Many expect warmer winters to reduce cold snaps, but that isn't how it works. A new study reveals that the polar vortex, happening high in the stratosphere, still controls much of what happens at ground level.



In this study, scientists looked at how changes in that polar vortex - especially in the stratosphere (a layer of the atmosphere way above us) - affect winter weather in the U.S. 



They discovered that the shape and strength of the vortex at two different heights can look totally different, and this matters a lot.



The study was conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.uml.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Lowell</a>, <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University</a> of Jerusalem,&nbsp;and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>).



“The public often hears about the ‘polar vortex’ when winter turns severe, but we wanted to dig deeper and understand how variations within this vortex affect where and when extreme cold hits,” the research team explained.



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



Imagine the atmosphere above the North Pole as a swirling dome of icy air - that’s the polar vortex, officially called the stratospheric polar vortex (<a href="https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/understanding-arctic-polar-vortex" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SPV</a>). 



When it’s strong and stable, winter in the U.S. tends to stay fairly calm. But when this vortex gets stretched, twisted, or broken apart, cold air can spill southward, triggering severe winter weather across the country.



This study dug into how different shapes and behaviors of the polar vortex - not just at one level of the atmosphere but at two - affect winter storms in the U.S. 



Over the last decade, the worst <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/">cold snaps</a> have been hitting farther west than before. That shift seems to line up with more frequent La Niña events - times when the Pacific Ocean is cooler than usual. 



La Niña tends to favor the version of the vortex that affects the western U.S., while El Niño, its warmer sibling, leans more toward the version that affects the east.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-types-of-polar-vortexes">Different types of polar vortexes</h2>



The researchers used a technique called <a href="https://stanford.edu/~cpiech/cs221/handouts/kmeans.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">K-means clustering</a> (basically, pattern detection in big datasets) to spot five different types of stratospheric behavior. 



Two of these polar vortex classes stood out because they often came with extreme cold and snow.



One pattern (called P2) leads to severe weather in the Northwest U.S.. The other (P3) hits the Central and Eastern regions of the U.S.



P2 features a strong vortex centered over the pole with a stretched lower vortex. It often brings snow and cold to the Northwestern U.S. 



P3 shows a weaker, displaced vortex toward the North Atlantic, steering cold into the Central and Eastern U.S. These variations do not just depend on vortex position but also on how atmospheric waves behave.



Planetary waves can either be absorbed or reflected in the stratosphere. When reflected, they can send cold air barreling southward. 



P3 events consistently show this reflection during the cold wave itself. P2 events often have wave reflection before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-equation-predicts-a-rapid-rise-in-extreme-heatwaves/">cold</a> snap hits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-the-cold-hits-and-why">Where the cold hits and why</h2>



The researchers used the <a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024EGUGA..26.2134C/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rAWSSI index</a>, which considers temperature, snow depth, and snowfall.



The analysis revealed that P3 patterns produce the most extreme winter conditions in the Central and Eastern U.S., while P2 patterns primarily affect the Northwestern region with intense cold and snowfall. 



The findings help explain recent cold events, including the severe <a href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/great-texas-freeze-february-2021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas freeze of 2021</a>.



The Northwest has seen more P2 days recently. This increase matches a northwestward shift in cold air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/">outbreaks</a>. The central and eastern parts still get hit, but less often now.



Wave activity flux (WAF) offers clues. Before P2 events, reflection happens over Siberia and Alaska. During P3 events, strong reflection occurs over Asia and the Pacific. In P3, this reflection continues as the cold air descends.



Cold air starts in the east, spreads across the Midwest, and settles in the Northwest. These transitions help forecast where the next cold wave might land.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-cycles-and-the-polar-vortex">Global cycles and the polar vortex</h2>



P2 is more frequent during La Niña conditions. P3 prefers El Niño phases. This suggests tropical ocean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-is-on-pace-to-surpass-1-5c-global-temperature-increase-for-second-year-in-a-row/">temperatures</a> influence how the polar vortex behaves.



Other climate patterns play a role as well. The westerly phase of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/quasi-biennial-oscillation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">QBO</a>) often coincides with P2 days.



On the other hand, the Arctic Oscillation (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_oscillation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AO</a>) tends to be more negative during P3 events, a state that supports increased cold outbreaks in the Central and Eastern United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winter-cold-is-shifting">Winter cold is shifting</h2>



What makes this research unique is that it doesn’t just focus on surface temperatures like most studies. It includes snow cover and snowfall, too, giving a fuller picture of how the stratosphere connects to what we experience on the ground. 



Despite a warming climate, these findings suggest extreme cold will continue to return each year, even though its location may shift. In the past decade, the coldest anomalies moved westward, which is a change from decades of more common Eastern U.S. cold.



This deeper understanding could help forecasters predict harsh winter conditions weeks in advance by watching patterns in the stratosphere and tropical oceans.



In the end, this study shows that what happens high above the Earth - and even far across the ocean - can shape the winter weather we feel in a big way. And by getting better at reading those signals from way up in the sky, we might get better at preparing for the coming storms.



-----



The research was funded by the&nbsp;National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>)&nbsp;, the&nbsp;U.S.–Israel Binational Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.bsf.org.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BSF</a>)&nbsp;, the&nbsp;U.S. Department of Energy (<a href="https://www.doe.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DOE</a>)&nbsp;, and the&nbsp;National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (<a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>).



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq9557" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Why global warming hasn't ended extreme winter cold, and why you shouldn't expect it to

Many expect warmer winters to reduce cold snaps, but that isn't how it works. A new study reveals that the polar vortex, happening high in the stratosphere, still controls much of what happens at ground level. In this study, scientists looked at how changes in that polar vortex - especially in the stratosphere (a layer of the atmosphere way above us) - affect winter weather in the U.S. They discovered that the shape and strength of the vortex at two different heights can look totally different, and this...

A new study led by geoscientist Rebecca Hamilton at the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> is challenging long-held views on the ecological history of South East Asia. 



Contrary to the previous belief that dry savannahs dominated the region during the Last Glacial Maximum more than 19,000 years ago, the team discovered a varied landscape of closed and open forest types.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-of-tropical-forests">Resilience of tropical forests</h2>



The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2311280120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, has significant implications for understanding the resilience of tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraordinary-biodiversity-found-in-ancient-asian-rainforest/">forests</a> to climate change.



Dr. Hamilton emphasizes the importance of this discovery in the context of accelerating climate change. She notes that maintaining a diversity of forest types is key to conserving the region’s ecosystems.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformation-of-forested-areas-nbsp">Transformation of forested areas&nbsp;</h2>



“Our work suggests that prioritizing protection of forests above 1,000 meters (‘montane forest’) alongside seasonally dry forest types could be important for preventing future ‘savannization’ of Asia’s rainforests,” she said.



Savannization refers to the transformation of forested areas into savannah ecosystems, characterized by open wooded plains. This process can be triggered by climate changes, human activities, or natural ecological shifts.



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



"The dominant paradigm is that large tracts of Southeast Asia’s lowland rainforests were replaced with a 'savanna corridor' during the cooler, more seasonal climates of the Last Glacial Maximum," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"This interpretation has implications for understanding the resilience of Asia’s tropical forests to projected climate change, implying a vulnerability to savannization."&nbsp;



"A savanna corridor is also an important foundation for archaeological interpretations of how humans moved through and settled insular Southeast Asia and Australia. Yet an up-to-date, multiproxy, and empirical examination of the palaeoecological evidence for this corridor is lacking."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paleoenvironmental-sites-nbsp">Paleoenvironmental sites&nbsp;</h2>



To investigate, the researchers analyzed records from 59 paleoenvironmental sites across tropical South East Asia. The team challenged the savannah model, which postulated a vast, uniform grassland expansion during the Last Glacial Maximum.&nbsp;



Instead, their analysis of pollen grains from lakes and other biochemical indicators revealed a coexistence of forests and expanding grasslands during this period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



“We put forward the idea that these seeming discrepancies can be reconciled if, during the cool and seasonal climate of the Last Glacial Maximum, montane forests (above 1,000m) persisted and expanded in high-elevation regions, while lowlands experienced a shift to seasonally dry forests, which have a naturally grassy understory,” Hamilton explained.



The research not only offers a revised perspective on the ecological past of South East Asia but also provides valuable insights into the potential resilience of the region’s tropical forests in the face of ongoing climate change. It highlights the critical need for preserving a diversity of forest landscapes to safeguard these ecosystems for the future.



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



—-&nbsp;



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

Forests of South East Asia are more resilient than previously thought

A new study led by geoscientist Rebecca Hamilton at the...

A recent study from <a href="https://dornsife.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC Dornsife</a> has unveiled startling new insights into one of Earth's most devastating mass extinction events. 



The research not only deepens our understanding of the catastrophic end-Triassic mass extinction but also offers vital lessons for addressing today's environmental challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-end-triassic-catastrophe">The end-Triassic catastrophe</h2>



Approximately 200 million years ago, the Earth underwent its fourth major mass extinction event, marking the end of the Triassic period and the dawn of the Jurassic era.&nbsp;



This catastrophic event, triggered by a dramatic surge in greenhouse gases from volcanic activity, led to rapid global warming and a profound transformation of the planet's biosphere.&nbsp;



Today, as scientists grapple with the potential of a current mass extinction driven by similar climate changes, this historical event becomes increasingly significant.



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



The USC Dornsife team adopted an innovative "ecospace framework" method to analyze the impact of this extinction on both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. This approach categorizes animals beyond mere species classification, considering their ecological roles and behaviors.&nbsp;



Study senior author Professor David Bottjer emphasized the importance of understanding how different species' roles in the ecosystem evolved through this catastrophic period.



“We wanted to understand not just who survived and who didn’t, but how the roles that different species played in the ecosystem changed,” said Professor Bottjer. “This approach helps us see the broader, interconnected ecological picture.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-impacts">Diverse impacts</h2>



The study revealed a stark contrast in the impacts on marine versus terrestrial ecosystems. While ocean life experienced a significant loss, with nearly 71% of genera vanishing, the marine ecosystem structure displayed remarkable resilience.&nbsp;



Land ecosystems faced a bleaker scenario, with a staggering 96% of terrestrial genera going extinct, reshaping Earth's landscape dramatically.



“This contrast between land and sea tells us about the different ways ecosystems respond to catastrophic events,” said co-lead author Alison Cribb. “It also raises important questions about the interplay of biodiversity and ecological resilience.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-ancient-climate-change">Learning from ancient climate change</h2>



“Understanding past mass extinctions helps us to predict and possibly soften the impacts of current and future environmental crises,” said co-lead author Kiersten Formoso.



The parallels between the rapid global warming of the end-Triassic and today's climate changes are striking.&nbsp;



“We’re seeing similar patterns now - rapid climate change, loss of biodiversity. Learning how ecosystems responded in the past can inform our conservation efforts today,” said Professor Bottjer.



The research also provides a rare window into the world as it existed over 200 million years ago, he added. “It’s like a time machine, giving us a glimpse of life during a period of profound change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fresh-perspective-nbsp">A fresh perspective&nbsp;</h2>



The study’s ecospace framework, with its focus on functional roles, offers a fresh perspective on ancient life, said Professor Frank Corsetti.



“It’s not just about identifying fossils. It’s about piecing together the puzzle of ancient ecosystems and how they functioned.”



Future research



The team plans to expand this research to explore species recovery post-extinction and the parallels with current biodiversity loss due to climate change.&nbsp;



“We’ve just scratched the surface,” said Cribb. “There’s so much more to learn about how life on Earth responds to extreme changes, and this new ecospace framework offers great potential for helping us do that.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.2232" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



Image Credit: Courtesy of Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County



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



—-&nbsp;



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

Mass extinction event shows how life responds to extreme changes

A recent study from USC Dornsife has unveiled startling new...

In an era where the fragility of our natural environment is more apparent than ever, the Endangered Species Act (<a href="https://www.fws.gov/law/endangered-species-act" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>) stands as a critical piece of legislation. But as we move further into the 21st century, the question arises: how can this act evolve to effectively combat the growing threats to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/">biodiversity</a>? 



Experts are now turning to a blend of technology, economics, and human intervention to reshape the conservation landscape.&nbsp;



Professor Tanya Berger-Wolf and Amy Ando of <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a> are at the forefront of integrating technology and economics into conservation efforts.



The researchers shared their insights in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adn3245" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>, offering a fresh perspective on the future of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and its implementation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-technology-and-nature">Bridging technology and nature</h2>



Tanya Berger-Wolf, faculty director of Ohio State’s Translational Data Analytics Institute, emphasized the importance of a "Sustainable, trustworthy, human-technology partnership."&nbsp;



"We are in the middle of a mass extinction without even knowing all that we are losing and how fast," said Berger-Wolf. However, she also pointed out the potential of technology to change this narrative.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-tools">New tools</h3>



New technological tools, such as camera traps and smartphone apps, are enabling large-scale monitoring of animal and plant populations. These tools empower scientists and citizen scientists to contribute to data collection on biodiversity that benefits the Endangered Species Act.



“But even with all this data, we are still monitoring only a tiny fraction of the biodiversity out in the world,” said Berger-Wolf. “Without that information, we don’t know what we have, how different species are doing and whether our policies to protect endangered species are working.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bonding-with-nature">Bonding with nature</h3>



Berger-Wolf warned against an over-reliance on technology alone. She advocates for maintaining a strong connection between people and nature. "We don’t want to sever the connection between people and nature, we want to strengthen it."&nbsp;



Berger-Wolf emphasized the need for a conscious partnership between humans, technology, and AI in the quest to preserve biodiversity.



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



Amy Ando, professor and chair of the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics at Ohio State, focused on "Harnessing economics for effective implementation."&nbsp;



Professor Ando noted that while biology and ecology are crucial, economics plays a significant role in the successful implementation of the Endangered Species Act.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sweeping-changes-nbsp">Sweeping changes&nbsp;</h3>



"Though the ESA precludes the use of economic analysis in making listing decisions, insights and tools from economics have helped to make management and policy related to the ESA more successful and trigger sweeping changes in many human behaviors including logging, development, and water use," wrote Ando.&nbsp;



"For example, economics research has informed efforts to reduce perverse habitat destruction incentives created by the original ESA and helped to quantify the impacts, costs, and benefits of ESA protections."



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bioeconomic-research-nbsp">Bioeconomic research&nbsp;</h3>



Bioeconomic research, a collaboration between economists and biologists, examines how human behavior affects ecological systems and vice versa.



Professor Ando described innovative approaches like "pop-up" habitat modification, which involves temporary actions like removing fences during elk migration or flooding rice fields for shorebirds. These actions, optimized through economic principles, can provide significant benefits to both society and the environment.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactive-policies-nbsp">Proactive policies&nbsp;</h3>



Furthermore, Ando highlighted the importance of proactive policies that protect species before they require ESA protection. This involves navigating complex scenarios where multiple landowners must coordinate their efforts to protect habitats.&nbsp;



According to Professor Ando, economists are exploring ways to achieve this coordination without imposing heavy regulations, thus reducing the cost of conservation while effectively protecting species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-multidisciplinary-approach-nbsp">A multidisciplinary approach&nbsp;</h2>



The insights from Berger-Wolf and Ando underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to conservation. By integrating technology and economics into the framework of the ESA, we can develop more effective strategies to protect our planet's biodiversity.&nbsp;



It's a reminder that saving endangered species is not just a matter of ecological concern, but a complex challenge that requires technology, economics, and human engagement to be effectively solved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-endangered-species-act-nbsp">The Endangered Species Act&nbsp;</h2>



"The Endangered Species Act was signed into law on Dec. 28 in 1973. It’s appropriate that it happened in the midst of the winter holiday season because it’s one of the best gifts we’ve ever given ourselves. It’s our nation’s most effective law to protect at-risk animals and plants from extinction both nationally and abroad," wrote the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF).



"Currently, under the Endangered Species Act, more than 1,670 species native to the United States and 698 species in other countries are safeguarded to increase their chances of survival. And it’s had a stellar success rate so far with 99% of species listed still with us - dodging extinction and many species making the slow march toward recovery."&nbsp;



"Scientists estimate that hundreds of species have been rescued from the brink of extinction in the United States since the Endangered Species Act went into effect. Fifty years later, we’re reflecting on the success of our bedrock conservation law - and continuing to work together to ensure that it protects the world's most vulnerable species for another 50 years (and more!)."



-----



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



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



-----

The Endangered Species Act turns 50 years old today

In an era where the fragility of our natural environment...

Microplastics,In,Soil,A,Test,Tube,With,Soil,Sample,-

In recent years, the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment has emerged as a pressing concern. While the pollution of oceans by plastics is widely recognized, the presence of microplastics in soils across the globe is equally alarming. 



These plastics, breaking down into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> (MPs), significantly impact soil properties and, alarmingly, find their way into the human food chain, raising health concerns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-soil-and-corporate-sustainability">Microplastics, soil, and corporate sustainability</h2>



The effects of microplastics on soil are crucial in the realm of corporate sustainability, particularly under the 'Environmental' pillar of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.



Companies worldwide are increasingly expected to adopt eco-friendly approaches, with a strong focus on addressing plastic pollution. 



However, the complex interaction between soil and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-embedded-in-tissues-of-whales-and-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a>, influenced by the diversity of both soil types and microplastics, complicates understanding and managing their environmental impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-research-using-ai-machine-learning">Innovative research using AI machine learning</h2>



To bridge the research gap in this area, a team led by <a href="https://pure.korea.ac.kr/en/persons/yong-sik-ok-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prof. Yong Sik Ok</a>, a Korean University Professor and a prominent figure in environmental governance, applied AI machine learning (ML) techniques to study <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-clouds-may-be-affecting-the-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> in soil. 



Professor Ok emphasizes the efficiency and predictive power of ML in environmental research, explaining, “ML is a dynamic and transformative field of artificial intelligence (AI) that uses algorithms and models to learn and make predictions from vast datasets with great accuracy."



"Using ML to comprehensively understand the role of MPs in soil systems is time- and resource-efficient and provides a foundation for future research on this subject,” Professor Ok noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-on-microplastics-and-soil">Key insights on microplastics and soil</h2>



The study revealed that various factors of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-uncover-microplastics-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a>, including type, size, shape, and concentration, have distinct effects on soil properties. 



Notably, the size of microplastics was identified as a critical factor influencing soil characteristics. The study also highlighted the distinct impacts of microplastic shape, type, and concentration on soil chemistry.



Professor Ok explained, “This pioneering study contributes essential data to support informed decision-making on plastic waste management, aligning with the global focus on sustainability and ESG principles. It underscores the importance of innovative research in guiding corporate sustainability efforts, where plastic-related issues are a growing concern." 



"The application of ML techniques to this problem demonstrates the potential for advanced technology to drive sustainable practices and create a greener, more eco-conscious future,” says Prof. Ok.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastic-soil-pollution-implications">Microplastic soil pollution implications</h2>



The study's use of AI machine learning to analyze <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-contaminate-all-lakes-and-freshwater-environments-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> influence on soil represents a significant advancement in understanding and addressing the plastic waste challenge. 



This approach marks a departure from traditional, more labor-intensive methods, highlighting the potential of technology in fostering sustainable practices.



"Our ML-based method in this study demonstrates the role of advanced technology in tackling MP pollution," Prof. Ok adds. 



"Such research can inform plastic waste management strategies, align with global sustainability goals, and potentially revolutionize corporate sustainability, leading to green job creation and sustainable development."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-corporations-and-communities">Role of corporations and communities</h2>



Incorporating ML insights into studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-rain-the-growing-threat-of-airborne-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> aligns with social responsibility and fosters sustainable practices with positive community impacts. 



Companies addressing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-have-a-new-method-to-estimate-the-age-of-microplastics-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic</a> pollution can reduce their environmental footprint and build community trust by applying ML solutions. 



These efforts might also influence industry standards, potentially creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in related sectors.



"These findings could revolutionize corporate sustainability efforts and pave the way for more green jobs and sustainable development to create a greener and eco-conscious world for current and future generations,” says Prof. Ok.



In summary, this research highlights the pressing issue of microplastics pollution in soil while also showcasing the potential of machine learning in advancing our understanding and management of environmental challenges. 



The findings in this study help pave the way for a more sustainable and eco-conscious future.



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



As discussed above, microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic less than 5mm in size, have emerged as a major environmental concern. 



They originate from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items, microbeads in personal care products, and synthetic fibers from clothing.



The primary sources of microplastics are consumer products and industrial processes. These tiny particles easily enter natural ecosystems through waste water, wind, and runoff. 



They are now ubiquitous, found in oceans, rivers, soils, and even the air we breathe.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-wildlife-and-humans">Impact on wildlife and humans</h3>



Microplastics pose a significant threat to wildlife. Marine animals often mistake them for food, leading to ingestion and accumulation in the food chain. 



This not only harms the animals directly but also affects the entire ecosystem and can eventually impact human health.



Humans are exposed to microplastics through various means, including seafood and water. The long-term health impacts of this exposure are still under investigation, but there are concerns about potential toxicity and other adverse effects.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-the-microplastic-problem">Fighting the microplastic problem</h3>



To tackle the issue of microplastics, governments, organizations, and individuals are taking action. 



This includes banning microbeads in personal care products, promoting recycling, and developing biodegradable alternatives. 



Public awareness campaigns also play a crucial role in reducing the use and disposal of plastics.



In summary, microplastics are a pervasive environmental issue with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human health. 



Addressing this challenge requires collective efforts from all sectors of society to reduce plastic usage and improve waste management practices.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749123018353?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Pollution</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

AI reveals how microplastics are harming global soil and agriculture

In recent years, the accumulation of plastic waste in the...

California has taken a monumental step in water conservation and management by approving new regulations that allow the conversion and recycling of wastewater into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cheap-and-drinkable-water-from-desalination-is-finally-a-reality/">drinking water</a>. 



The measure is a critical response to the severe drought conditions that have plagued the state in recent years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-in-water-management">New era in water management</h2>



This decision by the <a href="https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/">California State Water Resources Control Board</a> marks a significant shift in water resource management, setting a precedent for other states facing similar challenges.&nbsp;



The new rules permit water agencies to treat wastewater and reintroduce it into the drinking water supply. This process, known as direct potable reuse, positions California as a leader in advanced water recycling standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-in-the-making">Decades in the making</h2>



The journey to this decision has spanned over a decade, involving rigorous scientific reviews and the development of stringent safety standards. The approval of these regulations arrives just before the state-mandated deadline of December 31.



"This is an exciting development in the state's ongoing efforts to find innovative solutions to the challenges of extreme weather driven by climate change," said E. Joaquin Esquivel, chair of the Water Resources Control Board.



"On top of helping us build drought-resilient water supplies, direct potable reuse offers energy savings and environmental benefits. And most importantly, these regulations ensure that the water produced is not only safe, but purer than many drinking water sources we now rely on."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-climate-change-nbsp">Addressing climate change&nbsp;</h2>



California is now the second state, following Colorado, to permit this form of water recycling. The process aims to add millions of gallons of drinking water to the state's supply, offering a sustainable solution to the pressing issue of water scarcity exacerbated by climate change.&nbsp;



The state has experienced its driest period in recent history, with occasional heavy rainfall providing only temporary relief. 



These new regulations are part of California's broader strategy to build drought-resilient water supplies and address the ongoing climate crisis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toilet-to-tap-recycling-wastewater">Toilet to tap -- recycling wastewater</h2>



Other states have already begun exploring similar measures. Texas initiated wastewater conversion in 2013, and a brewery in California's Half Moon Bay recently adopted recycled wastewater. Colorado's water board approved the process last year.



California's water board reported that water systems can start submitting plans to begin purifying wastewater once the new regulations are finalized by the Office of Administrative Law next year.



Esquivel pointed out that many Californians are already consuming recycled water, as most wastewater treatment plants discharge treated water back into rivers and streams.&nbsp;



“Anyone out there taking drinking water downstream from a wastewater treatment plant discharge - which, I promise you, you’re all doing - is already drinking toilet to tap,” said Esquivel. 



“All water is recycled. What we have here are standards, science and - importantly - monitoring that allow us to have the faith that it is pure water.”



In summary, California's move to recycle wastewater into drinking water reflects a growing recognition of the need for innovative, sustainable solutions to water scarcity. 



These regulations not only address immediate drought concerns but also set a benchmark for future water management strategies in the face of climate change.



-----



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



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



-----

Toilet to tap: California approves wastewater recycling amid drought crisis

California has taken a monumental step in water conservation and...

In a study that challenges long-standing assumptions, researchers have uncovered surprising insights into the nesting success of wild turkeys. 



Contrary to popular belief, researchers from <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a> discovered that rainfall during nesting season may not be as crucial to their reproductive success as previously thought. This revelation opens new avenues for understanding how climate change could impact these fascinating birds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-and-wild-turkey-nesting-success">Weather and wild turkey nesting success</h2>



The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of weather conditions during nesting season on wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turkey-domestication-happened-least-1500-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turkey</a> reproductive success and to extrapolate these findings to assess the potential impact of climate change on turkey populations. 



Wesley Boone, corresponding author and postdoctoral researcher at North Carolina State University, explains, "We wanted to know how weather influences nesting success right now and then use that data to assess how climate change may influence wild turkey populations in the future."



Wild turkeys, known for their adaptability to a wide range of environmental conditions, face numerous factors that can affect their reproductive success. 



This study focused specifically on two critical environmental conditions: precipitation and temperature. The goal was to understand their influence on nest survival during the incubation period. 



“Wild turkeys are fairly tolerant of a wide range of conditions, but there are a host of factors that can affect their reproductive success,” says Chris Moorman, co-author of the study and a professor of forestry and environmental resources at NC&nbsp;State. “This work focused on two of those conditions, precipitation and temperature, and how they may influence nest survival during the incubation period.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-methodology-and-results">Study methodology and results</h2>



To investigate the impact of weather conditions on wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-turkeys-struggle-to-shift-their-behavior-in-response-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turkey</a> nesting success, researchers closely examined daily nest survival, which measures whether the eggs within a nest survive over a 24-hour period. 



Over a span of eight years, the team monitored 715 turkey nests, meticulously collecting daily data on precipitation and temperature throughout the entire incubation period. With temperature, researchers analyzed the variations between nest temperatures and historical averages.



The study's most astonishing discovery was that precipitation during nesting had no significant correlation with daily nest survival. This finding contradicts the widely held belief that increased rainfall heightens the chances of egg mortality. 



“The most surprising finding was that precipitation during nesting was not a good predictor of daily nest survival,” Moorman says. “It had been widely believed that particularly rainy weather made it more likely that eggs wouldn’t survive.”



Surprisingly, the data revealed that higher temperatures, exceeding historical averages, were correlated with enhanced daily nest survival during the incubation period. As peak nesting season typically falls in April, this finding specifically refers to warmer-than-average spring weather. 



“We also found that temperatures which were higher than historical averages were associated with higher rates of daily nest survival during incubation,” says Boone. “Peak nesting season is generally in April, so we’re talking about warmer than average spring weather.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-turkey-nesting-success-is-complicated">Wild turkey nesting success is complicated</h2>



While the initial findings seem to suggest that climate change might favor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/10-things-turkeys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild turkey</a> reproductive success and, consequently, population growth, a more in-depth analysis reveals the complexity of this relationship. 



“Taken by itself, this might suggest that climate change could benefit turkey reproductive success and, by extension, turkey populations,” Moorman says. 



“However, we also looked at precipitation and temperature data for the months leading up to nesting season, and at the overall likelihood that a turkey nest will successfully hatch at least one egg. And when we looked at both of those datasets, things get a lot less clear,” Moorman continued.



The researchers also investigated precipitation and temperature data for the months leading up to nesting season and examined the overall likelihood of successful hatching for individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/troublemaking-turkeys-boston/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turkey</a> nests. This cumulative analysis proves considerably less conclusive.



The data suggests that higher levels of precipitation in January, well before nesting season, are associated with increased nest survival rates. Conversely, higher January temperatures appear to have a negative impact on nesting survival. 



However, due to the considerable uncertainty surrounding these findings, it is unclear whether a definitive relationship exists or if these observations are merely anomalies. 



“For example, the data suggest that more precipitation in January – long before nesting season – is associated with greater nest survival,” Boone elaborates. 



“The data also suggest that higher temperatures in January are associated with worse nesting survival. But there is so much uncertainty related to those findings that it’s not clear whether there’s a real relationship there, or if it’s an anomaly. However, it does temper any enthusiasm we might have about the likelihood that climate change will benefit turkey populations,” Boone concluded



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



While this study challenges the prevailing assumption regarding the influence of precipitation on wild turkey nesting success, it offers a new perspective on how climate change may affect these populations. 



The findings show that the intricate interplay between weather conditions and reproductive success requires further investigation. Understanding the nuances of this relationship is crucial for effective wildlife conservation strategies in the face of climate change.



In summary this study serves as a reminder of the complexities of ecological systems and the impact that climate change can have on wildlife populations. By delving into the intricate dynamics of wild turkey nesting patterns, researchers are striving to safeguard these iconic birds and inform conservation efforts in an ever-changing world.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jwmg.22524" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Wildlife Management</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Uncovering the secrets of wild turkey nesting habits

In a study that challenges long-standing assumptions, researchers have uncovered...

Researchers from the <a href="https://www.umw.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Mary Washington</a> have discovered alarming levels of cancer-causing metals in both the sediments and fish of a Chesapeake Bay tributary situated near a coal ash landfill. 



This research, led by Dr. Tyler Frankel, highlights previously overlooked dangers posed by trace metal contamination in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ripple-effects-wildfires-reshape-aquatic-ecosystems/">aquatic ecosystems</a>.



The study represents a significant step forward in understanding the environmental and health risks associated with metal contamination near coal ash landfills.&nbsp;



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



The researchers set out to investigate the role of sediments in the storage, release, and transportation of trace metals in waterways.&nbsp;



The study was initiated in an effort to address a gap in risk management concerning these contaminants, specifically in relation to aquatic species and their habitats.



"While the ecological impacts of large scale accidental releases such as the Kingston coal ash spill are well documented, little is known about the effects of chronic exposure to contamination stemming from leaking repositories," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings">Key findings</h2>



The research was focused on areas surrounding five coal ash facilities in Virginia. The results were alarming. Coal ash, a common industrial waste in the U.S., contains several water-soluble metals such as cadmium, selenium, mercury, lead, and arsenic.&nbsp;



The experts found that there were significantly increased levels of these metals in the sediments at the bottoms of waterways and within the tissues of banded killifish living near the coal ash landfills.



"These waterways serve as important routes for several migratory fish species and sensitive nursery habitats for various endemic species," said Dr. Frankel. "Our work highlights the importance of considering this exposure pathway in conservation strategies."&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications-nbsp">Health implications&nbsp;</h2>



The health implications of these findings are severe. Long-term exposure to metals like arsenic, cadmium, and chromium is linked to cancer, cardiovascular risks, and other health issues in both wildlife and humans.&nbsp;



Furthermore, these contaminants increase in concentration as they progress up the food web, posing threats to predatory fish and birds, noted Dr. Frankel. He emphasized the importance of this research in the broader context of environmental stewardship.



"As the Chesapeake Bay watershed is one of the largest and most productive estuaries in the United States, understanding our impacts on its waterways is critical to the long-term stewardship of this precious resource," said Dr. Frankel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-funding-and-support">Funding and support</h2>



The research was made possible through a $92,037 grant from the Morris Animal Foundation. This funding not only supported field sampling and laboratory analyses but also allowed the findings to be distributed to national societies, including the Chesapeake Potomac Regional Chapter of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. The grant also provided training opportunities for emerging scientists.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749123017700" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Pollution</a>. 



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



—-



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

Cancer-causing metals leak into water near coal ash landfills 

Researchers from the University of Mary Washington have discovered alarming...

Flying,Honeybee,Collecting,Pollen,At,Yellow,Flower

It's a well-established fact that pesticide sprays pose a significant threat to honey bees. However, recent research has shed light on a less known aspect of this peril -- the impact of such sprays on bees' sense of smell, with potential consequences on their vital social interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-communication-in-bee-colonies">Chemical communication in bee colonies</h2>



Honey <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/concerning-levels-of-bee-harming-pesticides-discovered-in-english-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> are part of highly dynamic communities where communication is key. They rely heavily on chemical signals, known as pheromones, to perform essential colony functions. 



Nurse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-cannot-fly-straight-after-ingesting-pesticides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a>, tasked with nurturing future queens and worker bees, use these pheromones to monitor larvae in the darkness of the hive. 



Larvae emit specific pheromones to signal their need for food, while worker bees produce alarm pheromones to alert the colony to danger. If these chemical cues are distorted or not perceived accurately, the entire colony's survival can be at stake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insecticides-pesticides-and-bees">Insecticides, pesticides and bees</h2>



For years, scientists have been aware of the declining bee populations since 2007, with insecticides being a major concern. <a href="https://experts.illinois.edu/en/persons/may-r-berenbaum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Berenbaum</a>, a respected professor of entomology at GEGC/IGOH, highlights a surprising twist in this saga. 



“For many years, it was assumed that fungicides do not have an adverse impact on insects because they are designed for fungal targets,” Berenbaum explains. “Surprisingly, in addition to insecticides, fungicides also have an adverse effect on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omega-3-oil-may-help-protect-pollinators-from-pesticides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> and combining the two can disrupt colony function.”



The problem has been particularly evident in almond orchards, which host two-thirds of U.S. honey <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-increase-pesticide-toxicity-in-bees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> annually. Here, pesticide sprays often include adjuvants -- substances added to increase the efficacy of insecticides. 



These adjuvants, though traditionally viewed as harmless, have not undergone the rigorous safety testing that other insecticidal agents have. 



Berenbaum's recent findings are alarming. “Recently, researchers have shown that adjuvants alone or when used in combination with fungicides and insecticides are toxic to bees,” Berenbaum said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-the-impact-of-pesticides-on-bees">Investigating the impact of pesticides on bees</h2>



The health of nurse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-make-it-harder-for-male-bees-to-attract-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a>, crucial for producing healthy queens, is particularly jeopardized by these chemical combinations. 



Berenbaum emphasizes the gravity of this issue, stating, “The health of the queens is paramount,” she said. “If healthy queens are not produced, the colony can suffer.”



To delve deeper, researchers conducted an experiment using the adjuvant Dyne-Amic, the fungicide Tilt, and the insecticide Altacor. 



They divided bees into four groups, exposing each to different treatments involving these chemicals. The bees' antennae were then tested for their response to mimic brood and alarm pheromones using a technique known as electroantennography.



Ling-Hsiu Liao and Wen-Yen Wu, members of the <a href="https://publish.illinois.edu/maybe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berenbaum lab</a>, discovered that nurse bees consuming pollen contaminated by these chemicals showed altered responses to certain pheromones. 



This finding implies that commonly used pesticides can interfere with honey <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-impair-the-ability-of-bees-to-pollinate-strawberries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee</a> communication, disrupting their crucial social cues.



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



However, the exact mechanisms behind how these chemicals affect bees' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-danger-bees-cant-taste-lethal-pesticides-in-nectar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensory responses</a> remain unclear.



“There are many possible explanations for how consuming these chemicals can affect the sensory responses of bees,” Liao said. “The antenna detects and triggers the response to olfactory signals. In this study we did not look at what other changes are triggered, particularly changes in behavior.”



The team aims to further investigate the molecular pathways affected by these chemicals and to test other pesticide mixtures. Their goal is to provide insights that could help beekeepers better protect their colonies.



In summary, this study is a crucial reminder of the intricate and delicate balance within bee colonies and how human practices can inadvertently disrupt it. 



As we continue to unravel the complexities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bee-communication-is-hindered-by-human-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee communication</a> and its susceptibility to external chemicals, we also uncover the urgent need to reevaluate and possibly reform our agricultural practices for the preservation of these vital pollinators.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-41818-7">Scientific Reports</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Pesticides disrupt bees’ sense of smell and social signals

It's a well-established fact that pesticide sprays pose a significant...

A report from the <a href="https://www.ceh.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Centre for Ecology &amp; Hydrology</a> outlines a strategy to drastically reduce nitrogen pollution from agriculture and the food system in Europe.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen-pollution">Nitrogen pollution</h2>



Nitrogen is essential for plant growth, yet its excessive use in agriculture, primarily through animal excretion and synthetic fertilizers, leads to severe environmental impacts.&nbsp;



The report highlights that up to 80% of nitrogen leaks into the environment in harmful forms like ammonia, nitrogen oxides, nitrous oxide, and nitrate, causing air pollution and water quality degradation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recipe-for-change">Recipe for change</h2>



The researchers identified a startling inefficiency in the European food system, where only 18% of nitrogen is effectively utilized, leaving the vast majority to pollute air, water, and soils. The report presents a "recipe" to halve these losses.



<ul>
<li>Reducing meat and dairy consumption: Halving the average European consumption of meat and dairy, currently around 70kg per year, and shifting to plant-based diets.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Improving fertilizer management: More efficient application and storage of fertilizers and manure.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Cutting down food waste: Reducing waste by retailers and consumers.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Enhancing wastewater treatment: Capturing nitrogen from sewage to reduce emissions and recycle nutrients for field application.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Incentivizing sustainable food choices: Offering financial incentives for low-impact foods and incorporating them into public sector catering.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Policy support: Implementing policies that support a sustainable transition in food production and consumption.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Collaborative effort: Engaging farmers, industry, government, and consumers in joint efforts to reduce nitrogen losses.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-nitrogen-pollution-reduction">Implications of nitrogen pollution reduction</h2>



“Action does not begin and end at the farm gate; it requires a holistic approach involving not only farmers but policymakers, retailers, water companies and individuals. It is also not saying we should all become vegan," said Professor Mark Sutton.



"Our analysis finds that a broad package of actions including a demitarian approach (halving meat and dairy consumption) scored most highly in looking to halve nitrogen waste by 2030.”



The research builds on the 2014 "Nitrogen on the Table" report, which identified livestock as a major contributor to Europe's nitrogen emissions. It suggests that plant-based diets are not only healthier but also more environmentally efficient, requiring less land and fertilizers.



The recent energy and fertilizer price hikes, partly due to the Ukraine war, underline the urgency to minimize wasteful nitrogen losses.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-diets">Plant-based diets</h2>



Study lead author Dr. Adrian Leip from the European Commission emphasized the resilience benefits of plant-based diets amidst the current food, energy, and climate crises.



“The unprecedented rise of energy, fertilizer and food prices since 2021 underlines the need to address the vulnerability of the current food system," said Dr. Liep.



"Plant-based diets require less land and fertilisers, reduce energy use and increase our resilience to the current multi-crises: food, energy, climate. Freeing up land to restore habitats would help tackle the climate and biodiversity crises.”



The researchers evaluated 144 scenarios involving varying degrees of dietary changes, agricultural practices, and wastewater treatment investments.&nbsp;



The team found that the balanced approach of halving meat and dairy consumption combined with improved farm management could potentially reduce nitrogen losses by 49% and offered the highest net societal benefit.



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



The report, a critical contribution from the <a href="https://www.clrtap-tfrn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Task Force on Reactive Nitrogen</a> of the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution, will be accessible from the taskforce’s website from December 20, 2023.&nbsp;



In summary, the research presents a comprehensive and actionable blueprint to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. It shows that a collective effort can lead to significant improvements in both environmental and human health.



-----



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



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



-----

Nitrogen pollution from food production could be reduced by 50%

A report from the United Nations Centre for Ecology &amp;...

Recent genetic analyses of an Antarctic octopus have shed light on the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/west-antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-will-accelerate-regardless-of-climate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WAIS</a>) during the Last Interglacial period, approximately 129,000 to 116,000 years ago. 



Despite a mere 1 degree Celsius increase in temperatures from preindustrial levels, the WAIS collapsed, emphasizing the vulnerability of this ice sheet to even minimal temperature rises. 



These findings have significant implications for our understanding of future climate change and its impact on the cryosphere, particularly the potential irreversible collapse of the WAIS.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-of-the-west-antarctic-ice-sheet">Vulnerability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-was-more-dynamic-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Antarctic Ice Sheet</a> is known to be particularly susceptible to warming temperatures, and it could reach a critical tipping point within the current global climate targets of 1.5 to 2 °C. 



The consequences of a total collapse of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WAIS</a> would be severe, leading to an estimated global sea-level rise of 3 to 5 meters. 



Given that global sea levels during the Last Interglacial period were 5 to 10 meters higher than preindustrial levels and temperatures were approximately 0.5 to 1.5 °C warmer, understanding how the WAIS responded to such conditions in the past is crucial for predicting its fate in our rapidly warming future.



Despite growing evidence suggesting the potential collapse of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-shelves-are-much-thinner-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WAIS</a> during the Last Interglacial period, current oceanographic and modeling studies have produced conflicting and inconclusive results. 



To address these uncertainties, Sally Lau and her colleagues took a unique approach by examining the genetic history of Turquet's octopus (Pareledone turqueti). This species is found in the Weddell, Amundsen, and Ross Seas, geographically isolated and separated by the WAIS.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-octopus-and-the-wais-collapse">The octopus and the WAIS collapse</h2>



Lau et al. conducted genetic analyses, sequencing genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms in 96 octopuses collected from the Southern Ocean. 



They discovered distinct genetic populations of the octopus but observed signs of admixture between the Ross Sea and the Weddell Sea. 



This indicates a historical gene flow between these regions during the Last Interglacial period. The persistence and historic signals of gene flow suggest that the two seas were connected by an interior open waterway, where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-has-lost-3000-billion-tons-of-ice-in-25-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WAIS</a> now occupies. 



This supports the hypothesis of complete WAIS collapse during the Last Interglacial. Andrea Dutton and Rob DeConto, in a related Perspective, highlight the significance of these findings. 



They wrote, "Whether or not this analysis withstands further scrutiny and the test of time, the implications of this result pose some intriguing questions, including whether this history will be repeated, given Earth's current temperature trajectory." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-the-past-to-understand-the-future">Learning from the past to understand the future</h2>



This research underscores the importance of understanding past climate events and the potential for similar outcomes in the future.



The genetic analyses of Turquet's octopus provide valuable insights into the collapse of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-slow-antarctica-ice-melt-with-sunlight-reflecting-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Antarctic Ice Sheet</a> during the Last Interglacial period. 



This research highlights the vulnerability of the WAIS to even minimal temperature rises and emphasizes the need to comprehend its response to warming climates. As global temperatures continue to rise, understanding the consequences of potential WAIS collapse becomes increasingly critical. 



In summary, by studying the past, we can shape a better understanding of our rapidly changing future and develop effective strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on our planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade0664" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

The tale of an Antarctic octopus and the vulnerable West Antarctic Ice Sheet

Recent genetic analyses of an Antarctic octopus have shed light...

One of North America’s largest rivers, Canada’s Mackenzie River, is driving intense carbon dioxide emissions in the Arctic Ocean, according to a recent study. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-dipole-the-atmospheric-pattern-shaping-our-future-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic Ocean</a>, despite being the world’s smallest ocean, plays a significant role in influencing climate change.



It is estimated that the cold waters of the Arctic absorb as much as 180 million metric tons of carbon per year, making it one of Earth’s critical carbon sinks. 



However, recent findings from a <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> study reveal that thawing permafrost and carbon-rich runoff from the Mackenzie River are triggering the release of more carbon dioxide than the ocean can absorb.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-the-arctic-ocean-as-a-carbon-sink">Role of the Arctic Ocean as a carbon sink</h2>



The study, published earlier this year, sheds light on how scientists are using advanced computer modeling techniques to study rivers like the Mackenzie, which flows into the Beaufort Sea, a region of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/additional-heat-is-being-transferred-to-the-arctic-ocean-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic Ocean</a>. 



The Mackenzie River and its delta have experienced significantly warmer temperatures in recent years, resulting in increased melting and thawing of waterways and landscapes.



As this vast river system concludes its thousand-mile journey in the marshy corner of Canada’s Northwest Territories, it acts as a conveyor belt for mineral nutrients, organic matter, and inorganic matter. 



This material then drains into the Beaufort Sea as a mixture of dissolved carbon and sediment, with some of the carbon being eventually released into the atmosphere through natural processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ecco-darwin-model">The ECCO-Darwin model</h2>



Previous assumptions characterized the southeastern <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mackenzie-river-delta/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beaufort Sea</a> as a weak-to-moderate carbon dioxide sink, where it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it releases. However, due to limited data, there has been significant uncertainty surrounding this perception.



To address this data gap, the research team employed a global ocean biogeochemical model called ECCO-Darwin, which was developed jointly by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and the <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a>.



This model assimilates nearly all available ocean observations collected for over two decades using sea- and satellite-based instruments. The scientists utilized the ECCO-Darwin model to simulate the discharge of fresh water and the elements and compounds it carries, including carbon, nitrogen, and silica, spanning a period of almost 20 years (from 2000 to 2019).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-amount-of-carbon-emitted-from-the-arctic">Surprising amount of carbon emitted from the Arctic</h2>



Their findings indicate that the river discharge is triggering intense outgassing in the southeastern Beaufort Sea, resulting in a net carbon dioxide release of 0.13 million metric tons per year. This amount is roughly equivalent to the annual emissions from 28,000 gasoline-powered cars. 



The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere varies with the seasons, with warmer months exhibiting more pronounced outgassing due to higher river discharge and reduced sea ice coverage, allowing the gas to escape instead of being trapped.



This research sheds light on the role of rivers and coastal areas in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-carbon-pump-found-in-the-arctic-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> carbon cycle. Lead author Clément Bertin, a scientist at <a href="https://lienss.univ-larochelle.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Littoral Environnement et Sociétés</a> in France, explains, “With our model, we are trying to explore the real contribution of the coastal peripheries and rivers to the Arctic carbon cycle.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-arctic-carbon-emissions">Implications for Arctic carbon emissions</h2>



The implications of this study reach beyond the specific region examined. Roughly half of the Arctic Ocean is comprised of coastal waters, where land and sea embrace in a complex interplay. 



Understanding the dynamics of carbon exchange in these regions is crucial for comprehending the environmental changes unfolding in the Arctic.



The rate of warming in the Arctic since the 1970s has been at least three times faster than in any other part of the world. This rapid warming has resulted in transformations in its waters and ecosystems. Some of these changes promote increased carbon dioxide outgassing, while others stimulate greater carbon uptake.



For example, the thawing of Arctic lands and increased melting of snow and ice have caused rivers to flow more rapidly. Consequently, more organic matter from permafrost and peatlands is flushed into the ocean, contributing to carbon release. 



On the other hand, microscopic phytoplankton near the ocean surface are taking advantage of the shrinking sea ice to bloom in the newfound open water and sunlight. These marine organisms, akin to plants, capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.



The ECCO-Darwin model is being employed to investigate these blooms and the intricate ties between ice and life in the Arctic.



In summary, scientists diligently monitor these significant and seemingly subtle changes in the Arctic and beyond. Our ocean waters remain a critical buffer against a changing climate, sequestering up to 48% of the carbon emissions produced by burning fossil fuels.



-----



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



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



-----

Arctic waters are emitting more carbon as they continue to warm

One of North America’s largest rivers, Canada’s Mackenzie River, is...

Cancer,Cells,,Malignant,Cells,Under,Microscope,,3d,Illustration

In a new study by researchers at the <a href="https://ysph.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Public Health</a>, two “forever chemicals” spurred cancer cells in the lab to migrate to new positions, an indication that the chemicals could contribute to cancer metastasis in living organisms.



The study addressed the group of industrial chemicals called <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFAS_FactSheet.html#:~:text=Print-,Per%2D%20and%20Polyfluorinated%20Substances%20(PFAS),in%20a%20variety%20of%20products." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)</a>. The substances are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment and can build up in the human body. They have the ability to shed water and resist penetration by oils. They are notorious for their ubiquity, their exceptional environmental stability, and their suspected toxic effects.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-us-drinking-water-taps-are-likely-to-contain-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> make up a prevalent class of persistent organic pollutants of increasing public concern worldwide. They have been frequently detected in the environment, such as in drinking water, indoor dust, cleaning products, and coatings,” said co-first author Jie Zheng, a postdoctoral associate who was working in the <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/cjohnson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lab</a> of principal investigator <a href="https://ysph.yale.edu/profile/caroline-johnson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caroline Johnson</a>, associate professor of epidemiology (environmental health sciences), at the time the research was conducted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forever-chemicals-in-the-blood-of-babies">Forever chemicals in the blood of babies</h2>



The forever chemicals show up in the blood of newborns, of people living in sub-Arctic Indigenous communities, in fish and mussels, and even in bird eggs. No level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/banning-forever-chemicals-may-threaten-us-national-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> in the body is considered safe, and they have been linked to a litany of health problems, including cancers. 



In November, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) <a href="https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-monographs-evaluate-the-carcinogenicity-of-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa-and-perfluorooctanesulfonic-acid-pfos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classified</a> perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a common PFAS, as carcinogenic to humans and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), another common PFAS, as possibly carcinogenic to humans.



No studies have addressed the relationship between PFAS and colorectal carcinoma (CRC), Zheng explained. However, firefighters experience this type of cancer at higher rates than the general population and they are heavily exposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-are-an-underestimated-source-of-water-contamination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> at work. About 80% of CRC cases are thought to be related to environmental exposure of some kind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-forever-chemicals-spread-cancer">How do forever chemicals spread cancer?</h2>



But what the chemicals might be doing to initiate or spur on this type of cancer has been unclear.



The Johnson lab studies CRC with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolomics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolomics</a>, a tool that measures fluctuating levels of thousands of small molecules like amino acids, lipids, and proteins in a biological sample. 



"We look at patterns that occur within an exposed group of people or a diseased group of people, then try to generate a hypothesis as to why somebody may develop a disease or have progression of disease," Johnson said. "Metabolomics is one of the only tools where you can measure environmental exposures in the same sample as the biological effect."



In this series of experiments, the authors studied how CRC cells react to being immersed in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creators-of-forever-chemicals-covered-up-the-toxic-dangers-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> solution for up to seven days. They observed increased cell motility with exposure and found metabolic changes that were consistent with cancer metastasis.



Results agreed with current knowledge about CRC metabolism, spread, and prognosis, amounting to evidence that the chemicals can induce metastasis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-on-the-move">Cancer on the move</h2>



To investigate the metabolic profile of CRC cells after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pfas-crisis-humans-are-early-warning-system-for-wildlife-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> exposure, the study focused on PFOS and PFOA. Both have been used in firefighting foam and many other products.



The authors used two CRC cell types. One type consisted of cells with an unmutated or “wild-type” KRAS gene; in the other, the KRAS gene carried a common mutation associated with an especially deadly type of colon tumor in women. 



The cells formed into tiny balls called spheroids. KRAS — an acronym for kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene — is a member of the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/research/key-initiatives/ras/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RAS family</a>. KRAS mutations are one of the most dominant mutations leading to the development of colorectal cancer. 



The researchers found that bathing spheroids in the chemicals boosted the cells’ migration ability. They showed a tendency to spread and to penetrate membranes. In another experiment, researchers grew the cells as a flat, two-dimensional layer, then drew a scratch down the middle, separating half of the cells from the other half. When they added PFAS, the cell lines grew and migrated back together again.



“It doesn't prove it's metastasis, but they have increased motility, which is a feature of metastasis,” Johnson said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spheroids-in-forever-chemicals">Spheroids in forever chemicals</h2>



Metabolomic analysis revealed the spheroids were producing a variety of fatty acids, amino acids, and signaling proteins in patterns previously linked to metastasis. Small-chain fatty acids, which can protect against tumors and inflammation, were downregulated.



A Western blot found telltale up- and down-regulation of specific signal proteins associated with metastasis during a process called the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epithelial%E2%80%93mesenchymal_transition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)</a>. 



During EMT, epithelial cells lose their cell polarity and cell-cell adhesion while gaining migratory and invasive properties to become mesenchymal stem cells. EMT has been shown to occur in wound healing, organ fibrosis, and in the initiation of metastasis in cancer progression.



For example, when exposed to either chemical at higher levels, both cell types expressed less <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadherin-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">E-cadherin</a>, rendering them less adhesive—a key step in EMT-related metastasis. The results added to the team's confidence that the cell was behaving in vitro like a metastatic cell in the body. E-cadherin is a cell-cell adhesion protein. Mutations have been associated with gastric, breast, colorectal, thyroid, and ovarian cancers.



Some changes suggesting metastatic potential were more pronounced in the KRAS-mutated line. That could mean that cancers with this mutation may be especially prone to spread after exposure to these chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-look-at-the-exposome">A look at the exposome</h2>



The research is part of an ongoing quest by scientists to better understand the exposome — that is, all environmental influences upon a person from conception until death, including biological, chemical, environmental, social, and so on. Because PFAS are so widespread, almost everyone is exposed.



This study used exposure levels similar to those detected in firefighters and others in frequent contact with PFAS, such as people living near landfills, airports, military bases, or wastewater treatment plants. In future studies, the Johnson lab aims to test exposures that are lower, more like those most people face every day. They also plan to look at PFAS levels and clinical outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer.



“Many in vitro studies can't be translated into humans," Johnson said. "But I think understanding first the mechanisms of how they can actually affect cancer cell growth is important.”



The research was published in <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c04844" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

"Forever chemicals" encourage cancer to spread around the body

In a new study by researchers at the Yale School...

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



---



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



---



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



---



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="fxH3eJHEkQ-2010196-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

Closeup,Of,Fresh,Green,The,Napier,Bush,Grass,As,Animal

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6SdlLLbt0t-1988946-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="http://www.ntu.edu.sg/">NTU Singapore</a> reveals that some plants can remove toxic heavy metals from soil.&nbsp;



The researchers analyzed samples of various tropical plant species to test for levels of heavy metals and metalloids. The study showed that there are existing plants with high levels of these contaminants, which means that these species are great candidates for drawing pollutants out of the soil.&nbsp;



Among the plants examined in the study, 12 species had accumulated several types of heavy metals and metalloids. These plants are widely available, including species that are native to Singapore.



“In a small nation like Singapore, land may be repurposed to support new development plans, so it is important that we have a green and sustainable way to remediate land that is contaminated," said Professor Lam Yeng Ming.



"We set out to uncover how to better make use of tropical plants to do phytoremediation and through advanced characterization techniques, we showed how some of these tropical plant species can be an environmentally friendly and literally a 'green' way to remove contaminants in soil."&nbsp;



"Phytoremediation also has benefits of cost effectiveness, simplicity of management, aesthetic advantages, and long-term applicability and sustainability. The strategy prevents erosion and metal leaching by stabilizing or accumulating heavy metals, so that helps reduce the risk of contaminant spread.”



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



---



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



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

Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

[sendtonews key="6SdlLLbt0t-1988946-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NTU...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="gRpsplpwpe-2251464-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes why herbicides are not as effective in killing weeds anymore. In the 20th century, chemical companies developed thousands of herbicides. The most commonly used herbicide was glyphosate, which was introduced in 1974.



Over the past few decades, dozens of species of weeds have evolved resistance to glyphosate. Depending on the site of action, the part of the plant that an herbicide interacts with, weeds may even be resistant to herbicides that have not been developed yet.&nbsp;



With increasing resistance to glyphosate and other herbicides, weeds are - once again - becoming a major concern for farmers.&nbsp;



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

[sendtonews key="gRpsplpwpe-2251464-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="eAVLRk51oJ-1826888-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> (JPL) describes a dust storm on Mars that was nearly twice the size of the United States. As the storm covered the southern hemisphere of the planet, some of NASA’s explorers had to delay their normal activities.



NASA’s Insight lander put itself in a "safe mode" for 11 days to conserve battery power because solar power was disrupted by the dust. The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter postponed flights until conditions improved.



"A fleet of NASA orbiters monitor Martian dust storms like this one and serve as lifelines to Earth by relaying data from the rovers and lander on the ground back to the team. This includes the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, MAVEN, and Odyssey," reports JPL.



"Dust storms like this recent one start close to the ground and are spread by wind as they rise – warming the cold Martian atmosphere."



The images in the video were captured by NASA’s Curiosity as the dust rolled in. A fleet of orbiters monitored the dust storm from above, relaying data from Mars’ explorers back to scientists on Earth.



Video &amp; Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS



---



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



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

NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

[sendtonews key="eAVLRk51oJ-1826888-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="sFFhiK9OOn-1720418-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="http://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. This strait provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.



Qeshm is separated from the Iranian coast by the Clarence Strait, also known as Khuran.&nbsp;The Hara Forest Protected Area is a network of shallow waterways and forest located between the island and the mainland. This protected region is home to sea turtles, snakes, and more than 150 species of migrating birds.



Qeshm is famous for its wide range of&nbsp;ecotourist&nbsp;attractions, such as the&nbsp;Hara marine forests. According to environmentalists, about 1.5 percent of the world birds and 25 percent of Iran's native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-hummingbirds-avoid-sexual-harassment-by-looking-like-males/">birds</a> annually migrate to the forests, which are the first national geo park in Iran.



Tourists are also drawn to the island to see an age-old Portuguese&nbsp;fort, historic mosques, the&nbsp;Seyyed Mozaffar&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bibi Maryam&nbsp;shrines, and the "Valley of Stars."



The average temperature on the island is 81 degress and the region is often hot and humid. From June to August, the island is described as being oppressively hot. The ideal time to visit is during the winter season. 



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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



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

Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

[sendtonews key="sFFhiK9OOn-1720418-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="yPSXGZek1I-2312529-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique.&nbsp;



"Inhambane Bay is a deep inlet into which the small Mutamba River flows," says ESA. "On one side of the bay lies the historical city of Inhambane, capital of the Inhambane Province, while the sister city of Maxixe, the economic capital of Inhambane, sits across from it. The province is the second largest grower of cashews, after Nampula, and it also produces coconut and citrus fruits."



The beaches of Barra and Tofo are popular with tourists. There are also coral reefs along the long coastline of Inhambane, making it an ideal destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.



"Mozambique’s extensive coastline heightens the country’s vulnerability to tropical cyclones that develop in the Indian Ocean as well as storm surge flooding," says ESA.



"More than half of the population lives in low lying coastal areas, putting communities at risk. Inhambane Bay was dangerously close to where Cyclone Idai made landfall in 2019 causing widespread destruction to the country."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique

[sendtonews key="yPSXGZek1I-2312529-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EPdZexVR30-1731237-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency </a>&nbsp;features the Kangerlussuaq Glacier, one of the largest tidewater outlet glaciers in Greenland. The glacier is located on the east coast of the Greenland ice sheet.



As human-induced climate change continues to drive up temperatures, global ice loss is accelerating at an alarming rate. ESA reports that, over the past decade alone, 3.5 trillion tons of ice have melted from the Greenland ice sheet. This is enough to cover the UK with meltwater 15 meters deep.



Based on satellite imagery, researchers determined that Kangerlussuaq entered a new phase of rapid retreat and acceleration in 2017. In their study, published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2019.00123/full">Frontiers in Earth Science</a>,&nbsp; the experts report that the glacier's ice front is now at its most retreated position since the early 20th century.



"Given Kangerlussuaq’s previous impacts on both the magnitude and pattern of ice sheet wide mass loss, we predict that its new phase of retreat, acceleration and thinning will markedly enhance the south-east region’s contribution to increasing discharge from the ice sheet," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"More broadly, accurate forecasting of the ice sheet’s contribution to sea level rise will require a deeper understanding of, and responses to, these non-linear ice dynamic processes."



Video Credit: ESA



---



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



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

Kangerlussuaq Glacier on the Greenland ice sheet

[sendtonews key="EPdZexVR30-1731237-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uwirCufwYv-2012371-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes the complex relationship between ocean and climate. ESA's Climate Change Initiative will help us understand how oceans influence the climate and how climate change is impacting the oceans.&nbsp;



"Earth’s oceans are huge heat stores, soaking up 93% of the excess heat from human activity over the past 70 years. Ocean currents redistribute heat around the planet, from the Equator to the poles. Where this ocean heat goes influences weather patterns and regional climate," explains ESA.



"As well as absorbing heat, oceans are a natural carbon sink, absorbing a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions from human activity. This has led to the acidification of ocean water, threating marine life."



The amount of heat and carbon dioxide soaked up by the ocean depends on specific variables, including phytoplankton, temperatures, waves, salinity, and ice cover. Satellites can be used to measure these variables from space.



"From their unique vantage point, satellites provide key information for understanding the complexities of our planet and monitoring environmental issues," says ESA.



Video Credit: ESA



---



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



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

Ocean heat influences regional climate

[sendtonews key="uwirCufwYv-2012371-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

News coming your way