbon dioxide (CO2) than scientists had estimated before.&nbsp;



The research shows that terrestrial plants absorb about 31% more CO2 than earlier calculations suggested.&nbsp;



These findings are expected to enhance Earth system models used to predict climate changes and emphasize the crucial role of natural carbon sequestration in reducing greenhouse gas levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimates-of-plant-co2-uptake">Estimates of plant CO2 uptake</h2>



The amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> that plants remove from the atmosphere through photosynthesis is referred to as Terrestrial Gross Primary Production, or GPP. 



This process represents the largest transfer of carbon between land and the atmosphere and is typically measured in petagrams of carbon per year (one petagram equals one billion metric tons).&nbsp;



Previously, scientists estimated that GPP was around 120 petagrams per year, a figure established 40 years ago.&nbsp;



However, the new study, led by researchers at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> with support from the Department of Energy (DOE)’s <a href="https://www.ornl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oak Ridge National Laboratory</a> (ORNL), has revised this estimate to 157 petagrams per year. This represents a major shift in our understanding of global carbon uptake by plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-photosynthesis-on-a-large-scale">Measuring photosynthesis on a large scale</h2>



The research team developed an innovative model that uses carbonyl sulfide (OCS) as a proxy to estimate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revealing-the-secrets-of-photosynthesis-through-pep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> on a large scale. OCS follows a similar path as CO2 through plant leaves, moving into chloroplasts - the sites where photosynthesis takes place. 



Unlike CO2, OCS is easier to track and measure, making it a suitable indicator of photosynthesis. The team showed that OCS is particularly effective for estimating photosynthesis over extensive areas and long periods, making it a reliable proxy for determining global GPP.



Researchers utilized plant data from multiple sources, including the <a href="https://leafweb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeafWeb</a> database established by ORNL, which gathers data on photosynthetic traits from researchers worldwide. 



Instead of relying solely on satellite data - which can be less accurate due to interference from clouds, especially in tropical regions - the team validated their findings using high-resolution data from environmental monitoring towers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-models-with-new-insights">Improving models with new insights</h2>



A critical factor in updating the GPP estimate was a better understanding of mesophyll diffusion, the process by which OCS and CO2 move from the air through plant leaves into chloroplasts.&nbsp;



This process determines how efficiently plants conduct photosynthesis and how they might respond to changing environmental conditions.&nbsp;



Lianhong Gu, a co-author of the study and a photosynthesis expert at ORNL, played a key role in developing the mesophyll conductance model, which tracks the diffusion of OCS in leaves and its relationship to photosynthesis.



“Figuring out how much CO2 plants fix each year is a conundrum that scientists have been working on for a while,” Gu said.&nbsp;



“The original estimate of 120 petagrams per year was established in the 1980s, and it stuck as we tried to figure out a new approach. It’s important that we get a good handle on global GPP since that initial land carbon uptake affects the rest of our representations of Earth’s carbon cycle.”



The study’s improved understanding of mesophyll diffusion enables more accurate modeling of photosynthesis at a global scale, providing a clearer picture of how plants contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sequestration</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-rainforests-in-carbon-sequestration">Role of rainforests in carbon sequestration</h2>



The study revealed that pan-tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-is-approaching-widespread-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainforests</a> played a significant role in the updated estimates, showing that these forests absorb far more carbon than previous estimates had indicated. 



This finding was corroborated by ground-based measurements, suggesting that rainforests serve as a more crucial natural carbon sink than previously thought when relying on satellite data alone. This discovery underscores the importance of rainforests in global carbon management and climate regulation.



“Nailing down our estimates of GPP with reliable global-scale observations is a critical step in improving our predictions of future CO2 in the atmosphere, and the consequences for global climate,” said Peter Thornton, lead for the Earth Systems Science Section at ORNL.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-accurate-climate-predictions">Making accurate climate predictions</h2>



Understanding how much carbon can be stored in land ecosystems, especially in forests with their dense biomass, is vital for making accurate predictions about future climate change.&nbsp;



By refining estimates of global GPP, this research will help reduce uncertainties in climate models, particularly those that forecast the response of tropical forests to changing climate conditions.&nbsp;



These insights are especially valuable for initiatives like the DOE’s <a href="https://ess.science.energy.gov/ngee-tropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Next Generation Ecosystem Experiments in the Tropics</a>, which aim to improve predictions about how tropical forests will respond to climate change.



“We have to make sure the fundamental processes in the carbon cycle are properly represented in our larger-scale models,” Gu explained.&nbsp;



“For those Earth-scale simulations to work well, they need to represent the best understanding of the processes at work. This work represents a major step forward in terms of providing a definitive number.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-impact-of-rising-co2-levels-nbsp">Climate impact of rising CO2 levels&nbsp;</h2>



The study's results emphasize the importance of including detailed processes like mesophyll conductance in models of photosynthesis, offering a more accurate understanding of how terrestrial ecosystems sequester carbon.&nbsp;



With this refined knowledge, scientists can better predict the impact of rising CO2 levels on global climates and improve strategies for mitigating the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> through natural carbon sinks like forests.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08050-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Plants absorb 31% more CO2 than previously estimated

A recent study has revealed that plants worldwide are absorbing...

Recent global surveys reveal a surprising disconnect - most people, including those from regions hardest-hit by climate change, don't understand the term "climate justice."



These findings bear critical implications for communication and advocacy efforts in the fight against global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-climate-justice">Understanding climate justice</h2>



The international study was led by researchers in the School of Psychology at the <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nottingham</a>.



"Climate justice is increasingly prominent in climate change communication and advocacy but little is known about public understanding of the concept or how widely it resonates with different groups," wrote the researchers. 



The study engaged 5,627 adults across 11 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands, Nigeria, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 



The research marked a departure from previous studies, extending its reach beyond Europe and North America.



The study revealed that while people might fail to link their understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate crisis</a> to climate justice, they recognize the social, economic, and historical injustices forming the crisis's fabric.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beliefs-aligned-with-climate-justice">Beliefs aligned with climate justice </h2>



The researchers found that two-thirds of the respondents were not familiar with the term "climate justice." Despite this, the majority expressed support for beliefs aligned with climate justice.



These beliefs include the understanding that: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-threatens-the-health-of-billions-of-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change has more severe impacts on the poor</a> (78% agreement); those hit hardest should have a say in climate change decisions (78%); and capitalism and colonialism are elements underpinning the crisis (70%).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-climate-change">Impacts of climate change</h2>



Climate justice recognizes that climate change impacts are uneven across society, affecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disaster-subculture-helps-people-cope-on-the-frontline-of-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marginalised groups</a> most adversely. These are the groups often overlooked or underrepresented in selecting and implementing societal responses to climate change.



Furthermore, climate change-related policy-making processes often fail to acknowledge the politically voiceless communities' legitimate interests, leading to their further disenfranchisement. 



"Indigenous peoples, women, low-income earners, racialized minorities and other marginalized groups face the greatest risks from climate change," wrote the study authors. "Ill-considered climate policies can worsen the disproportionate burden on such groups."



This climate justice perspective allows for a critical examination of the intersections between the climate crisis and deep-seated social injustices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endorsement-of-climate-justice-principles">Endorsement of climate justice principles </h2>



The research was led by Dr. Charles Ogunbode, a professor of applied psychology at the University of Nottingham.



"Taking account of climate justice as we respond to a changing climate is key to orientating our societies towards solutions that are fair and equitable. It is ironic that research tends to be limited to what people in more affluent regions believe about climate change and climate justice," said Dr. Ogunbode.



"Citizens of frontline i.e. climate-vulnerable countries, are largely confined to being the subjects of climate discourse, as opposed to active participants. The unbalanced discourse matches the inequalities that characterize&nbsp;climate change&nbsp;itself."



"By revealing the wide endorsement of climate justice principles around the world, we hope that climate advocates will leverage our research to further pressurize policymakers and leaders to enact just responses to the climate crisis."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inequities-in-climate-action">Inequities in climate action</h2>



The absence of a clear understanding of the term "climate justice" has profound implications for global climate action.



When people do not recognize the link between social inequities and climate change, they may struggle to support policies or actions designed to address these intersections. 



Experts warn that this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-disinformation-is-a-persistent-scourge-in-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gap in understanding</a> could hinder the progress of much-needed climate solutions that prioritize the most vulnerable communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deeper-understanding-of-climate-justice">A deeper understanding of climate justice</h2>



Moreover, the failure to integrate the concept of climate justice into mainstream climate discussions risks perpetuating the very injustices that climate change exacerbates. 



Without widespread comprehension, efforts to craft equitable responses to climate challenges may overlook the needs of those most affected. 



This highlights the importance of not only educating the public on the scientific facts of climate change but also on the socio-economic dimensions that drive its unequal impact.



By raising awareness and promoting a deeper understanding of climate justice, advocates hope to inspire more inclusive and fair <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-decades-of-climate-policy-what-works-and-what-doesnt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate policies</a> that reflect the voices and needs of marginalized communities across the globe.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-024-02168-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Most people don't know what 'climate justice' is, but support it anyway

Recent global surveys reveal a surprising disconnect - most people,...

Air pollution, the invisible enemy, is not just a threat to our lungs but also holds detrimental implications for our brain.



Fine particulate matter or PM2.5, a complex medley of microscopic particles and droplets suspended in the air, has been the culprit behind lung tissue damage and inflammation for years. 



However, recent developments have turned our attention toward another potential victim of this insidious enemy - our cognitive health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollutions-impact-on-brain">Air pollutions impact on brain</h2>



In a recent study, researchers from the Universities of <a href="https://www.uni-rostock.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rostock</a>, Bonn, and <a href="https://www.uni.lu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luxembourg</a> have shed light on an alarming correlation.



The experts suggest systemic inflammation, spurred by an upsurge in monocytes (a type of white blood cells), could be a significant conduit for the effects of PM2.5 exposure on cognitive impairment.



This study, published in the journal Alzheimer's &amp; Dementia, could indeed change the way we perceive air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-a-surge-in-hospital-emergency-visits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exposing-the-invisible-health-risks">Exposing the invisible health risks</h2>



PM2.5, impossibly small airborne particles, can effortlessly infiltrate our lungs and potentially our bloodstream, thereby posing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-is-fueling-more-intense-and-dangerous-thunderstorms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant health risks</a>. 



Perpetual exposure to poor air quality has been connected to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, prompting air pollution to be recorded as a modifiable risk factor in the Lancet Commission's <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01296-0/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent report</a> on dementia prevention, intervention, and care.



However, the complex mechanisms explaining how PM2.5 affects cognitive function remain elusive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poor-air-quality-and-cognitive-decline">Poor air quality and cognitive decline</h2>



Contrary to the majority of studies focusing on cognitive decline in older people, emerging evidence indicates that even younger adults could be affected by chronic low-level exposure to PM2.5. 



This broader demographic exploration could potentially unravel how early and mid-life exposure may impact long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive outcomes</a>. Intrigued by this, the researchers examined data from more than 66,000 participants in the Dutch Lifelines cohort.



The experts integrated adult participants' blood profiles and cognitive testing results spanning a decade (2006-2015) with air pollution data at their homes. This analysis led to fresh insights regarding the unexplored mechanisms linking PM2.5 exposure and brain health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-air-pollution-impact-brain">How does air pollution impact brain?</h2>



The researchers discovered that PM2.5 exposure correlates with a decline in cognitive processing time (CPT) - how swiftly our brains can react.



Intriguingly, an upswing in white blood cell counts, especially monocytes - the linchpin in our body’s immunity responses - mediated a significant part of this effect.



“Systemic inflammation may act as a key intermediary, linking PM2.5&nbsp;exposure to impaired cognitive function,” explained Dr. Benjamin Aretz, research scientist at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ukbonn.de/patient_innen/international/english/information-for-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Hospital Bonn</a>&nbsp;and first author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-missing-link">Unraveling the missing link</h2>



While PM2.5 can directly infiltrate the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier, sparking local inflammation, this research emphasizes a wider, systemic inflammation occurring from exposure. 



“We hypothesise that the number of white blood cells rise in response to pollutants,” said Professor Gabriele Doblhammer, group leader at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dzne.de/en/research/research-areas/population-health-sciences/forschungsgruppen/doblhammer/research-areasfocus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DZNE in Rostock</a>.



“Inflammation was already shown to play an important role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, the inflammation we see in response to air polution may disrupt immune functions in the brain, thereby indirectly impairing cognitive health.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevention-is-the-best-cure">Prevention is the best cure</h2>



As we approach an era marked by aging populations and rapid urbanization, understanding and addressing the role of air pollution in brain diseases is becoming important. 



“Given the strong correlation between air pollution and cognitive deficits, further studies are essential to pinpoint which pollutants and cellular mechanisms mediate this effect,” said&nbsp;Professor Michael Heneka, director of the&nbsp;Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.uni.lu/lcsb-en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LCSB</a>) at the University of Luxembourg and senior author of the study.&nbsp;



In the end, the invisible enemy is not invincible. By unveiling the mysteries of PM2.5, we can equip ourselves with the knowledge to combat the ecological threats that loom over our cognitive health.



We find ourselves at the fascinating confluence of science, health, and environment, and it is our collective responsibility to champion the cause of cleaner air for better cognitive futures. 



So, the next time you think about air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-air-quality-trends-revealed-in-new-images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>, remember it is not just impacting our lungs, but also our brain.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.14320" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer s &amp; Dementia</a>.



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Air pollution exposure slows down the brain's processing speed

Air pollution, the invisible enemy, is not just a threat...

Are diamonds our best hope to save the planet from overheating? It seems unrealistic, right? Yet, a cross-disciplinary team composed of climatologists, meteorologists, and Earth scientists suggest that this may be the case. 



The researchers have explored the potential for using diamond dust, ejected from an airplane into the atmosphere, as a potential solution to reverse global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-to-cooling-the-planet">Key to cooling the planet</h2>



For years, scientists have warned that our planet is nearing or possibly even past a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scorching-summer-of-2024-could-make-it-the-hottest-year-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic tipping point</a> - a point of no return. They caution that our warming planet has disrupted and continues to influence global weather patterns, a situation that could worsen as temperatures continue to rise.



Experts agree that something drastic needs to be done, and quickly. Simply curbing greenhouse gas emissions or removing carbon from the atmosphere, while critically important, might not be enough. 



We are forced to consider more radical solutions to not just slow the warming, but to actively cool the Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-injecting-aerosols-into-the-atmosphere">Injecting aerosols into the atmosphere</h2>



The scientific community seems to favor one particular strategy for this active cooling approach: injecting aerosols into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-expected-to-exceed-the-1-5c-warming-limit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">excess heat</a> back into space.&nbsp;



The current frontrunner for this job has been sulfur dioxide, largely due its natural occurrence in our atmosphere from volcanic eruptions.&nbsp;



We understand to a degree how sulfur dioxide behaves in our atmosphere, but there's a downside - it could instigate worldwide acid rain, damage the ozone layer, and likely cause unpredictable weather changes in the lower atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diamond-dust-a-shimmering-solution">Diamond dust: A shimmering solution</h2>



Considering the potential risks of sulfur dioxide, the researchers pondered: What if there's a better aerosol choice? 



To satisfy this curiosity, the experts created a 3D climate model to assess the impacts of adding different types of aerosols to our atmosphere. The study was conducted in the <a href="https://iac.ethz.ch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science</a> at ETH Zurich.



The researchers evaluated how these particles would interact with light and heat, their longevity in the air, their potential to group together, and how they would eventually fall back to Earth.



Seven potential candidates, including calcite, diamond, aluminum, silicon carbide, anatase, rutile, and sulfur dioxide, were put to the test. This large-scale experiment revealed a surprising winner: diamond dust.



The team concluded that diamond dust particles would reflect the most light and heat, remain aloft for suitable lengths of time, and are less likely to clump together to retain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a>. 



An important bonus is that they are chemically inert, reducing the potential to create acid rain - a significant problem with sulfur dioxide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cost-of-diamond-dust">Cost of diamond dust</h2>



The idea of reflecting sunlight with diamond dust seems almost whimsically futuristic. Don’t put your sunglasses on just yet.&nbsp;



The team's model recommends injecting about 5 million tons of synthetic diamond dust into the atmosphere each year to cool the Earth by approximately 1.6°C in 45 years. This may sound manageable until we talk about the price tag - an estimated $200 trillion. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technological-and-logistical-challenges">Technological and logistical challenges</h2>



Despite its promise, implementing the diamond dust approach presents significant technological and logistical challenges. 



The process of creating and synthesizing diamond dust on such a massive scale requires advancements in current manufacturing technologies and infrastructure. 



Furthermore, the operational aspect of deploying 5 million tons of diamond dust annually involves developing specialized aircraft or spacecraft capable of dispersing these particles at the requisite altitude on a global scale. 



It's a complex endeavor that demands international cooperation, extensive research and development, and a robust framework for governance to oversee and manage potential geopolitical tensions that could arise from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unilateral climate interventions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-best-climate-solution">Finding the best climate solution</h2>



While diamond dust may not be the immediate answer to our warming crisis due to its exorbitant cost, this highlights the wide-ranging and creative solutions scientists are currently exploring. 



As we inch closer to the precipice of irreversible climate change, every option should be on the table.



Now, the question to ponder is how much are we willing to pay to preserve the only planet we call home? What's the price tag on Earth's survival?



Ultimately, it's not just about finding the most effective solution, but the most sustainable one. Until then, the search goes on. Because, after all, diamonds may be forever, but so are the consequences of our choices.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL110575" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Sprinkle diamond dust across Earth to cool the temperature? Don't laugh, it's possible

Are diamonds our best hope to save the planet from...

Reef fish are vital in maintaining the resilience of coral reefs. A new study from the University of Oxford sheds light on the essential role of reef fish and the factors affecting their abundance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-connectivity-and-fish-abundance">Ocean connectivity and fish abundance</h2>



The Oxford team has discovered that oceanographic connectivity is a significant determinant of fish abundance across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO).



Oceanographic connectivity is the invisible thread that weaves the movement and exchange of water between different parts of the ocean.



According to the researchers, the distribution and abundance of herbivorous reef fish groups, in particular, are strongly impacted by this ocean connectivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbivorous-reef-fish-are-strongly-impacted">Herbivorous reef fish are strongly impacted</h2>



"It was striking that herbivorous fish - which are critical to reef resilience - were particularly strongly impacted by ocean connectivity," said Laura Warmuth, from the Department of Biology, <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.



"Efficient conservation area prioritisation should include connectivity for decision making regarding marine protected area management across country borders." 



Warmuth noted that this is particularly relevant in the human-pressured WIO region, where annual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-coral-bleaching-event-is-now-underway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching</a> is predicted on most coral reefs by mid-century, even under optimistic climate change scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-ocean-temperatures">Rising ocean temperatures </h2>



Ocean connectivity is not the only factor that influences reef fish distribution and abundance. The research also emphasizes the impact of fluctuating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-substantially-changing-the-seasons-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface temperature</a> and levels of chlorophyll.



The protection of reefs in the Western Indian Ocean is of particular importance given the heavy dependence of rapidly growing local communities on these reefs amidst the looming threat of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reef-fish-diversity-and-resilience">Reef fish diversity and resilience</h2>



In this intricate ecological tapestry, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-use-edna-to-measure-reef-fish-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish diversity</a> is key in sustaining the resilience of reefs. Different fish species, owing to their varied feeding patterns, provide vital services to reefs. 



For instance, some fish species feed on algae that are in competition with corals, therefore maintaining a balance in the ecosystem.



The research team formulated a metric of proportional oceanographic connectivity to simplify complex oceanographic models. With this, they could integrate this element into ecological models. 



Interestingly, the experts found that medium connectivity levels were often associated with higher fish abundances, not the high levels.



High connectivity may aid larvae dispersal but can also result in unintended consequences - stronger wave exposure or increased dispersal of pollutants or invasive species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities-and-environmental-factors">Human activities and environmental factors</h2>



“It is really imperative that decision-makers responsible for marine planning understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-circumpolar-current-speed-increasing-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean patterns</a> and environmental factors affect reef fish across the food chain," said study co-author Professor Mike Bonsall.



"Our work emphasizes how crucial this link is between ocean currents and fish ecology for understanding the broader impact of environmental change and fishing regulations on sensitive coral reef fish systems.”



Going forward, the researchers will look more closely at the impacts of human activities, as well as how human population density and market distance impact reef fish abundance and biomass in the WIO.



The experts also aim to investigate how environmental and oceanographic factors are predicted to alter under different climate change scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reef-fish-and-coastal-communities">Reef fish and coastal communities</h2>



Reef fish not only play a crucial ecological role in maintaining the balance of coral reefs, but they are also a vital resource for coastal communities.



In many regions across the Western Indian Ocean, the local economy is deeply intertwined with fishing industries, which depend heavily on healthy fish populations.



However, as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-destroyed-14-percent-of-the-worlds-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and human activities such as overfishing continue to threaten reef ecosystems, the decline in fish populations could have devastating economic and social consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effective-conservation-strategies">Effective conservation strategies </h2>



By understanding the complex relationship between oceanographic connectivity, fish abundance, and environmental factors, researchers can guide more effective conservation strategies that protect both reef ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.



This highlights the urgent need for international collaboration in marine management, ensuring that local fisheries and marine protected areas are designed with connectivity in mind. 



Only by safeguarding reef fish populations can we hope to preserve the ecological and economic resilience of coastal regions for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/advance-article/doi/10.1093/icesjms/fsae125/7821003" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICES Journal of Marine Science.</a>



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Reef fish populations are boosted by ocean connectivity

Reef fish are vital in maintaining the resilience of coral...

In our daily lives, we have a trusty companion that we often take for granted - water. Have you ever really thought about where it comes from or what unseen chemicals might be lurking within?



A recent study suggests that it's time we take a closer look at our trusty life-source.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-chemicals-in-water">Unseen chemicals in water</h2>



Researchers have unveiled the presence of some unwelcome guests in our tap and bottled water.



These chemicals, known as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are quite the stubborn type, refusing to break down in nature, opting instead to hang around causing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangerous-pfas-forever-chemicals-found-in-the-amazon-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential harm</a>. This issue is not limited to a single location - it is a global concern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research">Focus of the research </h2>



"The present study performed a comprehensive analysis on a group of high-concern PFAS in drinking water with samples taken from bottled water produced in 15 countries around the world, as well as tap water samples collected in two major cities," noted the researchers.



Tap and bottled waters from the UK to China were found to contain ten targeted PFAS, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).



If that's not disconcerting enough, almost all of the bottled water samples from 15 countries had detectable levels of these resilient chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-levels-in-water">PFAS levels in water</h2>



As the team investigated further, they unearthed some regional differences. Tap water from Shenzhen, China had markedly higher levels of PFAS compared to that from Birmingham, UK.



However, it's crucial to understand that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-trace-forever-chemicals-back-to-their-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> are not confined to a specific region; they are used globally in various industries and consumer goods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boiling-and-filtering-simple-solutions">Boiling and filtering: Simple solutions</h2>



Now, before you consider swearing off water altogether - there is also some good news.



The study revealed that basic practices, such as boiling water and using activated carbon filters (like your standard water filter jug), can significantly reduce PFAS concentrations. 



The decrease ranges from half to nearly all, depending on the specific PFAS and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-filtration-system-removes-forever-chemicals-from-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment method</a> used.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-chemicals-in-water">Unveiling chemicals in water</h2>



This intriguing research was conducted by scientists from Southern University of Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.sustech.edu.cn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SUSTech</a>), <a href="https://en.hainanu.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hainan University</a>, and the University of Birmingham.



"Our findings highlight the widespread presence of PFAS in drinking water and the effectiveness of simple treatment methods to reduce their levels. Either using a simple water filtration jug or boiling the water removes a substantial proportion of these substances," said study co-author Professor Stuart Harrad.



"While current PFAS levels in most water samples are not a major health concern, ongoing monitoring and regulation are crucial to protect&nbsp;public health. We provide valuable data on the presence of PFAS in drinking water alongside practical solutions to mitigate consumer exposure via drinking water."



According to Professor Harrad, this is a significant step towards ensuring safer drinking water for communities worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-chemicals-in-water">Journey of chemicals in water</h2>



PFAS have had a long and rather notorious history. They have become inescapable - used in everything from non-stick pans to waterproof clothing, firefighting foams, and even food packaging.



The trouble is, once they are released into the environment, PFAS are not only persistent but also travel long distances and accumulate in soil and water bodies. Virtually everyone is exposed to some level of these "forever chemicals."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-public-health">Protecting public health </h2>



The need to phase out these hazardous substances, in order to protect public health, is more urgent than ever before.



There is no denying that steps are being taken to mitigate this global issue. Several countries are beginning to curb PFAS contamination with legislative measures and investment in alternative technologies.



There is also ongoing research aimed at finding more effective and affordable methods to remove PFAS from the environment and our bodies.



Water, as simple and basic as it may seem, has a story to tell – one that is entangled with chemical substances unknown to many. 



The discovery of PFAS in our water supply is a startling revelation, but it's not without a solution. The simple acts of boiling our water and using carbon filters can provide us with water that's safer to consume.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsestwater.4c00533" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS ES&amp;T Water</a>.



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Forever chemicals found in tap and bottled water worldwide

In our daily lives, we have a trusty companion that...

An incredible adventure under the volcanic ridges off South America has led to an amazing discovery. A variety of creatures, from tiny worms and snails to giant tubeworms and even more surprising life forms, are thriving in the dark waters of hydrothermal vents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-beneath-hydrothermal-vents">Life beneath hydrothermal vents</h2>



Hydrothermal vents, the source of these hot springs, have long been the subject of research and study. 



These underwater chimneys of heat and energy are hubs of activity, attracting a wide variety of fauna that thrives in their immediate vicinity.



It was largely thought that the only life forms that could survive beneath these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-hydrothermal-vents-provide-clues-about-the-origin-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vents</a> would be microbes and viruses. 



However, our understanding of these habitats took an about-turn when a curious underwater robot, in the summer of last year, disturbed volcanic slabs to reveal a surprisingly diverse ecosystem beneath.



“This was totally unexpected,” said study co-author Sabine Gollner with the <a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-ecosystem">Unseen ecosystem</h2>



Researchers propose that young creatures from the surface could be utilizing these vents for travel, eventually settling in the depths, creating a dynamic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/five-new-hydrothermal-vents-discovered-in-the-pacific-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interconnected ecosystem</a>. 



Future exploration will hopefully shed more light on whether similar colonies of animal life exist beneath other hydrothermal vents across the globe.



“This is an initial discovery that’s really promising,” said Jason Sylvan, a microbiologist at <a href="https://www.tamu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M University</a> who was not involved with the research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-clusters-around-hydrothermal-vents">Life clusters around hydrothermal vents</h2>



The expedition lasted 30 days and took place on the research vessel "Falkor (too)" from the Schmidt Ocean Institute. 



The team set out on an incredible adventure to explore an undersea volcano that’s part of the East Pacific Rise, just off the coast of Central America.



This volcanic ridge, a product of the meeting of tectonic plates on the Pacific seabed, is peppered with hydrothermal vents. 



A variety of unique sea life clusters around these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/knipovich-ridge-new-hydrothermal-field-arctic-intense-geological-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vents</a>, known to spew out elements essential for their survival at such extreme depths.



Many of these areas beneath the vents, however, have remained largely unexplored until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-under-rocks">Life under rocks</h2>



Using a remotely operated vehicle, SuBastian, the researchers were able to flip over portions of the seafloor, revealing caves connected to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-giant-riftia-tubeworms-survive-on-deep-sea-hydrothermal-vents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrothermal vents</a>. 



These caves were teeming with life, including giant tube worms and other fascinating creatures. 



The discovery suggests a strong connection and interaction between the ecosystems of the seafloor and its underworld, allowing for the possibility of life thriving in unexpected places beneath the ocean floor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underworld-of-the-seafloor">"Underworld" of the seafloor</h2>



Hydrothermal vents have been an area of interest for scientists for the past 50 years, with unique ecosystems developing around these heat sources.



It has been observed that shifting tectonic plates give rise to new hydrothermal vents over time, and certain foundational seafloor animals like tube worms have been known to colonize these new vents within a few years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-earth-s-lifeforms">New perspective on Earth's lifeforms</h2>



This discovery provides a new perspective on deep-sea hydrothermal vents and their endemic animal life. 



It suggests a symbiotic relationship between the vent animals above and below the surface, reliant on the vent fluid from beneath and oxygen in the seawater from above.



The discovery of life in this previously unknown sub-habitat suggests that the ocean depths and its floor may host many more organisms than documented earlier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-hydrothermal-life-studies">Next steps in hydrothermal life studies</h2>



Going forward, the team is keen on investigating the possibility of life beneath all deep-sea hydrothermal vents and exploring the extent of these underground caves.



However, extreme care must be taken when studying these delicate ecosystems. The researchers are conscious of minimizing disturbance, with the recent study only involving the lifting of six small squares of the seafloor, each measuring about 20 by 20 inches. 



There is concern that any major disruption, such as large-scale drilling or deep-sea mining, could potentially alter the course of the hydrothermal vents and disrupt the connected ecosystems, posing a threat to the life forms dwelling there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-life-under-hydrothermal-vents-is-important">Why life under hydrothermal vents is important</h2>



Hydrothermal vent ecosystems are fascinating and hold important lessons for both marine biology and the search for life beyond Earth. 



These vibrant communities thrive in extreme conditions that seem unwelcoming, pushing us to rethink what we know about where life can survive. 



One of the coolest aspects is how these habitats rely on chemosynthesis instead of photosynthesis, using chemical energy from minerals released by the vents. 



This unique survival strategy not only captivates marine ecologists but also sparks our imagination about the possibility of life on other planets, where sunlight might be hard to come by, but chemical energy could be plentiful.



This research not only sheds light on the mysterious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ringwoodite-mineral-confirms-vast-ocean-exists-400-miles-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underworld of the ocean</a> but also highlights the importance of attentive and responsible exploration. It is a testimony to the fact that there is still much to be learned about our planet, often in the places we least expect.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52631-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Strange creatures found living under the seafloor near hydrothermal vents

An incredible adventure under the volcanic ridges off South America...

It's no secret that our planet is feeling the heat, quite literally. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and melting polar ice caps all point to one undeniable reality. We, the residents of Earth, must accept responsibility for the ongoing climate crisis. 



Human activities, especially greenhouse gas emissions, are key contributors to this crisis. Even with the adoption of climate-friendly solutions like electric vehicles (EVs), our carbon footprint remains a major challenge we must address.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-the-auto-industry">The role of the auto industry</h2>



The automobile industry, notorious for being a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is putting its best foot forward to reduce this footprint. 



A noticeable shift is being made towards EVs, a cleaner alternative to their gas-guzzling counterparts. These high-tech vehicles, unlike traditional cars, release no tailpipe emissions while being operated. 



But are electric vehicles the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-vehicles-could-save-billions-in-health-care-costs-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silver bullet solution</a> to the crisis our planet is facing?



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



A recent report presents some bold claims and equally surprising findings regarding the owners of electric vehicles.



This report, written by three experts from the <a href="https://www.utu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Turku</a> in Finland, dives deep into the environmental impact of owning an electric vehicle. 



The team, including psychologists Nils Sandman and Elisa Sahari and economist Aki Koponen, have brought to light an intriguing question: does owning an EV necessarily equate to a reduced carbon footprint?



The findings point to a curious answer. The average electric vehicle owner, who tends to be wealthier than the average person, still leaves behind a sizeable carbon footprint.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-footprint-of-electric-vehicle-owners">Carbon footprint of electric vehicle owners </h2>



The Finnish team analyzed data from the CLIMATE NUDGE survey conducted across Finland in 2022. The survey took into account lifestyle choices of several thousands of adults, and the researchers sifted through responses from 3 857 of these participants.



The findings could not be more clear. Owners of electric vehicles are generally wealthier and more educated. They also, as it turns out, drive more every year.



So, how is it that despite switching to EVs, these wealthier individuals still contribute significantly to carbon emissions? 



Well, the answer isn't as direct as one might think. Wealthier individuals tend to consume more electricity, largely produced at carbon-spewing coal-fired plants. In addition, the production of expensive goods is also linked to greenhouse gas emissions.



And let's not forget their penchant for driving and traveling more, which nullifies the benefits of driving an electric vehicle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-carbon-emissions">Reducing carbon emissions</h2>



The findings of this study make us rethink our approach towards climate change. It's not simply about switching from a gas-guzzler to an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-electric-car-battery-charges-in-just-4-5-minutes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EV</a>. 



The battle against climate change calls for a holistic lifestyle change, taking into account the many ways our daily life impacts the environment.



The conclusion is quite straightforward - EVs, while a step in the right direction, are not the magic solution for reducing carbon footprints.



The findings highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-innovation">The role of innovation</h2>



Technological advancements are acting as the wind beneath the wings of the drive for sustainability. Beyond EVs, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-car-batteries-may-soon-be-made-of-rock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">innovations in renewable energy</a> sources such as solar and wind power play a crucial role.



These sources offer an alternative to fossil fuel-driven electricity and help decrease the carbon intensity of our energy consumption. 



And that's not all. Major strides in battery storage and grid management are allowing us to harness these resources more efficiently. We can, thus, balance economic growth and environmental conservation, inching towards a more sustainable equilibrium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shift-toward-electric-vehicles">Shift toward electric vehicles </h2>



However, technology alone is not the solution. Government policies and frameworks are equally important in steering societal transitions towards sustainability. Policies can promote cleaner industries and incentivize green practices.



Think of carbon pricing - it not only holds the emitters accountable but also encourages innovation in low-carbon technologies like EVs. 



Initiatives that support public transportation, energy-efficient infrastructure, sustainable urban planning - they all can all help to reduce emissions.



But for these policies to be successful, public awareness and participation are crucial. Building a collective consciousness about sustainability is, therefore, imperative to ensure that these policy interventions have a lasting impact



Remember, every <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-costs-electric-vehicle-tires-emit-20-more-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy-saving decision</a> we make contributes to a greener, more sustainable planet. The shift towards electric vehicles is indeed a significant part of this journey. But, as highlighted by the Finnish study, we must remember to look at the larger picture.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000346" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Climate</a>.



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Why electric vehicle owners have high carbon footprints

It's no secret that our planet is feeling the heat,...

Everyone loves trees. If you don't, you should! Trees are nature's stalwart allies -- providing shade, natural beauty, and most importantly, working tirelessly to purify our air. 



However, recent findings prompt us to ponder if some trees might, in their unique way, contribute to air pollution. Could that oak tree you so admire in your yard be a part of the problem?



Tom Sharkey, an esteemed scientists at <a href="https://msu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State University</a>, has been studying this interesting possibility. Recently, Sharkey posed a thought-provoking question: "Should we cut down all the oak trees?" 



Don't worry, he's not serious about chopping them down. Instead, he's highlighting a complex issue uncovered by his latest research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isoprene-oak-trees-and-climate-change">Isoprene, oak trees, and climate change</h2>



At the center of this discussion is a compound called isoprene. Many people haven't heard of it, but it's important in both plant biology and environmental science. 



Isoprene is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-diversity-takes-a-hard-hit-near-offshore-platforms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrocarbon</a> that trees like oaks and poplars release, especially during photosynthesis. It helps plants deal with stress like high temperatures and insect attacks, acting like a natural defense.



"Working with Tom, you realize plants really do emit a lot of isoprene," says Mohammad Mostofa, an assistant professor in Sharkey's lab. But this emission has a downside. 



While isoprene makes plants more resilient, it can also react with pollutants like nitrogen oxides -- from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">car exhausts</a> and industrial activities -- to form <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decline-in-ozone-depleting-chemicals-is-an-encouraging-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ground-level ozone</a> and fine particulate matter. These pollutants can lead to health problems like respiratory issues. 



The Environmental Protection Agency (<a href="https://www.epa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPA</a>) notes that exposure to ground-level ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, and throat irritation, and can worsen conditions like bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-and-isoprene-production">Rising temperatures and isoprene production</h2>



Sharkey and his team published their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. They wanted to understand how rising temperatures and increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide levels</a> affect how much isoprene plants produce. 



"We were looking for a regulation point in isoprene's biosynthesis pathway under high carbon dioxide," explains Abira Sahu, the lead author and a postdoctoral research associate in Sharkey's group. "Scientists have been trying to find this for a long time, and finally, we have the answer."



Their experiments with poplar plants showed that while higher carbon dioxide levels can reduce isoprene production, increased temperatures have a stronger effect in boosting it. 



"By the time you're at 95 degrees Fahrenheit -- 35 degrees Celsius -- there's basically no CO₂ suppression. Isoprene is pouring out like crazy," Sharkey explained.



In fact, when a leaf experienced a temperature rise of 10 degrees Celsius, its isoprene emission increased more than tenfold. 



This suggests that as the planet warms, plants could emit significantly more isoprene, potentially making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-and-bushes-near-highways-improve-air-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> problems worse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isoprene-as-an-environmental-dilemma">Isoprene as an environmental dilemma</h2>



This discovery presents a tricky situation. On one hand, isoprene helps plants survive environmental stresses, which is important as climate change brings more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-predicts-global-warmings-impact-on-extreme-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a>. 



On the other hand, increased isoprene emissions can worsen air pollution, posing health risks to people and animals.



"Do we want plants to make more isoprene so they're more resilient, or do we want them making less so it's not making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-profoundly-impairs-childrens-cognitive-abilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> worse? What's the right balance?" Sharkey asks. 



These are tough questions without easy answers. The relationship between plant emissions and air quality is more complicated than we thought, and it requires careful consideration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-solutions">Searching for solutions</h2>



One possible solution is to be more selective about the types of trees we plant, especially in cities. 



Michigan State University, with over 20,000 trees, could set an example by planting fewer isoprene-emitting species like oaks and poplars, and choosing trees that emit less isoprene, such as certain maples or pines.



"We could be doing a better job," says Mostofa. By carefully choosing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-struggling-to-breathe-store-co2-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a>, communities can help reduce isoprene emissions without losing the benefits that trees provide. 



This approach would involve cooperation between scientists, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-too-many-trees-could-spoil-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban planners</a>, and policymakers to make informed decisions.



But Sharkey has another idea. "My suggestion is that we should do a better job controlling nitrogen oxide pollution," he posits. 



By reducing emissions from vehicles, power plants, and industrial processes, we can lower the amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nitrous-oxide-emissions-have-increased-at-an-unprecedented-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen oxides</a> that react with isoprene. 



Tackling the problem from both sides -- reducing pollution sources and managing tree types -- could be more effective.



Public awareness and policy changes are key to addressing this issue. Educating communities about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">different tree species</a> impact air quality can lead to better choices in urban planning. 



Policymakers can also support efforts to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions and encourage research into plants that are both resilient and low in isoprene emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bigger-picture">The bigger picture</h2>



Isoprene emissions have global implications -- it's the second most emitted hydrocarbon on Earth, after methane emissions from human activities. 



While methane has been widely studied because of its impact on climate change, isoprene hasn't received as much attention. 



However, isoprene contributes to the formation of secondary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosol-formation-earths-lower-atmosphere-soas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic aerosols</a>, which affect cloud formation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate patterns</a>. These aerosols can influence the Earth's climate system in significant ways.



Understanding the role of isoprene in our atmosphere is essential as we develop strategies to fight climate change. 



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



Sharkey’s findings show the need for ongoing research. As climate change continues to alter natural processes, we must keep learning and adapting. 



"The more we understand, the more effectively we can answer these fundamental questions," Sharkey says. 



Future studies might explore ways to reduce isoprene emissions without harming plant resilience or find plant varieties that emit less isoprene but still thrive.



Combining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-sleap-creating-new-plants-that-help-fight-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant biology</a>, atmospheric science, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-plastics-treaty-tackles-the-pollution-problem-directly-at-the-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental policy</a> will be crucial in developing strategies to manage isoprene emissions and their impact on air quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-isoprene-and-our-warming-world">Trees, isoprene, and our warming world</h2>



To sum it all up, the relationship between trees, pollution, and climate change is complex. It's not about cutting down all the oaks or poplars, but about finding solutions that balance the benefits and drawbacks of isoprene emissions. 



With continued research, smart urban planning, and effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-composition-of-us-air-pollution-has-changed-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution control</a>, we can aim for a future where our forests stay healthy and our air is clean.



Tom Sharkey and his team at Michigan State University are leading the way in understanding these complex interactions. 



Sarathi Weraduwage, a former postdoctoral researcher in Sharkey's lab and now an assistant professor at Bishop's University in Quebec, also contributed to the research. 



Their work emphasizes the importance of looking deeper into how our environment works. By balancing the roles of trees as both helpers and potential polluters, we can develop strategies that support both nature and human health.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2309536120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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“Should we cut down all the oak trees?” Strange question, serious concept

Everyone loves trees. If you don't, you should! Trees are...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air">Invisible threat in urban air</h2>



City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-connections-emerge">Disturbing connections emerge</h2>



Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-matters">Timing matters</h2>



The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-vulnerability-patterns">Genetic vulnerability patterns</h2>



Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications">Public health implications</h2>



These findings, published in <a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.



As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.



"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-astrobiology">Implications for astrobiology</h2>



The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.



The research, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.



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Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-earth-became-a-frozen-wasteland">When Earth became a frozen wasteland</h2>



Imagine Earth as a giant snowball, frozen solid from the North Pole to the equator. This wasn't the plot of a science fiction movie – it was our planet's reality 700 million years ago during an extreme ice age that has puzzled scientists for decades.



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



Australian researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have finally cracked one of geology's greatest mysteries: what caused the Sturtian glaciation and why it persisted for an unprecedented 57 million years. This period occurred long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, when no complex plants or multicellular animals existed.



Dr. Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study's lead author, describes a world completely unlike today's climate. "Imagine the Earth almost completely frozen over," she explained. "The planet was blanketed in ice from poles to equator, and temperatures plunged."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-combination-of-climate-factors">The combination of climate factors</h2>



The research team discovered that this massive freeze resulted from a "double whammy" of geological events. First, plate tectonic activity reduced volcanic carbon dioxide emissions to historically low levels. Volcanic activity typically releases CO2 into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that keeps Earth warm.



Simultaneously, weathering of volcanic rocks in what is now Canada actively absorbed atmospheric CO2, further reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. When atmospheric carbon dioxide levels dropped below 200 parts per million – less than half of today's levels – glaciation engulfed the entire planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-climate-implications">Modern climate implications</h2>



Published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>, this research provides crucial insights into Earth's climate system. While geological climate changes occur over millions of years, the study emphasizes that human-induced climate change is happening at a pace ten times faster than previously observed natural changes, highlighting the urgent need to understand our planet's delicate climate balance.



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY 57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the opposite.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-contrasting-climate-response">A contrasting climate response</h2>



Most coastal towns are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preparing for higher sea levels</a>, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland presents</a> a different scenario during climate change. The ground there is rising at a remarkable rate. Over the past decade, some areas have lifted about 20 centimeters, which translates to roughly 2 meters per century. This rate significantly exceeds current projections for sea level rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-rebound-process-through-climate-change">Geological rebound process through climate change</h2>



The mechanism behind this phenomenon is straightforward. As the ice sheet melts, the immense weight is removed from the bedrock, causing the land to rebound upward. This process resembles the way compressed material springs back when pressure is released.



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



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a> are documenting this uplift using the GNET network, consisting of 61 GPS stations positioned around Greenland's coast. These sensors can detect movement with millimeter precision, providing detailed measurements of the ongoing changes.



The data reveal that current uplift rates exceed the gradual rebound occurring since the last ice age ended approximately 12,000 years ago. This acceleration corresponds directly with increased ice sheet melting rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coastal-transformation">Coastal Transformation</h2>



This uplift is actively reshaping Greenland's coastline. New islands and rocky formations, called "skerries," are emerging as previously submerged land surfaces rise above the water level. This represents a notable contrast to global concerns about rising seas.



The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, demonstrates the varied regional impacts of climate change. While many locations face rising water levels, Greenland's bedrock is literally rising above the surrounding seas.



The full study was recently published in <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2023GL104851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to implement the latest AI Agent building platform.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-agent-training-transforms-the-workplace-fear-factor-into-a-competitive-advantage">AI agent training transforms the workplace 'fear factor' into a competitive advantage</h2>



Organizations that offer comprehensive artificial intelligence training to their workers find remarkable value that extends well beyond basic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-wandering-might-be-more-productive-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productivity improvements</a>. Emerging research demonstrates that carefully crafted AI training programs <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-does-not-replace-human-creativity-but-enhances-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhance</a> corporate performance, lower operational costs, and dramatically improve employee psychological well-being by turning workplace uncertainty into professional empowerment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-widespread-ai-anxiety-crisis-among-us">Addressing the widespread 'AI anxiety' crisis among us</h2>



A staggering 53% of employees expressed concern that the use of AI tools to automate work tasks could make them appear disposable to their employers, according to <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft</a>'s 2024 workplace survey. Such pervasive worry about being substituted by machines has caused what researchers have termed "AI technostress" – a psychological state that can result in occupational burnout and poorer mental well-being.



Data published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a> showed that belief in AI learning ability was a moderator in the link between technology adoption and work pressure, and higher confidence significantly lowered negative psychological responses. Workers provided ample training to become competent with AI software have significantly lower stress.



Companies like <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a> have platforms for building what are known as "AI Agents". In essence, AI Agents are simply tools that employees can build for themselves or their teams quickly and inexpensively. MindStudio will even train entire companies, from the CEO on down, at no cost. By letting MindStudio empower employees, companies avoid hiring more IT staff, buying more software, and implementing solutions to problems that do not exist.



MindStudio even has partners locally for companies, like <a href="http://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dominnus</a> with offices in the Carolinas, California, and Denver, to help build AI Agents and support employees as they become resident AI experts for their organization. The training provided by MindStudio is applicable across other AI Agent building platforms as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-productivity-through-focused-learning">Revolutionary productivity through focused learning</h2>



Organizations that implement large-scale AI training programs achieve dramatic outcomes. Employees performed tasks significantly better when they utilized AI support compared to when they didn't, according to <a href="https://www.nngroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nielsen Norman Group</a> research findings. Their study documented productivity increases of 66% for a variety of professional tasks.



Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis research finds workers record 33% higher productivity in time working with generative AI tools. The benefit is equivalent to 5.4% of work time savings for AI users – around 2.2 hours per week for full-time workers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-well-being-benefits-through-ai-competence">Psychological well-being benefits through AI competence</h2>



The emotional transformation when employees are provided with proper technology training is a fundamental transformation from fear to professional confidence. A survey of 600 employees across industries, carried out by ScienceDirect, proved that AI capabilities strengthen work environment commitment and improve job satisfaction.



A <a href="https://www.lut.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LUT University</a> study discovered that AI adoption has no direct effect on workers' well-being but does so indirectly through working conditions like task optimization and safety protocols. Strategically deployed AI that involves correct training can actually increase workplace mental well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-replacement-anxiety-to-partnership-confidence">From 'replacement anxiety' to 'partnership confidence'</h2>



Although 35% of those interviewed in recent McKinsey studies were concerned about workforce displacement, firms with large-scale training initiatives witness such fears dissipate quickly. The World Economic Forum found that two out of three respondents believe AI competencies will enhance their career prospects and job marketability.



This shift from fear to trust has measurable implications for job satisfaction. Applied Sciences research indicates AI can create tailored wellness programs based on individual employee requirements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-benefits-of-increased-retention">Financial benefits of increased retention</h2>



The mental health advantages of AI learning have a direct impact on organizational bottom lines in the form of a positive feedback cycle with high retention of employees. Recent ROI research validates that artificial intelligence learning has a beneficial impact on employee turnover and satisfaction levels.



PriceWaterhouseCoopers' research documents 20% to 30% improvements in productivity, market speed, and revenue in organizations that attempt systematic AI adoption through comprehensive training.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-advantages-of-ai-enabled-teams">Environmental advantages of AI-enabled teams</h2>



AI training has unforeseen environmental benefits as it makes the work environment more efficient. According to a study in Scientific Reports, the carbon footprint in writing and illustrating work is significantly lower when AI performs it compared to humans. AI software produces 130 to 1,500 times less CO2 equivalent per page of text created than human authors.



In addition, AI-driven remote work functionality significantly reduces environmental impact. Research by Cornell University and Microsoft indicates that remote workers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 54% by not commuting daily to offices. Hybrid workers working remotely two to four days a week can reduce their carbon footprint by 11% to 29%.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cumulative-organizational-advantages">Cumulative organizational advantages</h2>



The compounding gains of better mental well-being, reduced turnover, increased productivity, and environmental benefits flow to enterprises from the pairing. McKinsey analysis estimates the long-term AI potential at $4.4 trillion in incremental productivity growth opportunity from business use cases.



As of now, 75% of knowledge workers globally utilize generative AI, mirroring widespread adoption patterns. Organizations that provide organized training and assistance see the most favorable results in productivity, worker satisfaction, and ecological sustainability.



The research overwhelmingly indicates that companies that invest in proper AI education, like that offered through <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a>, establish win-win scenarios where employees are both more empowered and less stressed, and companies enjoy the gains of increased productivity, reduced turnover, and improved mental health outcomes throughout their workforce.



For more on MindStudio's free AI training for companies, visit the website's of MindStudio and Dominnus from the links below.



The research was published across a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a>, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence</a>, and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci">Applied Sciences</a>.



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MindStudio.AI: <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.mindstudio.ai</a>



Dominnus: <a href="https://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.dominnus.com</a>

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-natural-solution-to-disease-through-crop-modification">A natural solution to disease through crop modification.</h2>



The agricultural industry stands at a crossroads between productivity and environmental responsibility, and crop modification often carries a negative connotation. While chemical pesticides have long been the go-to solution for crop protection, their harmful effects on ecosystems and human health have prompted scientists to seek alternatives. The recent breakthrough by <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> researchers offers a promising path forward through the precise manipulation of plant-associated microbial communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-microbial-partnerships">The science behind microbial partnerships</h2>



Plants naturally harbor diverse ecosystems of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that function as biological allies. These microscopic partners contribute to disease resistance, nutrient absorption, and stress tolerance. However, until now, scientists lacked the tools to deliberately reshape these communities to enhance crop protection.



The Southampton team's approach centered on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modifying lignin biosynthesis genes in rice plants</a>. This strategic intervention altered the plant's metabolic output, creating conditions that favored beneficial bacterial populations while suppressing harmful ones. The result was a living defense system embedded within the plant itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-global-food-security">Implications for global food security</h2>



The successful demonstration against Xanthomonas oryzae, the pathogen responsible for bacterial blight in rice, represents more than a laboratory achievement. Rice feeds nearly half the world's population, and bacterial blight causes devastating crop losses annually. Traditional control methods rely heavily on pesticides that contaminate soil and water systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-disease-resistance">Looking Beyond Disease Resistance</h2>



While disease protection represents the immediate application, the research framework opens doors to broader agricultural improvements. Future developments could engineer microbiomes to enhance nutrient uptake, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. This dual benefit addresses both crop productivity and environmental sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward</h2>



As this technology advances from laboratory to field applications, it promises to reshape sustainable agriculture. The ability to program plants with their own biological defense systems could herald a new era where crops protect themselves naturally, reducing chemical inputs while maintaining yields necessary for global food security.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44335-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4 Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease A natural...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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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 <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. 



The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.



“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;



“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”



The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;



The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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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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Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes the first comprehensive estimate of carbon density in the Saharan, Sahel, and Sudanian zones of Africa. In an effort to measure the amount of carbon stored across these drylands, a team of scientists used high-resolution satellite images and artificial intelligence to map nearly 10 billion individual trees. 



"The high spatial resolution (50 cm) combined with AI and field measurements used in this study is key to improving tree inventories in drylands," said Pierre Hiernaux, a French researcher working for NASA. "The ever-increasing availability of very high-resolution satellite imagery will make it possible to assess carbon pools and their dynamics at the individual tree level on a global scale."



"This study is exceptional because it is pioneering a type of approach that will revolutionize the monitoring of trees and forests on a global scale: in the short term, it will be possible to map the world's trees from the centre of the Amazon to our schoolyards," said <a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en">INRAE</a> researcher Jean-Pierre Wigneron.



"Many fields of application will become much more efficient and accurate, such as tracking carbon stocks, biodiversity, monitoring logging and protection against illegal forest degradation, in near real time.”



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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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 <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> features a visual dataset of.methane emissions from wetlands across the globe. Atmospheric methane levels have reached record highs in recent years, and wetlands are a major source of these emissions.&nbsp;



"Methane is an important greenhouse gas that contributes substantially to global warming. On a molecule by molecule basis, methane is much more efficient at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, the main driver of warming," says NASA.



"Though human activities, including agriculture, oil and natural gas production and use, and waste disposal, collectively contribute the majority of methane to the atmosphere, about a third of total methane emissions comes from wetlands."&nbsp;



According to NASA, understanding methane emissions from wetlands and other natural sources is critically important for scientists and policymakers who are working to combat climate change by reducing emissions from human activities.



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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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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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes how record-breaking heat expressed itself around the world in 2022.



Scientists have determined that 2022 was the 5th warmest year since 1880. Furthermore, the last nine consecutive years have been the warmest on record.



From devastating floods and wildfires to natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, 2022 showed us yet again how a warming climate affects people across the globe.&nbsp;



"As we look back at 20:22 and years past, we see that each year we better understand the challenges we face and how important it is to meet them," says NASA.



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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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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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" 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



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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



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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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes how Earth is unique in our solar system for its ability to sustain liquid water on its surface. But now, the water cycle is shifting as the climate warms, and scientists must find ways to predict how these changes will affect water availability.



Overall, 96 percent of Earth's water is saltwater, and nearly all of freshwater is found in ice and groundwater. These sources of water are linked as it passes through solid, liquid and gas phases.



In a warmer climate, the water cycle will be transformed. It will be easier for water to evaporate and form clouds, and storms will become more frequent and intense. Some regions will get too much water, while others will be left without enough water. In addition, soil moisture will be lost - which threatens food security.



Scientists are using satellite data from over the last 40 years to track changes that are happening in the water cycle. This will ultimately help us prepare for extreme events and better manage our water resources, according to ESA.



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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

[sendtonews key="fxH3eJHEkQ-2010196-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Saturn,-,High,Resolution,3d,Images,Presents,Planets,Of,The

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> features images of Saturn from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. The photographs capture the start of the mysterious "spoke season" on Saturn - when unexplained features appear on its rings. 



According to NASA, both the cause of the spokes and their seasonal variability have yet to be fully explained by planetary scientists.



"Like Earth, Saturn is tilted on its axis and therefore has four seasons, though because of Saturn's much larger orbit, each season lasts approximately seven Earth years. Equinox occurs when the rings are tilted edge-on to the Sun," explains NASA.



"The spokes disappear when it is near summer or winter solstice on Saturn. (When the Sun appears to reach either its highest or lowest latitude in the northern or southern hemisphere of a planet.) As the autumnal equinox of Saturn's northern hemisphere on May 6, 2025, draws near, the spokes are expected to become increasingly prominent and observable."



Experts believe that the spokes may be a product of the planet's variable magnetic field. When magnetic fields interact with solar wind, an electrically charged environment is created. This phenomenon is visible on Earth as the northern lights.&nbsp;



"Scientists think that the smallest, dust-sized icy ring particles can become charged as well, which temporarily levitates those particles above the rest of the larger icy particles and boulders in the rings," says NASA.



The spokes were first observed in the early 1980s by NASA's Voyager mission. Depending on the angle of the rings, the spokes can appear dark or light.



"Thanks to Hubble's OPAL program, which is building an archive of data on the outer solar system planets, we will have longer dedicated time to study Saturn’s spokes this season than ever before," said NASA senior planetary scientist Amy Simon, head of the Hubble Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) program.



"Despite years of excellent observations by the Cassini mission, the precise beginning and duration of the spoke season is still unpredictable, rather like predicting the first storm during hurricane season."



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



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Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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