Hope isn’t just a nice feeling - it is a lifeline. While happiness and gratitude often get the spotlight in discussions around well-being, new research shows that hope might be even more important. 



A recent study from researchers at the <a href="https://missouri.edu/">University of Missouri</a> challenges long-held assumptions about hope. It’s not about wishful thinking - hope gives life depth, purpose, and direction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-powerful-emotional-force">A powerful emotional force </h2>



For years, hope has been primarily linked to motivation and setting goals. But this latest research suggests that there’s something deeper going on. 



Hope is not just about achieving things. It’s a powerful emotional force that helps us feel like our lives matter.



Study lead author Megan Edwards earned a doctorate at Mizzou and is now a postdoctoral scholar at Duke University.



"Our research shifts the perspective on hope from merely a cognitive process related to goal attainment to recognizing it as a vital emotional experience that enriches life's meaning," said Edwards. "This insight opens new avenues for enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/houseplants-boosted-psychological-well-being-during-covid-19-lockdown/">psychological well-being</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hope-isn-t-a-luxury-it-s-essential">Hope isn’t a luxury - it’s essential</h2>



The study, conducted in the Department of Psychological Sciences, included six experiments and more than 2,300 participants from different backgrounds. 



The team looked at a wide range of positive emotions - amusement, excitement, contentment, happiness. But again and again, one emotion stood out.



Only hope consistently predicted a stronger sense of meaning in life. This isn’t just an abstract idea. Feeling like your life has meaning has real-world effects. It’s tied to better relationships, improved physical health, higher income, and greater emotional well-being.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-often-undervalue-the-most-meaningful-experiences-in-life/">Experiencing life as meaningful</a> is crucial for just about every good thing you can imagine in a person's life,” said study co-author Professor Laura King.



“This cornerstone of psychological functioning is not a rare experience - it is available to people in their everyday lives and hope is one of the things that make life feel meaningful.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-sets-hope-apart">What sets hope apart</h2>



So what sets hope apart from other positive emotions? It isn’t just about feeling good in the moment - it’s about feeling like tomorrow might be better than today.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-does-happiness-come-from-it-depends-on-who-you-are/">Happiness</a>, for example, is often tied to what’s happening right now. A fun event, a compliment, a good day. 



Gratitude reflects on what has already happened - what you’ve received or survived. But hope is forward-looking. It lives in possibility, and that’s what gives it power.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-through-the-tough-times">Getting through the tough times</h2>



Hope helps people move through hard times, not by pretending things are perfect, but by allowing them to imagine that things could improve. 



It’s that sense of potential - even when things are rough - that keeps people going. Hope is what helps someone apply for a job after a rejection, try again after a setback, or get out of bed when life feels heavy.



And unlike fleeting moments of happiness, hope can stick around. It can grow quietly, even in tough conditions, shaping how we see our lives and what we believe is possible.



This emotional staying power might explain why hope plays such a strong role in shaping how meaningful life feels. It’s not just a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/houseplants-improve-mood-and-productivity/">mood</a> - it’s a mindset. One that’s deeply connected to resilience, purpose, and mental health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-ways-to-build-hope-daily">Simple ways to build hope daily</h2>



You don’t need a big life overhaul to build hope. The researchers suggest simple, practical habits that can make a real difference. 



Start by noticing the good moments - even something as small as a peaceful morning or a kind gesture. These small wins remind us that things can go right.



In chaotic times, look for small chances to move forward. Even tiny steps can help you feel more in control. 



Recognize and celebrate progress - in yourself and others. Whether it’s healing, learning something new, or simply getting through a tough week, every step forward can fuel hope.



Taking care of something - a plant, a pet, or another person - reinforces the idea that the future matters.



And above all, remember that nothing stays the same forever. Hard times don’t last. Change is always possible, and hope begins with believing that.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-the-research-is-going">Where the research is going</h2>



This study opens up a lot of questions, and the researchers are already looking ahead. They plan to dig deeper into how hope works in the middle of serious challenges. 



Can it help people find meaning even when they’re going through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-mourn-the-loss-of-other-pets-similar-to-human-grief/">grief</a>, illness, or major setbacks? That’s what they want to find out next.



One thing is clear: hope isn’t just a feel-good emotion. It’s something we need to live well. And it’s something we can practice every day. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Femo0001513">Emotion</a>.



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Experts identify the simple emotion that gives life meaning - and it's not happiness

Hope isn’t just a nice feeling - it is a lifeline. While happiness and gratitude often get the spotlight in discussions around well-being, new research shows that hope might be even more important. A recent study from researchers at the University of Missouri challenges long-held assumptions about hope. It’s not about wishful thinking - hope gives life depth, purpose, and direction. A powerful emotional force For years, hope has been primarily linked to motivation and setting goals. But this latest research suggests that there’s something deeper going...

Public health conversations often focus on a person's own well-being. But what if our habits in adolescence echo not just through our lives, but through the gene expression and health of our children?



A new study offers sobering evidence of this possibility. It suggests that boys who gain excess weight during puberty may set in motion biological changes that affect the health of their future offspring.



This isn’t just speculation or a sociological observation. The research identifies specific changes in the offspring’s genes linked to asthma, obesity, and low lung function. These are not inherited mutations but rather epigenetic markers - chemical switches that tell genes when to turn on or off.



The study connects lifestyle choices made in early teenage years to real molecular traces in the next generation, offering a sharp reminder of how deep the consequences of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americas-tide-of-obesity-is-rising-with-75-already-impacted/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a> may go.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dad-s-teen-weight-and-children-s-genes">Dad's teen weight and children's genes</h2>



Led by scientists from the University of Southampton and the <a href="https://www.uib.no/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bergen</a>, the research looked at 339 father-child pairs. 



Participants ranged in age from 7 to 51 and came from six different countries. The goal was to understand how changes in a father’s body shape during different life stages might affect their children’s genetic expression.



To estimate fat levels, researchers used a validated silhouette scale showing nine body types. Fathers selected the image that best represented their body shape at age 8, at the time of voice break (a marker for puberty), and at age 30. These responses served as a stand-in for measured body composition. 



The researchers then examined DNA methylation - an epigenetic process that affects gene expression - in the offspring. This allowed them to trace whether the father’s earlier body weight left a biological signature in their children’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-obesity-rates-are-surging-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genes</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teen-weight-gain-and-future-children">Teen weight gain and future children</h2>



The most striking results were tied to weight gain during puberty. Overweight fathers at voice break had children with 2,005 DNA changes in 1,962 genes tied to fat, inflammation, and insulin.



“The overweight status of future fathers during puberty was associated with a strong signal in their children’s DNA which were also related to the likelihood of their children being overweight themselves,” said Dr. Negusse Tadesse Kitaba, Senior Research Fellow at the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a>.



“Early puberty, when boys start their developing sperm, seems to be a key window of vulnerability for lifestyle influences to drive epigenetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-now-affects-more-than-a-billion-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changes</a> in future offspring,” noted the authors of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-genes-affected-by-teen-obesity">Key genes affected by teen obesity</h2>



The study identified several genes that may explain the health risks seen in offspring. These include genes that regulate insulin release, fat cell growth, aging, and glucose levels. Many of these genes have been linked in other studies to obesity and metabolic disorders. 



For example, one gene affected in the daughters was HIF3A, previously connected to body mass and fat storage.



There was also a gender difference in the results. The biological effects were more pronounced in daughters than sons, though different genes were affected in each. The methylation differences also seemed to carry sex-specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evening-exercise-can-reduce-major-health-risks-of-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consequences</a>.



Some genes influenced hormone regulation in daughters, while others affected gene-linked fat metabolism in children of both sexes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-inequalities-across-generations">Health inequalities across generations </h2>



Importantly, the changes were not confined to fat-related traits. The study found epigenetic links to asthma and reduced lung function as well. 



Nearly 1,000 of the identified methylation changes in offspring were associated with lung performance. This suggests that the impact of a father’s teenage weight gain could extend to breathing ability and respiratory health in children.



 “The new findings have significant implications for public health and may be a game-changer in public health intervention strategies,” noted Professor Cecilie Svanes from the University of Bergen. 



She stressed that failing to address obesity in young boys today could deepen health inequalities across generations.



“They suggest that a failure to address obesity in young teenagers today could damage the health of future generations, further entrenching health inequalities for decades to come,” said the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-changes-pass-through-generations">Gene changes pass through generations</h2>



The study found 24 imprinted genes, inherited parent-specifically, linked to obesity, diabetes, and brain development.



These imprinted genes offer a mechanism by which the body might remember environmental exposures from the father’s adolescence. 



The genes help explain how temporary factors like teenage weight can have lasting effects without altering the DNA sequence itself. This biological memory adds another layer to how we think about inherited health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-obesity-worsens-the-impact">Long-term obesity worsens the impact</h2>



The study also noted that the longer-term body shape trajectory - from puberty to adulthood - was linked to additional methylation effects. 



When fathers remained overweight into adulthood, their children showed even more signs of altered gene expression related to asthma and reduced lung capacity.



This finding adds urgency to early intervention. It’s not just a matter of teen boys “growing out of” extra weight. 



The effects may stretch well beyond their own lives and into their children's well-being. The biological signals do not vanish. They accumulate and potentially shape the health trajectory of entire families.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obesity-alters-the-genes-of-future-children">Obesity alters the genes of future children</h2>



The study comes at a time when childhood and adolescent obesity are rising worldwide. Public health systems often focus on the here and now - on controlling blood pressure, reducing diabetes, and improving lifestyle. But this research asks us to think further ahead.



Study co-author John Holloway is a professor at the University of Southampton and the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre.



“Childhood obesity is increasing globally," said Professor Holloway. "The results of this study demonstrate that this is a concern not only for the health of the population now but also for generations to come."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-08121-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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Teen boys’ weight may alter their future children’s genes

Public health conversations often focus on a person's own well-being....

Cancer rates in women are creeping up in the Middle East and North Africa. At the same time, the region is experiencing some of the fastest-rising temperatures in the world. 



New research suggests the two trends may be connected. Breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers are not just becoming more common - they are becoming more deadly.



The study was conducted by researchers from <a href="https://www.aucegypt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the American University in Cairo</a>. The team analyzed how rising ambient temperatures from 1998 to 2019 have coincided with higher rates of cancer in 17 countries across the region.



“As temperatures rise, cancer mortality among women also rises - particularly for ovarian and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breast-cancer-incidence-linked-to-high-particulate-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breast cancers</a>,” said Dr Wafa Abuelkheir Mataria of the American University in Cairo.



“Although the increases per degree of temperature rise are modest, their cumulative public health impact is substantial.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-region-under-pressure">A region under pressure</h2>



Environmental health is deteriorating as climate change accelerates. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warmer-temperatures-directly-linked-to-severe-vision-impairment-in-older-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warmer temperatures</a>, air pollution, and food insecurity increase vulnerability to a wide range of diseases. 



Healthcare systems in many of these countries are also strained by climate-related disasters and economic instability. In this context, access to screening and treatment becomes more limited - especially for women.



The researchers looked at Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates. These countries are already experiencing intense heat. 



Data on the prevalence and mortality rates for the four cancers was analyzed alongside average annual temperature changes over two decades.



“Women are physiologically more vulnerable to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clinical-terminology-fails-to-represent-climate-related-health-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate-related health risks</a>, particularly during pregnancy,” said co-author Dr Sungsoo Chun of the American University in Cairo. 



“This is compounded by inequalities that limit access to healthcare. Marginalized women face a multiplied risk because they are more exposed to environmental hazards and less able to access early screening and treatment services.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-trends-and-rising-temperatures">Cancer trends and rising temperatures</h2>



For every 1°C rise in temperature, ovarian cancer prevalence rose the most - and breast cancer the least. The increase ranged from 173 to 280 cases per 100,000 people.



Cancer-related deaths followed a similar trend, rising by 171 to 332 deaths per 100,000 per degree Celsius. Ovarian cancer again showed the highest jump, while cervical cancer showed the smallest.



However, these increases were not seen across the board. Only six countries - Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Syria - showed a measurable increase in both prevalence and mortality. These countries tend to have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-summer-of-2023-was-the-hottest-in-2000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hotter summers</a>, but other unknown factors may also be at play.



In Qatar, for example, breast cancer rates rose by 560 cases per 100,000 people for each 1°C of warming. In Bahrain, the increase was smaller - 330 per 100,000. The difference suggests that temperature is not the only variable influencing risk.



“Temperature rise likely acts through multiple pathways,” said Chun. “It increases exposure to known carcinogens, disrupts healthcare delivery, and may even influence biological processes at the cellular level. Together, these mechanisms could elevate cancer risk over time.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-driving-higher-cancer-rates">Factors driving higher cancer rates</h2>



It’s possible that more people are being diagnosed due to better screening programs. But improved screening should lead to earlier detection and lower mortality - not higher.



The fact that both diagnoses and death rates increased points to more significant exposure to harmful environmental factors.



“This study cannot establish direct causality,” noted Mataria. “While we controlled for GDP per capita, other unmeasured factors could contribute." 



"Nonetheless, the consistent associations observed across multiple countries and cancer types provide compelling grounds for further investigation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-is-becoming-a-health-crisis">Climate change is becoming a health crisis</h2>



The research makes one thing clear: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-worsens-cardiovascular-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> is not just an environmental issue. It's a health issue - and it’s affecting women in vulnerable regions in ways we’re only beginning to understand.



“Strengthening cancer screening programs, building climate-resilient health systems, and reducing exposure to environmental carcinogens are key steps,” said Chun. “Without addressing these underlying vulnerabilities, the cancer burden linked to climate change will continue to grow.”



This study serves as a call to action for public health leaders in climate-vulnerable regions. As temperatures continue to rise, protecting women’s health will require more than just medical help - it will also require environmental solutions.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1529706/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Public Health</a>.



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Rising temperatures linked to higher cancer rates among women

Cancer rates in women are creeping up in the Middle...

Health experts have long urged people to eat slowly, arguing that unhurried meals aid digestion, give the brain time to register fullness, and help prevent weight gain. Yet turning that advice into everyday practice is difficult - especially in a world full of food designed for speed.



A new study led by <a href="https://www.fujita-hu.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fujita Health University</a> in Japan suggests a surprisingly simple solution: focus on what you eat rather than fussing over how you chew.



“Eating slowly is widely recommended for obesity prevention,” said professor Katsumi Iizuka, who led the research. “But people often don’t know how to implement this advice."



"Our study shows that simply choosing the right type of meal - such as a bento instead of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stuck-in-traffic-youre-more-likely-to-grab-fast-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fast food</a> - can naturally extend meal duration and encourage more mindful eating.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-slice-or-a-bento">A slice or a bento?</h2>



Iizuka’s team recruited 41 adults - 18 men and 23 women aged 20 to 65 - and invited them to eat three different test meals on separate days.



One meal was a slice of ready-to-eat pizza. The other two were identical bento boxes containing rice, vegetables, and hamburger steak, but with a twist. In one trial, participants ate the vegetables first, and in the other, they ate the vegetables last.



Each volunteer wore a small chewing sensor on the cheek while researchers filmed the session. Together, the sensor and video tracked bite count, chewing speed, and total meal time from first bite to last swallow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meal-type-alters-eating-speed">Meal type alters eating speed </h2>



The contrast was striking. Regardless of vegetable order, participants finished their pizza far faster than either of the bento meals. 



Eating pizza required fewer chews, took less time, and involved a smoother, almost uninterrupted rhythm of bites.



The bento boxes, on the other hand, demanded chopsticks, small mouthfuls, and pauses between items, all of which stretched the meal and bumped up chew counts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-food-is-designed-for-speed">Some food is designed for speed</h2>



Researchers had expected that starting with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-fruits-and-vegetables-improve-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetables</a> might slow people down, yet the vegetable-first versus vegetable-last sequence made little difference. What mattered was the physical format.



Bento lunches present food in separate compartments and oblige diners to pick up each morsel individually, often with an eye toward appreciation and balance. Pizza, by contrast, is explicitly engineered for one-handed convenience.



“One key factor affecting meal speed is how the food is served and eaten. Bento meals are served in small portions that need to be picked up with chopsticks, which slows down the process," Iizuka said. 



"In contrast, pizza is eaten by hand and is often designed to be eaten quickly. This difference in serving style plays a big role in how fast people eat.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obesity-and-meal-types">Obesity and meal types</h2>



Across the sample, men generally ate more quickly than women, taking fewer chews per bite. Age also affected tempo: older participants tended to finish sooner than younger ones, perhaps reflecting dental changes or learned habits.



Contrary to stereotype, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-and-bmi-do-not-accurately-reflect-a-persons-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body mass index</a> did not predict speed. Higher weight volunteers did not necessarily eat faster. 



Instead, the authors speculate that those struggling with obesity might favor ultra-processed, easy-to-eat foods like pizza, which lend themselves to shorter meals and possible overeating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chewing-rhythm-is-hard-wired">Chewing rhythm is hard-wired</h2>



The investigation uncovered another intriguing detail: chewing tempo - how many chews per second - varied only slightly between meals. 



That finding supports earlier research indicating that humans maintain a brainstem-controlled chewing rhythm that is remarkably constant, no matter the cuisine.



What changes with meal type is the number of chews and the time between bites. Bigger, softer pieces let diners breeze through lunch; smaller, denser bites naturally slow them down.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blueprint-for-mindful-eating">Blueprint for mindful eating</h2>



“Eating slowly” sounds simple, yet it often fails in real-world settings because it demands willpower at every bite. The new results point to an easier route: design meals in a way that enforces slow eating automatically.



Serving food in smaller portions, requiring utensils, and mixing textures that need more mastication can stretch meal time without conscious effort.



“If we want to help people eat more slowly, we should focus less on telling them how to chew and more on helping them choose meals that require slower, more deliberate eating," Iizuka said. "This could be a simple yet powerful tool in our fight against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-is-obesity-difficult-to-reverse-it-starts-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a> and related diseases,”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-laboratory-to-lunch-box"><a></a>From laboratory to lunch box</h2>



The study carries immediate implications for public-health advice. Nutritionists might steer clients toward multi-component meals - traditional Japanese bento, Mediterranean mezze, or even tapas - rather than single-piece fare.



Schools and workplace cafeterias could offer compartmentalized trays that encourage utensil use and smaller bites. Food manufacturers might rethink <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-plastic-food-packaging-contains-9936-harmful-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">packaging</a> to promote paced consumption instead of speed.



For individuals looking to adopt slower eating habits, the takeaway is refreshingly doable: swap handheld, “instant” foods for dishes that involve a bit of assembly on the fork or chopsticks.



In an age of rising obesity rates, that simple choice could help people eat less, savor more, and support long-term health without counting chews or watching the clock.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/9/1576" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nutrients</a>.



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Why meal type matters more than eating speed

Health experts have long urged people to eat slowly, arguing...

Motherhood begins with joy, responsibility, and unexpected exhaustion. For many new mothers, the early days with a newborn blur into sleepless nights and foggy mornings. While friends and family may offer advice like "nap when the baby naps," this simple sleep guidance doesn't always work. 



A new study being presented at SLEEP 2025 has revealed something deeper. The exhaustion many new moms feel isn't just due to lack of sleep - it’s rooted in the loss of uninterrupted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parent-children-relationships-are-key-to-lifelong-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>.



Researchers tracked real-world sleep data of first-time mothers using Fitbit devices. What they found shifts our understanding of postpartum fatigue entirely. Even when mothers manage to get enough total sleep hours, the frequent disruptions keep their bodies from truly resting. 



As the data shows, these disruptions are not short-lived. They persist well into the following weeks and months, reshaping what maternal recovery really means.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-habits-of-first-time-mothers">Sleep habits of first time mothers</h2>



The study followed 41 first-time mothers between the ages of 26 and 43. They shared their personal wearable sleep data across a span that began a full year before childbirth and extended into their child’s first birthday.



The research team used 5-minute bins to analyze the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/talking-to-kids-about-puberty-why-sooner-may-be-better-than-later/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> and wake patterns, and required at least 10 consecutive minutes of sleep or wakefulness to define the start and end of a sleep session.



One key metric they focused on was the “Longest Stretch of Sleep” (LSS). Typically used to track infant sleep, this measure proved incredibly revealing when applied to mothers. 



By identifying how long mothers were able to sleep without being woken up, the study captured the true depth of sleep fragmentation. What emerged was a clear picture of profound sleep disruption, even after the first weeks of new motherhood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-crashes-in-week-one-after-childbirth">Sleep crashes in week one after childbirth</h2>



During the first week after childbirth, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-often-feel-lonely-burnt-out-parenting-demands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mothers</a> averaged just 4.4 hours of sleep per day. This is a stark drop from their pre-pregnancy average of 7.8 hours. 



But even more concerning was their LSS, which fell from 5.6 hours before pregnancy to just 2.2 hours. Nearly one-third of these new mothers (31.7%) went more than 24 hours without sleep during that first week.



In many ways, this kind of sleep loss is expected during the first few days. However, the story doesn’t end there. While total sleep duration improved gradually over time, the structure of sleep remained fractured. And that proved to be the real problem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-improves-slowly-but-stays-broken">Sleep improves slowly but stays broken</h2>



Sleep rose to 6.7 hours in weeks two to seven, then 7.3 hours by week thirteen. But uninterrupted sleep stayed low - just 3.2 to 4.1 hours, far below the 5.5 to 5.6 hours seen pre-pregnancy.



All differences were statistically significant (F &gt; 29.8, P &lt; 0.001), showing that disrupted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-divided-on-best-time-to-stop-pacifiers-and-thumb-sucking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> reflects a lasting biological change, not just a new routine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interrupted-sleep-leaves-mothers-exhausted">Interrupted sleep leaves mothers exhausted</h2>



The study was led by Teresa Lillis, a clinical psychologist and adjunct professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at <a href="https://www.rush.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rush University</a> Medical Center in Chicago.



“The significant loss of uninterrupted sleep in the postpartum period was the most dramatic finding,” said Lillis. "While mothers generally returned to their pre-pregnancy total nightly sleep duration after the first postpartum week, the structure of their sleep remained profoundly altered." 



"These results fundamentally transform our understanding of postpartum sleep; it’s not the lack of sleep, but rather, the lack of uninterrupted sleep that is the largest challenge for new mothers.”



This insight challenges old advice and explains why many still feel exhausted despite doing everything “right.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-sleep-patterns-new-health-risks">New sleep patterns, new health risks</h2>



Lillis and her team argue that this kind of sleep discontinuity may be a major risk factor for postpartum depression and other related health issues. The quality of sleep, not just the quantity, influences both mental and physical recovery after childbirth.



Their study gives weight to what many new mothers have said for years: “I’m sleeping, but I’m still tired.” Now there’s scientific proof to back up that experience. 



Intermittent sleep does not allow the body to complete essential rest cycles, meaning physical repair and mental restoration stay incomplete night after night.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-help-new-mothers-sleep">How to help new mothers sleep</h2>



“Our results validate the lived experience of new mothers’ exhaustion and provide a new target for sleep-related interventions,” said Lillis. “Rather than simply encouraging mothers to ‘nap when the baby naps’, our findings show that mothers would most benefit from strategies that protect opportunities for uninterrupted sleep.”



This statement signals a shift in how caregivers, partners, and healthcare professionals might support mothers. Helping new moms catch up on lost hours isn’t enough. 



What they need are longer blocks of continuous rest - a goal that may require more structural support, such as shared night care, postpartum doulas, or better parental leave options.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-mothers-really-need-after-childbirth">What mothers really need after childbirth</h2>



This study opens the door for future research into postpartum recovery and maternal mental health. It may also influence policy decisions related to maternity care. 



The study was conducted at <a href="https://wsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a>’s Sleep and Performance Research Center.



What’s clear is that uninterrupted sleep is not just a luxury for new mothers - it is a need, as vital as food and medicine, and it deserves serious attention.



The research will be presented on Monday, June 9, during SLEEP 2025 in Seattle. This annual meeting is a collaborative event hosted by the <a href="https://aasm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Sleep Medicine</a> and the <a href="https://sleepresearchsociety.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sleep Research Society</a>.



The findings are published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/48/Supplement_1/A398/8135096" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SLEEP</a>.



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Why new mothers feel exhausted despite getting sleep

Motherhood begins with joy, responsibility, and unexpected exhaustion. For many...

As California faces intensifying droughts and tighter water regulations, a new study shows that digital tools can make a significant difference in encouraging households to conserve water.



The research, led by Professor Mehdi Nemati from the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/">University of California, Riverside</a>, reveals that a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smartphones-are-teaching-us-how-to-supercharge-our-memory/">smartphone</a> app called Dropcountr can reduce average household water use by six percent. The savings are even higher among the most water-intensive users.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smarter-use-of-smart-meters">Smarter use of smart meters</h2>



Originally, smart water meters were installed by many utilities to simplify billing through remote readings. But Dropcountr, the app at the heart of the study, takes this a step further. It transforms meter data into real-time feedback that’s easy for homeowners to understand.



The app shows users how much water they consume, how their usage compares to similar households, and how their consumption trends over time.



Nemati called it a “nudge” - a small, timely prompt that shifts behavior without rules or penalties. In the context of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agave-plants-natures-answer-to-water-conservation/">water conservation</a>, that might mean prompting a user to fix a leak, take shorter showers, or wait until the dishwasher is full before running it.



“California water agencies are under pressure to hit individualized water-use targets and conservation goals under the ‘<a href="https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/conservation/regs/water_efficiency_legislation.html">Making Conservation a California Way of Life</a>’ regulation,” Nemati said. “Our study shows that this digital feedback tool can be a powerful, low-cost way to help households manage their use and reduce consumption.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-time-water-use">Real-time water use</h2>



The research focused on the City of Folsom in Northern California, where Dropcountr was introduced to residents in late 2014. Around 3,600 households signed up to use the app, allowing researchers to track more than 32 million records of daily water use from 2013 to 2019. 



By comparing users to a control group, the team found that participants reduced their water use by an average of 6.2%.



Importantly, the app was particularly effective with heavy users. The top 20% of users managed to cut their water use by up to 12%. “This is a crucial outcome when every drop counts,” Nemati said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nudges-that-save-water">Nudges that save water</h2>



Dropcountr doesn’t just show water use - it also delivers alerts when consumption nears more expensive rate tiers and flags potential leaks. These leak notifications were especially impactful.



When a continuous-use pattern (like water running for 72 hours straight) was detected, users were notified. Water use dropped 50% after a leak alert, then 30%, with a 9% reduction still seen six days later.



“The sharp drop suggests customers are paying attention and acting quickly,” Nemati said. “One major advantage is that they can detect leaks right away - sometimes before they cause damage or result in costly bills. That’s difficult with traditional billing systems, where usage is only seen after 30 or 60 days.”



The app also taps into social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychological-poverty-greatly-impacts-decision-making/">psychology</a> by showing users how their water use stacks up against their more efficient neighbors. This appeal to social norms helps users set and maintain realistic conservation goals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-quick-fixes">Beyond quick fixes</h2>



One of the most promising findings in the study was that these changes weren’t just short-lived. 



“We looked at water use 50 months out and still found sustained reductions,” Nemati said. “People weren’t just reacting once and forgetting. They stayed engaged.”



This long-term engagement stands in contrast to older methods still used by some water agencies. Despite having access to smart meter data, many utilities rely on mailed notices that may be too late or too technical to prompt meaningful change.



“People get <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-americans-cannot-afford-basic-water-services/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water bills</a>, but the information may not be salient. Most bills report usage in cubic feet or units, which aren't easy to interpret,” noted Nemati. “What platforms like Dropcountr do well is make the data meaningful."



"People want to use water wisely. They just need timely, clear, and actionable feedback. These platforms give them that - and they work.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-proofing-water-use">Future-proofing water use</h2>



Although Dropcountr works best with smart meters - and many California homes still rely on manual readings - advanced metering infrastructure continues to spread.



As California prepares for stricter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/">drought</a> and efficiency standards, Nemati urges water agencies to make better use of the data they already collect.



“We have the data,” he said. “Now we just need to use it in smarter ways. This study shows how a relatively inexpensive solution can help homeowners conserve and ease pressure on our water systems.”



As climate change continues to strain resources, digital tools like Dropcountr could play a vital role in building a water-smart California, one household at a time.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0928765525000247">Resource and Energy Economics</a>.



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Smartphone app helps households cut water use

As California faces intensifying droughts and tighter water regulations, a...

Two things often happen at the same time in a busy kitchen: plates clatter into the dishwasher and a mental note pops up that the soap dispenser is running low. The brain keeps both thoughts alive for a few seconds, steers the hands, and updates the grocery list. 



Scientists call this swift juggle “working memory,” yet most people know it simply as keeping track of what matters right now.



Researchers have spent decades mapping this mental scratchpad, but its quirks still surprise. The latest clue comes from the eyes. 



A fresh study suggests that the way a person’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pupil-size-during-sleep-decides-if-new-or-old-memories-are-replayed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pupils change</a> while they concentrate hints at how well that mental scratchpad is working.



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



Working memory does more than hold stray reminders; it stitches together phone digits until they are dialed, keeps track of a spoken sentence until the meaning lands, and buffers half-finished ideas during problem-solving. 



Unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-our-brain-form-long-term-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-term memory</a>, it works on a tight clock measured in seconds. Because the capacity is finite - typically three to seven items at once - small differences in efficiency can ripple through reading, mathematics, and decision-making.



Psychologists often compare working-memory scores among people of similar age, finding wide gaps. Some differences trace back to genetics, sleep quality, and stress. 



Others appear linked to how sharply someone focuses in the moment. Pinning down those fleeting attentional shifts has been tough, so a team at the <a href="https://www.uta.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at Arlington</a> turned to a simple, involuntary signal from the eye.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eyes-signal-focus-level">Eyes signal focus level</h2>



Assistant professor of psychology Matthew Robison and doctoral student Lauren D. Garner, both from UTA's <a href="https://camlab.uta.edu/lab-members/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CAM Lab</a>, recruited 179 undergraduate volunteers for a set of memory challenges designed to last only a few heartbeats. 



An eye-tracking camera, like the one an optometrist uses, recorded pupil size while each participant tried to remember colors, shapes, or letters flashed on a screen. The pupils were expected to widen in the dimly lit lab, yet they also fluctuated with mental effort.



“What we found was that the lowest performers on the tasks showed less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pupils-reveal-how-active-the-brain-is-even-during-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pupil dilation</a>,” Robison explained. 



“For the highest-performing participants, pupil dilations were larger overall, and they were more discerning about the information they were asked to recall.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-working-memory-and-larger-pupils">Working memory and larger pupils</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/specific-eye-features-influence-how-others-perceive-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pupil dilation</a> is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, the same circuitry that speeds the heartbeat under stress. 



Earlier research showed the pupils twitch in sync with challenges such as mental arithmetic, signaling rising cognitive load. 



This new work links that physical reaction directly to the accuracy of working memory: bigger, more precisely timed dilations tracked with sharper recall across the entire group.



The study appears in <a href="https://link.springer.com/journal/13414" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Attention, Perception &amp; Psychophysics</a>, and its key takeaway has immediate practical value. 



Teachers, coaches, and clinicians could someday use a non-invasive gaze sensor to see whether a student’s attention slips long before test scores reveal a problem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-attention-and-cognitive-load">Attention and cognitive load</h2>



The eye-memory link lines up with a well-known theory called “<a href="https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1057/978-1-137-00772-8_677" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resource allocation</a>,” which proposes that the brain funnels more energy - oxygen, glucose, and electrical activity - toward information flagged as important. 



The dilating pupil mirrors that surge. When the surge is weak or mistimed, fewer details make it onto the mental scratchpad.



Everyday distractions, from buzzing phones to background chatter, can sap that resource. 



On the flip side, practice with activities that demand steady focus, such as playing certain musical instruments or fast-paced video games, has been shown to nudge working-memory scores upward. 



Those lifestyle influences mesh neatly with the new pupil data, suggesting the eyes could become a quick biofeedback tool for attention training.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-classroom-and-clinic-uses">Classroom and clinic uses</h2>



Individualized instruction often starts with trial and error. A live readout of pupil patterns could speed the process by showing when a student is overwhelmed or under-engaged in real time. 



That information might guide a teacher to slow the pace, rephrase directions, or add a break exactly when it counts.



“We found that people who more intensely and consistently paid attention, as measured by their pupils being dilated more, performed better on the memory tasks,” Robison enthused.



“Importantly, we found high performers also showed more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pupil-size-reveals-hidden-cognitive-fatigue/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pupil sensitivity</a> compared to low-performing participants. This is exciting research because it adds another valuable piece of the puzzle to our understanding of why working memory varies between individuals."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-working-memory-in-shape">Keeping working memory in shape</h2>



While future gadgets may monitor focus automatically, old-school habits still help. Brief pauses during dense reading let fresh material settle before more arrives. 



Organizing tidbits into tiny clusters - phone numbers into three short chunks, for example - reduces the load. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/practicing-mindfulness-can-quiet-the-noise-of-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfulness exercises</a> that train sustained attention have gained traction, and emerging evidence suggests they may slightly enlarge working-memory capacity over weeks of practice.



Even aerobic movement matters. Studies tracking middle-aged adults find that brisk walking improves blood flow to brain regions involved in executive control, indirectly supporting the memory buffer. 



The take-home message echoes common sense: whatever boosts overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moderate-belly-fat-may-actually-boost-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain health</a> tends to support the few precious slots on that internal notepad.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pupils-working-memory-and-future-study">Pupils, working memory, and future study</h2>



The UT Arlington experiment adds a clear, measurable signpost to the study of working memory. By tying pupil behavior to test performance in 179 young adults, it builds a bridge between subjective focus and objective outcomes. 



Larger studies spanning different ages and cultures are already in the planning stages, aiming to see whether the same patterns hold in childhood development, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/taking-vitamin-d-supplements-may-add-years-to-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-diet-may-protect-cognitive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive disorders</a>.



If they do, tracking a tiny change in the eyes might soon guide personalized learning plans, aid early diagnoses of attention deficits, or help engineers design user interfaces that adapt to a person’s real-time mental load. 



For now, the findings serve as a reminder that the eyes are broadcasting more than mood or alertness - they may be giving away the secrets of how we juggle the small but vital tasks that keep life running smoothly.



The full study was published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13414-024-02853-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Attention Perception &amp; Psychophysics</a>



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Scientists link pupil dilation to the brain’s all-important 'working memory' levels

Two things often happen at the same time in a...

Plastic pollution often brings to mind landfills, oceans, and overflowing garbage dumps. Few people think about their home appliances. Yet, inside many modern kitchens, ordinary plastic containers undergo a process that could harm our environment in unseen ways.



A new study from the <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Queensland</a> now reveals a surprising source of plastic pollution: household dishwashers.



This finding opens a new chapter in the conversation about how domestic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-deaths-in-india-linked-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> contributes to global pollution. The research brings attention to the connection between plastic use, cleaning habits, and wastewater contamination. 



For a long time, dishwashers were overlooked in environmental discussions. However, the reality they reveal is not so spotless.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-particles-from-dishwashers">Plastic particles from dishwashers</h2>



Led by Dr. Elvis Okoffo from the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, the study examines how plastic containers behave under typical dishwashing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-air-pollution-forms-may-help-us-prevent-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>. 



“We demonstrated that plastic containers and utensils washed in dishwashers release plastic particles,” Dr. Okoffo noted.



This isn't just speculation. The researchers tested full dishwasher loads of common household plastic items and tracked what entered the wastewater after one cycle.



The results show that mechanical dishwashing - while convenient - can have unexpected side effects. Plastics degrade under exposure to high heat, water pressure, and cleaning chemicals.



These conditions cause both visible and invisible fragments of plastic to break off, eventually flowing down the drain. The kitchen becomes a surprising entry point for plastic pollutants into the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-from-dishwashers-in-wastewater">Plastic from dishwashers in wastewater</h2>



Washing plastic items may appear harmless, but the long-term outcome could be significant. “Even seemingly harmless everyday actions can have cumulative environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consequences</a>,” Dr. Okoffo explained. 



“The introduction of plastics into the environment carries a potential risk of adverse impacts on environmental and human health.”



Dishwashers can reach temperatures of up to 70°C. Under this heat, plastic reacts chemically and physically. Repeated exposure weakens the structural integrity of plastic items. Combined with the friction of water jets and detergents, this breakdown releases a startling number of particles.



The study revealed that one dishwasher cycle can release around 920,000 plastic particles. This includes both microplastics, which are smaller than 5 millimeters, and nanoplastics, which are even smaller and often escape detection. 



If every household with a dishwasher contributes to this cycle, the numbers become astronomical - about 33 million particles per home every year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sources-of-plastic-pollution">Sources of plastic pollution</h2>



While the particle count is high, the actual weight of released <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-patients-have-a-unique-vulnerability-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> remains small. “Despite the high number of particles released, the total mass released from plastic containers is low and is minor compared to other known sources of plastic pollution,” Dr. Okoffo said. 



The study estimates that about 6 milligrams of plastic per person are released yearly. That amount equals roughly a quarter of a single grain of rice. But this does not make the problem any less important. Nanoplastics are tiny enough to pass through water filtration systems. 



Once they reach the environment, nanoplastics are difficult to remove and may accumulate in marine life and drinking water sources. Their small size allows them to travel far, possibly entering food chains and affecting both ecosystems and human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-solutions-in-appliance-design">Potential solutions in appliance design</h2>



Dr. Okoffo believes the responsibility does not lie with consumers alone. Appliance manufacturers and plastic producers must think about design solutions. 



“Plastic manufacturers could also develop plastics that are more resistant to degradation during dishwashing,” he suggested.



Appliances can also evolve. By fitting dishwashers with built-in particle traps or advanced filters, engineers could prevent many of these fragments from entering the water system. 



Capturing the pollutant at its origin avoids the expensive and difficult task of cleaning it up later. This proactive approach could spare wastewater facilities and marine systems from further harm.



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



With 58% of Australian households regularly using dishwashers, the study holds weight beyond the lab. The results apply to millions of homes worldwide. Changing how we clean plastic could shift our overall environmental footprint.



"Removing this pollutant before it can enter the environment is better than implementing costly measures after the pollutant has already been released,” said Dr. Okoffo. 



His words encourage prevention over reaction - a principle that often gets overlooked in environmental policy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-dishwashing-choices-can-help">Small dishwashing choices can help</h2>



Plastic waste doesn't only come from discarded bags or bottles. The tools we use daily - food containers, utensils, and kitchen gadgets - contribute in less obvious ways. Each dishwashing cycle that includes plastic is part of a wider issue. Though the waste is microscopic, the impact is measurable.



“Small changes, when multiplied across millions of households, can help reduce the global burden of plastic pollution,” Dr. Okoffo concluded. 



A shift in household practices, product materials, and appliance design could set the stage for lasting environmental improvements.



The study doesn’t demand radical lifestyle changes. Instead, it asks us to be mindful. In the quiet hum of a dishwasher lies a chance to rethink our role in the plastic lifecycle. Small steps, taken by many, still count.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsestwater.4c00768" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS ES&amp;T Water</a>.



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Dishwashers release nearly one million plastic particles per cycle, a huge source of microplastic pollution

Plastic pollution often brings to mind landfills, oceans, and overflowing...

Anger flares up in traffic jams, board meetings, and kitchen quarrels alike. The rush of heat, the pounding heart, and the urges to shout or slam a door feel almost automatic. Most of us just want lash out and vent, hoping the anger will be gone as fast as it came.



For decades, people have sworn by “getting it out,” whether by screaming into a pillow or pummeling a punching bag. Others swear by the opposite approach: pause, breathe, let it pass. 



A new scientific sweep of the evidence puts these rival tactics head-to-head - and crowns a clear winner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-venting-anger-myth-loses-steam">The 'venting anger' myth loses steam</h2>



After the second paragraph, it’s time to meet the researchers. Communication scholar <a href="https://comm.osu.edu/people/bushman.20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brad Bushman</a> at <a href="https://osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a> has spent years testing the notion of catharsis. 



“Venting anger might sound like a good idea, but it’s actually counterproductive,” he says. 



His team, working with postdoctoral fellow <a href="https://sophiekja.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sophie Kjærvik</a>, combed through 154 different studies with more than 10,000 people to sort myth from reality.



Their review shows that activities lowering bodily arousal - deep breathing, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-protects-against-work-stress-burnout/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mindfulness</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-slows-biological-aging-at-the-molecular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meditation</a>, even slow, controlled yoga - consistently push anger levels down. 



The setting hardly matters; results hold for solo exercises at home, therapist-guided sessions, and app-based programs. 



“Reducing arousal - and actually the physiological aspect of it - is really important,” Kjærvik explains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-numbers-say">What the numbers say</h2>



Kjærvik’s meta-analysis, published in Clinical Psychology Review, found that every group studied - college students, retirees, people with intellectual disabilities, and individuals with criminal records - benefited from arousal-decreasing strategies. 



In stark contrast, jogging, hitting a bag, or smashing plates in a rage room showed little effect or even nudged anger upward. “To reduce anger, it is better to engage in activities that decrease arousal levels,” Bushman notes.



Meta-analyses of this size are rare in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-shows-better-emotional-intelligence-than-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotion research</a>. By pooling so many participants, the team could spot small but steady patterns that single experiments miss. 



The consistency across gender, age, and cultural background signals that calming the body is a universal recipe, not a fad tied to one social-media trend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calm-beats-cardio">Calm beats cardio</h2>



Why would a brisk run fail where a quiet breath succeeds? Anger already revs the sympathetic nervous system - the body’s gas pedal. Adding more acceleration simply keeps the engine roaring. 



“Certain physical activities that increase arousal may be good for your heart, but they’re definitely not the best way to reduce anger,” Bushman adds.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yoga-can-reduce-stress-and-improve-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yoga</a> offers an intriguing twist. Though poses raise heart rate, the practice embeds steady breathing and focused attention, turning movement into meditation. 



“It was really interesting to see that progressive muscle relaxation and relaxation in general might be as effective as approaches such as mindfulness and meditation,” Kjærvik noted. 



“And yoga, which can be more arousing than meditation and mindfulness, is still a way of calming and focusing on your breath that has a similar effect in reducing anger.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-body-s-alarm-system">Inside the body's alarm system</h2>



Anger sparks a full-body alert: faster heartbeat, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-from-plastic-bottles-linked-to-high-blood-pressure-and-heart-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">higher blood pressure</a>, surging adrenaline. The sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system primes muscles for fight or flight, while its calmer twin - the parasympathetic branch - waits to dial everything back. 



Techniques that lengthen exhales or tense and release muscles flip that switch sooner, cooling the system before words or fists fly.



Scientists think this quick reset evolved because it lets social groups resolve conflicts without lasting harm. Lowering arousal gives the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-brain-pathways-identified-as-being-unique-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prefrontal cortex</a> - our planning center - time to weigh consequences, recall past regrets, and choose words more carefully. 



The payoff is fewer broken dishes, lower stress hormones, and relationships that bounce back instead of break.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-anger-without-venting">Reducing anger without venting</h2>



Apps offering guided breathing now sit within arm’s reach, many of them free of charge. A simple routine - inhale for four counts, exhale for six - can drop heart rate within a minute. 



Two cycles of progressive muscle relaxation ease shoulder knots that broadcast irritability.



A five-minute mindfulness session on YouTube can do the same job as a longer appointment when time is tight. 



“It’s really a battle because angry people want to vent, but our research shows that any good feeling we get from venting actually reinforces aggression,” Bushman says.



For situations demanding movement, try a slow walk around the block. Keep the pace easy enough to hold a steady conversation. Pair it with attention to your surroundings - the hum of cicadas, the scent of fresh-cut grass. 



Gentle motion helps metabolize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-hormones-rise-during-sleep-to-prepare-your-body-for-the-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress hormones</a> without driving arousal higher, and nature’s small details pull focus away from rumination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Unchecked anger strains marriages, work teams, and the cardiovascular system. Over months, it can hardwire aggressive habits. 



The new review shows there’s nothing inevitable about that spiral; swapping venting for calming returns control to the driver’s seat. 



Because most interventions cost little or nothing, workplaces, prisons, and schools can roll them out without red tape. Even a coach’s whistle can cue athletes to pause for three slow breaths before play resumes.



Parents can apply the same thinking at home. Instead of sending a child to “go punch a pillow,” suggest three balloon-slow breaths, a sip of water, and a quiet corner until color fades from their cheeks. 



Modeling the strategy yourself teaches by example and keeps the living room peaceful.



Cooling down trumps blowing up. Evidence from more than 10,000 volunteers says so, and the message holds whether you are nine or ninety. 



So next time fury rises, skip the punching bag and breathe. Your heart - and everyone within earshot - will thank you.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735824000357?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clinical Psychology Review</a>.



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'Venting' doesn't reduce anger, so psychologists advise patients to do this instead

Anger flares up in traffic jams, board meetings, and kitchen...

In everyday life, the spleen rarely gets the spotlight. This lesser-known organ, tucked under the rib cage on the left side of the abdomen, has just gained new respect from medical researchers.



For a long time, doctors have been able to remove the spleen without major issues, giving it a reputation as something non-essential. That view is now shifting, thanks to a fresh wave of discoveries related to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-loss-drugs-could-save-an-enormous-number-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organ</a> repair and new cell growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spleen-s-surprising-capability">Spleen’s surprising capability</h2>



Recent work led by a team of researchers, including Professor Lei Dong and Professor Jian Xiao from <a href="https://en.wmu.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wenzhou Medical University</a>, <a href="https://www.nju.edu.cn/en/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanjing University</a>, and the <a href="https://www.um.edu.mo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Macau</a>, has opened up new horizons.



They have shown that the spleen can be turned into a built-in system that supports transplanted tissues.



Many see this approach as a possible game-changer for people with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/about-type-1-diabetes.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type 1 diabetes</a>, a serious condition in which the body stops making enough insulin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spleen-redefined-as-a-valuable-organ">Spleen redefined as a valuable organ</h2>



For decades, doctors recognized that the spleen helps manage blood cells and fights infections. Yet, a partial or total removal rarely caused life-threatening <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-microbiome-trillions-of-bacteria-unique-like-fingerprints/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">problems</a>, leading many to call it non-essential.



That view changed when experts discovered how <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4052466/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immunomodulatory nanoparticles</a> could adjust the local environment inside the spleen. Researchers believe this technique sets the stage for better acceptance of transplanted <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542302/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">islets</a>, the insulin-producing clusters in the pancreas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-built-in-host-for-new-cells">A built-in host for new cells</h2>



“We’re essentially converting the spleen into a high-performance bioreactor,” explains Dong. He adds that by enhancing the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/extracellular-matrix" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extracellular matrix</a>, improving blood vessel formation, and controlling immune attacks, transplanted cells can flourish.



For some doctors, the spleen’s layout and connections make it a strong candidate for these treatments. It receives blood directly, which can help transplanted cells get oxygen and nutrients right away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spleen-showed-organ-support-abilities">Spleen showed organ support abilities</h2>



In earlier <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15619229/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> reported in 2020, the same team showed that a reprogrammed spleen could support partial liver-like functions in mice. This finding laid the groundwork for investigating if the spleen can handle other types of tissues.



Now, they have taken that concept further by examining how the spleen might support transplanted insulin-producing cells in nonhuman primates. This serves as a vital step before <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-snail-venom-possible-key-to-improving-diabetes-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential</a> testing in human volunteers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-type-1-diabetes">Tackling type 1 diabetes</h2>



About 1.6 million people in the United States are <a href="https://breakthrought1d.org.au/what-is-t1d/quick-guide-to-t1d/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimated</a> to have type 1 diabetes. The condition arises when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-making cells in the pancreas.



A promising option has been <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/insulin-medicines-treatments/pancreatic-islet-transplantation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">islet transplantation</a>, but it often faces issues with rejection and poor cell survival. Scientists hope that by giving these cells a protected environment inside the spleen, more patients could benefit from transplantation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-injections-that-change-the-game">Injections that change the game</h2>



These nanoparticle injections prime the spleen to handle new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-reveals-the-secret-to-keeping-your-brain-young/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cells</a> more effectively. This strategy might reduce the need for high-dose immune-suppressing drugs.



Reports suggest that the spleen’s environment becomes friendlier to new cells after the nanoparticle treatment. This shift could help ensure that transplanted islets continue working in the long run.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead">Looking ahead</h2>



Researchers are now considering how to refine these spleen-focused methods to handle stem cell–derived tissues. One vision involves using induced <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4699068/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pluripotent stem cells</a>, or iPSCs, to create organs that match each patient’s own tissue profile.



However, experts caution that more safety tests are essential before this approach finds its way into clinics. Large-scale trials and long-term monitoring would help confirm if these cells remain stable and functional over time.



Minimally invasive approaches, such as B-ultrasound guided injections, might also make this therapy more accessible. Early demonstrations in animals have shown encouraging feasibility for that technique.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spleen-could-power-next-steps">Spleen could power next steps</h2>



If future tests confirm these successes, doctors might have a simpler way to replace failing organs without relying on complex external devices. In the case of insulin-making cells, that could mean fewer daily injections and better quality of life for many individuals.



Most people never expect the spleen to help them recover lost organ function. Yet this approach highlights how an overlooked structure might hide untapped capacity for medical breakthroughs.



Though more confirmation is needed, the early findings raise hope for a future where organ transplants rely less on donor shortages and immune conflicts. Even if the spleen was once called non-essential, it might soon prove to be a valuable partner in personalized medicine.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adj9615" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Translational Medicine</a>.



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This overlooked human organ has a built-in bioreactor that could revolutionize diabetes treatment

In everyday life, the spleen rarely gets the spotlight. This...

It’s easy to believe that the internet is an open door to knowledge. A place where a user's search leads to discovery. A tool for understanding new ideas, correcting mistakes, or seeing both sides of a debate. But in practice, something very different is happening.



Especially now, when polarization defines everything from public health to climate action to political opinion, many people go online hoping to learn - and come away even more convinced they were right all along.



The surprising part? These biases are not the fault of online search engines alone. 



A study from <a href="https://tulane.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tulane University</a> has exposed a quiet but powerful driver behind the entrenchment of opinion: the way people frame their questions in the first place. And even unbiased algorithms can’t save us from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scrolling-online-videos-is-not-a-good-cure-for-boredom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consequences</a> of our own wording.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-user-search-terms-shape-results">User search terms shape results</h2>



The Tulane study offers a wide-angle look at how search behavior deepens existing beliefs. It’s not about misinformation. It’s not about manipulation. It’s about routine, everyday habits that unknowingly reinforce what people already think. 



According to the researchers, most users choose search terms that reflect their current opinions, often without realizing it. The search engine then returns the most relevant results based on those terms - leading users into a loop of self-confirmation.



"When people look up information online - whether on Google, ChatGPT or new AI-powered search engines - they often pick search terms that reflect what they already believe (sometimes without even realizing it)," noted study lead author Eugina Leung, assistant professor at Tulane’s A. B. Freeman School of Business.



"Because today’s search algorithms are designed to give you ‘the most relevant’ answers for whatever term you type, those answers can then reinforce what you thought in the first place. This makes it harder for people to discover broader <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/happiness-influences-online-shopping-habits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perspectives</a>."



This pattern held steady across 21 experiments with nearly 10,000 participants. Regardless of the subject - caffeine, nuclear power, COVID-19, or crime statistics - people shaped their searches to match their beliefs.



Someone confident that caffeine is healthy might search for “benefits of caffeine,” while a skeptic would look up “caffeine health risks.” That small difference pushed them toward vastly different sources, perspectives, and conclusions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-users-unknowingly-confirm-their-views">Users unknowingly confirm their views</h2>



The team also explored whether users were consciously seeking validation through their searches. Surprisingly, most weren’t. In several experiments, fewer than 10% of participants admitted they were deliberately using search to find results that supported what they already believed.



Yet the majority still typed queries that aligned with their personal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomscrolling-is-silently-ruining-our-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">views</a>. Their search patterns didn’t change, even when their intent wasn’t to confirm a bias.



That’s what makes this issue so subtle. People can fall into biased search loops even when they think they’re being neutral. Search engines prioritize what they interpret as relevance, so they reward the exact words entered. 



The result is a kind of algorithmic loyalty to the user’s original phrasing, whether or not that phrasing reflects a full picture of the topic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-reflects-user-bias-too">AI reflects user bias too</h2>



The issue isn’t just with search engines. AI tools like ChatGPT also reflect users' biases. When queries are slanted, AI responses often match the tone and viewpoint of the question. 



Even if other views are mentioned, the search still supports the user's original belief. These tools seem neutral but rely heavily on how users frame their questions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solution-for-online-search-biases">Solution for online search biases </h2>



The researchers tested multiple approaches to see if they could encourage people to seek out more balanced information. Merely advising users to consider different views didn’t work. Neither did suggesting that they run multiple types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-is-helping-save-wild-animals-like-caracals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">searches</a>. Behavioral nudges and awareness campaigns weren’t enough.



But one change worked consistently: modifying the algorithm itself. In one experiment, researchers adjusted the search tool to deliver a broader range of articles - regardless of how narrowly the query was phrased - exposing users to more diverse perspectives.



This had a clear effect: users were more likely to adopt moderate views, showed greater openness to changing their behavior, and didn’t find the broader results less helpful or accurate.



Participants appreciated the balanced approach, rating the mixed results as just as relevant as the ones that matched their original wording. 



That challenges the idea that users only want search content that aligns with their beliefs and suggests they will value a fuller view - so long as they aren’t required to search for it themselves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-different-kind-of-button">A different kind of button</h2>



The researchers proposed a “Search Broadly” feature - an alternative to Google’s “I’m Feeling Lucky.” Rather than showing the most relevant result, it would present diverse sources.



Users responded positively, showing interest in tools that challenge rather than reflect their views. This approach isn’t about restricting content, but about design. 



By prioritizing perspective over confirmation, algorithms could interrupt polarization at its source: the search query.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-biases-in-online-searches">Reducing biases in online searches</h2>



Search engines and AI platforms aren’t neutral containers. They’re decision-makers. Every search result order, every answer phrasing, is based on calculations of relevance, popularity, or usefulness. 



And these calculations reflect assumptions about what the user wants. But what if those assumptions are wrong? What if users aren’t best served by hearing what they expect?



“Because AI and large-scale search are embedded in our daily lives, integrating a broader-search approach could reduce echo chambers for millions (if not billions) of users," noted Professor Leung.



"Our research highlights how careful design choices can tip the balance in favor of more informed, potentially less polarized societies."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2408175122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Internet search results often reinforce a person's existing beliefs

It’s easy to believe that the internet is an open...

Human aging is a complicated story that involves many moving parts including genes, metabolism, immune responses, and lifestyle patterns.



Experts from Higher Education Press have explored how these factors help people live well into their 90s and beyond. The team examined groups of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-aging-drinking-coffee-can-add-years-to-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-lived</a> individuals to see why they stay active and avoid chronic diseases.



“Human healthy aging and longevity are complex phenomena influenced by a dynamic interplay of genetic, epigenetic, metabolic, immune, and environmental factors," noted study lead author Fan-Qian Yin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-people-age-without-serious-illness">Some people age without serious illness</h2>



Some <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/centenarians" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">centenarians</a> seem to dodge or delay common health problems. This intriguing ability may be related to their <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/genome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> and the way certain protective variants are passed down.



Lifestyle choices and everyday surroundings also appear to guide this aging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sitting-too-much-can-cause-premature-aging-even-if-you-exercise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">path</a>. People in regions known for high life expectancy often eat fresh produce and engage in steady physical activity.



Women make up the majority of centenarians, but the men who do reach that age often show fewer chronic diseases. Some <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4346010/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> suggest that men who <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-aging-what-animals-can-teach-us-about-getting-older/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">live</a> past 100 tend to be exceptionally resilient or have fewer genetic risk factors to begin with.



Hormones may help explain this gap. Higher levels of <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18156-estradiol-tablets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estradiol</a> in older women and <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/testosterone--what-it-does-and-doesnt-do" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testosterone</a> in older men appear to protect against some effects of aging, though the benefits depend on balance and overall health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influential-factors-in-healthy-aging">Influential factors in healthy aging </h2>



Scientists point to <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/ng0194-29" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APOE e2</a> as an important marker for protection in older adults. Some families carry this variant and experience lower risks of heart disease.



But genetic influence is not the whole story. The <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-022-00974-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiota</a> in the gut has also drawn attention, because it affects inflammation and digestion in ways that may keep people healthier for longer.



Some researchers have found that <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/npp2012112" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA methylation</a> (a process that controls gene activity without changing the DNA itself) slows down in older adults who stay healthy. This may help protect their cells from damage over time and prevent some diseases linked to aging.



Other molecules, like <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41576-023-00662-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noncoding RNAs</a>, also seem to play a role by regulating how genes behave. Certain RNAs appear to block signals that cause cells to wear out, which may explain why some older people maintain more youthful biological functions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-microbes-sleep-and-stress-management">Gut microbes, sleep, and stress management </h2>



The <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4290017/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiome</a> in long-lived people tends to look very different from those who age with chronic illness. It often includes higher levels of helpful bacteria like <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41575-022-00631-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Akkermansia muciniphila</a>, which supports gut lining health and reduces inflammation.



Some species in these guts even make compounds that act like natural anti-aging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/leg-balance-is-a-key-indicator-of-healthy-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agents</a>. These microbes thrive on diets rich in fiber, nuts, and fermented foods, suggesting that what we eat really does shape how we age.



People who live longer often manage stress well and sleep deeply. Chronic <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579396/">stress</a> raises cortisol levels, which can damage the brain, weaken the immune system, and speed up aging.



Good sleep habits, especially consistent 7–8 hour nights, help regulate hormones, repair tissues, and support memory. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4067693/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> show that long-lived individuals tend to sleep better and wake more refreshed, even in old age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-food-and-exercise-shape-aging">How food and exercise shape aging</h2>



Many long-lived folks stick to modest workouts, including walking or light strength training. This choice seems linked with better organ function and more stable weight over time.



Eating patterns rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains often support better cholesterol balance. 



Some older adults take in fewer calories, which might help blood sugar management and reduce harmful inflammation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steps-toward-healthy-aging">Steps toward healthy aging</h2>



Some centenarians have surprisingly active immune systems, which helps them fight off infections that typically hit harder with age. One clue is their lower levels of <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3226076/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IL-6</a>, a molecule tied to chronic inflammation and age-related illness.



At the same time, they show higher levels of IL-10 and <a href="https://translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1479-5876-10-183" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TGF-beta</a>, which help calm the immune response and reduce tissue damage. This balance may explain why they avoid or bounce back more easily from disease compared to their peers.



Researchers are exploring ways to encourage healthy aging for everyone. Work continues on approaches to improve metabolic function and slow unwanted immune reactions that lead to disease.



Exports are also testing treatments like metformin to mirror the health benefits often seen in calorie-conscious groups. Ongoing studies promise to improve our ability to delay many age-related challenges.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11684-024-1120-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers of Medicine</a>.



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Healthy aging: How some people live past 100 years

Human aging is a complicated story that involves many moving...

Most of us have laughed uncontrollably when tickled. Yet almost none of us know why. Tickling sits at a strange crossroads - it’s universal, ancient, and deeply familiar, yet still barely understood by science. Socrates and Aristotle debated its meaning.



Charles Darwin believed it could reveal something about laughter and emotion. Even today, neuroscientists are still asking: what is tickling, and why does it matter?



Neuroscientist Konstantina Kilteni from <a href="https://www.ru.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Radboud University</a> believes this question deserves more attention. “Tickling is relatively under-researched,” she noted. To her, this isn't just a gap - it’s an opportunity.



“It is a complex interplay of motor, social, neurological, developmental and evolutionary aspects,” said Kilteni. 



By studying tickling, we may unlock new answers about how the brain develops, how we relate to others, and how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/laughter-may-help-dry-eyes-as-much-as-eye-drops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotions</a> are wired into our skin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-types-of-tickling">Two types of tickling</h2>



Kilteni’s research distinguishes between two kinds of tickling. Knismesis is the light, feather-like sensation. Gargalesis is the intense, laughter-inducing kind from strong, repetitive touches - like fingers on the armpits or soles.



Most studies focus on knismesis. It’s easier to replicate and measure. But gargalesis, the one that causes squirming and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-diamond-dust-reverse-global-warming-and-cool-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laughter</a>, remains neglected. That’s the version Kilteni wants to study closely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-should-we-study-tickling">Why should we study tickling?</h2>



Tickling has implications far beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-of-static-electricity-has-finally-been-solved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laughs</a>. It may explain how we learn to distinguish self from others. This is key to understanding conditions like autism or schizophrenia. It also appears early in life - infants react to tickles by the end of their first year.



Besides humans, gorillas, bonobos, and even rats respond to tickling. That makes it a good subject for evolutionary studies. According to Kilteni, tickling can strengthen the bond between parents and children. But it also offers insight into early brain development.



To study gargalesis, Kilteni created a tickling lab. A subject places their feet through holes in a plate. A mechanical stick delivers a controlled tickle. This lets her track consistent reactions - heart rate, breathing, sweat, and brain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-who-use-humor-have-better-relationships-with-their-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a>.



“By incorporating this method of tickling into a proper experiment, we can take tickling research seriously. Not only will we be able to truly understand tickling, but also our brains.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tickling-and-sensory-processing">Tickling and sensory processing</h2>



Research confirms that individuals with autism often react more strongly to tickling. This might reflect differences in sensory processing or brain wiring. These insights may help develop better sensory therapies and deepen our understanding of the autistic experience.



When you try to tickle yourself, your brain already knows what’s coming. It uses a process called “predictive attenuation” to cancel out the expected sensation. 



As your hand moves, your brain sends motor signals to control it - but it also predicts the resulting touch. Because it can accurately guess the timing, location, and pressure, the brain reduces your sensitivity in advance. This means the tickling sensation doesn’t fully register.



Kilteni highlights this effect to explain why externally generated touches feel more intense and unpredictable. Your brain filters out sensations it can predict, so it can stay alert to unfamiliar or potentially harmful stimuli. 



This internal filtering system is essential for reacting quickly to surprises - like a sudden poke or a crawling insect. It also plays a role in understanding the difference between self and other, which is crucial for social interaction and personal awareness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-evolutionary-mystery">An evolutionary mystery </h2>



Some people can’t stop laughing when tickled. Others barely flinch. This may depend on genetics, skin sensitivity, brain wiring, or even personality traits like extroversion. 



Children are usually more ticklish, possibly because it helps them learn body awareness and humor.



Tickling may have served many roles. One theory says it taught children to protect sensitive body parts. Another sees it as a way to build social bonds. Some scientists say it's just a reflex - like sneezing. But no theory has been proven.



Tickling might even have sexual or emotional dimensions. “Tickle sensations can only be induced by people with whom we have close social relationships,” noted Kilteni. The same touch from a stranger would likely feel unpleasant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-tools-and-ideas-for-future-research">New tools and ideas for future research</h2>



The review proposes three key challenges: defining what tickling really is, recreating it reliably in labs, and mapping its brain mechanisms. 



Kilteni’s solution is to use automated tools like robots or haptic devices. This helps remove human error and makes the tickling consistent.



She also encourages combining physical, emotional, and brain data to better understand the experience. Future work may use imaging techniques to track exactly what happens from skin to brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-still-laughing-still-wondering">Still laughing, still wondering</h2>



From Plato to PET scans, tickling has fascinated thinkers for millennia. Yet it remains one of the least understood sensations.



Thanks to researchers like Kilteni, that may soon change. “We are only at the very beginning of this journey," she said. 



With better tools and clearer definitions, tickling might soon reveal more about emotion, evolution, and how the brain tells self from other.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt0350" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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After centuries of debate, we still don't know how tickling works

Most of us have laughed uncontrollably when tickled. Yet almost...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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.

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



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



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes a new map of Mars that is providing insight into the planet’s watery past. The map also reveals where future missions could safely land on Mars.&nbsp;



The map has been created over the last decade using observations of water-rich rocks and mineral deposits. The images were captured by ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.



"A big surprise is the prevalence of these minerals, with the map revealing hundreds of thousands of water-affected locations in the oldest parts of the planet," says ESA. "The new data will help answer exciting questions about Mars’ climate history, whether water was globally persistent or confined to short, intense episodes, and whether the conditions were ever suitable for life."



"Specifically, the map shows the locations and abundances of aqueous minerals. These are from rocks that have been chemically altered by the action of water in the past, and have typically been transformed into clays and salts."



According to John Carter of the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), our collective understanding of Mars has been oversimplified. He explained that planetary scientists have tended to think that only a few types of clay minerals on Mars were created during its wet period, then as the water gradually dried up, salts were produced across the planet.



The new map shows that the composition of Mars is much more complicated than what we thought. For example, while many salts formed after Martian clays, there are some salts that are presumed to be older than some of the clays.&nbsp;



“The evolution from lots of water to no water is not as clear cut as we thought, the water didn’t just stop overnight. We see a huge diversity of geological contexts, so that no one process or simple timeline can explain the evolution of the mineralogy of Mars. That’s the first result of our study. The second is that if you exclude life processes on Earth, Mars exhibits a diversity of mineralogy in geological settings just as Earth does,” said Carter.



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. 



The experts found that the muscle metabolism of cavefish has been genetically reprogrammed over time. As a result, the animals have experienced major changes in their morphology and behavior. Despite these changes, however, the cavefish remain healthy and fit.



The research may provide new clues about the evolutionary consequences of prolonged physical inactivity in humans.&nbsp;



“It’s no surprise that people are moving less and less as technology has advanced,” said Rohner. “With cavefish, we have a unique system where we can study what might happen if people remained couch potatoes over very, very long periods of time.”



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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.

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> some of the most incredible waves in the world, as seen by Landsat satellites.



"With more than 370,000 miles of coastline on Earth, there are plenty of places where epic waves build up, curl over, and hurtle toward the shore.- much to the thrill of surfers," says NASA. "There are some places where these waves are so magnificent that they can be seen from space."



"With the broad perspective of satellites, we can see how these iconic waves develop into the world’s tallest, longest, fastest, and heaviest."



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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