<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...

The ocean's abyssal depths, a realm of perpetual darkness and immense pressure, harbor unique ecosystems still shrouded in mystery. This remote world, once seemingly devoid of life, is now of heightened interest due to extensive mineral deposits on the seafloor – prompting the rise of deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-mining-poses-unknown-threats-to-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mining</a>. Yet, a critical tension exists between the potential economic gains and the largely unknown environmental risks to these vast, unexplored habitats of marine world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-sea-mining-and-marine-life">Deep-sea mining and marine life</h2>



To understand the potential impacts of deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-upheaval-the-ecological-impact-of-deep-sea-mining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mining</a>, scientists often turn to filter-feeding organisms like sponges and brittle stars. These animals play important roles in deep-sea ecosystems and are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of mining-related pollution. 



Sponges act as powerful "living filters," processing large volumes of water to extract tiny food particles and dissolved nutrients. This filtering activity makes them susceptible to ingesting any contaminants suspended in the water column. 



Brittle stars, closely related to starfish, play a different yet equally vital role. As they move across the seafloor, they ingest and redistribute sediment, playing a key role in nutrient cycling within the deep-sea ecosystem. Close interaction with the seafloor means they could accumulate pollutants released from disturbed sediment.



Because these organisms rely on filtering the surrounding environment for sustenance, they are particularly susceptible to pollutants introduced by mining activities. This sensitivity makes them valuable indicators for scientists. By monitoring changes in their health, behavior, or tissue chemistry, researchers can gain insights into the spread and ecological effects of mining-related contamination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seafloor-massive-sulfide">Seafloor massive sulfide</h2>



A recent study by researchers at <a href="https://www.wur.nl/en.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wageningen University &amp; Research</a> and the <a href="https://www.uib.no/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bergen</a> underscores the cause for concern about the impacts of deep-sea mining. To understand the potential effects of mining activities, they carefully simulated the sediment plumes that would likely be generated during operations. 



The researchers exposed the common deep-sea sponge Geodia barretti and its associated brittle stars to crushed seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) deposits. SMS deposits are naturally occurring mineral formations found on the seafloor that contain high concentrations of commercially valuable metals like copper, zinc, and gold. 



The potential economic value of SMS deposits makes them prime targets for deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-from-deep-sea-mining-may-stretch-hundreds-of-miles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mining</a> operations. However, disturbing these deposits would release large clouds of sediment into the surrounding water, impacting marine life.



"The adverse effects observed on Geodia barretti and associated species signal potential disruptions in benthic-pelagic coupling processes, necessitating further research and to establish guidelines for protection of this deep-sea fauna," stated research leader and marine biologist Erik Wurz.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-troubling-life-of-marine-animals-by-deep-sea-mining">Troubling life of marine animals by deep-sea mining</h2>



The study revealed concerning results regarding the potential impact of deep-sea mining on marine life. Sponges exposed to the simulated mining plume exhibited a tenfold increase in tissue death compared to the control group. This dramatic rise in mortality suggests a significant negative impact on the health of these organisms.



In addition, all of the brittle stars exposed to the crushed SMS deposits perished within ten days of the experiment. While the exact cause of death requires further investigation, the researchers believe it's likely linked to exposure to toxic metals released by the crushed material. This rapid mortality rate raises serious concerns about the ability of deep-sea ecosystems to recover from mining activities.



To further investigate the impact of mining particles, the researchers analyzed the tissues of the exposed sponges. They found significantly higher concentrations of iron and copper compared to unexposed sponges. 



This accumulation of metals within the filter feeders demonstrates their vulnerability to ingesting and retaining pollutants released during deep-sea mining operations. The study highlights the potential consequences of large-scale mining activities on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-mining-damage-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea</a> ecosystem, particularly for filter-feeding organisms like sponges.



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



Deep-sea ecosystems are unique in several ways that make them exceptionally vulnerable to disturbance. Unlike many land-based or shallow-water ecosystems, organisms in the deep sea are adapted to environments where food resources are scarce and temperatures are near freezing. This leads to extremely slow growth rates and long lifespans for many deep-sea species. 



As a result, populations may take decades or even centuries to recover from even minor disruptions. Additionally, the various organisms within these ecosystems are often tightly interconnected in complex food webs. Removing or harming one species can have significant ripple effects for others that depend on it for food, shelter, or other ecological services.



Deep-sea mining operations pose a specific threat to these habitats. Large-scale mining activities could disrupt or alter the natural cycles of nutrients within the deep-sea environment. 



The sediment plumes created by mining could also smother the seafloor, burying organisms vital to the food web and altering the physical environment that many deep-sea species rely on for survival. 



These disruptions could have long-lasting and potentially irreversible consequences for the overall health of these delicate deep-sea habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-assessment">Urgent need for assessment</h2>



"[These results] underscore the urgent need for comprehensive assessments of deep-sea mining impacts on marine ecosystems," said Wurz. Before large-scale mining becomes widespread, a thorough understanding of its potential consequences is crucial. 



Researchers need more data on deep-sea biodiversity, the dispersal of mining plumes, and the resilience of these slow-growing ecosystems to disturbance. This information is essential for informed decision-making about both the scale and appropriate locations for mining activities.



The regulation of deep-sea mining falls under the International Seabed Authority, charged with balancing potential commercial interests with responsible environmental stewardship in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The scientific community, together with responsible industries and policymakers, have a duty to ensure the sustainable use of deep-sea resources.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967063724000815?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers</a>.



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Deep-sea mining has deadly consequences for marine life

The ocean's abyssal depths, a realm of perpetual darkness and...

Climate change isn't just a human problem – it's affecting the entire planet. One of the biggest concerns is the impact on pollinators, those unsung heroes of the food world. Bees, especially, are facing the brunt of global heat and rising temperatures. But how well can they actually cope? 



A team of researchers from Penn State decided to dig into this question, focusing on heat tolerance of a common type of bee – the hoary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/squash-bees-are-rapidly-spreading-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">squash bee</a>.



“Small-bodied, ectothermic -- or cold-blooded -- insects are considered to be highly vulnerable to changing climate because their ability to maintain proper body temperature depends on external conditions,” said study author Laura Jones, who led the research as a doctoral candidate in ecology at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> and is now a postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://www.utexas.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at Austin</a>. 



“Understanding how organisms tolerate temperature extremes is critical for assessing the threat climate change poses to species’ distribution and persistence.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-squash-bee-size-and-environment-heat">Squash bee size and environment heat</h2>



To figure out how squash bees fare in the heat, these scientists had a structured approach. They focused on several key questions:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-size">Impact of Size</h3>



Could a bee's body size directly influence its ability to withstand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-bees-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme temperatures</a>? Since male and female squash bees exhibit size differences, the researchers investigated whether this impacted heat tolerance differently between the sexes. They wanted to understand whether larger body size offered any protective benefit against heat stress.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-adaptation">Environmental adaptation</h3>



Would bee populations accustomed to hotter climates demonstrate a higher tolerance for rising temperatures? This could offer insights into bees' potential to adapt over time. 



The study aimed to investigate whether long-term exposure to heat within a bee's environment could lead to increased resilience.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parasitic-threat">Parasitic threat</h3>



Researchers know parasites can generally weaken bees, leading to various health issues. They wanted to examine whether parasitic infections specifically make bees more vulnerable to heat stress, potentially compounding the challenges faced by bees. 



This line of inquiry explored the possibility that a compromised immune system due to parasites might leave bees less equipped to handle additional stressors like extreme heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-heat-resilience-in-male-squash-bees">Better heat resilience in male squash bees</h2>



The relationship between size and heat tolerance in squash bees reveals an unexpected dynamic. While a larger body generally offers some degree of heat resilience for both males and females, the benefit seems particularly pronounced for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-bees-create-perfume-from-flowers-to-attract-females/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">male bees</a>. 



Scientists are still exploring the specific biological mechanisms behind this difference, whether it lies in metabolic differences, surface area to volume ratios, or other physiological factors. 



This question opens up an exciting avenue for future research to uncover how size influences heat stress response in these pollinators.



Even more concerning, female squash bees, who shoulder the critical task of foraging and nurturing young, often carry the hidden burden of trypanosome parasites. The study demonstrates that this parasitic infection significantly impairs their ability to cope with extreme temperatures. 



This is a major cause for concern. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-pollution-makes-it-difficult-for-bees-to-find-flowers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Female bees</a> are essential for hive health and reproduction, and their hindered heat tolerance could have cascading negative effects on the population's long-term survival and ability to cope with the pressures of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-tolerance-of-squash-bees-does-not-vary-by-location">Heat tolerance of squash bees does not vary by location</h2>



The researchers initially hypothesized that squash bee populations in hotter climates would have adaptations for higher temperatures. They expected these bees to evolve traits enhancing thermal tolerance. This expectation is based on the idea that organisms living in extreme environments often develop specialized survival mechanisms over time.



However, the study results contradicted this prediction. Squash <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-face-a-multitude-of-complex-stressors-in-the-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> inhabiting the hottest locations did not show a wider range of heat tolerance compared to those from cooler areas. 



This unexpected finding suggests that these particular bees might have reached a physiological limit and are not evolving quickly enough to match the speed of environmental changes.



Even more troubling was the discovery that in the hottest regions, there was less variation in bees' overall heat tolerance. This finding indicates that extremely high temperatures are effectively eliminating individuals at both ends of the heat tolerance spectrum - those most vulnerable and those most resilient to heat. 



The lack of variation means the population is losing genetic diversity related to temperature response, leaving them more susceptible to future heat waves and potentially compromising their long-term survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implication-on-heat-tolerance-of-squash-bees">Study implication on heat tolerance of squash bees</h2>



This study highlights that heat tolerance in bees is not a simple matter of one or two factors. Instead, an intricate interplay of characteristics like size, sex, parasitic infections, and the specific environmental conditions they experience all contribute to how well they cope with heat stress. 



This emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to understanding the challenges bees face and underscores that solutions might need to be tailored to specific populations.



The findings raise a red flag that bees might struggle to evolve fast enough to outpace the rapid changes brought on by climate change. This suggests that natural adaptation alone might not be sufficient to ensure their survival, underscoring the urgency of human intervention and proactive conservation measures.



This research emphasizes that inaction is not an option. Bees are vital to agriculture and ecosystems. We must actively work towards protecting bee populations by reducing pesticide use, creating pollinator-friendly habitats, and supporting research into bee health. 



Individual actions, combined with systemic change, are crucial to safeguarding the future of these indispensable creatures alongside our own.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bee-the-change">Bee the change</h2>



Here's how you can make a difference:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-create-a-pollinator-paradise">Create a pollinator paradise</h3>



Transform your yard, balcony, or even a window box into a haven for bees and other pollinators. Plant native wildflowers and flowering herbs that provide a continuous supply of nectar and pollen from early spring through late fall. A diversity of blooms catering to different bee species and preferences is key!



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choose-nature-friendly-gardening">Choose nature-friendly gardening</h3>



Pesticides and herbicides are a major contributor to bee decline and have harmful effects on entire ecosystems. Choose organic gardening practices, natural pest control methods, and tolerate some imperfections in your landscape. Your garden isn't just for you -- share it with the creatures that keep our food system thriving.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-igniting-awareness">Igniting awareness</h3>



Knowledge is power! Educate yourself about the fascinating world of bees and the threats they face. Share your newfound knowledge with your family, friends, and community. 



Encourage others to take bee-friendly actions and create a ripple effect of positive change. Consider supporting organizations dedicated to pollinator conservation and research.



There's more to be learned, that's for sure. But science like this helps us understand the challenges bees face and find ways to make our world a safer place for these incredible pollinators. Let's choose to be part of the solution.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.10945" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Bees' ability to withstand heat varies by size and sex

Climate change isn't just a human problem – it's affecting...

As our climate warms, global nations are witnessing an alarming increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> events, characterized by severe wind and heavy rainfall occurring simultaneously. Recent research reveals that these compound extremes are set to become more frequent and severe, posing new challenges to both infrastructure and emergency responses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emerging-threats-from-a-warmer-climate">Emerging threats from a warmer climate</h2>



Researchers from <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newcastle University</a> have documented significant changes through climate simulations spanning historical periods (1981-2000) to projected future scenarios (2060-2081). 



The findings highlight a stark increase in the severity of extreme weather events as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperatures</a> continue to rise. This intensification is primarily due to increased rainfall, a direct thermodynamic response to the warming climate. 



Additionally, alterations in the jet stream - with its southward movement - are anticipated to steer storms through warmer regions, which will further amplify rainfall. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-escalation-in-compound-weather-extremes">Escalation in compound weather extremes</h2>



The UK and Ireland are expected to face more frequent and severe windstorms paired with extreme rainfall, increasing the risk of catastrophic flooding. 



This escalation in compound weather extremes presents a significant threat to coastal areas prone to flooding and could severely impact emergency services and infrastructure, including power and transportation networks.



Dr. Colin Manning, who led the study, noted the dire implications if current trends persist. "Our work shows that such compound extremes will occur more frequently as our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-struggling-to-breathe-store-co2-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate warms</a> and likely bring more severe impacts."



The aggregation of damage from both wind and flooding is expected to significantly strain emergency response capabilities. 



In response, Dr. Manning recommends a dual strategy to lessen these impacts: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and bolstering the resilience of essential infrastructure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-dynamics-of-compound-weather-extremes">Decoding the dynamics of compound weather extremes </h2>



To better understand and predict these compound weather extremes, the researchers implemented a comprehensive analytical approach. They linked severe wind and rainfall events to the occurrence of extra-tropical cyclones (ETCs) in the region. 



Using indices like the Wind Severity Index (WSI) and Rainfall Severity Index (RSI), the researchers measured the intensity of extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-makes-it-difficult-to-understand-extreme-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather</a> events. 



They also calculated the return periods for both individual and combined extremes to determine their likelihood and characterized the events by their specific wind and rainfall traits. This approach was key in identifying changes in the intensities of wind and rainfall.



Professor Lizzie Kendon, a key contributor to the research, emphasizes the significance of the advanced climate projections that were utilized. These projections, based on high-resolution models, provide an in-depth view of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/local-weather-climate-change-beliefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local weather</a> extremes are expected to develop over the next decades. 



"This is highlighting the importance of considering compounding effects, including co-occurrences of different hazards, as well as the clustering of extreme events, in fully capturing the potential impacts of climate change," noted Kendon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-to-enhance-climate-resilience">Research to enhance climate resilience</h2>



The insights garnered from this study set a crucial groundwork for further investigation into the mechanisms driving these compound weather extremes. Future research will expand to include a broader array of climate models to confirm the robustness of the results. 



Understanding the direct link between these compound events and their resultant impacts is vital. As the evidence mounts, it becomes increasingly clear that a proactive and informed approach is essential for managing and mitigating the effects of climate change on weather patterns. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-compound-weather-extremes">More about compound weather extremes</h2>



Compound weather extremes refer to scenarios where multiple adverse weather events occur simultaneously or sequentially, often exacerbating the impacts compared to what would be expected from any single event. 



These combinations can include heatwaves coinciding with droughts, heavy rainfall alongside storm surges, or simultaneous occurrences of extreme winds and precipitation. Such compound events often result in more severe consequences for ecosystems, infrastructure, and human health than the sum of their individual parts.



For example, when a heatwave and drought occur together, the strain on water resources intensifies, stressing agricultural systems and increasing the risk of wildfires. 



Another example is when heavy rainfall happens in conjunction with a storm surge; the resulting floods can be far more destructive than either event would be alone. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2212094724000343" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weather and Climate Extremes</a>.



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Compound weather extremes are now more frequent and severe

As our climate warms, global nations are witnessing an alarming...

3d,Illustration,Bacteriophage,Infecting,Bacterium

The fracking industry in the Permian Basin generates an overwhelming 168 billion gallons of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-wastewater-is-a-hidden-solution-to-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wastewater</a> annually. This "produced water" is notoriously difficult and expensive to treat due to its chemical complexity. 



Sadly, traditional methods often fall short, leaving the industry grappling with the financial and environmental costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteriophages">Bacteriophages</h2>



Researchers have recently made a significant breakthrough in the quest for a more efficient and cost-effective treatment method. 



Their study, which brings to light the potential of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-virus-discovered-in-the-deepest-part-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteriophages</a> -- viruses known for their ability to target and eliminate specific bacteria -- is paving the way for innovative solutions in water treatment.



Ramón Antonio Sánchez, a doctoral candidate at The University of Texas at El Paso (<a href="https://www.utep.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UTEP</a>), spearheads this research. He explains that bacteriophages are uniquely adept at infecting and destroying single species of bacteria without harming others. 



This specificity is particularly useful in tackling the problematic bacteria found in produced water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fracking industry and wastewater challenges</h2>



Produced water from fracking contains bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which corrodes metal infrastructure, and Bacillus megaterium, known for decomposing hydrocarbons. 



These bacteria present serious challenges for the durability of fracking pipelines and the cleanliness of the water. 



By targeting these bacteria, bacteriophages offer a rapid and targeted approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-water-treatment-method-is-eco-friendly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water treatment</a>, enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of oil and gas production.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-access-and-effectiveness">Expanding access and effectiveness</h2>



Despite the significant potential of bacteriophages to revolutionize wastewater treatment, several challenges limit their current application. Firstly, these viruses are not widely available, restricting their immediate use in industrial settings. 



Moreover, the nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-can-either-help-or-harm-their-hosts-immune-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteriophages</a> is such that each type typically targets a specific strain of bacteria. This specificity, while beneficial for targeting harmful bacteria without disrupting beneficial ones, means that a wide variety of bacteriophages must be developed to address the different bacteria found in various environments.



To overcome these limitations, the research team is actively working to increase the diversity of bacteriophages that can be produced and used commercially. By broadening the range of bacteriophages, they aim to create a more flexible and adaptable treatment solution. 



This expansion would allow for the treatment of a broader array of bacterial contaminants, significantly enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of bacteriophage technology in cleaning up fracking wastewater and potentially other industrial applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academic-research">Academic research</h2>



Sánchez's successful lab experiments with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eavesdropping-viruses-the-unseen-war-within-our-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteriophages</a> mark a significant breakthrough. He plans to extend these achievements to industry settings, aiming to replicate his results and expand the range of treatable microorganisms. 



UTEP's growing research reputation attracts talented researchers like Sánchez. His doctoral advisor, Ricardo Bernal, Ph.D., an associate professor at UTEP, commends this pioneering work for its potential to refine industrial practices and enhance environmental sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fracking-wastewater-treatment-significance">Fracking wastewater treatment significance</h2>



In summary, the innovative application of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-develop-smart-food-packaging-show-contamination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteriophages</a> for treating fracking wastewater underscores a critical breakthrough in industrial water treatment technology. 



This approach not only demonstrates the direct benefits of cleaner, more sustainable wastewater management in the oil and gas industry but also serves as a powerful example of how scientific research can address real-world challenges. 



By harnessing the natural targeting capabilities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-livestock-are-major-drivers-of-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteriophages</a> to selectively eliminate harmful bacteria, this method offers a potentially transformative solution to one of the significant environmental issues posed by fracking operations.



Moreover, the success of this research could inspire similar strategies across other sectors that face wastewater management challenges, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and municipal water treatment. 



The broader implications of this study suggest that integrating biological technologies into industrial processes could pave the way for more environmentally friendly practices globally. 



Thus, the application of bacteriophages in water treatment not only addresses specific industrial needs but also contributes to the larger dialogue on sustainable development and environmental stewardship.



As this technology develops, it may offer a blueprint for other industries seeking sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/16/6/797" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Water</a>.



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Bacteriophages could revolutionize fracking wastewater treatment

The fracking industry in the Permian Basin generates an overwhelming...

You probably try to make the best choices you can when it comes to feeding yourself and your family – but is what you see in the grocery store or local market the healthiest or most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-diets-offer-health-benefits-and-lower-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable option</a>? A new study out of <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a> has some troubling findings that reveal most human diets, high in meat and sugar, pose health risks and harm the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-diets-then-and-now">Human diets, then and now</h2>



Just a few decades ago, modern human meals tended to be simpler, focused on home-cooked foods with less emphasis on year-round fresh produce. While fresh fruits and vegetables were enjoyed seasonally, variety was often more limited than today. 



Today, despite vastly expanded options and knowledge about nutrition, dietary habits have taken a turn for the worse. This begs the question: with supermarkets bursting with variety and nutritional information readily available, why haven't average human diets become healthier?



Researchers from McGill University and the <a href="https://www.ifpri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Food Policy Research Institute</a> conducted a multi-year study to analyze the evolution of the Canadian food supply. 



Their goal was to understand how changes in food availability and consumption patterns impact human health and the environment. 



The findings indicate a troubling mismatch between what's available in the food system and what constitutes optimal nutrition for both individuals and the planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disappointing-reality-of-modern-human-food">Disappointing reality of modern human food</h2>



To assess how well the modern human food landscape supports healthy eating, researchers needed reliable benchmarks. They chose two highly respected sources:



<ul>
<li>Canada food guide:&nbsp;This government-issued resource provides Canadians with evidence-based recommendations about the types and quantities of foods needed to promote health and prevent chronic disease.</li>



<li>EAT-Lancet commission:&nbsp;This global commission of scientists convened to create a planetary health diet – one that emphasizes optimal nutrition for humans while ensuring long-term sustainability of food production and safeguarding the environment.</li>
</ul>



The researchers meticulously analyzed nearly 60 years of data from Canadian farms and food companies. They wanted to understand the complex relationship between what is produced, how it's processed, and what products end up readily available to consumers.



Unfortunately, this in-depth analysis revealed a disheartening trend: the food most easily accessible to the average modern human doesn't measure up to the standards of either the Canada Food Guide or the EAT-Lancet Commission's recommendations. 



This starkly shows that although we know about healthy, sustainable eating, our current food system does not consistently support those choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-supply">Food supply</h2>



"One of the study's most striking findings is the evident imbalance in the food supply. There's a conspicuous overabundance of red meat and sugar, products that have long been associated with various health issues when consumed in excess," says Vincent Abe-Inge, Ph.D. student in McGill's Department of Bioresource Engineering and lead author of the study.



Sadly, we just aren't seeing a matching increase in healthier options. "Conversely, there's a notable deficiency in healthier alternatives like nuts, legumes, and vegetables," Abe-Inge continues.



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



We often overlook the environmental implications of what we eat. However, a meat-heavy diet has consequences far beyond individual health. 



Animal products, while representing a smaller portion of our overall food sources, leave a disproportionately large environmental footprint.



The study delved into the specific environmental costs associated with animal-based foods:



<ul>
<li>Greenhouse gas emissions:&nbsp;Livestock production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gases, which play a major role in climate change.</li>



<li>Water use:&nbsp;Raising animals for food requires substantial amounts of water for both the animals themselves and the crops grown to feed them. This high water demand puts a strain on water resources.</li>



<li>Land use:&nbsp;Animal agriculture requires vast areas of land, both for grazing and for growing feed crops. This land use often contributes to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.</li>
</ul>



In essence, the study highlights that our over-reliance on animal-based foods exacts a higher cost on the planet than is necessary to feed the population. A shift towards more plant-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-can-reduce-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a> could significantly reduce these harmful environmental impacts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-diet-for-better-environment">Better diet for better environment</h2>



The study underscores that reducing meat and sugar consumption is beneficial, but there are broader steps humans in modern societies can take to enhance both their health and the environment:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-substituting-plant-based-proteins">Substituting plant-based proteins</h3>



While adopting a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle is not necessary, incorporating plant-based proteins like beans or lentils instead of meat in several meals each week can make a significant difference. 



This shift not only supports personal health by reducing the intake of animal fats and cholesterol, but also lessens the environmental burden, as plant-based foods generally require fewer resources like water and land compared to meat.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-fruits-and-vegetables">More fruits and vegetables</h3>



Consistently increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables is not only a healthful choice but also an environmentally favorable one. 



These foods are packed with essential nutrients that promote health and are more sustainable to produce than many animal-derived products. 



Their lower environmental impact is due to factors such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and less intensive land use.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-demand-better-diet-and-environment">Demand better diet and environment</h3>



Individuals have the power to influence the market by demanding more healthful, sustainable food options. This can be done through purchasing decisions and by voicing the need for changes in food policy. 



Consumers can encourage businesses and policymakers to prioritize the availability of nutritious and environmentally friendly foods, leading to broader changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-changes-in-diet-can-greatly-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> systems and policies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-change-is-possible">Change is possible</h2>



This study isn't designed to make individuals feel guilty about their dietary choices. Instead, it aims to bring widespread attention to the systemic issues within our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ditch-the-diet-trends-for-a-healthier-relationship-with-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a> and their consequences on health and environment. 



Understanding these challenges is the first step towards positive change. By shedding light on the disconnect between the way we produce and consume food and its implications for health and the environment, the study empowers consumers, policymakers, and food industry leaders to take action.



The focus lies in advocating for solutions:



<ul>
<li>Informed consumer choices:&nbsp;Greater awareness of these issues can drive individuals to make small but impactful shifts in their own diets, creating a demand for healthier and more sustainable options.</li>



<li>Policy changes:&nbsp;The findings highlight the need for policy interventions that support a more balanced food supply, incentivizing the production and consumption of plant-based foods and potentially disincentivizing those foods with excessive environmental burdens.</li>



<li>Industry transformation:&nbsp;Food producers and retailers have a crucial role to play in evolving their offerings and practices to better align with the needs of both people and the planet.</li>
</ul>



"There's an urgent need to adopt a holistic approach that not only prioritizes public health but also the health of our planet. By aligning food supply more closely with recommended dietary guidelines, we can pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future," concludes Vincent Abe-Inge.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211912423000664?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Food Security</a>.



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Modern human diets pose many risks to both health and the environment

You probably try to make the best choices you can...

A recent study led by <a href="https://duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a> has identified significant levels of toxic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hands-help-spread-flame-retardants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flame retardants</a> in the air inside personal vehicles, raising serious public health concerns. The findings highlight the pervasive presence of these chemicals in cars, which are added to materials like seat foam to adhere to federal flammability standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harmful-chemicals-in-our-cars">Harmful chemicals in our cars</h2>



“Our research found that interior materials release harmful chemicals into the cabin air of our cars,” said lead author Rebecca Hoehn, an expert in integrated toxicology and environmental health at Duke.&nbsp;



“Considering the average driver spends about an hour in the car every day, this is a significant public health issue. It’s particularly concerning for drivers with longer commutes as well as child passengers, who breathe more air pound for pound than adults.”



The experts analyzed the interior air of 101 cars from the U.S., model year 2015 or newer, and found that 99% contained tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), a flame retardant currently under scrutiny by the <a href="https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. National Toxicology Program</a> for its potential carcinogenic properties. 



Additionally, the presence of other harmful chemicals, such as tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) and tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) - both recognized as carcinogens under California Proposition 65 - was noted. These chemicals have also been associated with neurological and reproductive damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-source-of-the-flame-retardants-nbsp">Source of the flame retardants&nbsp;</h2>



Seasonal variations affect the concentration of these flame retardants, with higher levels detected during warmer months. This is attributed to increased off-gassing from car interiors, which can reach temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The experts established a correlation between the presence of TCIPP in seat foam and higher airborne, suggesting that seat foam is a significant source of this chemical in the cabin air.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flame-retardant-safety-standards-nbsp">Flame retardant safety standards&nbsp;</h2>



Flame retardants are mandated by the <a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</a> (NHTSA) under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 302. This standard, which dates back to the 1970s, necessitates that interior materials in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/direct-evidence-electric-vehicles-measurably-reduce-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicles</a> withstand exposure to open flames.



“Firefighters are concerned that flame retardants contribute to their very high cancer rates,” noted Patrick Morrison, a health and safety official responsible for 350,000 U.S. and Canadian firefighters at the <a href="https://www.iaff.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Association of Fire Fighters</a>. 



“Filling products with these harmful chemicals does little to prevent fires for most uses and instead makes the blazes smokier and more toxic for victims, and especially for first responders. I urge NHTSA to update their flammability standard to be met without flame retardant chemicals inside vehicles.”



The call for updated regulations mirrors changes made to California’s flammability standards for furniture and baby products a decade ago, which now allow for safety compliance without the use of flame retardants. This shift has resulted in enhanced or maintained fire safety, as well as reduced levels of flame retardants in U.S. homes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-exposure-to-chemicals-in-cars">Reducing exposure to chemicals in cars</h2>



Additionally, the researchers documented the detrimental impact of flame retardants on intellectual development and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/you-can-reduce-your-risk-of-cancer-with-just-4-5-minutes-of-daily-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer risks</a>. “You may be able to reduce your exposure to flame retardants in your car by opening your windows and parking in the shade,” suggested Lydia Jahl, a senior scientist at the <a href="https://greensciencepolicy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Green Science Policy Institute</a>. 



“But what’s really needed is reducing the amount of flame retardants being added to cars in the first place. Commuting to work shouldn’t come with a cancer risk, and children shouldn’t breathe in chemicals that can harm their brains on their way to school.”



These findings call for a reevaluation of safety standards and advocate for significant reductions in the use of hazardous chemicals in automotive manufacturing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Health concerns associated with flame retardants&nbsp;</h2>



Flame retardants can accumulate in the human body over time, and they are linked to a range of health problems. Some of the most concerning risks include hormonal disruption, which can affect reproductive health and development. Flame retardants can also impair thyroid function, which is crucial for metabolism and brain development.



Additionally, these chemicals have been associated with negative impacts on the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and may also increase the risk of autoimmune disorders. There is evidence suggesting that exposure to flame retardants can lead to neurodevelopmental issues in children, such as learning disabilities and behavioral problems.



Cancer is another significant concern, as some flame retardants are considered potential carcinogens. The risk of cancer, particularly for those frequently exposed to these chemicals, underscores the importance of managing and limiting exposure to flame retardants in environments like homes and workplaces.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c10440" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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Are we breathing cancer-causing chemicals in our cars?

A recent study led by Duke University has identified significant...

As the world witnesses the impacts of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-shelves-will-struggle-to-recover-from-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming climate</a>, Antarctic ice shelves face a precarious future. Recent research led by the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (<a href="https://cires.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CIRES</a>) has uncovered alarming evidence on how these ice structures are not just bending under pressure but are actively fracturing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-shelves-under-pressure">Ice shelves under pressure</h2>



Floating ice shelves in Antarctica act as critical barriers, holding back glacier ice from spilling into the ocean. However, when air temperatures rise, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting glacier</a> ice forms pools on these shelves, significantly weighing them down. 



This increased weight causes the ice to bend and, as newly observed, to fracture dramatically. Such fractures can lead to the eventual collapse of these ice shelves, further exacerbating sea level rise - a concerning prospect for global coastal regions.



Alison Banwell, a CIRES scientist at the Earth Science and Observation Center and lead author of a recent study, emphasized the critical role of ice shelves in maintaining the stability of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-was-more-dynamic-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic Ice Sheet</a>. 



"Ice shelves are extremely important for the Antarctic Ice Sheet’s overall health as they act to buttress or hold back the glacier ice on land," Banwell explained.



This study, which marks the first field-based observation of its kind, confirms longstanding theoretical models that predicted the susceptibility of ice shelves to fracturing due to surface meltwater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctic-ice-shelves-fracturing">Antarctic ice shelves fracturing</h2>



Banwell, along with her team from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>, <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, and <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a>, conducted field research on the George VI Ice Shelf, located on the Antarctic Peninsula. 



In November 2019, the team set up camp around a known depression in the ice, a site prone to collecting meltwater. Equipped with high-precision GPS stations, water-pressure sensors, and a timelapse camera system, they meticulously recorded the changes occurring on the ice surface.



Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the team resumed their work in November 2021. They found that the remaining instruments had captured significant ice movements and the formation and drainage of a meltwater lake during the record-high melt season of 2019/2020. 



The data revealed that the ice in the lake's center flexed downward by approximately a foot due to the weight of the accumulated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-glacial-meltwater-sea-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meltwater</a>, while the horizontal distance between the lake's edge and center also increased, indicating the formation and widening of circular fractures on the ice shelves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-shelves-fractures-and-chain-reaction-of-collapse">Ice shelves fractures and chain reaction of collapse</h2>



These observations provide crucial insights into the mechanics of ice shelf disintegration. "This is an exciting discovery," Banwell stated. "We believe these types of circular fractures were key in the chain reaction style lake drainage process that helped to break up the Larsen B Ice Shelf." 



Her reference to the abrupt collapse of Larsen B in 2002, which saw thousands of meltwater lakes abruptly drain, underscores the potential for similar events to occur if current trends continue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-insights-and-global-implications">Practical insights and global implications</h2>



The results of this research are not just academic; they have practical implications for improving models that predict the stability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ice-shelves-are-dwindling-at-a-startling-pace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic ice shelves</a>. 



By understanding the specific conditions that lead to ice shelf fracture, scientists can better forecast which shelves are most vulnerable to collapse. This knowledge is vital for anticipating the impacts of these collapses on global sea levels.



Furthermore, as the evidence mounts, the urgency to address the underlying causes of climate change becomes even clearer. 



Antarctic ice shelves serve as a stark reminder of the broader environmental challenges that lie ahead, and the need for sustained scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship to mitigate these global threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Antarctic ice shelves&nbsp;</h2>



Antarctic ice shelves are massive floating platforms of ice that form where the continent’s ice sheets meet the sea. These shelves are fed by the slow flow of glaciers and thick ice from the interior of Antarctica. They are critical components of the Earth's climate system because they act as barriers that regulate the flow of ice into the ocean.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stability of ice shelves&nbsp;</h3>



When ice shelves are stable, they slow down the discharge of ice from glaciers. However, if they thin or break up, this can lead to a faster flow of ice into the ocean, which contributes to sea-level rise.



The stability of ice shelves is influenced by both atmospheric and oceanic temperatures. Warmer air can melt the surface of the shelves, while warmer ocean currents can erode their underbellies.&nbsp;



This dual assault can make them vulnerable to break-up and disintegration. Events like the dramatic collapses of the Larsen A and B ice shelves in 1995 and 2002 respectively, highlight the susceptibility of ice shelves to changing climate conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ecological role</h3>



Moreover, Antarctic ice shelves are also important for their ecological role. The underside of these ice platforms supports a unique ecosystem that includes algae, krill, and various fish species, which in turn are crucial for larger predators like whales and seals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Polar research&nbsp;</h3>



Scientific studies of these ice shelves are crucial for understanding not only the mechanisms of their change but also the broader implications for global sea levels and climate feedback loops. As such, they are a focal point of polar research, often involving satellite monitoring, field expeditions, and advanced climate modeling.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-glaciology/article/observed-meltwaterinduced-flexure-and-fracture-at-a-doline-on-george-vi-ice-shelf-antarctica/EAAD863418F572E9F5DF781FF85EFD77" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Glaciology</a>.



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Antarctic ice shelves are fracturing from meltwater weight

As the world witnesses the impacts of a warming climate,...

In the mid-20th century, the ocean off the Los Angeles coast became a disposal site for significant quantities of the pesticide Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), due to the activities of the largest DDT manufacturer in the nation.&nbsp;



This chemical, notorious for its persistent toxicity, continues to impact the marine environment of L.A. more than 50 years later. Although legal at the time, the full scale of this pollution at an offshore dump site near Catalina Island, 15 miles offshore, only came to broader public attention in 2020, raising substantial concern among scientists and the public alike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ddt-chemicals-in-deep-sea-fish">DDT chemicals in deep-sea fish</h2>



Recent findings from researchers at UC San Diego’s <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a> and <a href="https://www.sdsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Diego State University</a> (SDSU) have shown that deep-sea fish and sediments near the Catalina Island dump site are still laden with DDT-related chemicals, indicating that DDT-related chemicals discarded into the ocean decades ago continue to influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-restructures-marine-food-webs-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine food webs</a>.



Since the rediscovery of this dump site near Catalina Island, scientists have endeavored to determine the current scope and severity of the contamination. It remains a critical concern whether these old chemicals, now settled on the ocean floor, are confined to the seabed or are circulating through marine ecosystems, potentially endangering wildlife and human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ddt-contamination-in-marine-food-webs">DDT contamination in marine food webs</h2>



“These are deep-sea organisms that don’t spend much time at the surface and they are contaminated with these DDT-related chemicals,” said co-author Lihini Aluwihare, a professor of ocean chemistry at Scripps.&nbsp;



“Establishing the current distribution of DDT contamination in deep-sea food webs lays the groundwork for thinking about whether those contaminants are also moving up through deep-ocean food webs into species that might be consumed by people.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-montrose-chemical-corporation">Montrose Chemical Corporation</h2>



From 1948 to at least 1961, barges hired by Montrose Chemical Corporation would journey from the Port of Los Angeles towards Catalina, discharging waste containing sulfuric acid and up to 2% pure DDT directly into the Pacific.&nbsp;



This practice, which was legal until 1972, largely went unnoticed, overshadowed by another disposal method used by Montrose: discharging a more dilute acidic slurry that also contained DDT into the ocean off Palos Verdes through L.A. County sewers.&nbsp;



The Palos Verdes Shelf, where an estimated 100 tons of DDT accumulated in sediments, was declared an underwater Superfund Site by the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Protection Agency</a> in 1996, and in 2000, Montrose was ordered to pay $140 million for environmental restoration.&nbsp;



Research has linked DDT pollution in this area to health issues in local sea lions, dolphins, bottom-feeding fish, and even coastal California <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/california-condors-are-threatened-by-organic-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condors</a>, likely affected by consuming contaminated marine animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxic-legacy-of-offshore-dumping-nbsp">Toxic legacy of offshore dumping&nbsp;</h2>



The rediscovery of Montrose’s offshore dumping near Catalina, now known as Dumpsite 2, was made by <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a> researcher David Valentine using an undersea robot. This discovery gained significant public exposure in 2020 through a series of investigative reports by the Los Angeles Times, highlighting the toxic legacy of offshore dumping in the region.



Valentine and Scripps researchers have since mapped extensive DDT contamination across an area of the seafloor larger than San Francisco. The ongoing challenge is to determine whether this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-pollution-threatens-the-health-of-more-than-three-billion-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> remains localized or if it is migrating through the marine environment in ways that could harm aquatic life or humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extent-of-the-ddt-contamination-nbsp">Extent of the DDT contamination&nbsp;</h2>



In 2021, Aluwihare, SDSU’s Eunha Hoh, and their team began addressing two crucial questions: Are the DDT-related chemicals on the seafloor near Dumpsite 2 entering the food chain? Can they develop a unique chemical fingerprint for the contamination from Dumpsite 2 to distinguish it from pollution emanating from the Palos Verdes Shelf?



Sediment and deep-sea animal samples collected near Dumpsite 2 revealed the presence of an extensive array of DDT-related chemicals, previously identified in the blubber of dolphins off Southern California’s coast. This broader spectrum of DDT compounds, known as DDT+, is critical for understanding the full extent of contamination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ddt-related-compounds-in-fish">DDT-related compounds in fish</h2>



Analysis of these samples showed that 215 fish across three species near Dumpsite 2 contained 10 DDT-related compounds, all present in the sediment samples.&nbsp;



Two fish species were collected from depths between 546 meters (1,791 feet) and 784 meters (2,572 feet), and a third species ranged from these depths up to the surface. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dietary-shift-to-forage-fish-could-prevent-millions-of-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fish</a> from shallower waters had lower contaminant levels and lacked two of the DDT-related compounds found in deeper-dwelling fish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-were-the-fish-exposed-to-ddt">How were the fish exposed to DDT?</h2>



“None of these fish species are known to feed in the sediment of the seafloor. There must be another mechanism that is exposing them to these contaminants,” said co-author Anela Choy, a biological oceanographer at Scripps.&nbsp;



“One possibility is that physical or biological processes are resuspending sediments around Dumpsite 2 and allowing these contaminants to enter deeper water food webs.”



While it’s not yet possible to definitively exclude the Palos Verdes Superfund Site as a contamination source, the study’s findings - including the specific contaminants identified and their distribution across different species and depths - suggest that pollution from the seafloor could be infiltrating the marine food chain.



“This is evidence that DDT compounds are making their way into the deep ocean food web,” said lead author Margaret Stack, an environmental chemist at SDSU. “That is cause for concern because it’s not a big leap for it to end up in marine mammals or even humans.”



This “will help us figure out what to do as far as mitigation and what not to do in terms of offshore development that could make this problem worse by stirring up these contaminants,” Hoh added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



Aluwihare highlighted the need for further research to identify the source of the DDT contaminants found in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-deep-sea-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea fish</a> and to determine whether similar contamination affects larger, open-ocean fish species consumed by people.



As the investigation continues, the researchers are analyzing samples from fish species targeted by recreational anglers and commercial fisheries, including basses and sanddabs. Comparing these findings with sediment samples from the Palos Verdes Shelf and Dumpsite 2 may help pinpoint the source of the toxins.



“We are still seeing this DDT contamination in deep-sea organisms and ocean sediments more than 50 years after they were dumped there. I’m not sure if that company expected the consequences of their pollution to last this long, but they have,” Hoh concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00115" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology Letters</a>.



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Toxic legacy: Decades-old DDT found in deep sea fish

In the mid-20th century, the ocean off the Los Angeles...

In many American homes, the familiar hiss of a gas stove ignites more than just family meals - it sparks a series of health concerns due to the emission of <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/tracking-nitrogen-dioxide-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen dioxide</a> (NO2).



Recent research highlights the significant impact this gas can have on indoor air quality, revealing that even bedrooms can become saturated with harmful levels of pollutants shortly after cooking, and these levels can linger for hours.



"I didn’t expect to see pollutant concentrations breach health benchmarks in bedrooms within an hour of gas stove use, and stay there for hours after the stove is turned off," noted Professor Rob Jackson, a senior researcher at the <a href="https://sustainability.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability</a>. 



This revelation confirms that the issue extends beyond the kitchen, affecting the air quality throughout the entire home.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-of-gas-stoves-and-nitrogen-dioxide-exposure">Health risks of gas stoves and nitrogen dioxide exposure</h2>



The health implications of prolonged exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves are severe and multifaceted. Consistent inhalation of NO2 can exacerbate asthma symptoms, hinder lung development in children, and even contribute to premature mortality. 



The study, which also included insights from researchers at the Central California Asthma Collaborative, PSE Healthy Energy, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, estimates that up to 200,000 cases of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/child-asthma-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">childhood asthma</a> may be linked to gas stove emissions. A significant portion of these asthma cases are directly attributable to nitrogen dioxide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quantifying nitrogen dioxide exposure levels</h2>



Study lead author Yannai Kashtan, a PhD student specializing in Earth System Science, pointed out that the quantity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gas-stoves-release-more-harmful-nanoparticles-than-vehicle-exhaust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas</a> used during cooking is the predominant factor influencing NO2 exposure levels in homes.



Kashtan noted that the effectiveness and usage of range hoods play crucial roles in mitigating exposure. "We found that just how much gas you burn in your stove is by far the biggest factor affecting how much you’re exposed. And then, after that, do you have an effective range hood – and do you use it?" 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mortality-rates-associated-with-no2-exposure">Mortality rates associated with NO2 exposure </h2>



The research team employed advanced sensors and modeling techniques to measure and analyze NO2 levels in over 100 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exposure-to-gas-stoves-in-homes-is-worse-for-your-health-than-secondhand-smoke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homes</a> of varying sizes and layouts. 



The findings indicate that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide in homes with gas stoves may cause thousands of deaths each year - comparable to the mortality rates associated with secondhand smoke.



“Assuming that meta-analyses of outdoor NO2 and all-cause adult mortality may be applied to long-term exposure to indoor NO2, our analysis suggests that long-term NO2 exposure from gas and propane stoves in the United States may be responsible for up to 19,000 deaths annually,” wrote the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nationwide-consequences-of-indoor-air-pollution">Nationwide consequences of indoor air pollution</h2>



On a broader scale, the typical use of propane or gas stoves in the U.S. is likely to increase household NO2 levels significantly, nearly reaching unsafe limits set by the World Health Organization for outdoor air. 



"That’s excluding all outdoor sources combined, so it makes it much more likely you’re going to exceed the limit," said Kashtan, highlighting the gravity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/gas-stoves-create-dangerous-levels-of-indoor-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indoor pollution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-socioeconomic-and-demographic-disparities">Socioeconomic and demographic disparities</h2>



The study also sheds light on disparities in NO2 exposure based on household size and demographic factors. Smaller homes, often less than 800 square feet, and those in poorer or minority communities face disproportionately higher levels of indoor pollution. 



"People in poorer communities can't always afford to change their appliances, or perhaps they rent and can't replace appliances because they don't own them," noted Jackson. This issue is compounded in smaller homes, where residents breathe in more pollution for the same amount of stove use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaner-home-energy-solutions">Cleaner home energy solutions</h2>



This research not only advances our understanding of indoor air pollution from gas stoves but also emphasizes the need for effective ventilation and perhaps a reconsideration of fuel sources in homes. 



Electric stoves, for instance, offer a cleaner alternative, emitting no NO2 or other harmful pollutants like benzene. 



"It’s the fuel, not the food. Electric stoves emit no nitrogen dioxide or benzene. If you own a gas or propane stove, you need to reduce pollutant exposures using ventilation," said Jackson.



The findings from this comprehensive study illustrate the critical need for awareness and action in addressing indoor air pollution. They also call for a reassessment of household energy choices to safeguard public health, particularly among vulnerable populations.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adm8680" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>. 



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Gas stoves emit unsafe levels of nitrogen dioxide

In many American homes, the familiar hiss of a gas...

A recent study has unveiled a concerning trend in the traditionally damp landscapes of Africa. Over an 18-year span, the number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-of-air-quality-improvement-erased-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> has alarmingly doubled in Africa's wet forests, especially in the vast Congo Basin. 



The uptick in fire activity in these regions mirrors similar increases observed in other wet forests globally, including the U.S. Pacific Northwest and the Amazon. 



This pattern indicates a shift in the ecological dynamics of these areas, underscoring the urgent need to reevaluate the susceptibility of wet forests to fires.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-trends-in-africa-s-wet-forests">Fire trends in Africa’s wet forests</h2>



The study represents the first extensive examination of fire incidents in West and Central Africa’s lush, tropical forests. 



Utilizing satellite imagery, the researchers tracked active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/historic-fires-impact-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires</a> from 2003 to 2021, discovering a clear rise in fire frequency, particularly in the Northwest Congolian Lowland Forests. By 2021, the number of fires per 10,000 square kilometers surged by 400 annually.



"There were several areas with strong trends of increasing fire, mainly in the Congo Basin. In contrast, there were almost no locations where fire was decreasing," wrote the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-human-activity-on-wet-forest-fires">Impact of human activity on wet forest fires</h2>



Traditionally, fires in Africa's wet forests were thought to be minor, especially when compared to those in drier woodlands and savannas. The lack of comprehensive research left many questions about the characteristics and drivers of these fires unanswered.



The escalation of fires in wet forests is deeply connected to human activities, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a>. This not only reduces forest cover but also fragments the remaining forested areas, increasing their susceptibility to fires. 



Consequently, these human-driven changes foster drier conditions particularly at the forest edges, where the majority of fires tend to ignite. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-patterns-and-wet-forest-fires">Weather patterns and wet forest fires</h2>



Furthermore, the experts identified a pronounced correlation between the occurrence of fires in these wet forests and weather patterns, particularly high temperatures and vapor pressure deficits, which are indicative of elevated plant water stress levels.



A particularly compelling discovery was the impact of the 2015-2016 "super El Niño" event, which intensified heat and drought conditions in these regions, subsequently leading to a noticeable increase in fires. 



"I was surprised at how strong and clear the climate signal was," said Michael Wimberly, an ecologist at the University of Oklahoma who led the study.



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



The implications of these findings are profound. As global climate patterns continue to evolve, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forest-land-sometimes-gets-cleared-for-nothing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forest</a> fires are likely to increase in frequency and intensity, posing significant challenges to conservation efforts and biodiversity. 



Wimberly emphasized the necessity of rethinking how we view the relationship between climate change and fire in tropical forests. "Tropical forest fires have been long overlooked, but they're only going to become more important in the future. We can't ignore them any longer."



This pivotal study calls for an integrated approach to managing fire risks, particularly by controlling fires at the edges of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-global-forest-loss-has-been-caused-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> to prevent the destructive feedback loops that increase vulnerability to further fires. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



The research underscores the need for enhanced monitoring and intervention strategies that can mitigate the impact of fires on some of the world’s most critical wet forest ecosystems.



The findings from the study not only expand our understanding of the ecological dynamics of wet forests but also serve as a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and conservationists worldwide to address the emerging threats posed by climate change and human influence on these vital habitats.



“Fires are likely to continue increasing as temperatures become hotter and human populations grow and expand, and they will have negative impacts on carbon storage as well as biodiversity and human livelihoods derived from forest resources,” wrote the study authors.



“To date there has been limited research on fire in African forests, and more work is needed to understand how ENSO and other climate modes influence regional patterns of fire risk; assess the impacts of increasing fire on carbon dynamics, biodiversity, and forest resources; and develop more effective strategies for predicting fire danger and preventing destructive wildfires.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023GL106240" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Africa's wet forests have seen an alarming rise in wildfires

A recent study has unveiled a concerning trend in the...

To secure the future of crucial intertidal areas and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-all-of-the-worlds-salt-marshes-may-be-underwater-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salt marshes</a> along our coastlines, increasing the turbidity of the water is vital, according to a recent study conducted by a team of Dutch and Chinese researchers. 



“These natural areas outside our dikes are essential for nature and coastal defense. But because of how we are now building in the Delta and the hinterland, coastal defense is endangered in the long term,” said Tim Grandjean, a postdoctoral fellow in estuarine and delta systems at the <a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research</a> (NIOZ). 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-turbidity-and-intertidal-areas-nbsp">Water turbidity and intertidal areas&nbsp;</h2>



The experts utilized decades of satellite measurements of tidal regions globally, correlating them with turbidity data also obtained via satellite monitoring. This analysis helped them establish a critical minimum turbidity needed for delta waters worldwide.&nbsp;



The findings revealed a clear long-term relationship: intertidal growth is contingent on sufficient water turbidity. “After all, turbid water means more sand and silt particles in the water, which can allow the coast to grow,” Grandjean explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-of-tidal-flats-nbsp">Vulnerability of tidal flats&nbsp;</h2>



Globally, the clarity of many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-waters-bury-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal waters</a> has been improving for decades, which paradoxically leads to the vulnerability of tidal flats. Moreover, with sea levels rising, maintaining these flats requires even higher turbidity. 



The current low turbidity levels pose a significant threat to critical biodiversity areas and coastal safety since tidal flats serve as vital foraging grounds for birds and contribute significantly to wave attenuation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impacts-on-intertidal-areas-nbsp">Human impacts on intertidal areas&nbsp;</h2>



The study underscores the need for a reevaluation of human impacts on delta regions, stressing the importance of strategic planning in coastal development to safeguard these vital ecosystems. Thus, we have to think more carefully about how human activities affect the coast, on which we rely for our safety.&nbsp;



Large-scale infrastructural projects like the Three Gorges Dam on China’s Yangtze River have drastically reduced downstream sediment supply, essential for the nourishment and maintenance of tidal flats.&nbsp;



Similarly, in the Netherlands, constructions such as the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier have led to significant reductions in sand deposition, causing the water to become clearer and less capable of supporting intertidal zones, leading to erosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-nature-conservation-and-coastal-protection-nbsp">Balancing nature conservation and coastal protection&nbsp;</h2>



“In the long run, this is not sustainable. When too much intertidal area disappears outside the dikes of Zeeland, the safety of the complete coast is at stake. So not only for nature, but also for safety, we must begin to protect the areas outside the dikes much more effectively,” said Grandjean.



“The water has to become murkier, so we may have to consider dismantling the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier in the future. A careful balance between nature conservation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-based-solutions-improve-coastal-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal protection</a> is essential, ensuring that both goals strengthen rather than counteract each other.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamics-of-intertidal-coastal-areas-nbsp">Dynamics of intertidal coastal areas&nbsp;</h2>



The study also involves innovative techniques developed at NIOZ workshops for measuring the dynamics of intertidal zones, providing crucial insights into their short-term vulnerabilities.&nbsp;



“The dynamics of intertidal areas can be measured with very expensive sensors or with labor-intensive, manual measurements. However, this way, we could never collect data in many different places at the same time,” said Grandjean.



“The technicians at NIOZ developed sensors that were cheap enough to record the height of the bottom to the millimeter, several times a day, at different locations along the Western and Eastern Scheldt for several years now.”



The precise data collected shows that an intertidal zone's height can fluctuate by one or two centimeters within a single tidal cycle. “For you or me, a centimeter more or less under our boots may not matter, but if you are a worm or a mussel, or a seed of eelgrass, that is indeed too much dynamics,” he explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spacing-between-groynes-nbsp">Spacing between groynes&nbsp;</h2>



Grandjean's further studies into the spacing between groynes - structures built out from coasts as part of coastal management or to protect against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-erosion-is-picking-up-speed-across-the-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erosion</a> - by the province of Zeeland show that these also enhance the habitat quality along the Westerschelde by reducing dynamic changes, allowing for better settlement of benthic animals. 



“Of course, we already knew that these groynes, along rivers and coasts, can protect, but our measurements show that benthic life along the Westerschelde also benefits from these measures. The dynamics decrease enough in time and space for benthic animals to settle better,” he said.&nbsp;



Moreover, the flow reduction between the groynes could help stabilize intertidal coastal areas over the long term and mitigate rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level</a> effects. However, continued research is crucial to fully understand these dynamics and their long-term impacts on coastal ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01431-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Water turbidity helps protect coastal ecosystems

To secure the future of crucial intertidal areas and salt...

The relatively obscure locations of Cowee Creek, Brabazon Range, and Upper Pederson Lagoon have recently become significant for their experience with lake tsunamis - a growing phenomenon primarily noted in Alaska and British Columbia, driven by the effects of climate change on mountain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-fueling-earthquakes-in-alaska/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a>.



Lake tsunamis are typically triggered by landslides that plunge into small, often remote bodies of water. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-lake-tsunamis-nbsp">Potential for lake tsunamis&nbsp;</h2>



While most lake tsunamis have occurred away from populous areas, geologist Bretwood Higman from <a href="https://groundtruthalaska.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ground Truth Alaska</a> warns of the potential for such events to impact more inhabited locations, particularly Portage Lake near Whittier.



According to Higman, places like Eklutna, Seward, Valdez, Juneau, Grewingk Lake in Kachemak Bay State Park, and Index Lake near Glacier View also carry significant tsunami risk with human activity and infrastructure.



During the <a href="https://meetings.seismosoc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seismological Society of America (SSA)’s 2024 Annual Meeting</a>, Higman highlighted the necessity of monitoring such locations for potential lake tsunamis, particularly through the lens of unique seismic signals that landslides often produce.



“There are some cases where there are dramatic and very distinctive precursory seismic signals that precede a catastrophic landslide, sometimes by as much as days,” Higman explained. “If we could get to the point where we understood these and knew how to detect them, they could be really useful.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-conditions-enhance-risks">Warming conditions enhance risks</h2>



Labeling lake tsunamis as an “emerging, climate-linked hazard,” Higman detailed how geological conditions that foster such events are generally consistent across different locales.&nbsp;



The melting of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-unleash-invasive-species-into-unexpected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a>, exacerbated by rising temperatures, weakens the support they provide to adjacent valley walls, increasing their susceptibility to landslides into either existing water bodies or new lakes formed from the glacial melt. 



Additionally, warming conditions contribute to the degradation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-permafrost-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permafrost</a> that stabilizes mountain slopes, further enhancing risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-frequent-lake-tsunamis-nbsp">More frequent lake tsunamis&nbsp;</h2>



The phenomenon has been observed more frequently in recent years, with the 2020 Elliot Creek tsunami in a British Columbian glacial valley serving as a stark example.&nbsp;



This event involved a landslide that displaced 18 million cubic meters of earth and caused tsunami waves that ran up more than 100 meters, devastating local forest and salmon habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-future-lake-tsunamis-nbsp">Preparing for future lake tsunamis&nbsp;</h2>



Although lake tsunamis currently affect less populated areas, Higman and his colleagues are using the data gathered from such incidents to develop preparedness strategies for potentially affected communities with significant infrastructure.&nbsp;



The researchers are studying geological instabilities similar to those that have led to past tsunamis, hoping to mitigate risks for densely populated regions.



Finally, Higman suggests that examining these massive landslide events could offer insights into tectonic fault behaviors, providing a smaller-scale model for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-music-will-yellowstones-seismic-activity-produce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic activities</a> more broadly. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-lake-tsunamis-nbsp">More about lake tsunamis&nbsp;</h2>



Lake tsunamis, also known as seiches, are large waves or series of waves generated in enclosed or semi-enclosed bodies of water like lakes, bays, or reservoirs.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes">Causes</h3>



Unlike oceanic tsunamis that are commonly caused by seismic activity (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides), lake tsunamis often result from sudden changes in atmospheric pressure, strong winds, or rapid displacement of water caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fatal-landslides-human-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landslides</a> or large objects falling into the lake.



The phenomenon occurs when the water in a lake is pushed from one end to the other, piling up and then oscillating back and forth until it loses energy and stabilizes. 



These oscillations can be amplified by the shape of the lake, especially if it is long and narrow, which can cause the wave heights to increase significantly as they travel back and forth.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lake-michigan-nbsp">Lake Michigan&nbsp;</h3>



One famous historical example of a seiche occurred in 1954 at Lake Michigan, where strong winds and rapid changes in atmospheric pressure resulted in waves that reached up to 10 feet high, causing substantial damage along the Chicago waterfront. 



Another notable instance happened in Switzerland's Lake Geneva in the 6th century, triggered by a massive rockfall.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-risks">Significant risks</h3>



Although lake tsunamis are less common and generally less destructive than their oceanic counterparts, they can still pose significant risks to those living near or on bodies of water, especially in regions prone to sudden meteorological changes or seismic activity. 



Precautions and early warning systems can help mitigate the impact of such events, enhancing safety for communities in vulnerable areas.



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Lake tsunamis are an emerging climate-linked hazard

The relatively obscure locations of Cowee Creek, Brabazon Range, and...

<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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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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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

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