<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>The Egyptian cotton leafworm (<em>Spadoptera littoralis</em>) – a moth species found throughout the Mediterranean Basin, as well as in Africa and the Middle East – is currently a widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-ecosystems-pest-control/">pest</a> in France. Since moth larvae are highly polyphagous, feeding upon a variety of different species, they cause damage to a diversity of crops, including corn, cotton, peppers, legumes, and tomatoes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As part of increased efforts to reduce pesticide levels, scientists currently struggle to develop effective biocontrol methods to fight crop pests, such as strategies to disrupt their reproduction or trap them through the use of sex pheromones. However, since pheromone synthesis is expensive, other control strategies may be needed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A team of scientists led by the <a href="https://www.sorbonne-universite.fr/en">Sorbonne University</a> in Paris has recently investigated the evolution of olfactory receptors in the Egyptian cotton leaf worms. The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2221166120"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>, represents an important step forward toward the development of such strategies.</p>



<p>In 2019, the experts identified OR5, an olfactory receptor in the Egyptian cotton leafworm which plays a critical role in recognizing the main component in the female sex pheromones. In the current study, they explored this receptor’s evolutionary trajectory within <em>Spodoptera </em>to clarify its specificity and functionality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By combining a computational approach to model the 3D structure of OR5 with the resurrection of its ancestral receptors in the laboratory, the researchers found that OR5 most likely emerged around seven million years ago, as an essential tool in the reproduction of two&nbsp;<em>Spodoptera</em>&nbsp;species - the Egyptian cotton leafworm and the tobacco cutworm (<em>S. litura</em>).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts also used site-directed mutagenesis -&nbsp;a technique which introduces one or more precise mutations into a specific gene to investigate the functional impacts on the encoded protein. They identified eight amino acids (AAs) that structure the receptor’s specific characteristics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Since previous studies suggested that only one or two AA substitutions might be sufficient to change the functionality of ecologically important receptors, the discovery of such a large number of AAs behind OR5 is quite puzzling and requires further investigations.</p>



<p>Clarifying how olfactory receptors emerge and acquire their specificity during evolution can help scientists anticipate the development of resistance to pheromone-based products employed to protect crops. These findings could help devise new biocontrol strategies relying on both agonist molecules (which occupy receptors to the exclusion of the key pheromone compound) and antagonist molecules (which block the receptor from being activated by the key pheromone compound).</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-egyptian-cotton-leafworm">More about the Egyptian cotton leafworm</h2>



<p>The Egyptian cotton leafworm, also known as the Spodoptera littoralis or the Mediterranean Brocade, is a major pest of cotton and many other crops. Native to Africa, it has spread to parts of Europe and Asia and is particularly problematic in the Mediterranean region.</p>



<p>The adult moth is brown and has a wingspan of 3-4 cm. The larvae, or caterpillars, are the damaging stage of the life cycle. They are initially green but turn brown as they mature, with light and dark stripes along the body.</p>



<p>The larvae feed on the leaves, buds, and bolls of the cotton plant, causing significant damage. They can completely defoliate a plant if the infestation is heavy. After feeding, they pupate in the soil and emerge as adults to repeat the cycle.</p>



<p>The Egyptian cotton leafworm can have multiple generations per year, and its population can increase rapidly under favorable conditions. It can overwinter as pupae in the soil, allowing it to survive in colder climates.</p>



<p>Control methods for the Egyptian cotton leafworm include the use of insecticides, biological control agents such as parasitic wasps and Bacillus thuringiensis (a bacterium that produces toxins harmful to certain insects), and cultivation of cotton varieties that are resistant to the pest. Integrated pest management strategies, which combine multiple methods of control, are often the most effective.</p>



<p>Due to the importance of Egyptian cotton in the global textile industry, the Egyptian cotton leafworm is a significant concern for farmers, scientists, and policymakers. Efforts to manage and control this pest are critical for maintaining the productivity and sustainability of cotton production.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-crop-pests">More about crop pests</h2>



<p>Crop pests are organisms that cause significant damage to crops in agriculture. They can be insects, birds, mammals, nematodes, fungi, bacteria, viruses, and weeds. The damage caused by these pests can significantly reduce the yield and quality of crops, leading to economic losses for farmers.</p>



<h3 id="h-some-common-types-of-crop-pests-include">Some common types of crop pests include:</h3>



<h4 id="h-insects">Insects</h4>



<p>Insects are the most common type of crop pests. Examples include aphids, beetles, caterpillars, and weevils. They can damage crops by feeding on plant tissues, transmitting diseases, or both.</p>



<h4 id="h-nematodes">Nematodes</h4>



<p>These are tiny, worm-like organisms that live in the soil and feed on the roots of plants, which can stunt growth and reduce yield.</p>



<h4 id="h-fungi">Fungi</h4>



<p>Fungi can cause diseases in crops, such as rusts, smuts, and mildews. They can damage crops by producing toxins, causing rot, or disrupting the water and nutrient transport within the plant.</p>



<h4 id="h-bacteria-and-viruses">Bacteria and Viruses</h4>



<p>These can cause diseases in crops. Bacterial diseases include bacterial wilt, fire blight, and bacterial leaf spot. Viruses can cause diseases like tobacco mosaic virus, potato virus Y, and cucumber mosaic virus.</p>



<h4 id="h-birds-and-mammals">Birds and Mammals</h4>



<p>Larger pests like birds and mammals can also cause significant damage. Birds can peck at fruits and seeds, while mammals like rodents can gnaw on stems and roots. Larger mammals like deer can trample and eat crops.</p>



<h4 id="h-weeds">Weeds</h4>



<p>Weeds compete with crops for resources like light, water, and nutrients. They can also harbor pests and diseases, making them harder to control.</p>



<p>Controlling crop pests is a complex task that involves a combination of cultural practices (crop rotation, intercropping, use of resistant varieties), biological control (use of predators, parasites, or pathogens of the pests), chemical control (pesticides), and other methods like the use of genetically modified crops.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The goal is to keep pest populations below the level at which they would cause economic damage, a concept known as the economic threshold.</p>



<p>—-</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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

Understanding crop pest evolution to develop biocontrol strategies

The Egyptian cotton leafworm (Spadoptera littoralis) – a moth species...

<p>In an ambitious new partnership, researchers from the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/">University of Copenhagen</a> and Aarhus University are teaming up with several industry partners to create a sustainable co-production model for fish, shrimp, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-superfood-could-help-ease-global-food-crisis/">seaweed</a>. The innovative project, called "SeaFree," aims to revolutionize the aquaculture industry over the next four years.</p>



<p>The heart of SeaFree is an advanced, land-based closed cycle that cleverly uses residual nutrients and carbon dioxide from fish and shrimp farming. These waste products will be repurposed to cultivate high-value seaweed, creating an eco-friendly system that benefits both the food and healthcare sectors.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-goals-of-the-seafree-project">The goals of the SeaFree project</h2>



<p>Professor Marianne Thomsen from the Department of Food Science at the University of Copenhagen explained the project's key goals: "The project aims to use seaweed production to absorb and convert emissions from land-based aquaculture into a high-value product."</p>



<p>The seaweed, rich in umami flavor and health benefits, will be used in dietary supplements to prevent diabetes and fuel sustainable food innovations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In addition to capturing emissions that would have otherwise been emitted into the atmosphere and aquatic environment, the seaweed produced is both healthy and rich in umami flavor," said Thomsen.</p>



<p>SeaFree's budget of DKK 14.4 million (€1.9m) is generously provided by Innovation Fund Denmark. The project is a collective effort, featuring partnerships with companies including Pure Algae, DryingMate, Food Diagnostics, Sigrid Therapeutics, XOventure GmbH/Rigi Care, KOST, SOF Odden Caviar, and HanseGarnelen.</p>



<h2 id="h-seafree-only-requires-a-40-foot-container">SeaFree only requires a 40-foot container</h2>



<p>The operational nucleus of the project is a 40-foot container fitted with eight one-thousand-liter tanks. This cutting-edge Plug’n’Play technology unit, brimming with export potential, combines salt water, CO2, nutrients, and LED lights to grow a full batch of seaweed in just one week - an astoundingly short harvest period.</p>



<p>Thomsen explains the technology's potential impact on the aquaculture industry: "SeaFree represents the latest in recycling technology for land-based shrimp and fish farming. Besides capturing emissions, the system also recirculates surplus heat from the plants to the Plug'n'Play technology."&nbsp;</p>



<p>She further explained that the project incorporates an innovative technology that uses surplus heat to dry the seaweed for the healthcare industry, making SeaFree a model of sustainable and efficient production.</p>



<p>The result of this groundbreaking project is a set of climate-friendly products: fish, shrimp, and sea lettuce—a nutrient-dense seaweed species packed with fiber and protein. Sea lettuce, apart from being used in various dietary supplements, also serves as a healthy side dish to seafood meals.</p>



<h2 id="h-next-steps-take-this-global">Next steps – take this global</h2>



<p>According to Thomsen, part of SeaFree's mission is to raise public awareness of seaweed as a key ingredient in delicious home-cooked meals. She is also optimistic about the global potential of farming fish and seaweed as envisioned by SeaFree. Implementing this method across all the world's land-based shrimp and fish farms could drastically reduce the carbon footprint of global food systems.</p>



<p>The fusion of aquaculture and seaweed cultivation in closed systems, as per the SeaFree model, holds promise as a significant new Danish export market.</p>



<p>Professor Thomsen underscores the global applicability of the SeaFree technology, marketed as "SeaFree Synergy Solutions."&nbsp;</p>



<p>She noted that they are already in discussions with South Korea, a country showing keen interest in the technology and the project’s development. "On a global level, it will be possible to implement the technology anywhere in the world. As for the technology’s environmental benefits, they are unequivocal."</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-aquaculture">More about aquaculture</h2>



<p>Aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, is the practice of farming aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants. It involves cultivating freshwater and saltwater populations under controlled conditions, and is an alternative to harvesting wild marine life.</p>



<p>Aquaculture comes in many forms, and each type has different requirements and impacts on the environment.</p>



<h3 id="h-marine-aquaculture">Marine Aquaculture</h3>



<p>Also known as mariculture, it involves the cultivation of species that live in the ocean. This can range from shellfish like oysters and mussels to seaweed and fish species like salmon. Marine aquaculture can take place in the open ocean, or in ponds or tanks on land.</p>



<h3 id="h-freshwater-aquaculture">Freshwater Aquaculture</h3>



<p>This involves the rearing of aquatic organisms in freshwater environments. These can include ponds, lakes, man-made reservoirs, and tanks. The species cultivated can range from freshwater fish like tilapia and catfish to crustaceans and plants.</p>



<h3 id="h-algaculture">Algaculture</h3>



<p>A form of aquaculture that involves the farming of algae. Algae are incredibly diverse and can be used for a variety of purposes, including food, biofuel, and as a means to mitigate carbon emissions.</p>



<h3 id="h-integrated-multi-trophic-aquaculture-imta">Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)</h3>



<p>This is a practice in which the waste produced by one species serves as food for another. For example, fish waste can provide nutrients for plants or shellfish. This creates a system where waste is minimized, mirroring natural ecosystem interactions.</p>



<p>Aquaculture has both benefits and drawbacks. On the positive side, it can contribute to food security by providing a growing global population with a reliable source of high-quality protein. It also plays a part in economic growth, particularly in developing countries, by creating jobs and improving balance of trade.</p>



<p>However, if not managed properly, aquaculture can also have negative environmental impacts. These can include water pollution, habitat destruction, and the spread of diseases to wild fish populations. Intensive farming can also lead to problems with fish welfare and can contribute to the overfishing of certain species, used as feed for farmed fish.</p>



<p>In recent years, sustainable practices in aquaculture have been promoted to mitigate these issues. These include better management of fish health, reducing the reliance on wild-caught fish for feed, and developing systems like the one in the SeaFree project, where waste is recycled and used to grow other valuable products.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

SeaFree: New technology turns waste from fish farming into seaweed

In an ambitious new partnership, researchers from the University of...

<p>Imagine strolling along a beach, splashing in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-ancient-ocean-floor-surrounds-the-earths-core/">ocean</a>, or even floating through the air. Now, imagine that you're leaving traces of your DNA behind everywhere you go. As unlikely as it sounds, a new study from the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/">University of Florida</a> suggests that's exactly what's happening.</p>



<p>Everywhere we go, from a muggy day in Florida to the chilly climes of Ireland, we're shedding our DNA. We're coughing it, spitting it, and even flushing it into countless environments. It's not just in the obvious places like the beach or the ocean, either.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This human genetic material can be found in riverways, in the air, and in almost every corner of the globe, excluding only the most isolated islands and remote mountaintops.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



<p>The researchers found our DNA's ubiquity to be both a scientific gift and an ethical conundrum.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They sequenced this widespread DNA and found it of such high quality that they could identify disease-associated mutations and determine the genetic ancestry of nearby populations. In some cases, they could even match genetic information to individual participants who had voluntarily offered their DNA for recovery.</p>



<p>Professor David Duffy, who spearheaded the project, believes that these environmental DNA samples, if handled ethically, could yield significant benefits for various fields from medicine and environmental science to archaeology and criminal forensics.</p>



<p>"Researchers could track cancer mutations from wastewater or uncover hidden archaeological sites by looking for human DNA," Duffy suggested. He added that detectives could even identify suspects from the DNA floating in the air at a crime scene.</p>



<p>But the extraction of this level of personal information requires extreme caution. Scientists and regulators are now facing the ethical dilemmas associated with inadvertently, or intentionally, gathering human genetic information from unexpected sources like sand, water, or even a person’s breath.</p>



<h2 id="h-results-of-the-study-call-for-ethical-safeguards">Results of the study call for ethical safeguards</h2>



<p>The team's paper, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/natecolevol/"><em>Nature Ecology and Evolution</em></a>, highlights the ease with which they collected human DNA from almost every location they explored.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Professor Duffy expressed his surprise at the amount and quality of human DNA they discovered. "In most cases, the quality is almost equivalent to if you took a sample from a person.”</p>



<p>The potential to identify individuals through these means underlines the need for ethical safeguards in this area of research. This study had the approval of the University of Florida's institutional review board, which ensures that research adheres to ethical guidelines.</p>



<p>“It’s standard in science to make these sequences publicly available. But that also means if you don’t screen out human information, anyone can come along and harvest this information," said Professor Duffy.</p>



<p>"Do you need to get consent to take those samples? Or institute some controls to remove human information?”</p>



<h2 id="h-success-stories-for-wildlife-preservation">Success stories for wildlife preservation</h2>



<p>The team has successfully applied environmental DNA, or eDNA, to study endangered sea turtles and their susceptibility to viral cancers at UF's Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital. They retrieved useful DNA from turtle tracks in the sand, a technique that greatly expedited their research.</p>



<p>The researchers expected to find human eDNA in their turtle samples and many other places they explored. With modern genetic sequencing technology, it's now relatively easy to sequence the DNA of every organism in an environmental sample.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The question was, how much human DNA would be present, and would it be intact enough to yield useful information?</p>



<p>Their research took them to the ocean and rivers near the Whitney Lab, sand from isolated beaches, and even a remote island where people had never set foot. In a test conducted in collaboration with the National Park Service, they were able to retrieve DNA from the footprints of voluntary participants in the sand and sequence parts of their genomes, all with their consent.</p>



<p>Professor Duffy also tested the technique in his native Ireland. Along a river that meanders through a town and out to sea, he discovered human DNA at every point, except for the remote mountain stream where the river originates, far from human settlement.</p>



<h2 id="h-indoor-testing-works-as-well-as-outdoor">Indoor testing works as well as outdoor</h2>



<p>The research wasn't limited to outdoor locations. They also collected air samples from a veterinary hospital, managing to recover DNA matching the staff, the animal patient, and even common animal viruses.</p>



<p>The evidence is clear: human eDNA can be easily sampled from a multitude of environments. Duffy believes it's now time for policymakers and the scientific community to address issues of consent and privacy, and weigh them against the potential benefits of studying this unintentional DNA trail.</p>



<p>"Any time we make a technological advance, there are beneficial things that the technology can be used for and concerning things that the technology can be used for. It’s no different here," Duffy said. He wants to bring these issues to light early, giving policymakers and society the time they need to develop appropriate regulations.</p>



<p>This groundbreaking research from the University of Florida has illuminated the potential of environmental DNA as a tool for scientific discovery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, as we leave traces of ourselves in the sand, the water, and even the air, the question of how to protect our genetic privacy becomes increasingly pertinent. As we move forward, the balance between scientific progress and ethical responsibility will be crucial.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-dna">More about DNA&nbsp;</h2>



<p>DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. Here's a more in-depth look at its various characteristics and importance:</p>



<h3 id="h-structure">Structure</h3>



<p>DNA is made up of two long, twisted strands that form a double helix structure. Each strand is composed of repeating units called nucleotides. Every nucleotide is made up of three parts: a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases — adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).</p>



<p>In the DNA double helix, the two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between the bases. Adenine always pairs with thymine, and cytosine always pairs with guanine. This complementary base pairing enables the base pairs to be copied accurately during DNA replication.</p>



<h3 id="h-replication">Replication</h3>



<p>DNA replication is the process by which DNA makes a copy of itself during cell division. The double helix is unwound by enzymes, and each strand of the original DNA molecule serves as a template for the production of the complementary strand. This replication process allows genetic information to be passed from cell to cell and from parents to offspring.</p>



<h3 id="h-genes-and-chromosomes">Genes and Chromosomes</h3>



<p>DNA is organized into structures called chromosomes. Humans typically have 46 chromosomes (23 from each parent) in each cell. Segments within these chromosomes are known as genes. Each gene serves as a blueprint for making a specific protein. Proteins, in turn, perform a vast array of functions within the organism, from catalyzing metabolic reactions to responding to stimuli to providing structure to cells and organisms.</p>



<h3 id="h-dna-sequencing-and-genetic-code">DNA Sequencing and Genetic Code</h3>



<p>The precise order of the bases in a stretch of DNA - known as the DNA sequence - forms the genetic code, which carries the instructions for building an organism's cells and for running those cells. The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, sequenced the entire human genome for the first time, revealing around 20,500 genes.</p>



<h3 id="h-role-in-heredity-and-variation">Role in Heredity and Variation</h3>



<p>One of the key roles of DNA is in heredity. Offspring inherit their DNA from their parents. This inheritance is why offspring resemble their parents, both in physical traits and in susceptibility to certain diseases. But DNA also allows for variation, through mutations (changes in the DNA sequence). While many mutations are harmful, some can be beneficial, driving evolution and species diversity.</p>



<h3 id="h-dna-technology">DNA Technology</h3>



<p>DNA technology has a wide range of applications. In medicine, it's used for genetic testing and personalized treatment. In forensics, DNA fingerprinting can identify individuals. In biotechnology, genetic engineering can modify organisms' DNA to produce desirable traits.</p>



<h3 id="h-ethical-considerations">Ethical Considerations</h3>



<p>The use of DNA technology raises various ethical considerations. Issues include privacy (in terms of DNA data), consent (for genetic testing), and potential misuse of genetic engineering (such as in creating "designer babies").</p>



<p>In summary, DNA is a complex molecule that plays a central role in life as we know it. It carries the instructions for building and maintaining organisms, and its study has revolutionized fields from medicine to ecology.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Scientists can collect human DNA from water, air, and basically everywhere

Imagine strolling along a beach, splashing in the ocean, or...

<p>Monitoring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tourist-photographs-wildlife-monitoring-data/">wildlife</a> is one of the most expensive and challenging aspects of conservation, often depending on long-term observations of individual species. However, according to a recent study published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2211288120"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>, a new and effective method relying on small-scale wildlife surveys could be used to reveal the health of entire ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike traditional approaches, this one focuses on interactions between species, such as birds feeding on plants or insects pollinating flowers. It starts with the assumption that, when environmental conditions change, interactions between species frequently change too, and can thus provide an early indicator of wider problems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As a result, a small snapshot of interactions can often be a reliable indicator of the status of an entire community of species, offering critical information regarding the risks some species currently face.</p>



<p>“All communities of plants and animals are supported by an underlying network of interactions between species,” said co-author Christopher Kaiser-Bunbury, a senior lecturer in Conservation and Ecology at the University of Exeter.</p>



<p>“Our study – which combines theory, statistics, and real-world data – shows that examining a few of these interactions can provide ‘big picture’ conclusions about ecosystem health. This information is essential for policymakers, scientists, and societies, as we try to tackle the global biodiversity crisis.”</p>



<p>This method allows scientists to identify patterns more quickly than traditional conservation monitoring – which is vital, considering the rapid changes that human activities cause in a variety of ecosystems worldwide.</p>



<p>“Using minimal resources, we can rapidly assess both the persistence of entire ecological networks and the expected success of restoration,” said co-author Benno Simmons, an ecologist and conservationist at Exeter. “Our method is especially effective at identifying when an ecological community is not persistent – allowing for rapid detection of extinction risk.”</p>



<p>More about wildlife surveys</p>



<p>Wildlife surveys are an important part of wildlife management, conservation efforts, and ecological research. They provide vital data about the population sizes, distribution, behaviors, and health of various species in a particular area. Here are a few key points about wildlife surveys:</p>



<h3 id="h-types-of-wildlife-surveys">Types of Wildlife Surveys</h3>



<p>These can be broadly categorized into two types: direct and indirect surveys. Direct surveys involve directly observing animals in their habitat, often counting individuals or groups. Indirect surveys, on the other hand, rely on signs of an animal's presence, such as tracks, nests, scat, or vocalizations.</p>



<h3 id="h-methods-used">Methods Used</h3>



<p>There are a number of different methods used for wildlife surveys, including:</p>



<h3 id="h-line-transect-surveys">Line Transect Surveys</h3>



<p>In this method, surveyors walk along a predetermined path, or transect, and record the number of animals seen or heard.</p>



<h3 id="h-point-counts">Point Counts</h3>



<p>This is a method often used for bird surveys. Observers stay in one place for a set period of time and count the number of individuals of each species that they see or hear.</p>



<h3 id="h-camera-trapping">Camera Trapping</h3>



<p>Cameras with motion sensors are set up in the wild to automatically take photos or videos when an animal passes by. This is a great way to study elusive, nocturnal, or rare species.</p>



<h3 id="h-aerial-surveys">Aerial Surveys</h3>



<p>These are often used for large or difficult-to-reach areas, such as for counting large herds of mammals in savannas or tracking marine life.</p>



<h3 id="h-data-analysis-and-interpretation">Data Analysis and Interpretation</h3>



<p>Once the data is collected, it's analyzed to derive useful information, such as population estimates, distribution patterns, and changes over time. This requires statistical analysis and can be quite complex, particularly because imperfect detection (i.e., the fact that not every animal present will be seen or heard during a survey) must be accounted for.</p>



<h3 id="h-importance">Importance</h3>



<p>Wildlife surveys are critical for conserving biodiversity, managing wildlife resources, and making informed decisions regarding land use and policy. They provide the data needed to assess the status of a species or a habitat, which can guide conservation efforts and policy decisions.</p>



<h3 id="h-challenges">Challenges</h3>



<p>There are many challenges involved in conducting wildlife surveys. These can include logistical difficulties, such as reaching remote areas, the potential for bias in observation or counting, and the need for significant resources and expertise. Additionally, there are always ethical considerations to ensure that surveys do not unduly disturb or harm the animals being studied.</p>



<p>Technological advancements, such as the use of drones, acoustic recorders, and satellite imagery, are helping to overcome some of these challenges and are providing new ways to monitor wildlife populations.</p>



<p>—-</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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

Small scale wildlife surveys can reveal the health of entire ecosystems

Monitoring wildlife is one of the most expensive and challenging...

<p>Many believe that stepping outside and immersing oneself in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-with-access-to-nature-are-mentally-and-physically-healthier/">nature</a> could be a remedy for the overuse of screens. However, a groundbreaking study has recently discovered that this isn't always the case. Spending time outdoors doesn't necessarily equate to less screen time.</p>



<p>The research, which kept a close eye on the smartphone activity of 700 participants over two years, found an unexpected twist. As participants wandered through city parks and urban green spaces, their smartphone use actually escalated.</p>



<p>The rise in global smartphone use has posed many challenges, and this study points to one possible solution. Participants who traded concrete jungles for actual forests and nature reserves experienced a significant reduction in screen time within the first three hours of their visit. This is compared to a similar amount of time spent in urban settings.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



<p>Featured in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/00139165231167165"><em>Environment and Behavior</em></a>, the study stands as the first of its kind to highlight a worrying trend among young adults. The researchers observed that this demographic now spends significantly more time engaged with their smartphone screens than enjoying nature.</p>



<p>Access to the participants' devices unveiled an unsettling truth. Young adults were found to spend more than double their outdoor time on their smartphones.</p>



<p>"Greentime, or time outdoors, has long been recommended as a way to restore our attention from the demands of daily life. Yet before our study, little was known about whether nature provides a way for people to disconnect from the mobile devices that now follow us into the great outdoors," explained study lead author Kelton Minor, a postdoctoral research scientist at Columbia University's <a href="https://datascience.columbia.edu/">Data Science Institute</a>.</p>



<p>"While past research suggested that short trips to city parks might provide a digital detox, we saw texting and phone calls actually go up. It was really the longer visits to wilder areas, like forests or nature preserves, that helped people get off their screens and wrest back their attention from their smartphones."</p>



<p>A significant aspect of this study lies in the depth of its data, surpassing that of prior smartphone studies. Typically, these studies rely on participants to self-report their smartphone use or environmental behaviors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In contrast, participants in this study agreed to share their smartphone data. This included over 2.5 million privacy-preserving logs of activity from texts, calls, and screen time, all in the name of science.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



<p>Chris Danforth, a Gund Fellow at the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/">University of Vermont</a> (UVM) and co-author of the study, expressed his concern. "Smartphones have an incredibly powerful pull on our attention, which will undoubtedly increase in the future - that’s what many technology companies are working on."</p>



<p>"Given the reported connections between mental health and our digital life, we need more studies like this to help establish ways to encourage a healthier relationship with technology.”</p>



<p>Upon reflection, the researchers theorize that urban green spaces may actually enhance remote social ties - explaining the increase in texts and phone calls in city parks. However, this might disrupt the individual’s opportunity to utilize the attention-restoring properties of nature.</p>



<p>The rise in smartphone use has been tied to an increase in anxiety, depression, and sleep problems, predominantly among younger generations. Simultaneously, studies from UVM and other institutes have found that nature has restorative benefits for our minds and bodies. These benefits can even generate a sense of joy akin to a major holiday like Thanksgiving or New Year’s.</p>



<p>The researchers speculate that the visual and sensory experiences of nature help individuals better focus on life beyond their smartphones. This study stands as the first to contrast time spent on smartphone screens with time spent in outdoor green spaces.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, the experts found that even the most digitally connected young adults reduced their smartphone usage when in natural areas. This provides evidence that more time spent in wilder green spaces may indeed offer a much-needed digital break.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-health-benefits-of-nature">More about the health benefits of nature</h2>



<p>Spending time in nature, often referred to as 'green time', has been linked to a multitude of health benefits, both physical and psychological. Here's a more in-depth look at these benefits:</p>



<h3 id="h-stress-reduction">Stress Reduction</h3>



<p>Numerous studies have shown that spending time in nature can help decrease stress levels. A natural environment can lower cortisol, a hormone often used as a marker for stress. The calm and serenity offered by green spaces can help individuals relax and rejuvenate.</p>



<h3 id="h-improved-mood-and-reduced-anxiety">Improved Mood and Reduced Anxiety</h3>



<p>Exposure to nature can enhance mood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Walking in a park or forest, for instance, has been shown to reduce negative thoughts and boost mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.</p>



<h3 id="h-better-physical-health">Better Physical Health</h3>



<p>Green spaces often encourage physical activity, which has an array of health benefits, including reduced risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. Some studies have also found that people recover faster from surgery or illness when they have a view of nature.</p>



<h3 id="h-enhanced-concentration-and-cognitive-function">Enhanced Concentration and Cognitive Function</h3>



<p>Nature can help restore mental fatigue, improving concentration and productivity. This effect, known as attention restoration theory, suggests that natural environments demand less directed attention, allowing the brain to recover and replenish.</p>



<h3 id="h-improved-immune-function">Improved Immune Function</h3>



<p>Research from Japan on 'forest bathing' or 'shinrin-yoku' has shown that spending time among trees can boost the immune system. This happens due to the inhalation of phytoncides, airborne chemicals produced by plants, which increase the number and activity of a type of white blood cell that kills tumor- and virus-infected cells in our bodies.</p>



<h3 id="h-increased-happiness-and-well-being">Increased Happiness and Well-being</h3>



<p>Regular exposure to nature has been linked to increased feelings of happiness, satisfaction, and overall well-being. This is partly due to nature's ability to foster a greater sense of belonging and purpose.</p>



<h3 id="h-enhanced-creativity">Enhanced Creativity</h3>



<p>There's evidence to suggest that spending time in nature can boost creativity. This could be due to the removal of technology and other everyday distractions, allowing for a more free flow of ideas.</p>



<p>While these benefits are compelling, it's important to remember that everyone's experience with nature is unique. Some people may find significant mental health improvements after spending time outdoors, while others might notice more subtle effects. As always, it's essential to combine time in nature with other aspects of a healthy lifestyle for optimal well-being.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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People use smartphones even more in parks, but less in forests

Many believe that stepping outside and immersing oneself in nature...

<p>Around 12,000 years ago, the first humans began their journey into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agriculture-could-play-a-key-role-in-limiting-global-warming/">agriculture</a>. In the regions we now identify as Iraq and Syria, nestled between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, small collectives of people embarked on the cultivation of peas, lentils, and barley. Each group operated independently, making their own discoveries and innovations along the way.</p>



<p>In order to create room for these fledgling fields and the animals they kept, they had to cut down trees. It was the beginning of a human-initiated transformation of nature, bending and shaping it to meet our own needs.</p>



<p>Our ancestors were aware of the consequences of their actions. They knew that once the forests were cleared and the fields set up, certain species of animals and plants would cease to exist in those regions. In our current era, we understand that modern, high-intensity agriculture poses one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity.</p>



<p>Despite this knowledge, there remains a gap in our understanding. Specifically, we lack concrete information about the direct impact on the ecosystem - on its plants, insects, and animals - when a forest is cleared, and the land is tilled and sowed.</p>



<p>In response to this, Gabor Lovei from the Department of Agroecology at <a href="https://international.au.dk/">Aarhus University</a> and a group of Portuguese colleagues embarked on a research journey. They chose the island of Terceira in the Azores as their laboratory, an ideal location due to the preservation of some of its original forest.</p>



<p>Gabor Lovei, however, was taken aback by the results of the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2022.11.010">study</a>. "The changes in the ecosystem were less extensive than I’d imagined. True enough, there were fewer large and small animals in the fields, but on a number of other parameters, activity in the ecosystem had actually increased," said Lovei.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-unique-nature-in-the-azores">The unique nature in the Azores</h2>



<p>The Azores had largely remained untouched until 1427. The islands were lush and thriving in the middle of the Atlantic, hosting deep-green trees and a variety of plants. This rich biodiversity was due to the islands' unique combination of high heat, frequent precipitation, and volcanic soil.</p>



<p>That all changed in the 15th century when Portuguese sailors stumbled upon the forested mountains in the middle of the Atlantic. Smallholders, disillusioned with the royal favours directed towards manor houses in Portugal, packed up their tools and set sail for the Azores. They felled the forests and planted wheat and other crops.</p>



<p>Their efforts bore fruit. The yields were significantly higher than on the mainland, and soon, the news spread. Farmers flocked to the Azores, resulting in rapid deforestation and transformation into agricultural land. The only areas spared were those where the terrain was too mountainous or the soil too difficult to cultivate.</p>



<p>It was in these untouched parts of the original forest that Gabor Lovei carried out his research. "In Denmark – and most other places in Europe – the forest is not original. It has been felled, replanted and changed by humans for thousands of years. In the Azores, on the other hand, there is completely original forest – and it’s gold for this type of research," said Lovei.</p>



<h2 id="h-innovative-trick-used-in-this-study">Innovative trick used in this study</h2>



<p>When scientists want to study the impact of agriculture on various species, they often don their hiking boots and embark on a field journey. They systematically comb through fields, meadows, and forest edges, meticulously recording their findings at different times of the day and on multiple occasions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, these traditional methods primarily shed light on animal populations, not the whole ecosystem's response to agricultural changes.</p>



<p>Gabor Lovei, a researcher, had a different approach. He aimed to investigate the entire ecosystem's reaction to forest felling and the establishment of fields, so he had to employ innovative methods.</p>



<p>Lovei began his investigation by planting several mature lettuces in three different environments: an original forest, cultivated fields, and cow grazing fields. He left the plants undisturbed for two weeks. After this period, he assessed the area covered by the lettuce and the amount consumed, providing a measure of the plant-eating activity in each ecosystem.</p>



<p>He replicated this process with larvae to assess predation levels. The more larvae consumed, the more wildlife - birds, rodents, frogs - were likely present in the area. Lovei also scattered small boxes of seeds to observe how many would disappear. He even buried teabags ten centimeters deep into the soil to examine the microorganisms' activity levels, which break down organic matter.</p>



<p>Additionally, he planted strawberries to gain insights into pollination across the different areas. All these mini-experiments collectively painted a picture of the ecosystem-wide changes occurring when forests are felled and fields established.</p>



<h2 id="h-researchers-find-fewer-animals-in-the-fields">Researchers find fewer animals in the fields</h2>



<p>Among all parameters Lovei studied, insect predation showed the greatest difference. He found that significantly more larvae disappeared in the forest than in the cultivated field and grazing areas.</p>



<p>According to Lovei, this suggests more wildlife inhabits the forest. "Larvae are typically eaten by rodents, birds, and lizards. Our findings suggest that there were significantly more of them in the forest, because more larvae disappeared between the trees," said Lovei.</p>



<p>Seeds also vanished more rapidly in the forest, which Lovei attributes to the higher humidity levels fostering a wider range of invertebrates. "Animals like snails and beetles, which eat seeds, can live there."</p>



<p>However, he found no difference regarding pollination and the number of soil microorganisms. Interestingly, plant pollination was slightly higher on maize fields than in the forest. But Lovei cautions against seeing this as an indication of greater bee diversity. He clarified that cultivated fields usually have few plant types, meaning that "the same few bee species are responsible for pollination."</p>



<h2 id="h-what-farmers-can-do-to-help">What farmers can do to help</h2>



<p>Deforestation by local farmers inevitably leads to a loss of biodiversity, a fact clearly demonstrated through Gabor Lovei's extensive research. But does his work also reveal ways to regain some of that lost biodiversity in our agricultural fields?</p>



<p>The answer, Lovei assures us, is yes. His results offer a fresh understanding of which parts of the ecosystem are most impacted by farming practices.</p>



<p>Lovei has observed that "snails and beetles have a hard time on the fields." To rectify this, he suggests that farmers could leave small pockets of natural vegetation untouched in their fields. For instance, allowing roots from dead trees to decompose naturally could attract many types of beetles.</p>



<p>Another issue stems from the unintentional introduction of non-native species during farming, which can disrupt the natural ecosystem. In the Azores, rats became invasive and displaced a large portion of the local fauna.</p>



<p>"By making space for small pockets of non-cultivated nature in and around the fields, we know that the native species will survive more easily. They’re simply more resistant to invading species," explained Lovei.</p>



<p>Is it possible, then, to apply these findings to a place like Denmark, which has distinct natural conditions? The Azores' nature is quite different: Denmark is colder, its soil is different, and virtually no original nature remains.</p>



<p>Despite these differences, Lovei believes the results from the Azores can still apply to Danish conditions. "Such comprehensive experiments have never been conducted on the European mainland, but some of the parameters have been studied in other European countries. The pattern was roughly the same. Therefore, we can assume that Danish nature reacts more or less in the same way to deforestation and cultivation."</p>



<p>He is quick to remind us, though, that agriculture isn't the sole threat to biodiversity. Urban environments, including our own backyards, also impose limitations on animal habitats. He emphasizes, "That’s why it's important to do something in our own backyard.”</p>



<p>Planting native species can make a significant difference, Lovei suggests. Cultivating trees and flowers indigenous to Denmark, rather than exotic plants, can greatly benefit the local ecosystem. "Stop mowing the lawn. This will make a huge difference for many species."</p>



<p>This research, while highlighting the detrimental effects of farming practices on biodiversity, also points to viable strategies for mitigating these impacts. The findings serve as a call to action for both farmers and individuals, reminding us of our shared responsibility in preserving our planet's precious biodiversity.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-deforestation">More about deforestation</h2>



<p>Deforestation is the process of clearing, thinning, or eliminating forested areas, often to make way for agriculture, logging, or urban development. It has profound impacts on the Earth's ecosystems and the overall environment, affecting biodiversity, climate, and human societies.</p>



<h3 id="h-loss-of-biodiversity">Loss of Biodiversity</h3>



<p>Forests are home to a majority of the world's terrestrial biodiversity. They house millions of species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, many of which are still undiscovered. When forests are cleared, these species lose their habitats, leading to population declines and extinctions. This loss of biodiversity can disrupt ecosystems and diminish their resilience, potentially leading to the collapse of entire food webs.</p>



<h3 id="h-climate-change">Climate Change</h3>



<p>Forests play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. They act as "carbon sinks," absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in plant tissues and soils. When forests are cut down and burned or allowed to decompose, this stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Deforestation is estimated to be responsible for about 10-15% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<h3 id="h-disruption-of-the-water-cycle">Disruption of the Water Cycle</h3>



<p>Trees and plants in forests contribute significantly to the water cycle. They release water vapor into the atmosphere through transpiration, promoting the formation of clouds and precipitation. When forests are removed, this process is disrupted, potentially leading to changes in rainfall patterns and an increased risk of drought.</p>



<h3 id="h-soil-erosion-and-degradation">Soil Erosion and Degradation</h3>



<p>Forests help to protect soil from erosion by reducing the impact of rain and wind. They also contribute to soil fertility through the recycling of nutrients. Without trees, soils are more vulnerable to erosion, and their fertility can decline over time, making the land less suitable for agriculture and other uses.</p>



<h3 id="h-impact-on-indigenous-communities">Impact on Indigenous Communities</h3>



<p>Many indigenous and local communities depend on forests for their livelihoods, food, water, and cultural practices. Deforestation can lead to the displacement of these communities and the loss of their traditional knowledge and ways of life.</p>



<p>In short, deforestation has far-reaching impacts on the Earth's ecosystems and the environment. Addressing this issue is vital for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development.</p>



<p><em>Image Credit: Jules Verne Times Two / Creative Commons</em></p>



<p>—-</p>



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Study reveals exactly what happens to nature when forests are cut down

Around 12,000 years ago, the first humans began their journey...

Beautiful,View,Of,Sea,Life

<p>In a recent study, scientists have discovered that the light pollution generated by coastal cities is damaging coral reefs and leading <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-coral-reefs-crackle-with-the-sounds-of-busy-inhabitants/">reefs</a> to spawn outside their ideal reproduction times. </p>



<p>The research offers compelling evidence that coastal artificial light at night (ALAN) is tampering with the delicate balance of coral spawning events. These events, typically tied to lunar cycles, are crucial for the survival and recovery of coral reefs, especially in the aftermath of mass bleaching and other similar disturbances.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-alice-project">The ALICE project</h2>



<p>The findings are part of the Artificial Light Impacts on Coastal Ecosystems (ALICE) project, which is under the funding umbrella of the Natural Environment Research Council. Coral spawning events are typically triggered by lunar cycles, leading to the release of eggs on specific nights of the year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research team used light pollution data combined with spawning observations to demonstrate an alarming trend that is damaging coral reefs. They found that corals exposed to artificial light at night are now spawning one to three days nearer to the full moon compared to their counterparts on reefs unlit by artificial light.</p>



<p>This change in spawning times could have serious repercussions on the survival of coral reefs. If coral eggs are released on different nights, the chances of them being fertilized and surviving to become adult corals are drastically reduced. Adult corals play a vital role in helping the reefs recover after bleaching events and other disturbances.</p>



<p>The ALICE project's research builds on a study published in December 2021, which identified the ocean areas most impacted by light pollution. This study found that about 1.9 million square kilometers of coastal ocean, at a depth of one meter, are exposed to biologically significant ALAN. This represents around 3.1% of the global Exclusive Economic Zones.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-done">How the study was done</h2>



<p>For this latest study, the researchers married the data from the 2021 study with a global dataset containing 2,135 coral spawning observations from the 21st century. This allowed them to propose a novel idea: ALAN could be advancing the triggers for spawning by creating an illusory period of minimum illuminance between sunset and moonrise on nights following the full moon.</p>



<p>Dr. Thomas Davies, a Lecturer in Marine Conservation at the <a href="https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/">University of Plymouth</a>, led this study. He also serves as the principal investigator of the ALICE project.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38070-y"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>, represents a significant contribution to our understanding of the profound effects of artificial light pollution on marine ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-scientists-learned-about-damaging-coral-reefs">What the scientists learned about damaging coral reefs</h2>



<p>According to Dr. Davies, the study's findings could have major implications for the future survival of our planet's coral reefs and the impact of damaging coral reefs.</p>



<p>“Corals are critical for the health of the global ocean, but are being increasingly damaged by human activity. This study shows it is not just changes in the ocean that are impacting them, but the continued development of coastal cities as we try and accommodate the growing global population," said Dr. Davies.</p>



<p>"If we want to mitigate against the harm this is causing, we could perhaps look to delay the switching on of night-time lighting in coastal regions to ensure the natural dark period between sunset and moonrise that triggers spawning remains intact. That would potentially raise a number of economic and safety issues, but is something we potentially need to consider to ensure our coral reefs are given the best chance of survival.”</p>



<p>Dr. Tim Smyth, head of Science for Marine Biogeochemistry and Observations at Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the study’s senior author, added: “This study further emphasizes the importance of artificial light pollution as a stressor of coastal and marine ecosystems, with the impacts on various aspects of biodiversity only now being discovered and quantified. A critical first step along that path was enabled with our global in-water light pollution atlas which highlighted for the first time the true extent of the problem, which hitherto had gone unrecognized.”</p>



<p>The researchers looked at coastal regions all over the world, but coral reefs in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf are particularly affected by light pollution. These are areas where coastlines have been heavily developed in recent years and where coral reefs are both close to the shore and at particular risk.</p>



<p>“The Red Sea and the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba are heavily impacted by Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) due to urbanization and the proximity of the reefs to the coastline. Despite the challenges posed by ALAN, corals in the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba are known for their thermal tolerance and ability to withstand high temperatures. However, a disturbance in the timing of coral spawning with the moon phases can result in a decline in new coral recruits and a reduction in the coral population," said study co-author Professor Oren Levy, who heads the Laboratory for Molecular Marine Ecology at Bar-Ilan University in Israel.</p>



<p>"It is crucial that we take immediate action to reduce the impact of ALAN on these fragile marine ecosystems. By implementing measures to limit light pollution, we can protect these vital habitats and safeguard the future of the world's oceans. It's our responsibility to ensure that we preserve the biodiversity of our planet and maintain a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.”</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-coral-reefs-and-importance-to-ecosystems">More about coral reefs and importance to ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Coral reefs, often referred to as the "rainforests of the sea," are among the most biodiverse and productive ecosystems on Earth. They provide a multitude of vital services that contribute to the well-being of the environment and humankind. That is why humans must stop damaging coral reefs.</p>



<h3 id="h-biodiversity-hotspots">Biodiversity hotspots&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Firstly, coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots. They occupy less than 0.1% of the world's ocean area, yet they provide a home for at least 25% of all marine species, including fish, mollusks, worms, crustaceans, echinoderms, sponges, tunicates, and other cnidarians.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This biodiversity is not only a critical resource for scientific research and potential medical discoveries but also plays a vital role in maintaining the overall health of our oceans.</p>



<p>In addition to their incredible biodiversity, coral reefs also have immense economic value. They are the backbone of many local economies, especially in developing countries, due to their importance in the tourism industry and for local fisheries. It's estimated that millions of people around the world directly rely on the resources from coral reefs for their livelihoods and food security.</p>



<p>Coral reefs also play a crucial role in protecting coastlines from the damaging effects of wave action and tropical storms. They serve as natural barriers, reducing the impact of waves, thereby preventing erosion, property damage, and loss of life.</p>



<p>Moreover, reefs play a crucial role in the carbon and nitrogen cycles. They facilitate carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere, helping mitigate the impacts of climate change. By damaging coral reefs, they can no longer provide these benefits.</p>



<h3 id="h-coral-reefs-need-our-protection">Coral reefs need our protection&nbsp;</h3>



<p>However, despite their importance, coral reefs face severe threats from various factors including climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and disease.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These threats have led to significant reef degradation globally, and there's an urgent need for effective management and conservation measures.</p>



<p>Protecting and restoring coral reefs is not just about preserving these beautiful and diverse ecosystems for future generations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It's also about the survival of countless marine species and the sustenance of economic activities that depend on these ecosystems. Indeed, the health of our planet's coral reefs is a bellwether for the overall health of the world's oceans.</p>



<h3 id="h-impact-of-climate-change-on-coral-reefs">Impact of climate change on coral reefs</h3>



<p>Climate change poses a significant threat to coral reefs, impacting them in several ways. The primary threats are from increasing sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and more intense storm events.</p>



<h4 id="h-rising-sea-temperatures">Rising Sea Temperatures</h4>



<p>One of the most immediate threats of climate change is the increase in sea surface temperatures. Warmer water temperatures can lead to coral bleaching, a stress response in which corals expel the symbiotic algae living within their tissues, known as zooxanthellae.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These algae provide corals with food through photosynthesis and give them their vibrant colors. Without them, corals turn white (hence the term 'bleaching') and, if the high temperatures persist, the coral may die.</p>



<h4 id="h-ocean-acidification">Ocean Acidification</h4>



<p>The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, a significant portion of which is then absorbed by the oceans. When CO2 dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, leading to a process called ocean acidification.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This process reduces the amount of available carbonate ions, a key building block for corals and other marine organisms to build their skeletons and shells. Lower carbonate ion levels can slow down coral growth and even dissolve existing skeletal structures, leading to weaker reefs.</p>



<h4 id="h-sea-level-rise">Sea Level Rise</h4>



<p>Rising sea levels due to melting polar ice can also impact coral reefs. Although corals can grow to keep up with slow sea-level rise, rapid increases may submerge them too deeply, reducing the sunlight they receive, which is essential for the photosynthetic processes of their symbiotic algae.</p>



<h4 id="h-more-intense-storms">More Intense Storms</h4>



<p>Climate change is predicted to increase the intensity of tropical storms, which can cause physical damage to coral reefs. Strong storms can break apart the coral's rigid structure, causing large-scale reef destruction.</p>



<h4 id="h-changes-in-ocean-currents">Changes in Ocean Currents</h4>



<p>Climate change can also alter ocean currents, which may disrupt the delivery of nutrients to reef ecosystems, further affecting their health and resilience.</p>



<p>The loss and degradation of coral reefs due to climate change not only impact the multitude of species that depend on them but also the human communities that rely on those species for food, income, and coastal protection. Thus, efforts to mitigate climate change and to develop strategies to help coral reefs adapt to changing conditions are vital for the survival of these critical ecosystems.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Discovery: Light pollution from coastal cities is damaging coral reefs

In a recent study, scientists have discovered that the light...

<p>In an exciting leap forward in understanding the life cycle of microplastics, a team of researchers from <a href="https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/">Kyushu University</a> and Asahi Kasei Corporation has unveiled a novel method to discern the age of these minute pollutants prevalent in our oceans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The methodology makes use of an innovative mix of oxidation analysis of the plastics, along with a consideration of environmental factors such as exposure to UV rays and the surrounding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-temperature-has-been-steadily-rising-since-the-1850s/">temperature</a>.</p>



<p>The team ventured out to field test their method, focusing their efforts on microplastics found in the North Pacific Ocean, both near the shore and offshore.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results, recently published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-pollution-bulletin"><em>Marine Pollution Bulletin</em></a>, indicated that the microplastics in nearshore regions were as young as fresh to a maximum of five years old, while those in offshore regions were a little older, ranging from one to three years.</p>



<h2 id="h-defining-microplastics">Defining microplastics</h2>



<p>Microplastics, fragments of plastic waste that are smaller than 5mm, have taken over marine environments from lakes to oceans as the leading type of pollutant. As larger plastic waste endures the elements, it breaks down into these smaller particles.</p>



<p>"Microplastic pollution is recognized as a global problem. We found in a previous study that there are about 24 trillion grains of microplastics floating on the ocean's surface layer," said study lead author Professor Atsuhiko Isobe from Kyushu University's Research Institute for Applied Mechanics.</p>



<p>"Despite this, our knowledge about the impact of microplastics on the environment or living organisms is still scarce. A pressing question we are grappling with is the duration microplastics spend drifting through the ocean."</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-done">How the study was done</h2>



<p>To answer this, Isobe's team set out to first determine how to measure the age of microplastics. Rie Okubo, a researcher at Asahi Kasei Corporation and the study's first author, explained that polyethylene is the most common material in plastic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"As it interacts with the environment, it oxidizes and degrades. We can measure this degradation level using the change in the material's molecular weight and the carbonyl index. In simple terms, as polyethylene degrades, its carbonyl index rises, and molecular weight drops."</p>



<p>But the team didn't stop there. They recognized that microplastics are exposed to the elements, which means temperature and UV radiation also play a role in their degradation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To understand this, the team conducted a series of exposure experiments on polyethylene material, collecting data on how different combinations of UV and temperature affected the material's molecular weight and carbonyl index.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results showed that ultraviolet erythemal radiation (UVER) - a measure of ground-level UV radiation - and seawater temperature were the prime contributors to plastic degradation. Armed with this data, the team then turned to their collected microplastic samples, all drawn from the upper ocean, up to one meter from the water surface.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We collected microplastics from a range of areas. Some samples were from nearshore to Japan, ranging from 10 to 80 km off the coast. Others were from offshore, in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea," said Okubo.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



<p>With their new method, the researchers could estimate the age of each sample. Nearshore microplastics varied from 0 to 5 years old, while offshore samples were between 1 and 3 years old.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Nearshore microplastics range from 0 to 5 years because they are frequently washed ashore and 'survive' for a longer time. Offshore microplastics take longer to reach that part of the ocean, explaining why we didn't find microplastics over 3 years old. These offshore microplastics likely settle deeper into the waters, removing them from the upper oceans," explained Okubo.</p>



<p>The researchers believe their new method will provide greater insights into the generation and dispersal of microplastics in the environment. The valuable data gathered could aid in creating more accurate simulations to track the journey of microplastics across the ocean.</p>



<p>"Our understanding of microplastics is still in its infancy, and this data provides us with a slightly clearer picture of the basic science surrounding these tiny pollutants. Our next move is to explore how mechanical stimuli such as ocean waves and currents can degrade plastics, allowing us to gather even more accurate data," said Isobe.</p>



<p>Thus, this breakthrough could potentially be a game changer in comprehending the mysterious journey of microplastics, from creation to degradation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The pioneering work of the team at Kyushu University and Asahi Kasei Corporation promises to shed more light on the environmental hazards posed by these minute pollutants, and could be instrumental in devising more effective strategies to combat this global issue.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-microplastics">More about microplastics</h2>



<p>Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, roughly the size of a sesame seed. These particles are either intentionally manufactured at a small size, often used in personal care products, or they result from the breakdown of larger plastic items due to exposure to the elements over time. As of my last training data in September 2021, microplastics are a significant source of environmental pollution, impacting both land and oceans.</p>



<h3 id="h-sources-of-microplastics">Sources of Microplastics</h3>



<h4 id="h-primary-microplastics">Primary Microplastics</h4>



<p>These are directly released into the environment as small particles. Examples include microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products, plastic pellets used in industrial processes, and fibers from synthetic clothing that are released during washing.</p>



<h4 id="h-secondary-microplastics">Secondary Microplastics</h4>



<p>These originate from the degradation of larger plastic items, such as water bottles, bags, and fishing nets. These items can break down into microplastics due to physical processes (like abrasion) and environmental conditions (such as UV radiation and heat).</p>



<h3 id="h-impact-on-oceans">Impact on Oceans&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Microplastics have made their way into every corner of the world's oceans, from the surface to the deepest trenches. They can be carried by winds, rivers, and ocean currents across vast distances. Here are some ways they affect marine ecosystems:</p>



<h4 id="h-ingestion-by-marine-life">Ingestion by Marine Life</h4>



<p>Microplastics can be mistaken for food by marine animals, from small plankton to larger mammals. Ingesting these particles can lead to physical harm, including blockage of the digestive tract or a false sense of satiety, which can result in starvation.</p>



<h4 id="h-toxic-chemicals">Toxic Chemicals</h4>



<p>Microplastics can absorb and concentrate harmful chemicals from the surrounding environment. When ingested by marine creatures, these toxins can be released and cause harm.</p>



<h4 id="h-bioaccumulation-and-biomagnification">Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification</h4>



<p>As smaller organisms containing microplastics are consumed by larger ones, the concentration of microplastics and associated toxins can increase up the food chain, potentially reaching humans.</p>



<h3 id="h-impact-on-land">Impact on Land&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The impact of microplastics isn't confined to oceans. They can also accumulate in terrestrial environments, including agricultural lands.</p>



<h4 id="h-soil-health">Soil Health</h4>



<p>Microplastics can alter the physical properties of soil, affecting its structure, porosity, and permeability, which could potentially impact plant growth.</p>



<h4 id="h-organisms-and-biodiversity">Organisms and Biodiversity</h4>



<p>Microplastics can be ingested by terrestrial animals and soil-dwelling organisms, impacting their health and potentially leading to a decrease in biodiversity.</p>



<h4 id="h-food-safety">Food Safety</h4>



<p>Microplastics can enter the human food chain directly through consumption of crops grown in contaminated soil or indirectly through the consumption of animals that have ingested microplastics.</p>



<h3 id="h-mitigation-efforts">Mitigation Efforts&nbsp;</h3>



<p>As of 2021, strategies to mitigate the impact of microplastics include:</p>



<h4 id="h-legislation">Legislation</h4>



<p>Some countries have banned the use of microbeads in personal care products.</p>



<h4 id="h-recycling-and-waste-management">Recycling and Waste Management</h4>



<p>Improving waste management systems and recycling rates can help reduce the amount of plastic that breaks down into microplastics.</p>



<h4 id="h-public-awareness">Public Awareness</h4>



<p>Education about the dangers of plastic pollution can encourage more responsible consumer behavior, such as reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic products.</p>



<h4 id="h-research">Research</h4>



<p>More research is needed to fully understand the impact of microplastics on both human health and the environment, and to develop innovative solutions for plastic waste management.</p>



<p>Microplastic pollution is a complex and global issue that requires collaborative efforts from governments, industries, scientists, and individuals to address effectively.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Experts develop a new method to estimate the age of microplastics in the ocean

In an exciting leap forward in understanding the life cycle...

<p>In an intriguing development from the world of climate science, the U.S.-European satellite Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich has detected early signs of a potential El Niño event across the equatorial Pacific Ocean. The satellite data indicates the presence of Kelvin waves, which are approximately two to four inches high and hundreds of miles wide.</p>



<p>These colossal waves, moving along the equator from west to east, are currently on a journey toward the western coast of South America. Originating at the equator, Kelvin waves carry warmer water and are associated with higher sea levels. These waves migrate from the western Pacific, where the water is warmer, to the eastern Pacific, significantly impacting the region's climate dynamics.</p>



<p>The beginning of spring often witnesses the onset of these Kelvin waves, and their appearance is a widely recognized early warning of an upcoming El Niño. This climate phenomenon has a significant influence on global weather patterns, marked by increased sea levels and warmer-than-average ocean temperatures along the western coasts of the American continents.</p>



<p>As water expands when it warms, regions with warmer waters generally experience higher sea levels. The El Niño effect is also linked to a decrease in the intensity of trade winds. This climate system could usher in cooler, more humid conditions for the Southwest U.S., while simultaneously leading to drought conditions in western Pacific nations such as Indonesia and Australia.</p>



<p>The data from <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/sentinel-6">Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich</a>, covering a period from the start of March till the end of April 2023, has provided these intriguing insights. By April 24, the Kelvin waves had accumulated warmer water which corresponded with higher sea levels off the coasts of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.</p>



<p>Satellites like Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich employ radar altimeters, instruments using microwave signals to gauge the height of the ocean's surface. When such an altimeter traverses areas warmer than others, the recorded data displays increased sea levels.</p>



<p>Josh Willis is a Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich project scientist at NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California. “We’ll be watching this El Niño like a hawk. If it’s a big one, the globe will see record warming, but here in the Southwest U.S. we could be looking at another wet winter, right on the heels of the soaking we got last winter," said Willis.</p>



<p>Recent reports from both the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA) and the World Meteorological Organization highlight an increased likelihood of an El Niño event by the end of the summer. The continuous surveillance of ocean conditions in the Pacific, facilitated by instruments and satellites such as Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, should provide more clarity on the potential strength of this El Niño in the coming months.</p>



<p>Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, NASA program scientist and manager for Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich in Washington, emphasized the significance of satellite altimeters. “When we measure sea level from space using satellite altimeters, we know not only the shape and height of water, but also its movement, like Kelvin and other waves. Ocean waves slosh heat around the planet, bringing heat and moisture to our coasts and changing our weather.”</p>



<p>This unfolding scenario underscores the crucial role of advanced satellite technology in monitoring and understanding our ever-changing global climate patterns. Data from the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite could provide us with valuable insights into the upcoming El Niño event and its potential worldwide impacts.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-el-nino">More about El Niño</h2>



<p>El Niño is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters along the tropical Pacific Ocean. It is one part of a broader climate cycle known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which also includes the cooler La Niña phase and the intermediary neutral phase.</p>



<p>El Niño events occur irregularly, typically every two to seven years, and can last anywhere from 9 months to 2 years. They are characterized by warmer than average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, near the equator. This warming can lead to a shift in atmospheric circulation patterns, affecting weather conditions globally.</p>



<p>The impacts of El Niño can vary but often include higher global temperatures, increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-enough-is-known-about-how-rainfall-affects-tropical-animals/">rainfall</a> in the southern United States and Peru, and drought conditions in the Western Pacific regions, such as Indonesia and Australia. It can also cause a reduction in the upwelling of nutrient-rich cold water off the coast of South America, which can negatively impact marine life and the fishing industry.</p>



<p>The term "El Niño" (Spanish for "the boy") was originally used by fishermen off the coast of Peru and Ecuador to refer to a warm ocean current that appeared around Christmas time. It was later adopted by scientists to refer to these periodic, more extensive warming events. The opposite phase, La Niña, is characterized by cooler than average sea surface temperatures in the same region of the Pacific.</p>



<p>Understanding and predicting El Niño events is crucial for managing their impacts on agriculture, fisheries, water resources, and more. This is where monitoring and early detection systems, like the U.S.-European satellite Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, come into play, providing valuable data to help prepare for and mitigate the effects of these climate phenomena.</p>



<p>—--</p>



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Satellite detects early warning signs of an El Niño event

In an intriguing development from the world of climate science,...

<p>A team of astronomers led by the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/">University of Southampton</a> in the UK has recently uncovered the largest cosmic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/">explosion</a> ever observed. This explosion, known as AT2021lwx, was first detected in 2020 by the <a href="https://www.ztf.caltech.edu/">Zwicky Transient Facility</a> in California, and soon after picked up by the <a href="https://atlas.fallingstar.com/">Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System</a> (ATLAS) based in Hawaii.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is over ten times brighter than any previously-known supernova, and three times brighter than the brightest tidal disruption event, in which a star is swallowed by a supermassive black hole.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, by contrast to most supernovae, which only remain visible for a few months, AT2021lwx has been visible for over three years. It occurred nearly eight billion light years away, when the universe was approximately six billion years old, and is still being monitored by a network of telescopes.</p>



<p>“We came upon this by chance, as it was flagged by our search algorithm when we were searching for a type of supernova,” said study lead author Philip Wiseman, a research fellow in Astronomy at Southampton. “Most supernovae and tidal disruption events only last for a couple of months before fading away. For something to be bright for two plus years was immediately very unusual.”</p>



<p>The scientists managed to determine the distance to the object by examining the spectrum of the light, separating it into various wavelengths, and measuring the different absorption and emission characteristics of the spectrum.</p>



<p>“Once you know the distance to the object and how bright it appears to us, you can calculate the brightness of the object at its source. Once we’d performed those calculations, we realized this is extremely bright,” reported co-author Sebastian Hönig, a professor of Observational and Computational Astrophysics at Southampton.</p>



<p>Although quasars – supermassive black holes with a constant flow of gases falling onto them at high velocity – are as bright as AT2021lwx, their brightness is usually flickering up and down over time, a feature not noticed in the case of this explosion.</p>



<p>The experts believe that AT2021lwx was likely caused by a vast cloud of gas, possibly thousands of times larger than our sun, which has been violently disrupted by a supermassive black hole. The fragments of this cloud would have been engulfed, causing shockwaves to ripple through the remaining pieces and even into a vast dusty “doughnut” encircling the black hole. Such incidents are highly infrequent, and nothing of this magnitude has ever been witnessed before.</p>



<p>“With new facilities, like the <a href="https://kipac.stanford.edu/research/projects/vera-rubin-observatorys-legacy-survey-space-and-time">Vera Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time</a>, coming online in the next few years, we are hoping to discover more events like this and learn more about them. It could be that these events, although extremely rare, are so energetic that they are key processes to how the centers of galaxies change over time,” Wiseman concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stad1000"><em>Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</em></a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-is-a-cosmic-explosion">What is a cosmic explosion?</h2>



<p>A cosmic explosion refers to a violent release of energy in the universe, often resulting in a bright, often transient event. These explosions can happen for various reasons and in different scales.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-examples-of-cosmic-explosions">Examples of cosmic explosions:</h3>



<h4 id="h-supernova">Supernova</h4>



<p>This is an explosion of a star at the end of its lifecycle. When a star has consumed all its fuel, it can collapse under its own gravity, causing a massive explosion. This releases a significant amount of energy and light, and it can outshine an entire galaxy for a short period of time.</p>



<h4 id="h-gamma-ray-burst-grb">Gamma-ray Burst (GRB)</h4>



<p>These are the brightest and most energetic events known in the universe. They are thought to be caused by the collapse of massive stars or by the merging of neutron stars or a neutron star and a black hole. The energy is focused into two jets that shoot out in opposite directions, and if one of these jets is pointed toward Earth, we can detect it as a gamma-ray burst.</p>



<h4 id="h-big-bang">Big Bang</h4>



<p>This is the cosmological model of the initial conditions of the universe, which describes a very hot and dense state followed by expansion. While not an "explosion" in the traditional sense, it's often described that way because of the rapid expansion and high energy state.</p>



<h4 id="h-stellar-flare">Stellar Flare</h4>



<p>Stars, including our Sun, can release flares or coronal mass ejections, which are sudden, intense increases in brightness due to magnetic activity. These are smaller than supernovae or gamma-ray bursts, but still can have significant effects, particularly if they occur in our own solar system.</p>



<h4 id="h-quasar">Quasar</h4>



<p>Quasars are extremely luminous active galactic nuclei, powered by accretion of material onto supermassive black holes in the centers of distant galaxies. Jets and radiation from quasars can outshine their host galaxies.</p>



<p>Note that these are all very different processes, with different causes and effects. However, they all involve a large release of energy and are often visible across vast distances.</p>



<p><em>Image Credit: John A. Paice </em><a href="http://www.johnapaice.com/"><em>www.johnapaice.com/</em></a></p>



<p>—</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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

Largest known cosmic explosion has been visible for three years

A team of astronomers led by the University of Southampton...

<p>A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au/">University of Queensland</a> (UQ) in Australia has found that, although <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whales-sing/">humpback whales</a> sing louder when the wind is noisy, they do not have the same reaction to noise from boat engines.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the experts, this quirk of whale evolution could have significant consequences for their behavior and breeding practices. The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.0204"><em>Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>“Humpback whales evolved over millions of years with noise from natural sources but noise from man-made vessels is foreign to their instincts. It’s a surprising finding given engine noise has a similar frequency range to the wind,” said study lead author Elisa Girola, an expert in Bioacoustics and Conservation at UQ.</p>



<p>“It’s possible the whales are picking out other differences such as wind noise being broadband and the same over large areas, while vessel noise is generated by a single-point source with specific peaks in frequency.”</p>



<p>By using an array of five hydrophone buoys that sent signals back to the beach, the researchers collected audio data in late 2010 off the Peregian Beach in Queensland, during the humpback whales’ southward migration from their breeding grounds in the lagoon of the Great Barrier Reef to their feeding grounds in Antarctica. In addition, a 19-meter fishing boat was introduced to test whales’ reactions to vessel noise.</p>



<p>The investigation revealed that, even with this massive boat producing loud noises, the whales did not sing any louder, suggesting that they may be using other strategies to compensate for such artificially produced sounds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There are a few things going on – they might be using ‘spatial release from masking,’ which is the ability to discriminate between audio signals coming from different directions. Or there’s ‘comodulation release from masking’ which is the ability to discriminate between signal and noise when the noise has distinctive frequency components and at least some of these components are not overlapping with the signal,” Girola explained.</p>



<p>It is not yet clear whether this lack of response to boat noise is diminishing the effectiveness of whale communication or making breeding practices more difficult. Although male humpback whale singing is likely used to mediate reproductive interactions, the ways in which vessel noise is interfering with these processes requires further investigations.</p>



<p>“There’s still so much more research to be done. Understanding humpback whales’ response to noise is important for developing mitigation policies for human activities at sea,” Girola concluded.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-whales-and-noise-pollution">More about whales and noise pollution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Noise pollution, particularly from human activities such as shipping, construction, and oil drilling, can have significant impacts on marine life, including whales. The noise can interfere with the whales' communication, navigation, feeding, and mating behaviors. Below are some of the specific effects:</p>



<h3 id="h-communication-disruption">Communication Disruption</h3>



<p>Whales use sound to communicate with each other. Noise pollution can interfere with these communications, causing confusion and distress.</p>



<h3 id="h-navigation-and-foraging">Navigation and Foraging</h3>



<p>Many species of whales use echolocation to navigate and find food. This involves producing sounds and then listening for their echoes to determine the location and distance of objects. Noise pollution can disrupt this process, making it difficult for whales to navigate or find food.</p>



<h3 id="h-stress-and-physical-harm">Stress and Physical Harm</h3>



<p>Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause stress in whales, which can lead to changes in behavior, decreased immune response, and other negative health effects. Extremely loud noises can even cause physical harm, such as hearing loss.</p>



<h3 id="h-displacement">Displacement</h3>



<p>Noise pollution can make certain areas inhospitable for whales, forcing them to move to other, potentially less suitable areas. This can result in increased competition for resources, changes in prey availability, and other negative impacts.</p>



<h3 id="h-stranding">Stranding</h3>



<p>There have been instances where intense underwater noise events, such as naval sonar use or seismic testing, have been associated with mass strandings of beaked whales, although the exact mechanisms are still not fully understood.</p>



<p>Efforts are being made to mitigate the impact of noise pollution on whales and other marine life. For example, some shipping companies are modifying their vessels to be quieter, and certain areas are being designated as protected, with restrictions on the amount of noise that can be produced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, more work is needed to fully understand the impact of noise pollution on marine life and to develop effective mitigation strategies.</p>



<p>—-</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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

Humpback whales fail to respond to vessel noise

A recent study led by the University of Queensland (UQ)...

<p>Since scientists have usually relied on sediment records from lake beds to reconstruct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fires-are-transforming-the-amazon-rainforest-into-savanna/">fire</a> records, fire histories from dryland regions have often been overlooked.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au/">University of Queensland</a> (UQ) in Australia has found that sedimentary “archives” in sand dunes could also serve as repositories of fire records and help expand the scientific understanding of fire regions around the world in various historical periods. The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/qua.2023.14"><em>Quaternary Research</em></a>.</p>



<p>“Knowing how the frequency and intensity of wildfires has changed over time offers scientists a glimpse into Earth’s past landscapes, as well as an understanding of future climate change impacts,” said lead author Nicholas Patton, an expert in Landscape Evolution at the <a href="https://www.dri.edu/">Desert Research Institute</a> (DRI), who conducted this study during his doctoral degree at UQ.</p>



<p>Patton and his colleagues systematically examined sedimentary records preserved in foot-slope deposits of four sand dunes at the Cooloola Sand Mass in Queensland, Australia in order to prove that these sand dune deposits can be used to reconstruct reliable, multi-millennial fire histories, spanning over 12,000 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The Cooloola Sand Mass consists of large sand dunes that were created off the coast and moved inland from the power of the wind. We were digging soil pits at the base of the dunes and were seeing a lot of charcoal – more charcoal than we expected. And we thought maybe we could utilize these deposits to reconstruct local fires within the area,” Patton explained.</p>



<p>The analyses revealed that, while on the younger dunes (500 and 2,000 years old), charcoal layers represented individual fires - since the steep slope of the dunes quickly buried each layer - the older dunes (5,000 and 10,000 years old) had more gradual slopes which blended charcoal from various fires over time, thus providing a better understanding of periods of increased or decreased fire frequency.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, since the dunes offered localized fire histories from within an approximate 100-meter radius, fire records varied slightly among the four dunes, which spanned nearly two kilometers.</p>



<p>“Similar records are likely held in sand dunes around the world, and regions like California and the Southwest U.S. could benefit from a better understanding of regional fire history. Embedded within the fire records is not only information about natural wildfires, but also the way that humans influenced fire regimes,” said Patton.</p>



<p>“Fire histories are important for understanding how fire was used in the past for cultural purposes, whether that was to clear fields for agriculture or for hunting. These records have the potential to unlock the role climate and/or Indigenous peoples had on the landscape from regions where they are rare or absent,” he concluded.</p>



<h2 id="h-interesting-facts-about-sand-dunes">Interesting facts about sand dunes</h2>



<h3 id="h-dynamic-landscapes">Dynamic Landscapes</h3>



<p>Sand dunes are dynamic natural landscapes that are constantly shifting and changing shape due to wind and water. This is why no two dunes are exactly the same.</p>



<h3 id="h-different-types">Different Types</h3>



<p>There are several different types of sand dunes, including barchan, transverse, star, parabolic, and longitudinal, each with its unique shape and formation process.</p>



<h3 id="h-wind-direction">Wind Direction</h3>



<p>The shape and type of a sand dune can often tell you about the predominant wind direction in the area. The windward side of the dune is typically a gentle slope, while the leeward side is steeper.</p>



<h3 id="h-living-ecosystems">Living Ecosystems</h3>



<p>Though they may seem inhospitable, sand dunes often host a variety of plant and animal life. These organisms have special adaptations to survive the harsh conditions.</p>



<h3 id="h-sand-dune-migration">Sand Dune Migration</h3>



<p>Sand dunes can "migrate" over time. As wind blows sand up the dune, it falls down the other side, causing the whole dune to slowly move.</p>



<h3 id="h-importance-to-the-environment">Importance to the Environment</h3>



<p>Dunes play a crucial role in protecting the land against potential ravages by storm waves from the sea. They serve as a natural barrier between the ocean and inland areas.</p>



<h3 id="h-human-impact">Human Impact</h3>



<p>Human activities can greatly affect the health and stability of dunes. Walking or driving on dunes can damage vegetation and cause erosion, while development can disrupt the natural processes that shape dunes.</p>



<h3 id="h-largest-sand-dunes">Largest Sand Dunes</h3>



<p>The world's tallest sand dunes are the Dunes of Badain Jaran Desert in China. Some of these dunes reach heights of 500 meters (1,640 feet).</p>



<h3 id="h-singing-sand">Singing Sand</h3>



<p>Some sand dunes are known to produce a phenomenon called "singing sand" or "booming dunes." This happens when the conditions are right, and the sand grains slide down the slopes, creating a deep, humming sound.</p>



<h3 id="h-global-distribution">Global Distribution</h3>



<p>Sand dunes are found on every continent on Earth, including Antarctica where they are made from tiny particles of the rocks and minerals of the Antarctic continent rather than desert sand.</p>



<p>—</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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

Sand dunes hold a record of fire history

Since scientists have usually relied on sediment records from lake...

<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>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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>



<p>—–</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>



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<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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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

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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>



<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>

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>



<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>

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>



<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>

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>



<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>

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

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