<p>Wildfires in the western U.S. have become a growing crisis. They’re lasting longer, burning hotter, and spreading into areas that rarely burned in the past. </p>



<p>But another danger is rising, beyond heatwaves and droughts. Lightning - sudden, fierce, and incredibly powerful - is becoming one of the biggest wildfire risks.</p>



<p>In the coming decades, scientists warn that lightning will become an increasingly dominant spark for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-making-wildfire-smoke-more-deadly/">wildfires</a>, adding to the already mounting risks across the West.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-is-fueling-more-wildfires">Lightning is fueling more wildfires</h2>



<p>Wildfires need a few things to get going: dry fuel, hot temperatures, low humidity, and a spark. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-is-changing-the-atmosphere-in-surprising-ways/">Lightning</a> is one of the most powerful natural igniters.</p>



<p>In the western U.S., lightning already causes more than two-thirds of the area burned by wildfires. And now, new research shows that number is going to rise sharply due to climate change. </p>



<p>Warmer air holds more moisture, which means more unstable weather patterns. Those patterns, in turn, set the stage for more lightning.</p>



<p>A recent study has revealed that virtually all of the western U.S. - 98 percent of the region - will have more days with a greater likelihood of lightning-ignited wildfires starting as early as the 2030s. </p>



<p>For regions already accustomed to such fires, such as Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, the risk is even greater. As early as 2060, those states may have as many as 12 additional lightning-filled days per summer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-model-to-forecast-lightning">A model to forecast lightning</h2>



<p>Traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/">climate models</a> don’t really track lightning. That’s why a team of researchers led by Dmitri Kalashnikov built their own system to fill in the gaps.</p>



<p>“The first step was to project lightning,” said Kalashnikov, a research scientist at the <a href="https://www.ucmerced.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California Merced</a>. “The typical climate models don’t directly simulate lightning. It’s too small a process.”</p>



<p>The researchers applied machine learning to forecast where lightning would hit based on variables that we can quantify - such as temperature, humidity, and the level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moisture-in-the-atmosphere-causes-extreme-weather-to-last-longer/">moisture in the air</a>. </p>



<p>The team merged those results with the Fire Weather Index (FWI), a mechanism that was developed back in 1968 to monitor how probable wildfire initiation and spread is from local weather.</p>



<p>The result is a forecast model tailored to the western U.S., designed to project conditions from 2030 to 2060 - decades earlier than most studies, which typically look only to the end of the century.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-lightning-in-the-northwest">More lightning in the Northwest</h2>



<p>The northwestern states of Idaho, Oregon, and Montana are projected to experience the greatest growth in lightning days. But strangely, they may not experience the most rapid expansion in wildfires. </p>



<p>Although lightning will grow, the conditions favoring fires (such as extreme heat or dryness) are not expected to worsen as quickly in the Northwest compared to other regions.</p>



<p>That doesn’t mean northwestern states are off the hook. Cloud-to-ground lightning, the kind that hits trees or grass directly, is still expected to rise significantly in those areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-lightning-greater-wildfire-risk">Less lightning, greater wildfire risk</h2>



<p>In contrast, the Southwest - including Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico - won’t see as much of a jump in lightning strikes. But the fire risk will still climb. </p>



<p>This is because even a small spark becomes a big threat when the land is extra dry, the heat is intense, and there’s little rain to cool things off.</p>



<p>The researchers found that these southern states are likely to experience the biggest increases in wildfires caused by lightning, despite the smaller bump in lightning activity. That’s because climate change is pushing up the number of fire-prone days overall.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-and-wet-lightning">Dry and wet lightning</h2>



<p>Kalashnikov said the next steps could involve separating the kinds of lightning events. “You can’t help but wonder what the future will look like, especially if you dig in and you realize that there’s actually a lot that we don’t understand,” he said.</p>



<p>One key factor will be figuring out how to distinguish between "dry lightning" and "wet lightning." Dry lightning happens without much rain, making it a fire hazard. </p>



<p>Wet lightning brings <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heavy-rainfall-poses-extreme-risks-in-the-western-us/">heavy rain</a>, which can reduce fire risk but increase flood danger. Understanding that difference could help emergency services respond more precisely to fire threats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-risks-are-rising-fast">Wildfire risks are rising fast</h2>



<p>As climate patterns shift, the West isn’t just getting warmer and drier - it’s getting stormier in a dangerous way. Lightning is expected to spark more fires, and fires are expected to find more dry fuel waiting. It’s a feedback loop that could reshape fire seasons in the U.S.</p>



<p>This isn’t about something that might happen a hundred years from now. The changes are coming within the next few decades - some may already be happening. </p>



<p>And for the people living in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/double-hazard-wildfire-zones-identified-in-the-american-west/">high-risk areas</a>, that means more heat, more smoke, and a greater need for preparation.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025EF006108" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's Future</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Lightning will ignite even more wildfires as the climate heats up

Wildfires in the western U.S. have become a growing crisis. They’re lasting longer, burning hotter, and spreading into areas that rarely burned in the past. But another danger is rising, beyond heatwaves and droughts. Lightning - sudden, fierce, and incredibly powerful - is becoming one of the biggest wildfire risks. In the coming decades, scientists warn that lightning will become an increasingly dominant spark for wildfires, adding to the already mounting risks across the West. Lightning is fueling more wildfires Wildfires need a few things to get...

<p>Microscopic organisms living in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-carbon-buried-deep-beneath-the-forest-is-disrupted-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil</a>, called microbes, are essential for a healthy planet. They help plants grow and decompose organic matter, keeping ecosystems functioning smoothly. But what happens to these vital soil microbes when human actions disrupt the environment? </p>



<p>Researchers at Michigan State University (<a href="https://msu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MSU</a>) are finding answers in a most unexpected place: a 60-year-old underground coal mine fire in Centralia, Pennsylvania. This "press disturbance," as scientists call it, has been continuously burning since 1962, heating the soil above as it spreads. </p>



<p>The research uncovered a remarkable survival tactic used by the dormant soil microbes. The microbes essentially put their life processes on hold, allowing them to endure harsh conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversity-of-soil-microbes">Diversity of soil microbes</h2>



<p>"If you look in a gram of soil, you have tens of thousands of different bacterial species. Soil is the most diverse microbiome that we know, more diverse even than the human gut," said Ashley Shade, an associate professor in the MSU Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences.</p>



<p>For seven years, Professor Shade and her colleague, Samuel Barnett, a postdoctoral scholar at the lab, analyzed soil dynamics over time in Centralia. Their annual expeditions involved collecting soil samples from fire-affected areas to understand how microbial communities adapt to the heat altering their habitat. </p>



<p>"We go out every October, and we take soil cores," said Dr. Barnett. "We have a big PVC pipe that we sterilize and drive into the soil and pull out about 20 centimeters or 8 inches of soil. Then we sieve the soil to get rid of roots and rocks and the stuff we don't want and then freeze it in liquid nitrogen and bring it to the lab."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-active-and-dormant-soil-microbes">Active and dormant soil microbes</h2>



<p>There are two main states of soil microbes: active and dormant. Active microbes are busybodies. They're constantly growing, multiplying, and doing their jobs in the environment. This includes cleaning up waste, breaking down dead things, and making sure everything runs smoothly. </p>



<p>Dormant microbes, on the other hand, have slowed down their activity to almost a standstill. They're not growing or reproducing, but they're not dead either. Dormancy is basically a survival tactic that lets these microbes wait until things get better.</p>



<p>The experts observed a surprising change in the balance between active and dormant soil microbes in the burned areas. A large number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-soil-microbes-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> in the soil existed in a low-activity state. These microbes survive the harsh conditions by becoming dormant. </p>



<p>When the environment becomes favorable again, the dormant microbes can become active and contribute to soil. The ability to switch between active and dormant states is essential for the soil to recover from the fire damages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-role-of-dormant-bacteria">Critical role of dormant bacteria</h2>



<p>This study emphasizes the critical role dormant bacteria play in the soil's resilience. This resilience, built on both active and dormant populations, demonstrates the complex way microbial communities respond to the environment. </p>



<p>"Many people don't realize that an incredible number of soil microbes are simply not active and functioning at any given time," noted Professor Shade.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-microbes-and-climate-change">Soil microbes and climate change</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the researchers noted a steady decrease in soil temperature within the burned areas over the seven years studied. </p>



<p>Even though the initial heat from the fire subsided over time, the fire's impact on the soil's chemistry remained. This was evident through ongoing carbon dioxide release (CO2 venting) and changes in the soil's acidity (pH levels).</p>



<p>The research shows that dormant soil microbes are actively involved in keeping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-soil-microbes-could-revolutionize-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment stable</a> and helping it recover from disruptions. They have surprising abilities to adapt to harsh conditions. Understanding how these microbial communities function is crucial as our planet faces increasing challenges from climate change. </p>



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



<p>Centralia's story showcases how life endures even in harsh conditions. This knowledge not only improves our understanding of microbes, but also offers possibilities for repairing environments damaged by human actions. </p>



<p>"If we can understand what wakes up the dormant microbes, we can try to manage the microbiome, for example, to wake up when we need it to wake up, to go to sleep potentially when we need it to go to sleep," said Professor Shade.</p>



<p>As we face climate change and environmental destruction, the microbes of Centralia teach us about nature's inherent ability to recover. By understanding and utilizing this resilience, we can work towards a better future for our planet.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ele.14393" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology Letters</a></em>.</p>



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<p>‌</p>

How dormant soil microbes survive in a 60-year-old fire

Microscopic organisms living in soil, called microbes, are essential for...

<p>Through genetic analyses and oceanographic modeling, scientists have discovered that ocean currents form a "coral superhighway" in the Indian Ocean, facilitating the exchange of larvae <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/coral-superhighway-map_credit-Noam-Vogt-Vincent_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">between distant islands</a> in the Seychelles.</p>



<p>This important research, spearheaded by <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford University</a>, unveils a remarkable phenomenon within the vast expanse of the Seychelles' coral reefs, demonstrating that they are not as isolated as once thought. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-of-connection-across-a-coral-superhighway">Science of connection across a coral superhighway</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.research.ox.ac.uk/researchers/april-burt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. April Burt</a>, from the Department of Biology at Oxford University and the <a href="https://www.sif.sc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seychelles Islands Foundation</a>, highlights the significance of this discovery. </p>



<p>"This discovery is very important because a key factor in coral reef recovery is larval supply. Although corals have declined alarmingly across the world due to climate change and a number of other factors, actions can be taken at local and national scale to improve reef health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-corals-and-reefs-are-showing-surprising-resilience-as-global-waters-warm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience</a>," Dr. Burt explained. </p>



<p>"These actions can be more effective when we better understand the connectivity between coral reefs by, for instance, prioritizing conservation efforts around coral reefs that act as major larval sources to support regional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-corals-survive-warming-waters-by-remembering-heat-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef resilience</a>," she concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-scientists-unraveled-this-coral-network">How scientists unraveled this coral network</h2>



<p>The study's approach was collaborative, involving various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-single-celled-microbe-is-protecting-corals-from-heat-and-helping-them-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reef</a> management organizations and the Seychelles government. </p>



<p>Researchers collected coral samples from 19 different sites, uncovering recent gene flow and suggesting frequent larval transfers among populations. Intriguingly, the research also hinted at a previously unidentified species of the bouldering coral Porites lutea.</p>



<p>Oceanographic models were employed to simulate larval dispersal, revealing the paths larvae take across the region. </p>



<p>This modeling suggests not only direct dispersal across the Seychelles but also the potential role of "stepping-stone" dispersal, where centrally located reefs act as intermediaries, linking distant islands.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-prediction-oceanographic-modeling-insights">Power of prediction: Oceanographic modeling insights</h2>



<p><a href="https://nvogtvincent.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Noam Vogt-Vincent</a>, who led the oceanographic modeling, emphasizes the importance of these findings for reef management. </p>



<p>"This research suggests that the broad agreement between predicted connectivity and observed genetic patterns supports the use of such larval dispersal simulations in reef system management in Seychelles and the wider region," Dr. Vogt-Vincent said. </p>



<p>"These simulations also allow us to investigate how regular these connectivity patterns are in time, because a regular larval supply will be essential for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nutrients-from-seabird-poop-accelerate-coral-reef-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef recovery</a> in the face of climate change," he concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visualizing-the-larvae-dispersal-journey">Visualizing the larvae dispersal journey</h2>



<p>The Oxford study is made accessible through a novel <a href="https://nvogtvincent.co.uk/coral_app.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new app</a>, allowing users to visualize the potential journeys of coral larvae across the region. The implications for conservation are profound, offering a tool to identify vital larval sources for protection and restoration efforts.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/dr-lindsay-turnbull" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Lindsay Turnbull</a>, the senior author of the study, points out the timeliness of this research as El Niño events threaten coral reefs worldwide. </p>



<p>"This study couldn’t come at a more timely moment. The world is once again watching, as El Niño devastates coral reefs throughout the Indian Ocean," Turnbull asserts..</p>



<p>"Now we know which reefs will be crucial to coral recovery, but we can’t pause in our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stopping climate change," she continued.</p>



<p>The study's findings are poised to inform the <a href="https://seymsp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan Initiative</a>, as noted by Dr. Joanna Smith and Helena Sims of <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nature Conservancy</a>. </p>



<p>The data and Coral Connectivity app will guide the design and management of Marine Protected Areas and direct restoration activities, reflecting a comprehensive strategy for reef conservation at both national and regional levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-superhighway-prompts-a-global-call-to-action">Coral superhighway prompts a global call to action</h2>



<p>In summary, this research underscores the critical interconnectedness of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Aldabra-atoll_coral-superhighway_credit-Christophe-Mason-Parker_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seychelles' coral reefs</a>, revealing a "coral superhighway" that highlights the potential for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-corals-can-build-up-a-tolerance-to-marine-heat-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef resilience</a> and recovery in the face of climate change. </p>



<p>By combining cutting-edge genetic analysis with sophisticated oceanographic modeling, scientists offer conservationists and policymakers valuable tools to prioritize and protect vital larval sources. </p>



<p>This study advances our understanding of coral ecosystem dynamics and urges sustained, global efforts towards reef conservation. </p>



<p>The research team emphasizes the need for targeted actions at both local and national levels to mitigate the impacts of environmental threats and safeguard these underwater treasures for future generations.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-55459-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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'Coral superhighway' connects and protects remote coral reefs

Through genetic analyses and oceanographic modeling, scientists have discovered that...

Borneo,Rain,Forest,Trees,Jungle,Tropical,Land

<p>In a recent research project, scientists made a significant discovery regarding the survival of rainforest seedlings in various environmental conditions. </p>



<p>This study, which meticulously monitored over 5,000 seedlings for 18 months, has revealed a stark contrast in the survival rates of seedlings between natural forests and areas affected by logging -- even after <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/replanted-seedling_deforestation_borneo-rainforest_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoration efforts</a> have been implemented.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-restoration-vs-active-restoration">Natural restoration vs. active restoration</h2>



<p>The research took place within a diverse landscape that includes untouched natural forests alongside areas that were logged three decades ago. Some of these logged areas have been left to recover naturally, while others have undergone active restoration, including tree planting. </p>



<p>A noteworthy phenomenon observed during this period was the occurrence of "mast fruiting," a process where trees drop their fruit simultaneously in massive quantities, leading to a surge in seedling emergence.</p>



<p>Initial observations suggested that both natural and restored rainforests boasted high numbers of seedlings, ostensibly indicating that restoration efforts might enhance fruit production. </p>



<p>However, as the study progressed, it became evident that the survival rate of seedlings in restored rainforests was significantly lower compared to their counterparts in natural forests. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-struggle-of-restored-rainforest-seedlings">The struggle of restored rainforest seedlings</h2>



<p>By the study's conclusion, the number of surviving seedlings in restored and naturally recovering rainforests was similarly low, whereas natural rainforests maintained higher populations of seedlings.</p>



<p>Dr. Robin Hayward, a key researcher in this study, expressed disappointment at the lower survival rates in restoration sites, highlighting the potential implications for the long-term recovery of diverse tree species.</p>



<p>“We were surprised to see restoration sites having lower seedling survival. After such a productive fruiting event in the restored forest, it’s disappointing that so few were able to survive – and to think what this might mean for the long-term recovery of different tree species," explained Dr. Hayward.</p>



<p>This observation suggests that while restoration can boost biomass accumulation, it does not necessarily facilitate the establishment of the next generation of seedlings.</p>



<p>Dr David Bartholomew, based at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> during the study and now at <a href="https://www.bgci.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Botanic Gardens Conservation International</a>, gave his thoughts. </p>



<p>“Our findings suggest that seedlings are experiencing stress in logged forests. This could be due to changes to the canopy structure, microclimate and soil, with current restoration treatments insufficient to eliminate this stress. In particular, highly specialized species seem to struggle to survive, leaving communities with reduced species diversity compared to intact forest," Bartholomew explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainforest-seedlings-survival-in-the-food-chain">Rainforest seedlings survival in the food chain</h2>



<p>This research underscores the complexity of rainforest ecosystems and the multitude of factors affecting seedling survival. </p>



<p>Daisy Dent of <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zürich</a>, Switzerland and the <a href="https://stri.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute</a>, Panama, commented on how the interaction between animals and seedlings in these environments plays a crucial role.</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-is-approaching-widespread-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rainforests</a> are complex systems and there are many possible explanations for our results. For example, animals that eat seeds -- like bearded pigs -- may be drawn into restored forest patches to eat the more abundant seeds and seedlings, rather than moving into adjacent poor-quality logged forest. In natural forests, animals potentially move more freely and so do not exhaust seed supplies in the same way," Dent explained.</p>



<p>The findings of this study raise concerns about the potential for regeneration failure in future generations of trees, especially considering the widespread practice of selective logging in the tropics. </p>



<p>Dr. Lindsay F. Banin from the <a href="https://www.ceh.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Centre for Ecology &amp; Hydrology</a> emphasized the importance of understanding the bottlenecks in plant community recovery to improve forest regeneration and ensure the sustainability of degraded forests.</p>



<p>“Together, these results reveal there may be bottlenecks in recovery of particular elements of the plant community. We are now progressing this research into the various stages of the regeneration process -- fruiting, germination, establishment and causes of mortality -- to help understand which mechanisms are driving the patterns we have observed and how we can better assist forest regeneration and support the long-term sustainability of degraded forests," Banin concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-and-restoration-in-the-balance">Biodiversity and restoration in the balance</h2>



<p>This research highlights the critical need for carefully designed, monitored, and adaptively managed restoration projects to recover biodiversity and carbon storage effectively. It points to the importance of understanding plant traits and local environmental conditions to enhance seedling survival rates.</p>



<p>Conducted in the <a href="https://danumvalley.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danum Valley Conservation Area</a> and the surrounding Ulu Segama landscape, the study emphasizes the significance of intact forests and their role in supporting biodiversity through masting events. </p>



<p>These findings, although preliminary, suggest that long-term research is necessary to fully comprehend the impacts of historic disturbances and devise strategies to improve seedling survival, thereby supporting the goals of the UN Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-rainforest-restoration-and-seedlings">More about rainforest restoration and seedlings</h2>



<p>As discussed above, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eu-pledges-to-improve-efforts-with-the-amazon-rainforest-protection-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainforest</a> restoration involves actively participating in the recovery of deforested or degraded rainforest areas to regain their ecological integrity and biodiversity. </p>



<p>This process helps in combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and restores habitats for countless species and maintains the water cycle vital for our planet.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methods-of-rainforest-restoration">Methods of rainforest restoration</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-regeneration-without-seedlings">Natural regeneration without seedlings</h4>



<p>Natural regeneration is the most cost-effective method, where the forest is allowed to heal itself over time. This approach relies on the natural seed bank present in the soil and the nearby intact forests as sources for species dispersal.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assisted-rainforest-regeneration-with-seedlings">Assisted rainforest regeneration with seedlings</h4>



<p>In areas where natural regeneration is slow or unlikely, assisted regeneration steps in. This method involves human intervention to remove barriers to natural forest recovery, such as planting native tree species, controlling invasive species, and protecting young saplings from predation.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reforestation">Reforestation</h4>



<p>Reforestation is the process of planting trees in areas where forests have been completely removed. The choice of species is critical, with a preference for indigenous trees to ensure the restoration of the natural ecosystem. This method is labor-intensive but provides a faster way to restore forest cover.</p>



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



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-conservation">Biodiversity conservation</h4>



<p>By restoring rainforests, we create habitats for a vast array of species, many of which are endangered. This not only helps in preserving biodiversity but also in maintaining ecological balance.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-mitigation">Climate change mitigation</h4>



<p>Rainforests are excellent carbon sinks. Restoring these forests plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This contributes significantly to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-benefits">Community benefits</h4>



<p>Rainforest restoration often involves local communities, providing them with sustainable livelihood options. From agroforestry to ecotourism, these activities help in creating economic opportunities while promoting conservation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-solutions">Challenges and solutions</h3>



<p>Restoring rainforests is not without its challenges. These include land tenure issues, funding constraints, and the risk of introducing non-native species. </p>



<p>Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy support, community engagement, and scientific research to guide restoration efforts effectively.</p>



<p>In summary, rainforest restoration is a vital endeavor for the health of our planet. Through collective efforts and sustainable practices, we can recover these critical ecosystems, ensuring they continue to thrive for future generations. </p>



<p>The journey is complex and challenging, but the benefits of a restored rainforest are immeasurable, making it a mission worth pursuing.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gcb.17209" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a></em>.</p>



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Rainforests replanted with seedlings after logging don't recover well

In a recent research project, scientists made a significant discovery...

<p>Deep beneath our feet lie vast landscapes called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/happy-world-peatlands-day-what-is-it-and-why-should-you-care/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peatlands</a>. These swampy areas store massive amounts of carbon, acting like natural carbon banks. However, a surprising new study reveals that canals dug to drain peatlands are a major contributor to climate change. </p>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, San Diego</a> (UCSD) have discovered that these seemingly harmless peatland canals act as hidden hotspots for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/">carbon emissions</a>. This discovery emphasizes the need to re-evaluate the impact of draining peatlands.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peatland-canals-boost-climate-change">Peatland canals boost climate change</h2>



<p>Peatlands form in areas with constant flooding. Dead plants don't fully decompose due to limited oxygen, accumulating over centuries as peat soil. These unique ecosystems have thrived undisturbed for millennia. </p>



<p>However, as a result of relentless agricultural expansion, particularly in places like West Kalimantan, Indonesia, peatlands are increasingly drained and destroyed. The findings of the research reveal hidden threats associated with the drainage use of peatland canals.</p>



<p>Around one-third of organic carbon leaking from peatland into canals quickly turns into harmful carbon dioxide, a major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ponds-release-more-greenhouse-gases-than-they-store/">greenhouse gas</a>. </p>



<p>"These are some of the largest stores of carbon in the world outside of the ocean and they've been locked up for thousands of years. Reintroducing any of that carbon into the atmosphere is of major concern when it comes to climate change," said study co-author Dr. Lihini Aluwihare.</p>



<p>This is because, when peatlands are drained via canals, air reaches the previously waterlogged soil. This exposure to oxygen jumpstarts the decomposition of the vast amount of dead plant matter stored in the peat. The breakdown process releases carbon dioxide directly into the atmosphere. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Carbon emissions by peatland canals </h2>



<p>The research team successfully determined the exact rate at which microbes and sunlight convert peatland carbon into carbon dioxide within peatland canals. Their findings emphasize how brighter days, greater oxygen availability, and intensified water movement significantly increase this process.</p>



<p>Shockingly, each square meter of a peatland canal network in these areas releases roughly 70 milligrams of carbon dioxide daily. This translates to around 35% of the dissolved peatland carbon escaping back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Unfortunately, this rate is considerably higher than previous estimates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peatland-canals-affect-oceans">Peatland canals affect oceans</h2>



<p>The study reveals a critical gap in our understanding of how peatland degradation contributes to climate change. Additionally, scientists are unsure about how carbon travels through water from drained peatlands, to canals, and ultimately to the oceans. </p>



<p>Carbon emissions from peatland canals hinder ocean's ability to absorb and permanently store this carbon (a process known as sequestration). So, the study implies that draining peatlands for agriculture releases carbon not only into the air, but also substantially into water systems. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alternatives-to-peatland-canals">Alternatives to peatland canals</h2>



<p>Peatland canal alternatives could focus on sustainable management practices that protect the ecological integrity of peatlands. Here are some alternatives and strategies:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wetland-restoration">Wetland restoration</h3>



<p>Bringing peatlands back to their natural waterlogged state is key. This involves blocking drainage canals using dams or structures to raise the water table and re-wet the peatland, halting carbon emissions and reviving biodiversity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paludiculture">Paludiculture</h3>



<p>This innovative approach focuses on cultivating crops suited to wet peatlands, eliminating the need for drainage. Farmers can grow crops like reeds for biofuel, specific berries, and even peat moss substitutes while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-swamps-are-carbon-hotspots-that-need-urgent-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preserving</a> the peatland's carbon storage capacity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-level-management">Water level management</h3>



<p>Maintaining a balanced water level is crucial. Advanced systems can be implemented to prevent peat from drying and oxidizing while still allowing for some controlled land use. This requires close monitoring and adjustments to ensure peatland health.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-forestry">Sustainable forestry</h3>



<p>Selective forestry that respects the water balance is essential. Choosing species that thrive in wet conditions and don't require significant water table reduction minimizes the impact on carbon storage and the overall peatland ecosystem.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulation-and-monitoring">Regulation and monitoring</h3>



<p>Stricter regulations could curb new drainage activities and ensure compliance with conservation goals. Robust monitoring systems are vital to track progress and identify areas requiring intervention.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-involvement">Community involvement</h3>



<p>Engaging local communities in conservation efforts is key. Providing alternative income sources like eco-tourism, sustainable fishing, or income from paludiculture products incentivizes peatland preservation and fosters a sense of shared responsibility.</p>



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



<p>Researchers worldwide have made significant contributions to the study. Scientists like Putri Juliandini Wahyudio, Gusti Anshari, and Alison Hoyt have shed light on the complex interplay between land use, water quality, and climate change. The work provides valuable knowledge for managing and protecting these crucial carbon stores. </p>



<p>Overall, a new wave of thinking has emerged that sees peatlands as vital ecosystems regulating the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangerous-climate-feedback-loops-have-been-underestimated/">climate</a>. This study not only broadens our knowledge of carbon movement but also urges us to reconsider land-use practices that endanger these vital carbon sinks. </p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01383-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a>.</p>



<p>------</p>



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Peatland canals are hidden hotspots for carbon emissions

Deep beneath our feet lie vast landscapes called peatlands. These...

<p>In the quiet, frost-kissed mornings of the Arctic tundra, a delicate dance of survival unfolds, one that has persisted through the ages, yet now teeters on the brink of disruption. As the planet warms, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-may-be-ice-free-sooner-than-we-expected/">icy grip</a> of winter loosens earlier, beckoning a flurry of insect life to emerge from its slumber. </p>



<p>This should be a feast for the migrating shorebirds arriving from southern climes, yet an ecological quandary looms: are these avian travelers arriving too late to partake in this insect banquet, potentially jeopardizing their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-geese-adapt-by-finding-a-new-migratory-route/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding</a> success?</p>



<p>Misha Zhemchuzhnikov, an ecologist at the <a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ)</a>, stands at the forefront of unraveling this complex tapestry. His research, set against the stark beauty of northern Russia and Greenland, delves deep into the intricate relationships between shorebirds and their arthropod prey. </p>



<p>As Zhemchuzhnikov prepares to defend his PhD thesis at <a href="https://www.rug.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Groningen University</a>, he offers a cautionary tale against hasty conclusions regarding nature's mismatches.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-shorebird-dilemma">The shorebird dilemma</h3>



<p>Shorebirds, those intrepid wanderers of the tundra, exhibit a remarkable adaptability in their dietary habits. Zhemchuzhnikov's research reveals a nuanced picture of their feeding strategies. </p>



<p>While these birds can indeed dine on a wide array of insects, they show a marked preference for crane flies, a choice that becomes apparent through the meticulous analysis of DNA in their droppings. This preference underscores the importance of examining specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-favors-some-arctic-insects-over-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect populations</a> rather than relying on general biomass measurements, which can misrepresent the true availability of key prey items.</p>



<p>"Looking at 'just' general insect numbers or 'just' biomass may also provide a deceiving picture," said Zhemchuzhnikov. "Based on the long-term monitoring near the research station of Zackenberg, we know that numbers and biomass are not always in sync. This may result in different conclusions about the trophic mismatches."</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pitfall-of-assumptions">The Pitfall of Assumptions</h3>



<p>Zhemchuzhnikov advocates for a rigorous, data-driven approach to understanding these ecological dynamics. He proposes the use of standard field trials with brightly colored pitfalls to capture, count, and weigh the insects that populate the tundra. </p>



<p>This method, while demanding in terms of scientific endurance, promises to shed light on the true nature of trophic relationships in this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-could-speed-up-global-2c-temperature-rise-by-eight-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changing landscape</a>.</p>



<p>"With the bright colors of these pitfalls, one can also catch flying insects - the pollinators of the Arctic flowers," said Zhemchuzhnikov. "But it takes a lot of scientific stamina to be able to draw sound conclusions in the long run."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-shorebird-diets-through-time">Tracing shorebird diets through time</h2>



<p>"However, there is an alternative way for going back in time and getting an idea about diet composition. We know that the chemical fingerprint that specific species of insects leave behind in birds can be found in feathers as well. And luckily, we have a huge sample of these feathers from the juvenile birds, collected for several decades in their wintering sites." </p>



<p>"Therefore, we are working on a method where we can track back the diet of the birds, analyzing the feathers that were formed during their growth in the breeding grounds."</p>



<p>By analyzing the chemical signatures left by specific insect species in the feathers of juvenile birds, scientists can reconstruct historical diets, offering insights into how these birds have adapted (or not) to shifts in their food supply over time.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-our-knowledge-of-the-natural-world">Advancing our knowledge of the natural world</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research</a> serves as a vital hub for marine and coastal research, playing a pivotal role in our understanding of how climate change impacts ecological systems. </p>



<p>Zhemchuzhnikov's work is just one example of the institute's commitment to advancing our knowledge of the natural world, with implications that stretch far beyond the Arctic tundra.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-interconnectedness-of-all-life">The interconnectedness of all life</h3>



<p>Zhemchuzhnikov's journey into the heart of ecological dynamics is a testament to the resilience and complexity of nature. It serves as a reminder that in the face of rapid environmental change, our assumptions must be continually challenged and refined. This story is not just about shorebirds and insects; it's about the interconnectedness of all life and the delicate balances that sustain it.</p>



<p>As we ponder the future of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-rivers-could-unleash-carbon-equal-to-millions-of-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic landscapes</a>, let us approach with curiosity, armed with the knowledge that every creature, no matter how small, plays a role in the tapestry of life. The work of scientists like Zhemchuzhnikov illuminates the path forward, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of our planet and our place within it.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Arctic survival: Can shorebirds adjust to changes in their diet?

In the quiet, frost-kissed mornings of the Arctic tundra, a...

<p>The consequences of the diminishing Arctic sea ice, particularly its effects on the daily weather patterns across the United States, are now more clear thanks to a new study from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State University</a>. </p>



<p>As the planet warms, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-may-be-ice-free-sooner-than-we-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shrinkage of Arctic sea ice</a> presents a complex challenge, affecting not only global climate systems but also the intricate dynamics of local weather patterns.</p>



<p>Utilizing advanced climate models paired with innovative machine learning techniques, the research team has shed light on how the loss of sea ice could alter large-scale meteorological patterns over North America. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-s-role-in-cold-weather-events-in-the-u-s">Arctic's role in cold weather events in the U.S.</h2>



<p>Published in the <em>Journal of Climate</em>, their findings suggest a significant change in weather phenomena, specifically a reduction in the intensity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-amplification-is-destabilizing-the-delicate-balance-of-the-ecosystem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cold weather events</a>. This implies that as sea ice continues to recede, events typically characterized by severe cold may become less extreme.</p>



<p>Melissa Gervais, an assistant professor in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Penn State and the lead author of the study, emphasizes the crucial role of the Arctic in supplying cold air during these events. </p>



<p>“The Arctic in general is the source of cold air for us when we have these really cold events,” Gervais explained. “As warming continues, we know that the Arctic is going to be less cold. What this work shows us is that the loss of sea ice also changes weather patterns that bring cold air to the middle latitudes. So, warming both depletes your source of cold air and makes it harder to transport.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-blanket-effect-understanding-sea-ice">The blanket effect: Understanding sea ice</h2>



<p>The function of sea ice as a thermal barrier is pivotal, insulating 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">warmer ocean waters</a> and preventing heat loss to the atmosphere. The disappearance of this natural insulator allows for the increased transfer of heat from the ocean into the atmosphere, creating low-pressure systems over the areas previously covered by ice. </p>



<p>This shift results in a diminished movement of cold Arctic air to other regions, further illustrating the interconnectedness of Earth's climate systems. The phenomenon known as Arctic amplification, where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-could-speed-up-global-2c-temperature-rise-by-eight-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic warms</a> more rapidly than other parts of the globe, plays a significant role in these changes. </p>



<p>“Our research allowed us to dig a little bit deeper into what is going on,” Gervais said. “We were able to see that in addition to the impact of Arctic amplification, there also is an impact on the actual circulation or flow in the atmosphere.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-amplification-and-u-s-weather-patterns">Arctic amplification and U.S. weather patterns</h2>



<p>This study delves deeper into the mechanisms behind this process, exploring how it influences atmospheric circulation and weather patterns. </p>



<p>Gervais noted the importance of their methodology in uncovering these insights, stating, "Without using this machine learning method, we would not have been able to really robustly understand the processes involved."</p>



<p>The research utilized climate models to compare weather patterns under two different scenarios: one reflecting sea ice levels from the 1980s and 1990s, and another based on projected reductions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-rivers-undergoing-dramatic-change-thawing-permafrost-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a> by the century's end. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-impact-with-ai-machine-learning-models">Exploring the impact with AI machine learning models</h2>



<p>Through the application of self-organizing maps, a form of machine learning, the team was able to classify and analyze patterns of daily weather in the troposphere, where most weather occurs.</p>



<p>Their findings revealed a noteworthy shift in weather patterns, particularly those associated with cold weather anomalies over North America. </p>



<p>Under current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/less-ice-and-more-sunlight-may-drastically-alter-the-arctic-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice conditions</a>, these patterns can produce strong cold anomalies with temperatures around 29 degrees Fahrenheit. However, with reduced sea ice, not only do these anomalies diminish, but the pattern can also transform into one that brings warmer temperatures to the surface.</p>



<p>This study highlights the intricate and far-reaching impacts of Arctic sea ice loss on global weather patterns. As Gervais succinctly put it, the reduction of sea ice not only alters the source of cold air but also the atmospheric dynamics that transport this air, leading to warmer weather patterns in areas previously prone to cold anomalies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-weather-impact-from-melting-arctic-sea-ice">Global weather impact from melting Arctic sea ice</h2>



<p>In summary, this Penn State-led study illuminates the profound effects that the loss of Arctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-rivers-could-unleash-carbon-equal-to-millions-of-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a> has on weather patterns across the middle latitudes, including the United States. </p>



<p>By leveraging advanced climate models and machine learning techniques, researchers have uncovered that the diminishing sea ice weakens the source of cold air during severe weather events and disrupts the atmospheric dynamics responsible for transporting this cold air. </p>



<p>This research underscores the intricate link between the Arctic's health and our global climate system, highlighting the urgent need for continued study and action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. </p>



<p>As the Arctic continues to warm, understanding these complex mechanisms becomes critical in predicting and preparing for the changing patterns of our future weather.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <em><a href="https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/clim/37/3/JCLI-D-23-0389.1.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Climate</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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AI discovers how Arctic warming influences U.S. weather patterns

The consequences of the diminishing Arctic sea ice, particularly its...

<p>Remember those cherished beach trips from your childhood? Those memories may be underwater by 2050 if we don't take action on climate change. Researchers from the <a href="https://nationalsecurity.vt.edu/">Virginia Tech National Security Institute</a> have released a study with a stark warning: sea levels could rise by a whole foot, swallowing up our beaches. </p>



<p>To make matters worse, some coasts are actually sinking on their own. Unfortunately, this sinking of land, called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-seas-sinking-cities-land-subsidence-on-the-east-coast/">subsidence</a>, isn't always considered in planning for our cities and coasts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-sinking-cities">Climate change and sinking cities</h2>



<p>Our warming planet is greatly contributing to the rising sea levels. Melting ice caps and glaciers add more water to the oceans, pushing sea levels up. On top of that, as the oceans get warmer, the water itself expands, making sea levels rise even further.</p>



<p>The recent study has painted a concerning picture for many U.S. coastal cities. By 2050, these cities could lose an extra chunk of land the size of Los Angeles or Chicago due to flooding on top of rising sea levels in 32 major coastal cities.</p>



<p>In these cities, the ground is sinking at the same time the ocean is rising, squeezing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/burdens-of-climate-change-sea-level-rise-and-the-risk-of-isolation/">coastal communities</a> from both sides. This is projected to affect up to 273,000 people.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varying-impacts-across-country">Varying impacts across country</h2>



<p>The impact of sea level rise and land subsidence varies across the country:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atlantic-coast">Atlantic Coast</h3>



<p>Eleven cities here could see between 773 and 951 km² of additional land flooded, impacting up to 263,000 people and 163,000 properties. Miami, with its average elevation of less than 2 meters above sea level, is particularly at risk.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gulf-coast">Gulf Coast</h3>



<p>This region could face between 528 and 826 km² of new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/100-year-floods-will-likely-be-annual-events-by-the-end-of-the-century/">flooding</a> areas, affecting between 110,000 and 225,000 people and up to 109,000 properties. Cities like New Orleans already grapple with high-tide flooding due to below-sea-level areas.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-coast-nbsp">Pacific Coast&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Cities here are comparatively better off, with a projected increase in flooded areas of just 20 to 40 km², affecting 6,000 to 30,000 people and 3,000 to 15,000 properties.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-disparities-and-sinking-cities">Economic disparities and sinking cities</h2>



<p>Climate change and the resulting sea level rise do not affect all communities equally. People who have less money and haven't had a fair shot in life are often stuck in areas more likely to be flooded.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It's not just bad luck, either. Past unfair housing practices pushed these communities into riskier zones. These families can't necessarily bounce back from disasters like wealthier folks can.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Deprived communities need a helping hand, not just to fix the immediate damage, but to build a future where they will be safe. This is about fairness and making sure everyone has a chance to weather the storm, literally and figuratively.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-adaptation-to-prevent-sinking-cities">Sustainable adaptation to prevent sinking cities</h2>



<p>The experts propose working with nature, restoring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-wetlands-are-inching-closer-to-extinction-as-the-world-heats-up/">wetlands</a> and oyster reefs that act like natural shields against rising seas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Ecosystems act as natural buffers against storm surges and help in sediment accumulation, which can mitigate the effects of land subsidence," said study lead author Leonard Ohenhen from Virginia Tech. These green guardians not only absorb storm surges but also become havens for wildlife, making our coasts healthier places.</p>



<p>The plan goes beyond just waves, though. The experts acknowledge that human actions like draining groundwater can make coasts sink lower. By being smarter about how much water we use and how we develop land, we can prevent this from happening.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The key is planning our cities carefully. This means building on higher ground, making sure buildings can withstand floods, and even designing landscapes to channel floodwaters away from homes and businesses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-unified-call-for-action">A unified call for action</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-seas-release-more-methane-from-wetlands-than-expected/">Rising seas</a> and sinking land are no longer distant worries, they are imminent threats to our communities. This report is a wake-up call. It's time for leaders, planners, and everyone to join forces.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We need to adapt and become more resilient in the face of this changing world. By working together, we can protect the cities we love and the people who live there from the rising tides of tomorrow.</p>



<p>‌The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07038-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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Sinking cities on U.S. coast face a double threat as sea levels rise

Remember those cherished beach trips from your childhood? Those memories...

Rocks,On,A,Mountain,Hill

<p>Researchers have discovered the nuanced role mountains play in the carbon cycle. The team brings clarity to this debate, revealing that mountains can function as both carbon sources and sinks, depending on various factors.</p>



<p>Traditionally, the scientific community has grappled with whether mountains act primarily as sources of carbon dioxide or if they serve as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-can-flip-forests-from-carbon-sinks-to-carbon-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sinks</a>, removing CO2 from the atmosphere through a process known as mineral weathering. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tipping-point-mountains-as-carbon-sources-and-sinks">Tipping point: Mountains as carbon sources and sinks</h2>



<p>The research, a collaboration between Ludwig Maximilian <a href="https://www.lmu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Munich</a>, <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a>, and the German Research Centre for Geosciences, introduces the concept of an erosion rate 'tipping point' -- a specific rate at which mountains switch roles from carbon removal to carbon release. </p>



<p>Through detailed calculations, the team identified this optimal rate as approximately 0.1 millimeters per year. This rate represents a delicate balance. Erosion rates above this threshold transform mountains into carbon emitters, while rates below have a negligible impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deserts-as-carbon-sinks-study-reveals-potential-for-greening-arid-regions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a>.</p>



<p>"Whether a mountain range is a source or sink of carbon dioxide depends on how fast the landscape is eroding," explains Jeremy Rugenstein, a CSU assistant professor of geosciences and co-author of the study. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-erosion-rates-pivot-between-carbon-capture-and-release">Erosion rates: Pivot between carbon capture and release</h2>



<p>The interplay between erosion and uplift -- the rate at which new rock material is exposed at the surface through mountain formation -- dictates the duration materials remain exposed to the elements. </p>



<p>At high erosion rates, the potential for carbon sequestration is negated as the minerals capable of removing CO2 are rapidly worn away, leaving behind those that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-waters-are-emitting-more-carbon-as-they-continue-to-warm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">release carbon dioxide</a> into the atmosphere. </p>



<p>Conversely, at lower erosion rates, the minerals necessary for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2 removal</a> have already been depleted, minimizing their climate impact.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimal-erosion-rates-for-co2-removal">Optimal erosion rates for CO2 removal</h2>



<p>A surprising outcome of the study is the identification of a 'Goldilocks zone' -- a moderate erosion rate that allows minerals sufficient exposure to undergo the chemical reactions necessary for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-plants-are-absorbing-more-human-produced-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide removal</a>. </p>



<p>"It's only at these intermediate Goldilocks zones where erosion is fast enough that new minerals are coming up, but not so fast that they're just getting swept away, and they have time to weather in situ and draw down CO2,” Rugenstein said. </p>



<p>"That this Goldilocks zone occurs at such low erosion rates was a real surprise. Prior to this work, I might have guessed that such a switch from carbon dioxide sink to source -- if it occurred at all -- would be at a substantially higher erosion rate," he concluded.</p>



<p>This finding challenges previous assumptions about the erosion rates necessary for mountains to act as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-soil-sequesters-carbon-from-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sinks</a>, highlighting the complexity of Earth's climate system.</p>



<p>The study also points out that lower-relief mountain ranges, often older and geologically less active, are more likely to exhibit these optimal erosion rates, whereas higher, rapidly eroding mountains are identified as carbon sources. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-pattern-from-the-alps-to-the-rockies">Global pattern from the Alps to the Rockies</h2>



<p>This pattern was observed across various mountain ranges with different climatic conditions and tectonic histories, including the Southern Alps in New Zealand, the Central Mountain Range in Taiwan, and the eastern Tibetan Plateau in China.</p>



<p>Further research aims to explore the role of different rock types in this carbon cycle dynamic, with preliminary data suggesting that granite mountains, such as the Rocky Mountains, may also have a similar optimal erosion rate for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sequestering-carbon-in-soil-is-dependent-upon-microbes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide removal</a>. </p>



<p>"Mountains might evolve through this cycle where they are transiently sinks of carbon dioxide and then sources of carbon dioxide,” Rugenstein said.</p>



<p>Additionally, the study acknowledges the potential role of mountain basins in the carbon cycle, where eroded rock could continue to weather and sequester carbon dioxide, thus complicating the overall carbon accounting of mountainous regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-mountains-and-carbon-research">Future of mountains and carbon research</h2>



<p>Understanding how mountains contribute to global climate dynamics over geological timescales is crucial, according to Aaron Bufe, the lead author of the study, saying, "The global distribution of erosion rates plays a significant role in setting Earth’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-earths-thermostat-control-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-term temperature</a>."</p>



<p>This important study conclusively demonstrates that mountains play a complex role in Earth's carbon cycle, acting as both carbon sinks and sources, influenced by the rate of erosion. </p>



<p>By identifying the optimal erosion rate for carbon dioxide removal, the research sheds light on the nuanced interplay between geological activity and climate regulation. </p>



<p>It challenges prior assumptions and opens doors for future investigations into how different rock compositions and mountain basins contribute to global carbon dynamics. </p>



<p>This revelation enhances our understanding of mountainous regions' impact on climate and underscores the delicate balance of natural processes that govern Earth's long-term temperature settings.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk0957" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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Mountains can be both carbon sinks and carbon sources

Researchers have discovered the nuanced role mountains play in the...

<p>Microplastics are everywhere on Earth, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountains. A new study from the <a href="https://international.unicampania.it/index.php/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Campania</a> has shown something surprising - these microplastics can also be found inside people's arteries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This revelation raises concerns as microplastics could be connected to serious health problems like heart attacks and stroke.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-in-arteries">Microplastics in arteries</h2>



<p>Microscopic plastic pollutants, called microplastics, are tiny – less than 5 millimeters in size. They come from the breakdown of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-plastic-items-pose-a-hidden-risk-to-childrens-gut-health/">plastic products</a> we use every day, including clothes and cosmetics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The recent study in Naples, Italy, investigated this issue. Doctors examined fatty deposits, called plaque, inside the arteries of 304 patients.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Plaque buildup can block arteries, and sometimes surgeons remove it during procedures. The study's alarming finding was that microplastics were present in the plaque of over half the patients – a concerning 58%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-affecting-heart-health">Microplastics affecting heart health</h2>



<p>The presence of microplastics in arteries is a red flag, potentially linked to a significantly increased risk of heart attack, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/short-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-increases-stroke-risk/">stroke</a>, and even death.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found a nearly 4.5-fold greater chance of these cardiovascular events within just 3 years for individuals with microplastics in their arteries.&nbsp; This association is particularly alarming because it held true even after accounting for established risk factors like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-blood-pressure-is-commonly-shared-by-couples-worldwide/">high blood pressure</a>, smoking, and cholesterol.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflammation-caused-by-microplastics">Inflammation caused by microplastics</h2>



<p>Microplastics in arteries may fuel chronic inflammation, boosting heart disease risk. The study revealed higher levels of inflammatory proteins in people with microplastic-laden arteries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These proteins are common in heart disease and are believed to worsen the condition by promoting inflammation and damaging blood vessel walls. While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-impacts-the-brain-through-inflammation-not-infection/">inflammation</a> is the body's natural defense against injury or infection, prolonged inflammation is linked to various health problems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Microplastics trapped in arterial plaque might trigger the immune system to attack them, leading to chronic inflammation. This persistent inflammatory state could then accelerate the development and progression of heart disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-related-to-microplastics">Concerns related to microplastics</h2>



<p>According to the World Health Organization, the potential impacts of plastics on health have become an issue of global concern due to risks and harms from plastics at each stage of their lifecycle.</p>



<p>Plastic is convenient and useful, but there's so much of it around that it's harming the environment and potentially making people sick. Experts warn that we should not be fooled by the convenience of plastics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“People must become aware of the risks we are taking with our lifestyle,” noted Dr Raffaele Marfella, first author on the study at the University of Campania Luigi.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I hope the alarm message from our study will raise the consciousness of citizens, especially governments, to finally become aware of the importance of the health of our planet. To put it in a slogan that can unite the need for health for humans and the planet, plastic-free is healthy for the heart and the Earth.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-microplastics-enter-the-body">How microplastics enter the body</h2>



<p>Since microplastics are everywhere in our surroundings, we can ingest them in a number of ways. This is particularly concerning when you consider the health risks of microplastics such as heart attacks and stroke. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-we-eat">Food we eat</h3>



<p>We often swallow microplastics when we eat. Seafood, especially shellfish and fish, may contain microplastics because they live in polluted water. Fruits and vegetables can also get contaminated.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-we-drink">Water we drink</h3>



<p>Microplastics have been found in tap water, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-thousands-of-nanoplastics-found-in-bottled-water/">bottled water</a>, and even lakes and rivers. Plastic trash breaks down over time, or because tiny bits of plastic flake off from plastic pipes as water travels through them. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-we-breathe-nbsp">Air we breathe&nbsp;</h3>



<p>We can also breathe in microplastics, especially indoors. Dust particles that contain microplastics can float around in the air from things like carpets, furniture, and clothes. Even outside, air pollution often contains microplastics from car tires, road paint, and plastic waste. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-unexpected-ways">Other unexpected ways</h3>



<p>Microplastics have been found in things like salt, sugar, honey, and even beer, showing how widespread they are. Microplastics can also be in some hygiene products like toothpaste and cosmetics. We might accidentally swallow these, or they might seep into our skin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-to-limit-microplastic-exposure">Tips to limit microplastic exposure</h2>



<p>It might seem difficult to avoid microplastics completely these days, but there are ways to limit their exposure:</p>



<ul>
<li>Choose natural fibers: Opt for clothing made from natural materials like cotton, wool, hemp, or bamboo to avoid releasing plastic fibers during washing.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Use water filters: Invest in a reliable water filter to remove microplastics from drinking water, whether sourced from tap water or bottled water.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Avoid single-use plastics: Minimize the use of disposable plastic items such as bags, straws, utensils, and water bottles by opting for reusable alternatives made from glass, stainless steel, or silicone.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Purchase unpackaged foods: Buy fresh produce from farmers' markets or bulk stores to reduce reliance on plastic packaging for fruits, vegetables, and grains.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Check personal care products: Be mindful of personal care items containing microplastics like polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). Look for products labeled "microplastic-free" or containing natural exfoliants such as sugar or salt.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Choose minimal packaging: Select products with minimal or recyclable packaging, and consider buying in bulk to reduce plastic waste. Bring your own reusable containers or bags when shopping.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Dispose of plastic responsibly: Properly dispose of plastic waste by recycling whenever possible and avoiding littering. Responsible waste management helps prevent plastic from breaking down into microplastics in the environment.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Support plastic reduction nitiatives: Get involved in efforts to reduce plastic pollution by supporting policies and initiatives in your community. Raise awareness about the issue and advocate for long-term solutions.</li>
</ul>



<p>The research is published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2309822" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The New England Journal of Medicine</em></a>.</p>



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Microplastics found inside human arteries after stroke and heart attack events

Microplastics are everywhere on Earth, from the deepest ocean trenches...

<p>Weather forecasting is an ever-evolving field with a focus on accuracy. Despite advancements, challenges like quantile crossing persist. This particular issue disrupts the logical order of predicted values. It stems from numerical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather prediction</a> methods.</p>



<p>These methods, though sophisticated, can yield biased forecasts. Consequently, a global team of researchers is working to improve these methods. Their goal is to eliminate quantile crossing, aiming to enhance forecast reliability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-novel-approach-to-weather-forecasts">A novel approach to weather forecasts </h2>



<p>The team's solution centers on the non-crossing quantile regression neural network (NCQRNN) model. This model is the brainchild of Professor Dazhi Yang and colleagues. They hail from prestigious institutions, collaborating on this breakthrough.</p>



<p>The NCQRNN model refines traditional QRNN frameworks. It incorporates a special layer to maintain the forecast values' order. This ensures lower quantiles stay below higher ones, enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/">prediction accuracy</a>. Moreover, this improvement significantly aids in understanding the forecasts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ncqrnn-advantage-clarity-in-prediction">The NCQRNN advantage: Clarity in prediction</h2>



<p>The NCQRNN's edge lies in its prediction clarity. Professor Yang emphasizes the model's orderly value maintenance, boosting interpretability. Furthermore, Dr. Martin J. Mayer delves into the model's core mechanism.</p>



<p>This mechanism teaches the network to distinguish between quantiles using intermediate variables, thus keeping their order. Additionally, the model's versatility shines, as its non-crossing layer fits various architectures. This adaptability promises broad application in diverse forecasting systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wide-applicability-and-future-forecasting">Wide applicability and future forecasting</h2>



<p>The technique shines, especially in solar irradiance forecasting, outperforming current models. Its flexibility allows easy integration into many weather systems, enhancing predictions across various variables.</p>



<p>Dr. Sebastian Lerch highlights the model's broad potential, suggesting uses beyond solar forecasting in weather and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-warning-systems-are-increasingly-accurate-in-predicting-climate-extremes/">climate domains</a>.</p>



<p>Dr. Xiang'ao Xia considers this study critical. It showcases the significant effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-will-be-a-game-changer-in-weather-forecasting/">machine learning</a> on weather models.</p>



<p>This research was a team effort, merging atmospheric and data sciences. Thus, it marks a step forward, making future forecasts more accurate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about quantile crossing</h2>



<p>Quantile crossing in weather forecasting is an issue that arises in probabilistic forecasting when forecasting models produce quantiles that are not properly ordered across different probabilities. This problem violates the basic principle that quantiles should increase with the probability level.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, the 90th percentile of a forecast should predict a higher value than the 50th percentile for the same variable and time point. Quantile crossing contradicts this expectation, indicating a flaw in the forecast system or model.</p>



<p>In the context of weather forecasting, where forecasts are often presented as probabilistic forecasts to indicate uncertainty (for example, the probability that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heavy-rainfall-events-in-the-northeast-are-set-to-increase-by-over-50-percent/">rainfall</a> will exceed a certain threshold), ensuring that quantiles are properly ordered is crucial for the coherence and reliability of the forecasts.</p>



<p>The focus on ensuring coherent and reliable probabilistic forecasts is essential for effective decision-making in weather-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture, emergency management, and outdoor event planning.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Techniques to avoid quantile crossing are thus an integral part of the development and evaluation of forecasting models in meteorology.</p>



<p>The full study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00376-023-3184-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Advances in Atmospheric Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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Bridging the gap: The quest for accurate weather forecasts

Weather forecasting is an ever-evolving field with a focus on...

<p>Coral reefs are vital underwater ecosystems teeming with life. Yet, climate change and human actions threaten their very existence. This is cause for alarm as coral reefs provide a haven for countless <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-organisms-may-adapt-to-climate-change-but-with-hidden-costs/">marine creatures</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Not all hope is lost. Scientists recently discovered a surprising power of coral reefs: amazing regenerative abilities. With a little assistance, restored coral reefs can bounce back in just four years, becoming vibrant once again.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoring-reefs-with-coral-transplants">Restoring reefs with coral transplants</h2>



<p>The study focused on the <a href="https://www.buildingcoral.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Coral Reef Restoration Programme</a>, one of the world's largest reef restoration projects. The program restored coral reefs in two Indonesian islands. </p>



<p>The restoration method involved structures called "reef stars" – hexagonal metal frames filled with sand. Each frame provides a home for 10-15 pieces of coral collected from nearby healthy reefs. These coral fragments come from several different types of branching coral naturally found in the area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-careful-maintenance-nbsp">Careful maintenance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The restoration process involves placing these reef stars in large groups across a designated area. But simply placing them isn't enough. To ensure the coral thrives, the frames are brushed regularly to remove algae, and any dead coral pieces are replaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This careful maintenance is especially important in the first few months after the coral is transplanted, giving it the best chance to grow and establish itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbonate-budget-of-restored-coral-reefs">Carbonate budget of restored coral reefs</h2>



<p>Scientists studied how well restored coral reefs were doing by looking at their "carbonate budget." This refers to the balance between how much calcium carbonate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-coral-recovery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-has-paused/">reef</a> is making and how much it's losing. </p>



<p>Calcium carbonate is a building block for corals, and a healthy reef will be making more of it than it's losing.</p>



<p>“Corals constantly add calcium carbonate to the reef framework while some fishes and sea urchins erode it away, so calculating the overall carbonate budget basically tells you if the reef as a whole is growing or shrinking,” noted study lead author Dr. Ines Lange from the University of Exeter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Four years after the restoration efforts began, the reefs were doing much better. They had more coral, were more complex, and were building calcium carbonate at a similar rate to healthy reefs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We found that restored coral reefs can grow at the same speed as healthy coral reefs just four years after coral transplantation. This means that they provide lots of habitat for marine life and efficiently protect the adjacent island from wave energy and erosion,” said Dr. Lange.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoration-challenges">Restoration challenges</h2>



<p>Coral restoration projects often use fast-growing branching corals because they help reefs recover quickly. However, these corals are also more likely to die from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepest-known-coral-reef-bleaching-discovered-alarming-scientists/">bleaching</a> caused by rising water temperatures. This could make the restored reefs weaker in the long run.</p>



<p>While branching corals create good homes for fish and other sea creatures, researchers worry that relying on them too much might be risky. They recommend using a wider variety of coral types during restoration, similar to what's found on healthy reefs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This mix would include massive, encrusting, and plating corals, which are all better at surviving bleaching events.</p>



<p>The researchers also express that there's no single perfect way to restore reefs. The best approach will depend on the specific location, the types of coral available, and how well the surrounding environment is protected.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-coral-reef-restoration">Future of coral reef restoration</h2>



<p>The study has demonstrated that actively restoring reefs by transplanting coral can significantly improve their health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is a really encouraging discovery. If we can maintain climate conditions that allow for coral survival, it’s possible to restore even very damaged reefs back to healthy, functional systems within relatively short periods of time,” noted Dr. Tim Lamont of Lancaster University.</p>



<p>The study is a wake-up call. We can revive our coral reefs, but we must act swiftly. By implementing a multi-pronged approach of restoration, environmental protection, and climate change action, we can ensure the future of these underwater wonders.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.009" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Current Biology</em></a>.</p>



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Restored coral reefs can bounce back in just four years

Coral reefs are vital underwater ecosystems teeming with life. Yet,...

<p>Deep in the rainforest, monkeys are known for their lively social interactions. But a new study reveals a worrying trend: when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-threatens-the-future-of-8-in-10-lizards/">deforestation</a> disrupts their habitat, monkeys are forced to change their social behaviors in order to survive.</p>



<p>"One trend we're seeing with primates worldwide is that when their forests are cut down, they're either able to adapt in some way, or their population declines," explained Dr. Laura Bolt, a primatologist at the <a href="https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto Mississauga</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monkey-behavior-changes">Monkey behavior changes</h2>



<p>One might wonder, why focus on monkey social behavior? Much like humans, monkeys are social creatures and their interactions are important for survival, learning, and social structures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Since changes in their environment may impact these interactions, the researchers studied how monkeys adapt to living near forest edges caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-primates-human-activities/">human activities</a>.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The study took place in Costa Rica at La Suerte Biological Research Station. Scientists observed three monkey species – spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and howler monkeys – from 2017 to 2023.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team documented the monkeys’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monkeys-practice-social-distancing-when-they-have-an-infection/">social behaviors</a>, such as grooming, playing, and communication, both deep inside the forest and near the edges. The aim was to see if the monkeys behaved differently in the natural forest interior compared to the disturbed edge zones.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spider-monkey-behavior-changes-nbsp">Spider monkey behavior changes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Spider monkeys played and groomed each other less often in the edge areas compared to the deeper parts of the forest. This difference suggests the monkeys might not feel as safe or comfortable socializing on the edges.</p>



<p>The researchers speculate that the monkeys are saving energy in these harsher edge areas. This could be because there's less food or because there are more dangers around, like predators or people.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The forest edge is closer to humans, so it might not be as good of a habitat as the inner <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monkeys-tropical-forests-life/">forest</a>. There is likely less food and fewer big trees for the monkeys to swing through and hide in.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spider-monkeys-prefer-the-inner-forest-nbsp">Spider monkeys prefer the inner forest&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Another thought is that spider monkeys just prefer the thicker, inner parts of the forest for socializing. They might feel safer moving around high up in the tree canopy, away from the trouble and dangers at the forest edge.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The canopy is like a 3D maze of branches that the monkeys can swing through easily. It also has fruit trees, making it a great place to hang out with friends and share food.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior-changes-in-capuchins-nbsp">Behavior changes in capuchins&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts found that white-faced capuchin monkeys engaged in behavior that wouldn't draw attention to themselves. These monkeys fought and vocalized less often while living along the forest edge.</p>



<p>Capuchins eat a variety of foods, so they might be able to find more to eat at the forest edge, which could affect how they interact with each other. Also, being quieter and less aggressive might help them avoid predators in these open areas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"If they're in an area with smaller trees, where it's easier for predators to see them, they're especially vulnerable," said Dr. Bolt. "It makes sense that the capuchins would try to avoid getting eaten, essentially."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-howler-monkey-behavior-remained-the-same">Howler monkey behavior remained the same</h2>



<p>Unlike the other monkeys, howler monkeys behaved the same way in both the center of the forest and at the edges.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This could mean that howler monkeys are very adaptable and can handle these changes well. Or, it might be that they can't adjust their behavior very easily to new situations.</p>



<p>Howler monkeys mostly eat leaves, which are easy to find even in disturbed areas. This flexible diet might be why they act the same way regardless of their surroundings.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-concern-for-howler-monkeys-nbsp">Long-term concern for howler monkeys&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study suggests that howler monkeys might do well in damaged forests without changing how they interact with each other. Unfortunately, this stability could also mean they have trouble adapting to environments that change quickly or become badly damaged.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This could be a concern long-term for howler monkeys. They might be only capable of living one way and then they persist until suddenly, they die out because they're not able to cope," said Dr. Bolt.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monkey-social-behavior-and-conservation">Monkey social behavior and conservation</h2>



<p>Dr. Bolt's research helps us understand how well monkeys can cope with change. This knowledge allows us to pinpoint which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-driving-tree-dwelling-primates-to-the-ground/">primates</a> are most at risk from fragmented forests and how changes in their natural behavior might affect their survival.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Understanding how species behave is a way of better understanding them, and better understanding how to conserve them," said Dr. Bolt.</p>



<p>The study is published in the<a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.23610" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> <em>American Journal of Primatology</em></a>. </p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Deforestation changes social behavior in monkeys

Deep in the rainforest, monkeys are known for their lively...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p id="block-9bd989d6-2fd3-4580-957f-6cacce134f08">-----</p>



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<p id="block-43e218f4-0391-477c-8396-eb777c8c80a3">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.</p>



<p id="block-1f9a227a-ec37-4140-81b8-ffa4a7cc6689">-----</p>



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

<p>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. </p>



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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).</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>“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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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;</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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. </p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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.”</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



<p>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."</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



<p>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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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<p>Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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. </p>



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



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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