<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grapevines-could-offer-a-breakthrough-alternative-to-plastic-packaging/">Plastic</a> bags are everywhere, and too many slip into rivers and onto beaches. A new analysis finds that policies that either charge a small fee per bag or prohibit them outright cut the share of bags found during shoreline cleanups by 25 to 47 percent.



The study combed through hundreds of city, county, and state rules passed between 2017 and 2023. It matched those policies to more than 45,000 volunteer cleanups across the United States to see what actually changed on the ground.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-ran-the-study">Who ran the study</h2>



The research was coauthored by <a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/ceoe/departments/smsp/faculty/kimberly-oremus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kimberly L. Oremus</a> of the University of Delaware’s School of Marine Science and Policy (<a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/ceoe/departments/smsp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UDEL</a>). 



Oremus and her collaborator set out to measure litter, not just shopping behavior, so the results speak to what ends up in nature.



The team relied on citizen science, meaning trained volunteers recorded what they collected during beach, river, and lake cleanups. 



They drew on <a href="https://www.coastalcleanupdata.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TIDES</a>, a public database that stores those counts in one place so researchers can analyze patterns across time and place.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-plastic-bag-policies">Studying plastic bag policies</h2>



To isolate the effect of bag policies, the authors used a Difference-in-Differences (<a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/research/population-health-methods/difference-difference-estimation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DiD</a>) approach that compares places with and without new laws over the same period. 



That design helps rule out unrelated trends that affect everyone, such as national shifts in shopping or packaging.



The headline result is simple. In communities with full bans or fees, the share of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-from-plastic-bottles-linked-to-high-blood-pressure-and-heart-problems/">plastic</a> bags in the litter mix fell relative to similar places without policies, and the decline grew in the years after a law took effect.



State level rules tended to be more reliable in the data than city or county policies. Effects looked similar along coasts and rivers, with hints of larger gains along lakes where winds and currents spread litter differently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-policy-fees-vs-bans">Plastic policy: Fees vs. bans</h2>



Fees change the default at every checkout and discourage taking a bag when you do not need one, which reduces both thin and thicker bag use.



Other <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carrier-bag-charge-summary-of-data-in-england/single-use-plastic-carrier-bags-charge-data-for-england-2024-to-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> points in the same direction outside the United States. England reports an almost 98 percent drop in single use carrier bags at major retailers since its charge began.



Policies that only restrict thin bags often allow thicker <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agricultural-soil-is-now-the-worlds-biggest-plastic-dumping-ground/">plastic</a> labeled as reusable. 



Those partial bans showed the smallest and least precise effects in the analysis, which is consistent with shoppers substituting one kind of plastic for another.



Some states also pass preemption <a href="https://www.ncsl.org/environment-and-natural-resources/state-plastic-bag-legislation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laws</a> that block cities and counties from regulating bags at all. When local governments cannot act, the study’s data suggest statewide policies become especially important.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-and-entanglement">Wildlife and entanglement</h2>



The cleanup records include notes on animals found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-99-percent-sea-turtles-organ-tissue-reproductive-system/">entangled in debris</a>. 



In areas with bag policies, the presence of entangled animals dropped by roughly 30 to 37 percent, although the authors caution that the estimates are imprecise and more data are needed.



That finding aligns with what we know about <a href="https://www.nrdc.org/stories/single-use-plastics-101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single-use-plastics</a>. Thin bags linger in water and along shorelines, where they can snag, smother, or be eaten by turtles, birds, and fish.



Many studies track what happens at store checkouts, but fewer track what ends up outdoors. Shoreline cleanups offer a window into that last step in the chain from purchase to pollution.



Across the study period, the share of bags among collected items rose overall, but it rose less where bag laws existed. That pattern is exactly what you want to see if policies are slowing the flow of litter into the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-plastic-policy-steps">Global plastic policy steps</h2>



A small, universal fee is a simple tool that nudges behavior without banning choices. Full bans can work too, and the analysis shows both approaches reduce the share of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glass-bottles-contain-more-microplastics-than-plastic-containers/">plastic</a> bags found during cleanups.



The mix of policies should match local conditions. In places with more bag litter to begin with, impacts were largest, so targeting high problem areas with fast action can deliver quick gains.



Plastic bag rules are only one part of the picture. Negotiators from 175 countries are working toward a plastics treaty under <a href="https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNEP</a> that could standardize action on a wider set of products and chemicals.



The study notes that bottles, caps, and other items did not decline when bag policies passed. That is a signal that targeted rules for other single use products would be needed to curb overall litter.



Adopt a modest fee or a full ban that applies across retail and restaurant settings, and keep the text simple so it is easy to enforce. Pair the policy with clear signs at checkout and with retailer reporting that tracks compliance.



Measure results in the same way the researchers did. Recruit volunteers, log items in TIDES, and watch how the litter mix changes year over year so the policy can be adjusted as needed.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp9274" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Studies confirm that a small tax definitely helps curb plastic pollution

Plastic bags are everywhere, and too many slip into rivers and onto beaches. A new analysis finds that policies that either charge a small fee per bag or prohibit them outright cut the share of bags found during shoreline cleanups by 25 to 47 percent. The study combed through hundreds of city, county, and state rules passed between 2017 and 2023. It matched those policies to more than 45,000 volunteer cleanups across the United States to see what actually changed on the ground. Who ran the study...

In the summer of 2020, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-an-unexpected-ally-in-forest-regeneration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire smoke</a> covered Portland, Oregon, causing prolonged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-air-quality-linked-to-cognitive-problems-in-infants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor air quality</a> and health issues for residents. The following year, the city faced a heatwave with temperatures reaching up to 116 degrees. 



These events underscored the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires and climate-related emergencies in the western United States due to the climate crisis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-protection-in-the-pacific-northwest-nbsp">Wildfire protection in the Pacific Northwest&nbsp;</h2>



Already, Oregon has seen a significant rise in the number of fires from the previous year. At <a href="https://www.pdx.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland State University</a> (PSU), researchers are actively working to boost wildfire awareness, prevention, and mitigation in the Pacific Northwest. 



The team includes Max Nielsen-Pincus, Cody Evers (Environmental Science and Management), Brianne Suldovsky (Communication), and and Jonathan Fink (Geology). Each of these researchers are tackling the issue from different perspectives, reflecting the complexity of the issue.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-wildfire-mitigation-nbsp">Challenges of wildfire mitigation&nbsp;</h2>



Wildfire mitigation involves numerous stakeholders and interconnected agencies across local, state, tribal, and national governments.



One of the challenges, as associate professor Max Nielsen-Pincus explained, is “building bridges between the different agencies.”&nbsp;



Jonathan Fink, a volcanologist and professor of geology, initiated the <a href="https://sites.google.com/pdx.edu/cascadiawildfireandurbansmoke/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cascadia Wildfire and Urban Smoke Working Group</a> in 2019. This informal group includes researchers, policy experts, and technologists from the Pacific Northwest in both the US and Canada. 



So far, they have conducted 113 webinars on topics ranging from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-forest-management-regeneration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest regeneration</a> to the health effects of wildfire smoke, with all recordings publicly accessible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-vulnerability-of-the-pacific-northwest-nbsp">Wildfire vulnerability of the Pacific Northwest&nbsp;</h2>



The group also held an online symposium titled “<a href="https://youtu.be/w43v8eb8I4s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildfire Knows No Borders</a>” in the fall of 2020. During the spring 2024 term, Fink taught a course in the PSU Honors College on wildfire and smoke in the Pacific Northwest. 



Undergraduate students watched videos from the webinar series and generated questions about the content, which Fink then discussed with the original speakers who joined the class.&nbsp;



This initiative helped students understand environmental hazards and provided opportunities to meet professionals and explore careers in science.



“Part of this project is getting people to realize that Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver are particularly vulnerable to wildfire,” Fink said.&nbsp;



“Even though we haven't had major fires in the cities, if you look at tree ring data, there are huge fires that basically go through the entire basin and destroy all the trees, every three to six hundred years. Then the forest gets restarted. It's kind of like the big earthquakes that happen here, every two to five hundred years.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-fires-in-urban-areas">Preparing for fires in urban areas</h2>



One of the key takeaways from Fink's webinar series is that city and county governments and other agencies need to be prepared for fires encroaching on urban areas. This could occur in Portland following an extended summer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megadrought-in-the-western-u-s-is-the-worst-in-at-least-1200-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> combined with winds blowing from the east, as happened in 2020.



Brianne Suldovsky, an associate professor of communication at PSU, studies public understanding of science and the environment. She co-authored a paper with Fink and Molly Baer Kramer of PSU's Institute for Sustainable Solutions, surveying Portlanders about their perceived risk of wildfires, extreme heat, and other climate emergencies.&nbsp;



The study, “Extreme heat &amp; public perception in Portland, Oregon: Evidence of a compounding vulnerability effect for climate hazards,” published in <a href="https://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pclm.0000386" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Climate</a>, examines perceptions of extreme heat risk, emergency response needs, and trust in first responders among Portland metro area residents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-perception-of-wildfire-risk">Public perception of wildfire risk</h2>



The impetus for the study was the 2021 heat wave in Portland, which posed severe risks to residents and required effective communication of available resources.&nbsp;



“Communicating risks is really complicated, because you have two things happening at once in terms of public perception: the first is whether or not they think a threat is real. Next, if they do believe the danger is real, do they think they can protect themselves against that threat?” Suldovsky said.



“And so when we're talking about something like climate change or climate extremes, having people see that there's a risk is one thing, but you also want to make sure they know how to protect themselves, or at least feel like they have the resources to do so.”



The study found that three vulnerability indicators - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poverty-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poverty</a>, disability, and race - significantly influence public perception. The more of these indicators a person has, the more they expect to be harmed by extreme heat and environmental emergencies. 



The study also revealed that these groups have lower trust in first responders, though firefighters and medical providers were the most trusted across all vulnerability groups.&nbsp;



The paper recommends increasing outreach to vulnerable groups before emergencies to establish lines of communication and anticipate their needs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-wildfire-risks">Reducing wildfire risks</h2>



Max Nielsen-Pincus, chair of PSU's Environmental Science and Management (ESM) department, has been collaborating with Cody Evers on the project “Fueling Adaptation: Leveraging Community Capacity to Reduce Wildfire Risk.”&nbsp;



This project, in partnership with the US Forest Service, focuses on understanding local and regional processes for adapting to wildfire in the western United States.&nbsp;



“One of the challenges that we have as researchers, and more broadly, is that wildfire risk management doesn't happen in any singular agency. It takes lots of different players to come to the table,” Nielsen-Pincus said.



The project team is developing case studies and guidelines for successful regional collaboration, with wildfire researchers from various universities working together to understand the impacts of wildfire mitigation better. Nielsen-Pincus acknowledges that wildfires can't be completely prevented but emphasizes the importance of mitigation.&nbsp;



“How can we create a landscape that is better adapted to wildfire so that the impacts are less, and recovery is easier?” he asked, noting that “there are many different strategies for doing this. There's no single silver bullet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-prescribed-fires-nbsp">The role of prescribed fires&nbsp;</h2>



One key mitigation strategy is prescribed burns - controlled fires that reduce the risk of larger, more destructive wildfires. Nielsen-Pincus and Evers are working with colleagues from other universities on a study exploring prescribed fire and the social dynamics of adaptation.&nbsp;



FireNet, led by the <a href="https://www.uoregon.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oregon</a>, examines people's attitudes and responses to prescribed fires and how managers can use successful outcomes to build public support for more mitigation work. 



“I think a lot of folks recognize that we need a lot more fire on the landscape - but in the right places and the right times of year - to mitigate and minimize those large, uncontrolled wildfires that happen in the wrong places at the wrong times of year,” Nielsen-Pincus said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-against-cascading-disasters-nbsp">Resilience against cascading disasters&nbsp;</h2>



By improving our understanding of and communication around these issues - among different agencies and between agencies and the public - researchers at PSU and other universities in the Pacific Northwest aim to enhance regional resilience against potential future “cascading disasters” such as wildfires, extreme heat, and other climate emergencies.&nbsp;



Improving everyone's understanding of the risks, treatments, and most effective strategies will help ensure that cities on the West Coast are prepared and resilient.



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Preparing for disaster: Raising awareness to reduce wildfire risks

In the summer of 2020, wildfire smoke covered Portland, Oregon,...

In a decade, solid-state batteries made from rock silicates are expected to become an environmentally friendly, more efficient, and safer alternative to current lithium-ion batteries. 



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a> (DTU) have patented a new superionic material based on potassium silicate, a mineral that can be extracted from ordinary rocks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-generation-of-lithium-free-batteries-nbsp">New generation of lithium-free batteries&nbsp;</h2>



The lithium-ion battery, commonly used in electric cars, has limitations in terms of capacity, safety, and availability. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-based-battery-may-ultimately-replace-lithium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lithium</a> is expensive, environmentally harmful, and its scarcity can impede the green transition of car transport. 



As more people switch to electric cars, there is a pressing need for a new generation of lithium-free batteries that are efficient, eco-friendly, and cheaper to produce. This requires developing new materials for the battery's main components (anode, cathode, and electrolyte) and creating new battery designs.&nbsp;



Researchers worldwide are focusing on this field to significantly reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rock-silicates-for-batteries-nbsp">Rock silicates for batteries&nbsp;</h2>



At DTU, researcher Mohamad Khoshkalam has developed a material that has the potential to replace lithium in future batteries: solid-state batteries based on potassium and sodium silicates, which are common minerals found in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mantle-heat-shaped-earths-crust-3-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's crust</a>. 



These rock silicates, found in ordinary stones, are not sensitive to air and humidity, allowing them to be molded into a paper-thin layer inside the battery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enormous-potential-of-potassium-silicate-nbsp">Enormous potential of potassium silicate&nbsp;</h2>



The potential of this milky-white, paper-thin material based on potassium silicate is enormous. It is inexpensive, eco-friendly, and can be extracted from silicates covering over 90% of the Earth's surface.&nbsp;



The material can conduct ions at around 40 degrees and is not sensitive to moisture, making future battery production easier, safer, and cheaper. This is because production can take place in an open atmosphere and at temperatures close to room temperature.&nbsp;



Additionally, the material works without the addition of expensive and environmentally harmful metals like cobalt, used in lithium-ion batteries to boost capacity and service life.



“The potential of potassium silicate as a solid-state electrolyte has been known for a long time, but in my opinion has been ignored due to challenges with the weight and size of the potassium ions. The ions are large and therefore move slower,” Khoshkalam said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superionic-material-of-potassium-silicate">Superionic material of potassium silicate</h2>



The electrolyte in a battery can be a liquid or solid material, allowing ions to move between the battery's anode and cathode, maintaining the electrical current during discharging and charging.&nbsp;



The electrolyte is crucial for battery capacity, charging time, lifespan, and safety. The ions in rock silicates generally move slower than those in lithium-based liquid electrolytes or solid-state electrolytes because they are larger and heavier.&nbsp;



However, Khoshkalam has developed a superionic material of potassium silicate that enables ions to move faster than in lithium-based electrolytes.



“The first measurement with a battery component revealed that the material has very good conductivity as a solid-state electrolyte. I cannot reveal how I developed the material, as the recipe and the method are now patented,” Khoshkalam said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rock-batteries-of-the-future">The rock batteries of the future </h2>



Both researchers and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-car-environmentally-friendly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electric car</a> manufacturers consider solid-state batteries to be the future's super battery. 



Recently, Toyota announced plans to launch an electric car with a lithium solid-state battery by 2027-28. However, several car manufacturers have previously announced electric cars with solid-state batteries only to retract later.



In a solid-state battery, ions travel through a solid material instead of a liquid. This allows for faster ion movement, making the battery more efficient and quicker to charge.&nbsp;



A single battery cell can be made as thin as a piece of cardboard, with the anode, cathode, and solid-state electrolyte forming ultra-thin layers. This results in more powerful batteries that take up less space, potentially allowing for up to 1,000 km on a single 10-minute charge.&nbsp;



Additionally, solid-state batteries are more fireproof, as they do not contain combustible liquids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-limitations-nbsp">Challenges and limitations&nbsp;</h2>



However, several challenges remain before solid-state batteries can be marketed. While the technology works well in laboratories, scaling up production is difficult and expensive.&nbsp;



Battery research is complex and time-consuming, and new ways of producing and sealing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-sustainable-batteries-from-crab-shells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">batteries</a> must be developed to ensure continuous contact and functionality.



Unlike lithium solid-state batteries, potassium and sodium silicate-based solid-state batteries have a low Technology Readiness Level (TRL), meaning it will take around 10 years to commercialize them.&nbsp;



Despite the high risk, Khoshkalam remains optimistic. “We have shown that we can find a material for a solid-state electrolyte that is cheap, efficient, eco-friendly, and scalable - and that even performs better than solid-state lithium-based electrolytes,” he said.



Khoshkalam has obtained a patent for the recipe and is establishing the start-up K-Ion to develop solid-state electrolyte components for battery companies. The next step is to create a demo battery to showcase the material's effectiveness, with a prototype expected within 1-2 years.



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Electric car batteries may soon be made of rock

In a decade, solid-state batteries made from rock silicates are...

You know those little tags on your clothes? Sure, they can be annoying, especially when they itch against your skin. But they hold a world of information - more than you can imagine! They tell us a lot about the clothes we wear and their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-fast-fashion-jeans-bad-for-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact on our environment</a>. Recent study discusses how fashion industry significantly contributes to environmental plastic waste.



The driving force behind this revelation is Professor Richard Venditti from <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a>, an expert in paper science and engineering. 



Backed by a capable team of researchers, Professor Venditti has unveiled some eye-opening statistics about the chilling contribution of the fashion industry to environmental pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-waste-from-fashion-industry">Plastic waste from fashion industry</h2>



The fashion industry hasn't exactly been basking in the sunshine of positive news. Stories of subpar working conditions, underwhelming wages, and the rapid-fire "fast fashion" culture have rocked its boat time and again.



But Professor Venditti's recent study draws our attention to an even more alarming issue - plastic leakage.



"We analyzed data on imports, exports and apparel production in countries all over the world," said Venditti. "Then we compared that to existing global information on different stages of the apparel value chain to estimate how much plastic leaks into the environment at each of those points."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-the-environment">Impact on the environment </h2>



"Much of the plastic waste that leaks into the environment comes from clothes that are thrown away, especially synthetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-polyester-clothes-stink-more-than-cotton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apparel</a>," Venditti said. 



"There is also waste from manufacturing, packaging and even from tire abrasion during transport, as well as microplastics which get pulled into the water when we wash our clothes."



In 2019, the fashion industry cranked out an unbelievable 20 million tons of plastic waste. Fashion's dirty secret lies in synthetic clothing materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, not to mention the plastics used in packaging. About 40% of this number ends up sullying our environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-s-the-villain">Who's the villain?</h2>



Synthetic apparel, it turns out, is fashion's biggest polluter, churning out 18 million tons of waste in 2019 alone. In the same year, 89% of all plastic waste from the global fashion industry came from these synthetic dark horses. Close to 8.3 million tons ended up in the environment.



Cotton might seem like the safer bet, right? Wrong. Even our beloved cotton contributes to the plastic waste debacle. 



Cotton clothing was responsible for 1.9 million tons of plastic waste. Throw in some other fibers and you have a grand total of 0.31 million tons. And the packaging? Don't get me started!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-waste-migration-in-fashion">Plastic waste migration in fashion </h2>



The plastic waste doesn't necessarily rest where the clothes are sold. Countries like the US and Japan, known for their "fast fashion" craze, often offload their discarded clothes to lower-income countries. These nations, lacking proper waste management systems, bear the brunt of this environmental calamity.



This means our shopping habits in well-off countries impact the environment in less fortunate nations.



"What we're seeing is that in countries like the United States, we have a 'fast fashion' culture where we buy a lot of clothes and don't keep them for very long," Venditti said.



"When we discard those clothes, they either go into landfills or, more often, they end up in thrift stores. Some of the clothes that go to these stores are sold in the U.S., but often they end up going to other countries that do not have waste management systems robust enough to handle that kind of volume. That is where you end up with a large amount of plastic leaking into the environment."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-we-sew-up-this-issue">Can we sew up this issue?</h2>



The study urges a major overhaul in the fashion industry. A shift towards a circular industry model, one that recycles materials instead of ditching them as waste, is the need of the hour. We also need to promote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-leather-mycelium-latest-eco-friendly-fashion-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable</a>, non-synthetic textiles.



So, next time you're shopping, take a gander at those tags. They speak volumes about your clothes' environmental footprint. Will your next purchase add to the plastic waste mountain or will it steer us towards a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eco-friendly-vegan-leather-could-transform-the-fashion-industry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable future</a>?



Remember, our fashion choices don't just define our style, they shape the kind of world we live in. Our decisions matter, more than we realize. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49441-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Fashion industry's plastic waste is a major environmental threat

You know those little tags on your clothes? Sure, they...

In today's digital age, websites play a crucial role for companies. They serve as the primary platform for customer engagement, product sales, and brand visibility. However, many people overlook the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2024-the-tide-may-finally-be-turning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental impact</a> of website operations. Unfortunately, there is a significant amount of carbon emissions associated with some of the world's largest websites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-website-emissions-of-companies">Website emissions of companies</h2>



Websites consume substantial amounts of energy to function. Servers, data centers, and user interactions all contribute to their carbon footprint. 



For companies with high traffic, these emissions can be staggering. <a href="https://www.utilitybidder.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utility Bidder</a>'s recent report focuses on this often-neglected environmental aspect, examining the emissions of major companies' websites.



"All companies in the modern age have climate-conscious goals, however, demand from website visitors can sometimes prove an uphill battle when trying to lower emissions; in fact, up to 4.68g of carbon dioxide can be used per page visit to some of the world’s leading major companies!" commented James Longley, Managing Director at Utility Bidder.



Longly noted that with millions of views per month being recorded by the likes of Apple and Amazon, the potential build-up of website emissions is alarming. The Utility Bidder team set out to analyze the global impact of website emissions.



“Using major companies from the top 100 of the Forbes Global 2000 list, we developed an in-depth seeding list to cover global powers from e-commerce, technology, retail, logistics, motoring, and more," said Longley. "So, which companies are proving the most damaging to the environment?"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tech-companies-lead-the-emission-rank">Tech companies lead the emission rank</h2>



While analyzing the websites that produce the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> emissions, Utility Bidder said they found that technology companies are the biggest contributors, with half of the top 10 companies in that field. 



"Moreover, the top three companies all operate in that sector and between them, they would need to plant well over a million trees to offset one year’s emissions."



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-apple">Apple</h3>



At the top of the list, Apple requires nearly 800,000 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> per year to offset its website's carbon emissions. The company's high traffic, driven by almost 1.5 billion iPhones globally, contributes significantly to its carbon footprint. 



Despite its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, Apple faces a daunting task in offsetting its current emissions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon">Amazon</h3>



Known for its vast product range and immense user base, Amazon's website emissions require 450,627 trees to offset annually. 



The company's name ironically evokes the Amazon rainforest, yet its digital operations have a massive environmental impact.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alphabet-google">Alphabet (Google)</h3>



Google's search engine and other services generate substantial traffic, needing 411,452 trees to offset its yearly emissions. Despite having fewer emissions per page visit compared to Apple, its high user volume results in significant overall emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-retail-and-automotive-contributions">Retail and automotive contributions</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-walmart">Walmart</h3>



The retail giant's website requires 237,238 trees annually to offset its carbon emissions. Online grocery orders and other services drive heavy traffic to Walmart's site, contributing to its high emissions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tesla">Tesla</h3>



The electric car manufacturer, despite its green mission, has a website that produces 4.68 grams of carbon dioxide per page visit. Annually, Tesla would need 82,678 trees to offset these emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-companies-with-low-website-emissions">Companies with low website emissions</h2>



On the other end of the spectrum, some companies maintain remarkably low website emissions. Elevance Health, for instance, only needs 20 trees per year to offset its website's carbon footprint. 



European companies like&nbsp;Equinor&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sanofi&nbsp;also have low emissions, reflecting the stringent environmental regulations in the region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-industries-with-the-highest-emissions">Industries with the highest emissions</h2>



Certain industries, particularly e-commerce and technology, exhibit higher average emissions. E-commerce companies, represented by Amazon and Alibaba, require over 230,000 trees annually to offset their emissions. 



The technology sector follows, with companies like Apple and Google contributing to an average need of 134,060 trees per year.



Utility Bidder's analysis involved creating a seed list of companies from the Forbes Global 2000 list. They used SemRush to determine monthly organic traffic and the <a href="https://www.websitecarbon.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Website Carbon Calculator</a> to estimate emissions per page visit. The results provide a clear picture of the environmental impact of these digital operations.



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



“Whether you are a small or large business, there are always environmentally-friendly considerations that can be made to help mitigate the onset of carbon emissions as much as possible - from keeping your media library to compress website codes,” noted Longley.



Reducing website emissions involves several strategies. Businesses can optimize their websites for better energy efficiency by compressing images, minimizing code, and using green hosting services. These steps can significantly lower the carbon footprint of digital operations.



The digital world offers immense benefits but comes with hidden environmental costs. Clearly, some of the world's largest companies need to address the carbon emissions of their websites. 



By raising awareness and adopting greener practices, businesses can help reduce their digital carbon footprint, contributing to a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable future</a>.



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The shocking reality of website emissions

In today's digital age, websites play a crucial role for...

Do you ever stop to think about the hardworking ladybugs in our gardens? These tiny little beetles, with their colorful bodies, perform a vital role in our ecosystems.



This might come as a surprise, but our gardens are thriving because of these diligent, shell-backed beasts. While ladybugs "decorate" our greens with their striking colors, they also safeguard our foliage from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cockroaches-became-global-pests-cleverly-hitching-rides-with-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pest</a> destruction. Looking at these petite creatures, you wouldn't guess they're such a powerhouse.



A recent study led by Heidi Liere, an assistant professor of biology at <a href="https://www.lclark.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lewis &amp; Clark College</a>, explores the interactions between native and non-native ladybug species.



"For decades, researchers in my field have been looking at the diversity of these beneficial insects," said Liere. "We often get the question, 'Are non-native species as beneficial as native species?'"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystem-pest-control-services">Ecosystem pest control services </h2>



The team also investigated how local vegetation and garden characteristics affect other important predators, including ground-dwelling beetles, spiders, and opilionids.



"Like other urban green spaces, urban community gardens can act as biodiversity refugees, especially for small organisms like arthropods. In turn, arthropods can provide important ecosystem pest control services to these agroecosystems," wrote the researchers.



They noted that an often-asked question among urban gardeners is how to improve gardens and surrounding areas for natural enemies and associated pest control services.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mighty-ladybugs-in-our-gardens">Mighty ladybugs in our gardens</h2>



Dating back to the Middle Ages, ladybugs were called the "Beetles of Our Lady," symbolizing the Virgin Mary to whom farmers prayed for bountiful crops.



The lady beetles are, indeed, the superheroes of the farming realm. Chomping down pests, they're the best allies a farmer or gardener could ask for.



Helping maintain the biodiversity of our ecosystems, they are nature's pest controllers. These beetle superheroes keep herbivore populations in check, preventing the ecosystems from facing imbalance due to disruptive pests. 



Their sensitivity to environmental changes also makes ladybugs an insightful bioindicator of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-of-ladybugs-in-our-gardens">Survival of ladybugs in our gardens</h2>



Liere and her team are digging into the competition for resources amongst the ladybugs. 



"There is lots of evidence that the presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-assist-farmers-by-consuming-harmful-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-native species</a> affects the native species," noted Liere. "We're taking a closer look at how these interactions will be impacted by climate change. Will the effects of non-native species on native species be dampened or exacerbated by climate change?"



Through the John S. Rogers Science Research Program, students Jackson Gamby and Mairin Thorne joined Liere's team, gaining hands-on experience.



The researchers collected non-native lady beetle species and aphids from local urban farms and gardens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-the-petite-predators">Observing the petite predators</h2>



Back in the lab, the collected specimens are put under a microscope and their behaviors are captured using a video camera. Observing beetles in their unadulterated form lets the researchers understand the dynamics of the tiny creatures.



"I'm not totally sure what I want to do after Lewis &amp; Clark, but this is definitely helping me narrow it down," said Gamby, sharing her research experience.



With the experiments conducted so far at room temperature, the plan is to conduct them under hotter conditions, representing the scorching Portland summer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-citizen-science-in-ladybug-research">Citizen science in ladybug research</h2>



Citizen science initiatives play a crucial role in ladybug research, engaging the public in data collection. By reporting sightings and collecting specimens, everyday individuals contribute valuable information to scientists. 



This collaboration not only enhances research efforts but also fosters a greater awareness of biodiversity and ecosystem health in local communities.



By working together, scientists and citizens strengthen the bond between community awareness and ecological preservation. Engaging everyone helps protect our ecosystems effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-perspective">Broader perspective</h2>



Before Liere joined Lewis &amp; Clark, she was involved in research in Seattle, studying the ecological interplay in community gardens. The findings led to the insight that different groups of natural enemies are associated with different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/apple-trees-surrounded-flowers-protected-from-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental variables</a>.



Liere also co-directs the Urban Garden Ecology project at the <a href="https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California</a>. The project is a deep dive into understanding the ecology of urban green spaces.



"As a growing percentage of the global landscape continues to urbanize, it becomes more and more important to understand the ecology of urban green spaces and their ecosystems," noted Liere.



A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gardening-significantly-improves-sleep-quality-in-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gardener's best friend</a>, a researcher's favorite subject, and a vital cog in our ecosystem's wheel, the ladybugs are truly extraordinary creatures. 



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.4816" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecosphere</a>.



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Ladybugs are essential for keeping gardens healthy

Do you ever stop to think about the hardworking ladybugs...

Photosynthesis is not the only carbon accumulation technique employed by diatoms living in the ocean, according to a new study. These single-cell <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plankton</a> have now been found to accumulate carbon by directly feeding on organic carbon dispersed throughout the ocean.



This discovery has the potential to significantly revise our current understanding of the amount of carbon dioxide that diatoms can eliminate from the atmosphere.



Consequently, this finding could lead to a redefinition of the global carbon cycle, which is a critical consideration as we continue to grapple with the challenges posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.



The research was conducted by a team of bioengineers, genomics experts, and bioinformatics researchers at the <a href="https://www.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photosynthesis-and-direct-eating">Photosynthesis and direct eating</h2>



The study was focused on the diatom species Cylindrotheca closterium, which is found globally in oceans. The results revealed that this particular diatom can perform both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-finally-decoded-the-process-of-photosynthesis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> and direct carbon consumption simultaneously.



Remarkably, these findings were consistent in over 70% of the water samples the team analyzed from oceans worldwide.



Interestingly, this species exhibits significantly faster growth when it consumes organic carbon in addition to performing photosynthesis. 



Even more exciting is the possibility that certain bacteria are directly feeding organic carbon to a substantial percentage of these diatoms dispersed across global waters, further enhancing their role in carbon sequestration and impacting marine ecosystems on a broad scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diatoms-consuming-carbon">Diatoms consuming carbon</h2>



An essential tool employed in the process was a genome-scale metabolic modeling approach. This tool helped the experts decipher the metabolism of Cylindrotheca closterium.



The researchers incorporated global gene expression data obtained from the TARA ocean expedition into their genome-scale metabolic model, which was a first in this field.



Adding to the growing body of knowledge, the metabolic modeling data supported recent lab experiments which suggest that diatoms may not rely solely on photosynthesis. Instead, they might adopt different strategies to ingest the necessary carbon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-the-diatom-paradox">Tackling the diatom paradox</h2>



Upon examining the physical and chemical parameters of their ocean water samples, the team found no correlation between these factors and the tendency of diatoms to divert from photosynthesis to direct feeding strategies.



Yet, a pattern emerged when the team studied specific bacterial populations co-existing with Cylindrotheca closterium. 



This discovery hints at the prevalence of mixotrophy - a phenomenon that blends photosynthesis and direct organic carbon consumption.



The research team proposes that specific bacteria may be fueling diatoms, thereby aiding these diatoms in becoming one of the most successful and vital microbes in terms of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/spectacular-phytoplankton-bloom-in-the-north-atlantic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygen production</a>, carbon sequestration, and supporting almost all oceanic life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspectives-on-global-carbon-cycling">New perspectives on global carbon cycling</h2>



"Diatoms are major contributors to marine food chains and key drivers of the global carbon cycle. Previously, we have estimated all carbon cycling models on the assumption that the only role that diatoms play is in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-may-flip-plankton-into-carbon-emitters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> fixation," noted Karsten Zengler, a professor at UC San Diego.



"Our findings demonstrate that this is not the case, but that diatoms simultaneously also eat organic carbon. We believe these results will have major implications for our understanding of global carbon cycling."



The team hopes this insightful revelation will encourage a closer examination of the global carbon cycle and prompt further research on the symbiotic relationship between diatoms and bacteria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-carbon-strategies-of-diatoms">Dual carbon strategies of diatoms</h2>



Understanding the dual carbon accumulation strategies of diatoms opens new avenues for climate change mitigation. Given their significant role in sequestering carbon, diatoms could become focal points in efforts to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.



Enhancing conditions that promote both photosynthesis and organic carbon consumption by diatoms in oceanic environments might amplify their carbon sequestration capabilities. 



This innovative approach could be integrated into broader climate action strategies, highlighting the critical intersection of marine biology and environmental science in addressing global warming.



The insights from this study emphasize the need to delve deeper into the interactions between oceanic microbes and their environment, fostering a more comprehensive approach to managing Earth's carbon cycle.



By fully understanding the dual roles of these organisms, researchers can ultimately contribute to global sustainability efforts and environmental resilience.



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Tiny plankton play a big role in the global carbon cycle

Photosynthesis is not the only carbon accumulation technique employed by...

Many people tend to limit their understanding of climate change to the widely discussed effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/state-of-the-climate-greenhouse-gases-hit-a-record-high-in-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a>, particularly carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels.



However, there are other equally critical contributors to climate change that often stay under the radar of the general public.



These lesser-known factors, while not as frequently discussed in mainstream media, play significant roles in shaping our planet's climate and ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-airborne-mineral-dust-and-climate-change">Airborne mineral dust and climate change </h2>



One such factor is airborne <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mineral-dust-is-melting-the-greenland-ice-sheet/">mineral dust</a>, playing a key role in shaping our Earth's climate and ecosystems.



To understand the significance of mineral dust, consider the fact that every year, one to two billion metric tons of mineral dust are emitted into the atmosphere.



Originating from dry regions, these dust emissions are significant sources of atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a>. They can alter cloud formation and precipitation patterns, influence air quality, and even affect plant growth.



Just like how the DNA sequence in humans determines a wide range of characteristics, the mineral composition in dust significantly impacts its effects on the environment. 



However, many climate models treat dust as a uniform substance, overlooking its composition variations - an oversight equivalent to neglecting genetic variations in humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-hope-in-the-climate-fight">New hope in the climate fight</h2>



NASA's Earth Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) mission has brought a new ray of hope in the fight against climate change. 



Launched in 2022, the mission gathers data on the color and composition of Earth's dry regions from the International Space Station, providing a sea of information about Earth's mineral dust cycle. 



However, our understanding of dust mineralogy evolution during atmospheric travel, especially on regional scales, still lacks depth.



To address this knowledge gap, Dr. Hosein Foroutan, an expert in the <a href="https://globalchange.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Center</a> at Virginia Tech, is leading a team of researchers on a mission funded by NASA.



The team includes Professor Frederick M. Michel of Virginia Tech; Cristina Gonzalez Martin from the University of La Laguna in Tenerife, Canary Islands; and Ali Hossein Mardi, postdoctoral scholar at Virginia Tech.



The project aims to investigate the dynamics of dust plumes' mineralogy and geochemistry evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-dust-influence-earth-s-climate">How does dust influence Earth's climate?</h2>



The central focus of the study is to determine how dust from arid regions, a key source of atmospheric particles, influences Earth's climate through various factors such as solar radiation, cloud formation, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-precipitation-help-the-colorado-river-recover-from-decades-of-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">precipitation</a> patterns.



The ultimate goal is to help reduce uncertainties in climate models by understanding the relationship between dust mineralogy and atmospheric processes.



This improved comprehension could lead to more accurate predictions of climate change impacts and inform strategies for mitigation and adaptation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-climate-villain-nitrous-oxide">Hidden climate villain: Nitrous oxide</h2>



Another equally critical but often overlooked factor affecting climate change is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nitrous-oxide-emissions-have-increased-at-an-unprecedented-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrous oxide</a>, which is emitted from agricultural soil.



Agriculture is the biggest contributor of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas that can absorb heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.



About 77 percent of nitrous oxide emissions in the United States are released from agricultural soils.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimating-nitrous-oxide-emissions">Estimating nitrous oxide emissions </h2>



The challenge lies in accurately estimating these emissions on a national scale, which requires a comprehensive understanding of nitrogen input and output pathways in the soil.



Led by Dr. Foroutan in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, a project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is underway to evaluate and enhance the accuracy of nitrogen cycling and greenhouse gas emission modeling in multiscale agroecosystem models.



This project, titled "Integrated Agroecosystem-Atmosphere Modeling Improvement for Climate and Conservation Assessment," will integrate process-based atmospheric modeling with cropping and soil system models covering the entire United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-our-understanding-of-climate-change">Advancing our understanding of climate change</h2>



Both of these significant projects promise to advance our understanding of intricate environmental processes and improve modeling capabilities.



Insights from the research could inform policy decisions, guide conservation efforts, and contribute to more sustainable practices in agriculture and environmental management.



As the findings continue to unfold, they are expected to play a pivotal role in tackling pressing environmental challenges and paving a smoother path towards a more resilient and sustainable future.



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Dust is an understudied contributor to climate change

Many people tend to limit their understanding of climate change...

Hidden beneath the parched surface, groundwater supports vast ecosystems that not only survive but thrive. 



Regarded as nature's emergency fund, these shallow groundwater aquifers provide essential hydration to ecosystems during times of drought.



Yet, with both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-temperatures-may-rise-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and human activities rapidly depleting groundwater levels globally, the need for accurate data concerning these groundwater-dependent ecosystems has never been greater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundwater-in-ecosystems">Groundwater in ecosystems</h2>



A recent study has made strides to fill this knowledge gap by mapping these ecosystems in arid regions across the globe, analyzing their protection status and scrutinizing their overlap with human communities.



The comprehensive research engaged experts across seven countries from various universities, non-profit organizations, and institutions including <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a>.



Intriguingly, the study found that over half (53%) of these ecosystems exist in regions known for groundwater reduction, while a mere 21% are afforded protection due to local conservation policies.



This collaborative effort has yielded what study co-author Professor Kelly Caylor referred to as the "jewel in the crown" of the team's previous high-impact studies.



"Until now, the location of these ecosystems has been largely unknown, hindering our ability to track impacts, establish protective policies and implement conservation projects to protect them” explained lead author Melissa Rohde.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-diversity-of-ecosystems">A diversity of ecosystems</h2>



Groundwater-dependent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-plays-critical-role-ecosystem-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> are incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide range of habitats from desert springs and mountain meadows to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-wetlands-are-inching-closer-to-extinction-as-the-world-heats-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal wetlands</a> and dense forests. 



These biodiversity hotspots host a rich array of plant and animal species, making them vital for ecological balance and environmental health. 



However, they are increasingly threatened by the dual pressures of climate change and human exploitation, which are causing significant disturbances to their delicate balance. 



The mapping initiative was sparked by colleagues at The Nature Conservancy, who consistently encountered a lack of comprehensive data when trying to protect these crucial ecosystems. 



This data gap hindered their ability to effectively advocate for conservation measures and implement strategies to safeguard these essential natural resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combining-technology-and-science">Combining technology and science</h2>



To overcome the lack of a global dataset quantifying the location and depth of groundwater, the team turned to technology. 



The experts compiled six years' worth of data from NASA's Landsat satellite and used over 30,000 data points to train a computer model to identify these ecosystems.



This significant, global undertaking extended prior work in which UCSB scientists examined the resilience of riparian forests to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-drought-will-impact-large-parts-of-the-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme drought</a> conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-perspective">A global perspective</h2>



The researchers found that groundwater-supported ecosystems retained their green, cool, and wet characteristics throughout the dry season – a phenomenon that is actually visible in satellite imagery.



The global analysis was made possible by recent advances in machine learning and cloud computing.



The researchers estimate the accuracy of the computer model's ability to identify known groundwater-dependent ecosystems at approximately 87 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aiming-for-conservation">Aiming for conservation</h2>



The map, capturing the global distribution of groundwater-dependant ecosystems between 2015 and 2020, serves as a critical starting point.



Armed with this information, researchers and policy-makers can understand where these ecosystems are most likely located and most at risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater depletion</a>. 



This knowledge is important for advancing conservation efforts for these ecosystems and dependent societies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-groundwater-dependent-ecosystems">The future of groundwater-dependent ecosystems</h2>



The map reveals that these ecosystems are more extensive and intact in Central Asia, the Sahel region of Africa, and South America. 



This is in stark contrast with the depletion and fragmentation of groundwater-dependent ecosystems in North America and Australia due to groundwater pumping and agricultural irrigation. Despite official protection, only a tiny portion of these ecosystems manage to thrive effectively.



A more robust understanding of how groundwater supports ecosystems is key to effective conservation, as even protected lands could be compromised if groundwater is unsustainably exploited outside protected territories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundwater-ecosystems-and-global-goals">Groundwater, ecosystems, and global goals</h2>



The study underscores the paramount importance of acknowledging the critical role of groundwater in supporting a multitude of ecosystems. 



These underground water reserves are essential for maintaining the health and biodiversity of habitats ranging from desert springs to lush wetlands. 



Given the current unsustainable pumping rates, stronger regulation is critical to prevent further degradation and loss of these vital ecosystems. 



Effective policies must be implemented to manage groundwater use sustainably. To achieve global biodiversity and climate goals, it is imperative that we realize and address the intricate and fundamental connection between groundwater and the ecosystems that depend on it for survival.



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Groundwater has a vital role in ecosystem survival

Hidden beneath the parched surface, groundwater supports vast ecosystems that...

Beautiful,Sky,At,Night,With,Startrails,And,Silhouette,Of,A

Have you felt like the days are getting longer? If so, your perception is spot on. This unexpected occurrence is closely tied to the manner in which polar ice and water are shifting around our planet, and dramatically impacting the Earth's rotation and spin axis.



A couple of recent NASA-funded studies have discovered that the length of Earth's days is indeed on an upward tick. 



What’s more, the pace is picking up. These studies underscore the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">profound influence of climate change</a> on our planet's fundamental dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-masterminds-behind-the-curtain">Masterminds behind the curtain</h2>



The central character behind the scenes of these fascinating findings is Dr. Surendra Adhikari, a distinguished geophysicist stationed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>) in Southern California.



The research conducted by his team aims to demonstrate how Earth's surface changes, driven by climatic events, are influencing our planet's rotation.



These changes, whether natural phenomena or human-induced activities like urbanization and industrialization, significantly impact Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-rotation-is-shifting-toward-a-25-hour-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rotational dynamics.</a> 



This could potentially affect everything from weather patterns to the length of our days.



By exploring these dynamics, we can better understand the intricate connections between our environment and planetary behavior, highlighting the broader implications of such transformations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polar-ice-melt-and-earth-s-spin">Polar ice melt and Earth's spin</h2>



How does this work, you ask? 



When <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-new-tipping-point-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheets and glaciers</a> disappear quicker than they can replenish, and when underground water reservoirs (or aquifers) are depleted faster than the rainfall can restock them, this leads to a jumbled mass on Earth.



As these vast quantities of water shift from frozen stores and underground reservoirs into the oceans, they cause the distribution of the Earth's mass to change.



This redistribution of weight causes the planet to wobble on its axis as it spins, akin to how an off-balance top might spin unevenly.



The wobbling effect makes the planet's rotation sluggish, which, in turn, lengthens our days by minuscule amounts over time.



This phenomenon, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-jupiter-moon-europa-deep-ocean-shifting-icy-shell/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar wander</a>, has been under observation by scientists since the dawn of the 20th century, and its implications continue to be a critical area of research in understanding Earth's changing climate and its broader impacts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-changing-rotation-and-day-length">Earth’s changing rotation and day length</h2>



In their first study, the scientists scrutinized the polar motion over a span of 120 years, and came to the conclusion that the Earth's axis movements could heavily be attributed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-plays-critical-role-ecosystem-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shifts in groundwater</a>, ice sheets, glaciers, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea levels</a>.



The bulk of these mass variations during the 20th century were mainly due to natural climate cycles, as noted in their publication in Nature Geoscience.



The scientists then turned their focus onto day length in a follow-up study published in&nbsp;Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.



Their astonishing discovery revealed that since the turn of the millennium, days have been lengthening at a rate of about 1.33 milliseconds per century which is faster than any time in the past one hundred years.



This acceleration is primarily due to the amplified melting of glaciers and the ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland, a direct result of human-induced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.



“The common thread between the two papers is that climate-related changes on Earth’s surface, whether human-caused or not, are strong drivers of the changes we’re seeing in the planet’s rotation,” explained Adhikari.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-polar-ice-motion-tracking">Evolution of polar ice motion tracking</h2>



In the early days, scientists gauged polar motion by deducing the apparent movements of stars, observing their positions and tracking changes to understand the Earth’s shifting axis. Over time, as technology advanced, more sophisticated techniques were adopted.



One such method is very long baseline interferometry, which deciphers radio signals from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jeweled-ring-quasar-rx-j1131-1231-floating-cosmos-webb-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distant quasars</a> to measure the Earth's orientation with high precision.



Another technique is satellite laser ranging, which involves shooting lasers at satellites equipped with retroreflectors to determine their exact positions in orbit and, consequently, infer details about the Earth's movement.



These advancements have significantly improved our understanding of polar motion and its implications for global navigation and geophysics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-machine-learning">Power of machine learning</h2>



Machine-learning algorithms were employed to meticulously dissect 120 years of data, ranging from 1900 to 2018.



This comprehensive analysis revealed that an impressive 90% of the recurring fluctuations during this period could be explained by shifts in groundwater, ice sheets, glaciers, and sea levels.



These findings indicate that changes in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-impact-the-gulf-stream-more-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet's water systems</a> play a significant role in these variations.



The balance of the fluctuations, accounting for the remaining 10%, were largely attributed to Earth’s internal dynamics, such as tectonic activities and volcanic processes, which also contribute to the planet's complex and ever-changing nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-influence-behind-polar-motion">Human influence behind polar motion</h2>



Past investigations have established a connection between recent polar motion and human activities, underscoring the profound impact of our actions on the Earth's axis.



For instance, Dr. Adhikari’s earlier work attributed a sudden eastward drift of the axis around 2000 to the quicker melting of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-transformation-ice-melt-plant-growth-vegetation-cascading-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-shelves-are-fracturing-from-meltwater-weight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic ice sheets</a>, which significantly altered the distribution of mass on the planet.



Additionally, groundwater depletion in Eurasia has been identified as a critical factor, further contributing to this shift in the Earth's rotational axis.



“It’s true to a certain degree” that human activities factor into polar motion, said Mostafa Kiani Shahvandi, lead author of both papers and a doctoral student at the Swiss university <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a>.



“But there are natural modes in the climate system that have the main effect on polar motion oscillations.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crux-of-satellite-data">Crux of satellite data</h2>



Researchers capitalized on satellite observations from the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/gravity-recovery-and-climate-experiment-grace" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GRACE mission</a> and its follow-on <a href="https://gracefo.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GRACE-FO</a>, together with earlier mass-balance studies, to gain a comprehensive understanding of how changes in groundwater, ice sheets, and glaciers contributed to rising sea levels in the 20th century.



These detailed observations allowed scientists to track the movement and distribution of water on Earth with unprecedented accuracy, shedding light on the complex interactions between various components of the Earth's hydrological system.



This research is crucial for predicting future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a> and its potential impact on coastal communities worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-human-behavior-on-polar-ice">Impact of human behavior on polar ice</h2>



In summary, these findings highlight the intricate and far-reaching consequences of human-induced climate change and resource exploitation on our planet's orbital stability.



Dr. Adhikari's profound statement rings true, "In barely 100 years, human beings have altered the climate system to such a degree that we’re seeing the impact on the very way the planet spins."



The far reaching impacts of climate change serve as a stark reminder of the urgency and sustained efforts required to reduce emissions, and mitigate the effects of climate change, thus guaranteeing a stable future for our planet and all its inhabitants.



As we continue to understand these complex connections between our actions and Earth’s natural processes, we can better appreciate the importance of nurturing our planet.



Let's pledge to adopt informed decisions and collaborate to safeguard our planet for the sake of future generations.



The full study was published in the journals <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01478-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a> and  <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2406930121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Wildly unexpected consequences of polar ice melt has scientists on edge

Have you felt like the days are getting longer? If...

Climate models are essential tools for scientists, providing a glimpse into how our climate might change due to human-induced global warming. 



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperatures</a> continue to rise, these models help us predict and prepare for the impacts of an imminent climate crisis. 



However, recent findings suggest that our trust in these models might be misplaced, as not all predictions are as accurate as we presume.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-ice-cold-miscalculation">An ice-cold miscalculation</h2>



Right at the center of the stage, in a recently published investigation, stands the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM). 



It is one of the common models employed by geoscientists, but recent research brings up substantial inaccuracies in its predictions. 



This research was led by scientists in the Department of Earth System Science at <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Irvine</a> and the University of Michigan Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering. 



The study revealed that the E3SM overestimates a critical component of our climate system – albedo, or the degree to which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-slow-antarctica-ice-melt-with-sunlight-reflecting-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice reflects sunlight</a> back into space.



The researchers discovered that the E3SM incorrectly magnified the level of sunlight reflection from the ice, causing a miscalculation in predicting the planet's warming.



"We found that with old model versions, the ice is too reflective by about five percent," noted Chloe Clarke, the team's project scientist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-ice-albedo-matter">Why does ice albedo matter?</h2>



The amount of sunlight received and reflected back by the Earth is paramount in determining the rate at which the planet will continue to heat up. 



The E3SM's overestimation of albedo stems from not considering what the team refers to as the "microphysical properties of ice." 



In simpler terms, these are factors such as algae and dust that can disrupt the ice's reflecting capabilities. Dark-colored algae and dust can decrease reflectivity, making ice less effective at reflecting sunlight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-ice-absorbs-more-sunlight">Dark ice absorbs more sunlight</h2>



"A large portion of melt from the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) comes from regions with dark bare ice, because dark ice absorbs more incoming sunlight than regions with bright snow," noted the study authors. 



The experts pointed out that Earth System Models, which simulate changes in the Earth's climate and the impacts of these changes, prescribe the reflectivity of these dark ice regions as a constant. 



"This work shows that treating bare ice as though it has a constant reflectivity is not a good approximation, because the dark ice regions change as the winter snowpack melts and impurities accumulate on the ice surface."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimates-of-sea-ice-melt">Estimates of sea ice melt</h2>



The team used satellite data to monitor the albedo of the Greenland Ice Sheet to demonstrate the inaccurate reflection rates in E3SM. 



"The model estimates less melt than what would be expected from the ice microphysical properties," stated Clarke. 



The discovery of a more accurate ice reflectivity measurement predicted that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-is-approaching-a-critical-tipping-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland Ice Sheet</a> is melting at a rate of about six gigatons more than older model versions estimated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ripple-effect-on-climate-modeling">The ripple effect on climate modeling</h2>



These seemingly small inaccuracies can have considerable implications. The team hopes their findings will bolster the efficiency of climate models, illuminating the significance of snow and ice-related climate feedbacks. 



The experts now plan to extend their research beyond Greenland. The goal is to get it functional globally and not just valid over Greenland, explained Clarke. This will include applying the findings to glaciers in other regions, such as the Andes and Alaska, to measure the accuracy of the new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-regions-are-rapidly-warming-with-global-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice albedo</a>.



Our understanding of the Earth's climate is intricate and ever-evolving. This important work allows us to inch closer to a more accurate prediction of our planet's future, unraveling the complexities of our changing climate one small step at a time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-the-accuracy-of-climate-models">Enhancing the accuracy of climate models</h2>



As the science of climate modeling continues to advance, the focus on accuracy is more crucial than ever.



Enhancements in climate models, such as the improved understanding of ice albedo, provide more reliable data for predicting future climate scenarios. 



These enhancements allow policymakers and scientists to make more informed decisions about climate action. 



With continued research and collaboration, we can refine these models to reflect the complexities of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-an-overlooked-role-in-the-climate-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's climate system</a> more precisely, ensuring that our strategies to combat climate change are based on the best available science.



The study is published in the <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023JD040241" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres</a>.



Image Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab



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Climate models underestimate sea ice melt and global warming

Climate models are essential tools for scientists, providing a glimpse...

As we peel back the pages of our global narrative, we find a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-hidden-sources-of-greenhouse-gases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recurring theme</a> - climate change. Recently, scientists bring to light another chapter in this ongoing saga; the diminishing cooling power of sea ice and its melting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tale-of-the-melting-sea-ice">Tale of the melting sea ice</h2>



Sea ice possesses an inherent cooling power. Yet, according to researchers from the <a href="https://umich.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a>, this cooling power is not as potent as it once was.



Satellite measurements of cloud cover and the solar radiation reflected by sea ice were compared between 1980 and 2023. 



The researchers discovered that the decrease in the cooling power of sea ice is almost double the annual average decrease in sea ice extent across the Arctic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-new-tipping-point-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic</a>. This adds a warming impact that looms towards the higher strata of climate model estimates.



"We're now reaching the point where we have a long enough record of satellite data to estimate the sea ice climate feedback with measurements," said study co-author Dr. Mark Flanner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abrupt-change-in-melting-sea-ice">Abrupt change in melting sea ice</h2>



Once heralded as more resistant to climate change, Antarctic ice faced a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-days-getting-longer-rotation-slows-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jarring setback</a> in 2016. An area larger than Texas melted on one of the continent's largest ice shelves, leading to a significant loss in sea ice and a decrease in its cooling prowess.



The seven years following this event witnessed the weakest global sea ice cooling effect since the 1980s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-shrinking-ice">More than just shrinking ice</h2>



Warming temperatures and augmented rainfalls are not only shrinking sea ice but also making it less reflective. 



This is due to the formation of thinner, wetter ice and more melt ponds that reflect less solar radiation. This is a particularly worrying trend in the Arctic and could also become a significant factor in the Antarctic.



"The changes to Antarctic sea ice since 2016 boost the warming feedback from sea ice loss by 40 percent. By not accounting for this change in the radiative effect of sea ice in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-low-antarctic-sea-ice-and-rapid-melting-pace-stuns-climate-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>, we could be missing a considerable part of the total global energy absorption," explained study first author and doctoral student Alisher Duspayev.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-of-melting-sea-ice-on-ecosystems">Ripple effects of melting sea ice on ecosystems</h2>



The decline in sea ice not only poses a direct impact on global temperatures but also sends ripples throughout marine ecosystems. Sea ice serves as a habitat for various organisms, from tiny algae that form the base of the marine food web to larger species like seals and polar bears.



The thinning and reduction of sea ice disrupt these habitats, leading to shifts in species distribution and abundance, and ultimately altering the ecological balance. 



For instance, the loss of ice platforms affects polar bears’ ability to hunt seals, which can lead to nutritional stress and a decline in bear populations. 



Similarly, changes in sea ice can affect the timing of algal blooms, impacting the entire food web. This cascading effect underscores the interdependence of climate systems and biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-call-to-action">Global call to action</h2>



Addressing the decline in sea ice requires a concerted global effort. Climate policy must prioritize the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to slow down warming trends. 



International cooperation is crucial as the ramifications of melting ice are not confined to polar regions alone; they have far-reaching effects including rising sea levels and altered weather patterns worldwide.



"Climate change adaptation plans should bring aboard these new numbers as part of the overall calculus on how rapidly and how widely the impacts of cryospheric radiative cooling loss will manifest on the global climate system," said study co-author Aku Riihelä, a research professor at the Finnish Meteorological Institute.



Substantial investment in renewable energy sources, stringent emissions regulations, and increased funding for climate research are essential steps forward. 



Furthermore, raising public awareness about the importance of sea ice and its impacts on the global climate could catalyze community action and advocacy.



Mitigating these changes will require immediate and sustained action at both local and global levels. The future of our planet's climate depends on it.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL109608" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Sea ice is losing its cooling power,  making the Earth even warmer

As we peel back the pages of our global narrative,...

Say you're sipping on your morning cup of coffee, or quenching your thirst with a glass of crisp, cool water. Hidden within this seemingly harmless act is a persistent threat. This threat comes in the form of ‘forever chemicals,' or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and scientists have discovered they are vulnerable to some bacteria.



But, before your sip becomes a gulp of fear, there is a promising solution – a team of tenacious bacteria that seem to have a knack for getting under these stubborn PFAS ‘forever chemicals’.



The heroes of our story are bacteria from the genus Acetobacterium. This research was led by Yujie Men, an associate professor at <a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a>. How and why are bacteria important in the battle against PFAS?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-the-unbreakable">Breaking the unbreakable</h2>



PFAS are dubbed ‘forever chemicals’ due to their extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making them incredibly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-boar-found-with-alarming-levels-of-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">persistent in the environment</a>. 



As you can guess, this persistence presents a significant challenge when it comes to treating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-reveals-new-evidence-of-forever-chemicals-in-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polluted water sources</a>.



However, the Acetobacterium bacteria, commonly found in wastewater environments worldwide, have shown a unique ability to break these obstinate bonds. 



This ability was revealed in a study by the UCR research team published in the journal Science Advances.



"This is the first discovery of a bacterium that can do reductive defluorination of PFAS structures," stated Yujie Men, the study’s corresponding author. 



However, he did point out one limitation - these bacteria were effective only on unsaturated PFAS compounds, which contain double carbon-to-carbon bonds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enzymes-bacteria-and-pfas">Enzymes, bacteria, and PFAS</h2>



It's not just the bacteria that are the heroes here - their weapons have names too. These weapons, or enzymes, are the real game changers. Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts for biochemical reactions. 



After closely examining our microbial friends, the scientists were able to identify the specific enzymes responsible for cleaving carbon-fluorine bonds.



This finding is nothing short of exciting, as it could pave the way for creating more effective enzymes. 



"If we can understand the mechanism, maybe we can find similar enzymes based on the identified molecular traits and screen out more effective ones,” Men shared his optimism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-removing-pfas-in-water-with-bacteria">Removing PFAS in water with bacteria</h2>



Using bacteria to treat groundwater is not only possible but cost-effective as well. 



This process involves injecting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pfas-forever-chemicals-sent-to-land-ocean-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polluted</a> groundwater with the preferred bacteria species along with nutrients to increase their population. 



This approach sees the microorganisms destroy pollutants before the water reaches our taps and wells.



The need for such solutions becomes even more critical with recent restrictions imposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.) 



The EPA now limits the presence of certain PFAS compounds in tap water to only four parts per trillion. This new regulation has water providers scrambling for PFAS cleanup solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-dawn-for-pfas-cleanup">New dawn for PFAS cleanup</h2>



The success of bacteria and microbiological solutions in neutralizing PFAS has opened doors to exploring the potential of these resilient microbes against other persistent chemicals.



For instance, consider polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins, two notorious environmental pollutants. 



PCBs, historically used in various industrial applications, are known to resist natural degradation, posing significant hazards to both human health and ecosystems.



Similarly, dioxins, byproducts of various industrial processes, are highly toxic and have been linked to severe health effects including cancer and reproductive issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-trains-to-treat-forever-chemicals">Other trains to treat forever chemicals</h2>



Just as Acetobacterium has shown promise against PFAS, research teams worldwide are investigating other microbial strains that might prove effective against PCBs and dioxins. 



By deciphering the enzymatic pathways and genetic traits that enable these microbes to attack such sturdy chemical structures, scientists are optimistic about developing innovative and sustainable methods for decontaminating polluted sites. 



The amalgamation of microbiology and environmental science thus heralds a promising future where natural organisms play a pivotal role in restoring and maintaining the purity of our water sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



Men’s research doesn’t stop at identifying the bacteria and their enzymes. He has been proactive in his approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-pfas-forever-chemicals-released-by-dupont-and-chemours-caused-significant-harm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tackling PFAS pollution</a>. 



Last year, Men had identified other microorganisms that cleave the carbon-chlorine bond in chlorinated PFAS compounds, leading to pollutant destruction. 



His recent discovery expands the range of PFAS compounds that can be biologically destroyed using certain kinds of bacteria.



In a world where chemicals underpin our lifestyle but also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creators-of-forever-chemicals-covered-up-the-toxic-dangers-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pose invisible threats</a>, it's vital that we keep pushing the boundaries of science for solutions. 



As we continue sipping our water and basking under the sun, let's appreciate the unseen heroes - like the Acetobacterium bacteria and researchers like Yujie Men - who are tirelessly working to ensure our water remains safe.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ado2957" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Bacteria discovered that destroys PFAS 'forever chemicals'

Say you're sipping on your morning cup of coffee, or...

<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.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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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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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