What we eat is not just about hunger. Meals carry culture, habits, and values. They shape how we see ourselves and how others see us. 



Our diets also shape the world we live in. Animal agriculture drives climate change, damages ecosystems, and raises questions about health and ethics.



Scientists agree that cutting down on meat and dairy is one of the fastest ways to reduce harm. Yet progress is uneven. 



Men, in particular, resist plant-based eating more than women. Why? A new study offers an answer, pointing to masculinity as a hidden driver of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-carb-or-low-fat-food-quality-is-more-important-for-heart-health/">food choices</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-men-resist-dietary-change">Why men resist dietary change</h2>



The research was conducted by teams at the University of Bath, Bryant Research, and the <a href="https://www.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a>. 



The team examined links between gender norms and food. The researchers asked a tough question: how can plant-based diets be marketed to men without clashing with their sense of identity?



“Animal agriculture is key culprit of environmental degradation, public health risks, and animal suffering. Reducing meat and animal product <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-identify-two-key-habits-for-losing-weight-without-dieting-meal-timing/">consumption</a> is widely recognized as an effective way to mitigate these harms," said Dr Annayah Prosser of the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a> School of Management.



"However, men continue to consume more meat than women, are less likely to be vegetarian or vegan, and are more resistant to initiatives that promote reductions in meat consumption.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-masculinity-at-the-table">Masculinity at the table</h2>



The study surveyed over 1,000 men in the UK. The results showed a clear trend: the more men embraced traditional masculine traits, the more meat they ate.



This wasn’t only about taste. Men attached meaning to meat. For many, meat stood for strength, self-reliance, and even cultural pride. Vegetarianism, on the other hand, looked like a threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traits-shaping-men-s-diet">Traits shaping men’s diet</h2>



The researchers measured six traits: avoidance of femininity, emotional restraint, aggression, achievement status, self-reliance, and attitudes toward sex. Not all carried the same weight. Two stood out as the biggest predictors of high meat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/popular-diet-restricting-calories-can-lead-to-mood-emotional-slumps-especially-in-men/">consumption</a>.



“Beyond the well-known link between masculinity and meat, our study identified two masculine norms that may drive this connection: ‘avoidance of femininity’ and ‘achievement status,'" said study lead author Elise Hankins of <a href="https://bryantresearch.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bryant Research</a>.



"Men endorsing these specific norms tended to eat more meat, were more attached to meat and dairy, viewed vegetarianism as a threat to British culture and found meat more masculine."



Hsnkins said that in order to shift men’s diets, the challenge is to address these norms and find ways to work with - not against - men’s identities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-men-s-contradictory-diet-views">Men’s contradictory diet views</h2>



Surveys showed numbers, but conversations told a more complicated story. In online focus groups, men often contradicted themselves.



 Many men insisted gender had nothing to do with their food choices. Minutes later, they described how friends, families, or peers influenced what ended up on their plates.



“Men in our focus groups were conflicted over the role masculinity played in their meat consumption. At first, many men wholly dismissed the role their gender had over their diet, but minutes later they would speak about the vast influences their social network and male peer group had on their menu choices,” said Dr Prosser.



“Researchers understand that eating is a fundamentally social activity, and our research shows that while men may not wish to recognise it overtly, masculinity has a major covert influence on dietary choices.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-problem-of-taste">The problem of taste</h2>



One issue kept coming up: flavor. Men doubted whether plant-based foods could match meat for taste. Many assumed alternatives were bland or unsatisfying.



The researchers argue that changing this perception is vital. If plant-based meals feel indulgent and rich, resistance will fade. Campaigns that spotlight flavor, cooking methods, and satisfaction could make a difference.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthier-diet-could-boost-memory-delay-dementia/">Nutrition</a> also matters. The study showed that men respond strongly to arguments about health, protein, and physical performance.



Marketing that shows plant-based eating as fuel for strength and longevity may resonate more than environmental appeals alone. Fitness-focused stories could make men view plant-based diets as tools for improvement, not sacrifices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messaging-that-works">Messaging that works</h2>



The researchers warn against directly labeling plant-based foods as “manly.” This tactic risks rejection. Subtler connections to performance, adventure, or resilience could work better.



Packaging and labeling also need care. Familiar words like “meaty” can reassure consumers while helping them see these foods as genuine replacements, not poor imitations.



Food choices don’t happen in isolation. Friends, partners, and families play huge roles. Campaigns that work within these networks might succeed where individual-focused messages fail. 



Price is another barrier. Many men feel plant-based products cost too much. Policies that reduce prices or offer incentives could make plant-based meals more competitive with meat and dairy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-shaping-men-s-diet">Culture shaping men’s diet</h2>



The findings show that resistance to plant-based diets isn’t just about food. It’s about identity, culture, and belonging. 



Men’s connection to meat often hides beneath layers of social influence and masculine ideals. To change diets, campaigns must work with these realities, not ignore them.



This study reminds us that the road to sustainability is cultural as much as scientific. Changing habits requires more than statistics on climate or health. It requires understanding the values people attach to what they eat. Only then can a shift toward greener diets gain real momentum.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494425001768?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Environmental Psychology</a>.



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Men face a masculinity barrier to greener diets

What we eat is not just about hunger. Meals carry culture, habits, and values. They shape how we see ourselves and how others see us. Our diets also shape the world we live in. Animal agriculture drives climate change, damages ecosystems, and raises questions about health and ethics. Scientists agree that cutting down on meat and dairy is one of the fastest ways to reduce harm. Yet progress is uneven. Men, in particular, resist plant-based eating more than women. Why? A new study offers an answer, pointing...

High blood pressure drives heart attacks and strokes, yet the routine test that spots it can be surprisingly fragile. Two inches of arm drift are enough to nudge the reading into the danger zone.



A crossover trial at Johns Hopkins now shows that a patient who lets an arm dangle may appear up to 7 millimeters of <a href="https://www.epa.gov/mercury/basic-information-about-mercury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mercury</a> higher than one whose arm rests on the exam‑room desk. 



That difference can tip a person's blood pressure reading from "elevated" into dangerous "stage 2" territory.



<a href="https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/tammy-mc-loughlin-brady/2704889" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tammy Brady</a>, MD, PhD, of the <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine</a>, led the investigation that re‑created three real‑world postures seen in clinics every day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-designed">How the study was designed</h2>



To mimic real checkup conditions, researchers asked each participant to walk for two minutes before every blood pressure reading. Then they rested for five minutes in a quiet room, seated with back and feet supported.



Each person went through four rounds of triplicate measurements using different arm positions. By repeating the desk-supported reading at the end, the team accounted for natural blood pressure shifts over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-blood-pressure-can-fool-us">Why blood pressure can fool us</h2>



Nearly half of U.S. adults live with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db511.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypertension</a>, the persistent elevation of arterial pressure that strains the heart and vessels. 



Clinicians rely on a single snapshot often taken in less than a minute, to decide whether to start lifelong medication.



The study enrolled 133 Baltimore volunteers aged 18 to 80 and rotated them through desk‑support, lap‑rest, and side‑dangling positions. 



Researchers used automated cuffs to remove observer bias and repeated the desk posture at the end to control for natural fluctuations.



Compared with the desk standard, a lap‑supported arm averaged 3.9 mmHg higher <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/systolic-blood-pressure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">systolic</a> and 4 mmHg higher <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/a-look-at-diastolic-blood-pressure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diastolic</a>. An unsupported arm reached 6.5 mmHg and 4.4 mmHg above the baseline for those same numbers.



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



In fast-paced clinics, staff may skip best practices without realizing the consequences. It’s common to see rushed exams where patients hold their own arms or sit on exam tables without support.



These shortcuts might seem minor in the moment, but repeated over time, they add up. Misreadings can creep into charts, shape diagnoses, and affect treatment plans that last for years.



“If you are consistently measuring blood pressure with an unsupported arm, and that gives you an overestimated BP of 6.5 mmHg, that’s a potential difference between a systolic BP of 123 and 130,” warned <a href="https://globalhypertensionathopkins.org/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sherry Liu, M.H.S.</a>, referencing the clinical jump from "elevated" to "stage 1".



The pattern held in younger and older adults, in people with and without <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-childhood-obesity-rate-is-expected-to-soar-by-2050/">obesity</a>, and in those already diagnosed with high pressure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-properly-take-blood-pressure">How to properly take blood pressure</h2>



Desk‑level support keeps the cuff’s mid‑point at mid‑heart height, equalizing hydrostatic pressure along the arteries. 



Drop the arm, and gravity demands a higher force to push blood upward, so the gauge records extra pressure.



The <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/11/09/where-and-how-you-sit-matters-when-getting-blood-pressure-taken-at-the-doctors-office" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Heart Association</a> instructs nurses to seat patients in a backed chair, feet flat, legs uncrossed, and arm resting on a firm surface that aligns with the right atrium.



Even well-trained clinicians don’t always follow textbook guidelines. In busy offices, there’s pressure to move quickly, and details like arm height can get overlooked.



Some providers might think close is good enough, but the research shows that “almost right” still leads to wrong numbers. Unless someone checks posture intentionally, errors can become routine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-at-home-monitors-need-help">At‑home monitors need help</h2>



Millions measure at home, yet many kitchen tables are too low to mimic clinic desks. A pillow under the elbow or sliding the device onto a higher counter can close the gap.



Cuff size matters as well; sleeves that are too narrow can push readings 5 to 10 mmHg higher, a problem affecting about 12 percent of Black Americans with larger <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.124.23473" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arm circumferences</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poor-technique-leads-to-misdiagnosis">Poor technique leads to misdiagnosis</h2>



Even small inaccuracies in readings can have a big impact on a person's health journey. An overestimated result could lead to an incorrect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-blood-pressure-can-be-detected-in-voice-recordings/">hypertension diagnosis</a>, prompting unnecessary prescriptions or anxiety.



On the other hand, a reading that seems only slightly elevated might prevent someone from getting the treatment they actually need. Proper positioning is not just about data quality - it can change real-life decisions and outcomes.



Brady’s team plans to test whether a simple reminder on the device screen: “Rest arm on table” nudges behavior in primary‑care offices. They also want to see whether the error shrinks with wrist cuffs that use built‑in position sensors.



Public‑health specialists hope standard positioning can prevent thousands of unnecessary prescriptions each year, reducing side effects and costs without compromising cardiovascular safety.



The study is published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2824754" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Internal Medicine</a>.



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How you position your arm can alter blood pressure readings, according to scientists

High blood pressure drives heart attacks and strokes, yet the...

Heart disease kills more Americans than any other condition, claiming about 941,652 lives in 2022. That’s nearly one out of every five deaths in the United States.



A new analysis says you can cut that danger in half simply by quickening everyday chores, and it does not require a gym membership. 



<a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/emmanuel-stamatakis.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emmanuel Stamatakis</a> of the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> led the project that quietly tracked more than 24,000 self‑described non‑exercisers with wrist‑worn motion sensors for a week. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everyday-movement-and-heart-disease">Everyday movement and heart disease</h2>



Most people think of exercise as planned workouts, yet the trackers revealed that tiny bursts of motion during routine tasks, from carrying groceries to scrubbing a tub, still raise the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-carb-or-low-fat-food-quality-is-more-important-for-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart rate</a>. 



Each little surge counts toward the 150 minutes of moderate activity that the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> recommends every week.



Researchers call this incidental physical activity (IPA), a catch‑all for movement that happens naturally while living, working, or commuting. 



IPA sidesteps the cost, travel, and time barriers that keep roughly three in five U.S. adults from meeting exercise guidelines.



By contrast, staying seated for long stretches lets blood sugar and blood pressure creep upward, feeding <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease (CVD)</a>. Over time those changes stiffen arteries and invite clots that trigger heart attacks or strokes.



Previous large‑scale work shows that women who combine at least three different household or leisure activities cut CVD risk by forty percent compared with women who stick to only one type of movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-disease-and-movement">Heart disease and movement</h2>



The Sydney team mined data from the <a href="https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Biobank</a>, a massive project linking health records with lifestyle tracking. Participants averaged 62 years old and reported no structured workouts, yet their trackers captured every ten‑second burst of motion.&nbsp;



An artificial‑intelligence model sorted each snippet into light, moderate, or vigorous effort. The scientists then waited almost eight years to see who suffered a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-and-women-have-different-heart-rhythms-and-now-we-know-why/">heart</a> event or died. Hospital records confirmed 908 major cardiac events and 223 cardiovascular deaths in that time.



Crunching the numbers showed an L‑shaped curve: risk plummeted quickly with the first bits of effort, then leveled off. 



Daily totals of just 24 minutes at a moderate clip or 4 to 5 minutes at a vigorous clip predicted roughly fifty percent fewer heart attacks or strokes compared with people who mostly ambled. 



<a href="https://experts.mcmaster.ca/display/gibalam" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martin Gibala</a> of <a href="https://www.mcmaster.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McMaster University</a>, who was not involved, called the work “a solid piece of evidence that even brief bursts matter.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-fast-is-fast-enough">How fast is fast enough</h2>



Moderate intensity means you can talk but not sing, like pushing a vacuum cleaner briskly or climbing stairs with purpose. Vigorous intensity steals your breath so that only a few words fit between gasps.



In practical terms, hurrying up two flights of stairs, hauling laundry in double‑time, or sprint‑walking to the mailbox three or four times a day fills that five‑minute vigorous quota. Those minutes do not need to be consecutive; the study counted them whenever they appeared.



Stamatakis’ group calculated health “exchange rates.” One vigorous minute matched about three moderate minutes or nearly forty‑five light minutes for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-is-worse-for-the-heart-than-cocaine/">heart</a> protection. That conversion helps people who dislike huffing and puffing find an alternative pace and duration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-some-pep-to-your-step">Adding some pep to your step</h2>



Turn a slow sweep into a speed sweep by widening your stance and pushing the broom in long strokes. This bumps effort into the moderate zone without special gear. 



Carry grocery bags one at a time up the driveway and time yourself. A shorter trip each night builds a habit of pacing.



Swap the elevator for the stairs on the way to your apartment or office. The extra sixty seconds of climbing can replace a two‑minute jog later. Gardening can count too. 



Racing the timer while pulling weeds or raking leaves lifts heart rate beyond the comfortable chatting zone. Small tweaks spread through the day avoid sweating through clothes, a leading barrier cited in surveys.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-heart-disease-prevention">Future of heart disease prevention</h2>



IPA does not replace structured workouts, which improve muscle strength, balance, and mental health in ways chores cannot. 



Yet for millions who struggle to meet formal goals, brisk chores close part of the gap and still leave room for weekend hikes or bike rides.



The <a href="https://newsroom.heart.org/news/heart-disease-remains-leading-cause-of-death-as-key-health-risk-factors-continue-to-rise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Heart Association</a> reminds us that eighty percent of cardiac events are preventable through lifestyle choices like diet, activity, and smoking cessation. Quick chores could be the lowest‑cost intervention of them all.



Doctors say the findings dovetail with long‑standing advice to break up sitting with movement. Every hour of desk work should end with a brief spell of standing or walking, and adding intensity multiplies the benefit.



The Biobank cohort was mostly White and middle‑aged, so future studies need to follow diverse younger groups to confirm the effect. 



Scientists also hope to test whether digital nudges, such as phone alerts, can prompt timely bursts of movement.



Meanwhile, public‑health campaigns may soon update guidelines to highlight IPA alongside formal exercise, making the message clearer for busy parents and older adults with mobility concerns.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.072253" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Circulation</a>.



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Changing one thing about this everyday task cuts heart disease risk in half, says a new study

Heart disease kills more Americans than any other condition, claiming...

The human body ages one cell at a time. Most of those cells carry on with their jobs, but a small fraction slip into <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41580-020-00314-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cellular senescence</a>, a dormant state linked to arthritis, diabetes, and memory loss.



Assistant Professor Ippei Yagi and colleagues at <a href="https://www.tmu.ac.jp/english/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tokyo Metropolitan University</a> say they can now spot those problem cells in seconds, and they never touch them with dye, antibodies, or enzymes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-senescent-cells-cause-damage">Senescent cells cause damage</h2>



<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature10600" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senescent cells</a> stop dividing, yet they refuse to die. They pump out proteins that stir up chronic inflammation, helping drive clogged arteries and brittle joints, according to a landmark 2011 Nature paper that removed such cells from mice and delayed several age‑related disorders.



Earlier work showed the same animals regained exercise capacity once the so‑called <a href="https://med.umn.edu/news/defining-zombie-cells" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“zombie” cells</a> were cleared, nudging drug developers toward senolytic compounds that wipe them out. 



Clinical <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10168460/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reviews</a> now count more than a dozen early trials of senolytics like dasatinib and quercetin, though researchers caution that the field still needs larger studies to prove safety and dosing.



Before any pill can be approved, scientists must measure how many senescent cells a tissue holds and watch that number drop during treatment. 



Most labs rely on fluorescent tags that bind to enzymes such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/beta-galactosidase" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">β‑galactosidase</a> or to proteins like p16^INK4a.



Those markers work, yet the staining process can take hours and may alter the very cells under study. High‑throughput screens, tissue biopsies, and regenerative medicine all need a faster, gentler readout.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-fields-reveal-cell-identity">Electric fields reveal cell identity</h2>



Yagi’s team turned to frequency‑modulated dielectrophoresis (<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2717594/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FM‑DEP</a>), a method first described more than two decades ago for sorting live cells with microelectrodes. 



When a non‑uniform alternating electric field washes over a cell, charges inside the membrane rearrange, creating a tiny dipole that moves toward or away from the nearest electrode.



The speed and direction of that motion depend on the field’s frequency. Plot the response curve and a single “cutoff” frequency emerges where the force flips sign.



Every cell type owns its own cutoff, wrote <a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9797-145X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ronald Pethig</a> in a foundational 2010 review of dielectrophoresis. Yagi wondered if aging alone would shift a cell’s electrical fingerprint.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-senescent-cells-flip-earlier">Senescent cells flip earlier</h2>



The group cultured <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10217460/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human dermal fibroblasts</a>, the workhorse cells that knit skin together. Some cultures divided briskly, others were coaxed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organ-aging-can-predict-diseases-decades-in-advance/">senesce</a> by repeated replication until they hit their Hayflick limit.



Applying FM‑DEP, the scientists swept the field from 100 kHz to 20 MHz and tracked each cell’s zig‑zag path under a microscope. Young fibroblasts reversed course near 2.8 MHz, while senescent siblings flipped at roughly 1.9 MHz.



“That 30 percent gap is wide enough to separate populations with a single voltage ramp. FM‑DEP is rapid, easy to apply, and label‑free,” explained Yagi. Because the assay runs in a sealed chip, it keeps the cells healthy for follow‑up experiments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aging-changes-cell-membranes">Aging changes cell membranes</h2>



The shift in cutoff stems from changes in lipid composition. As fibroblasts age, their membranes carry fewer unsaturated fats and pack more cholesterol, thickening the bilayer and slowing charge redistribution.



Those findings dovetail with earlier biochemical studies showing oxidized lipids build up in senescent membranes and stiffen the cell surface. 



The altered dielectric constant caused by aging makes cells respond as if they were slightly larger, even though their physical size hardly changes.



DEP aficionados have used similar shifts to sort stem cells, T cells, and malaria‑infected red blood cells. 



A 2024 microfluidic <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925400524003988" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> even achieved DEP sorting at flow rates 100 times faster than earlier chips, hinting that industrial‑scale purging of senescent cells from stem‑cell grafts may be feasible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-uses-beyond-the-lab">Potential uses beyond the lab</h2>



FM‑DEP could screen senolytic drugs in vitro by counting senescent cells before and after treatment within the same droplet. 



It might also grade the “biological age” of skin samples, tracking how diet, UV exposure, or cosmetics shift membrane profiles over time.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-brittle-star-tissue-could-transform-regenerative-medicine/">Regenerative medicine</a> stands to gain because transplanted stem cells sometimes fall into senescence during expansion. Removing those laggards before implantation could improve wound healing and tissue integration.



Clinicians exploring plasma‑derived therapies or stem‑cell serums also need clean batches free of inflammatory senescent cells. A label‑free sorter that plugs straight into a production line would streamline quality control.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-testing-and-safety-checks">More testing and safety checks</h2>



Yagi’s data come from one fibroblast line, so the next step is to chart cutoff maps for other tissues, including muscle, fat, and neurons. 



Each cell type owns its own membrane recipe, and disease can tweak that recipe long before senescence sets in.



Cross-talk with traditional markers will help validate FM‑DEP. For instance, cells sorted as “young” should show low β‑gal staining and minimal p16^INK4a expression, while those showing signs of aging ought to exhibit the opposite profile.



Researchers also want to know if drugs that rejuvenate <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Mitochondria" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mitochondria</a> or dampen DNA damage can nudge the cutoff back toward youthful values. Such shifts would give pharmacologists a real‑time readout of treatment success.



Finally, safety studies must confirm that high‑frequency fields leave no latent harm. Recent on‑chip DEP reviews suggest the forces used are well within established safety margins for live cells.



The study is published in <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11031132" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IEEE Sensors Journal</a>.



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System that identifies and kills dying cells before they harm you has huge anti-aging potential

The human body ages one cell at a time. Most...

Most of us think of smartwatches as tools to keep tabs on our steps, sleep, or heart rate. But what if these devices could do more than just track wellness habits? What if they could give us a head start on stopping a pandemic before it spreads?



That possibility is closer than it sounds. A study published earlier this year shows that smartwatches can detect subtle signs of illness hours before a person even feels sick. 



Scientists at <a href="https://www.tamu.edu/index.html">Texas A&amp;M University</a> and Stanford University modeled how this kind of early detection could play a major role in slowing, or even stopping, the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 or the flu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smartwatches-sense-symptoms-early">Smartwatches sense symptoms early</h2>



Using a computational model, the research team found that smartwatches could reduce the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-disease-transmission-between-wildlife-and-humans/">disease transmission</a> by nearly 50 percent. Why? These devices can detect physical changes that occur before symptoms appear.



Dr. Martial Ndeffo-Mbah is an assistant professor in the Texas A&amp;M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS), in the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences.



"Even before a person starts showing symptoms of disease, there are physiological changes that happen to their body - like an increase in temperature or a change in sleeping pattern - that are usually too subtle for a person to notice but that can be detected by a smartwatch," he said. 



The key is catching the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-we-quantify-the-risk-of-a-covid-infection/">infection</a> early. If people get alerted by their smartwatch to potential illness, they can isolate, get tested, and reduce the chance of passing the disease to others.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-responding-before-symptoms-hit">Responding before symptoms hit</h2>



People often don’t act until they feel clearly sick - a delay that makes outbreaks harder to control.



"Research on influenza indicates that most people initiate treatment quite late, many days after the onset of symptoms, when they should ideally begin treatment before symptoms begin," said Dr. Ndeffo-Mbah.



"Even in the presymptomatic stage, infected individuals are often contagious; studies have shown that as much as 44% of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-death-toll-of-covid-19-pandemic-revealed/">COVID-19</a> infections were transmitted by presymptomatic individuals."



This delay in action makes it harder to control outbreaks. But smartwatches could change that by detecting symptoms early and making alerts personal and immediate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smartwatches-bring-personal-warnings">Smartwatches bring personal warnings</h2>



Smartwatches could help people take public health guidelines more seriously. By turning early signs of illness into real-time alerts, they make the risk feel immediate, even if you feel fine.



"The protocols for COVID-19 included steps like isolating even after being in contact with someone who is sick, but many people tend to ignore that advice if they don’t feel sick themselves," said Dr. Ndeffo-Mbah.



"With a smartwatch, you could find out in real time - with a high degree of accuracy - if you are starting to get ill, which would hopefully give you a stronger motivation to follow protocols."



Dr. Ndeffo-Mbah noted that while the research focused on two specific respiratory diseases, there is a lot of potential to use smartwatches as a preventative tool for many other illnesses, including RSV. 



"Whenever the immune system responds to infection, there will be physiological changes that a smartwatch could help detect."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smartwatches-fill-testing-gaps">Smartwatches fill testing gaps</h2>



Testing is still critical. It gives people a definitive answer and helps track outbreaks. But smartwatches could help fill a major gap in testing behavior.



"During the COVID-19 pandemic, at-home testing kits became very popular, which is a good thing because they’re a great public health tool," said Dr. Ndeffo-Mbah.



People often use tests only when they feel sick or need to travel, and since they typically test just once, that’s not frequent enough to catch every infection - especially early ones.



"If you can seek treatment early, you may be able to prevent the worst symptoms from occurring, which is particularly important for high-risk and immunocompromised individuals."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wearables-reshape-public-health">Wearables reshape public health</h2>



Getting people to follow health guidelines is never easy. Fatigue, inconvenience, and skepticism often get in the way. 



"If you wake up in the morning and feel a little tired, you’re probably not going to assume that you need to get tested for COVID-19 or the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-flu-may-be-more-harmful-to-the-brain-than-covid/">flu</a>, especially when some of the tests involve nose swabbing and other hassles," said Dr. Ndeffo-Mbah.



Smartwatches may encourage testing and reduce contact before symptoms appear, especially among people missed by traditional methods. The potential is huge, but there’s still work to be done.



"Teams are working on the science and epidemiology side, and developers are working on the technology," he said. "Because there is so much potential good that this technology can do, we are working hard to make sure we get it right."



The future of disease prevention might already be on your wrist. And with the right tools, it could make a difference when it matters most. Pandemics move fast. Smartwatches could help us move faster.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/3/pgaf044/8046445">PNAS Nexus</a>.



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Smartwatches show promise for early disease detection

Most of us think of smartwatches as tools to keep...

Some people believe the moon landing was staged. Others say dinosaurs never existed. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, such conspiracy theories thrive. But what truly drives these beliefs? Is it loneliness, narcissism, or a need to feel special?



A new study from <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> takes a different angle. It shifts the focus from emotional needs to cognitive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-some-people-believe-conspiracy-theories/">misjudgment</a>. The research shows that overconfidence and misperception about social agreement fuel conspiracy thinking. 



People who believe in conspiracy theories are often unaware of how isolated their views really are. They think they’re part of a larger consensus. But in reality, they stand nearly alone.



This mismatch between belief and reality is not only puzzling. It is also dangerous. With the rise of online misinformation, understanding this psychological pattern has never been more urgent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conspiracy-believers-are-very-confident">Conspiracy believers are very confident </h2>



Overconfidence is a key trait of those who hold conspiracy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conversations-with-ai-chatbots-can-reverse-reduce-conspiracy-theory-beliefs/">beliefs</a>. In the Cornell study, the researchers tested participants on numeracy and visual perception. 



Despite performing poorly, conspiracy believers thought they had done well. This wasn't a one-off event. It was consistent across different types of tasks. Participants routinely overestimated their own abilities.



But that wasn’t the most striking finding. These individuals also assumed that others agreed with them. According to the data, conspiracy believers thought they were in the majority 93 percent of the time. In most cases, they weren’t even close.



“This group of people are really miscalibrated from reality,” said Gordon Pennycook, associate professor of psychology. "In many cases, they believe something that very few people agree with. 



"Not only is it something that doesn’t make a lot of sense, based on what we know about the world, but they also have no idea how far out in the fringe they are. They think they are in the majority in most cases, even if they’re in a tiny minority.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-people-believe-conspiracy-theories">Why people believe conspiracy theories</h2>



Past studies often blamed conspiracy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-stars-conspiracy-theory-may-have-been-officially-put-to-rest/">thinking</a> on narcissism or the need to appear unique. This new work paints a more cognitive picture. 



Belief in false ideas doesn’t always arise from intentional bias. Sometimes, it's just poor self-evaluation.



To reach these conclusions, researchers conducted eight separate studies involving 4,181 U.S. adults. Four of the studies focused on individual levels of overconfidence. 



Participants were not just asked to take standard tests. Instead, they engaged in tasks where real performance couldn’t easily influence their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physicists-confirm-the-incredible-existence-of-time-mirrors/">perception</a>. 



In one case, they had to guess images that were heavily obscured, so difficult that they might as well have been guessing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-unmeasurable">Measuring the unmeasurable</h2>



Overconfidence is tricky to measure. People who are least competent are often the least aware of it. 



To bypass this issue, the team created tasks where the outcome was disconnected from actual ability. This allowed them to isolate confidence as a trait, rather than a result of success.



“Participants have little reason to believe that they did well - allowing higher estimated performance to more directly index higher levels of trait overconfidence without being confounded by actual performance,” noted the researchers.



With this method, the team could see a clear pattern. People who held strong conspiracy beliefs were more likely to inflate their test performance. They were also more likely to assume their beliefs were widely shared.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conspiracy-believers-think-most-people-agree">Conspiracy believers think most people agree</h2>



In the next phase of the study, participants were asked about well-known conspiracy theories. 



The theories included claims like the Apollo moon landings being faked, Princess Diana’s death not being accidental, and the idea that dinosaurs never existed.



While these theories have been widely debunked, belief in them persists among some. The key insight was not just in who believed these claims - it was how they perceived the beliefs of others. 



Even when only a small minority shared a belief, those participants thought the majority agreed with them. This gap between actual consensus and perceived consensus is central to the problem.



Overconfident individuals assume that what they believe must be common knowledge. That assumption makes them resistant to correction. If you think most people agree with you, why would you change your mind?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-internet-spreads-belief-in-conspiracies">Internet spreads belief in conspiracies</h2>



The internet has expanded the reach of conspiracy theories. Social media allows fringe ideas to spread quickly and widely. Once isolated views now find instant communities of believers. 



But the issue is deeper than just access to bad information. It’s about how people process that information and how confident they are in their own views.



Pennycook points to the changing information landscape. This “expanded marketplace for conspiracy theories” makes it easier than ever to find validation online, but the underlying overconfidence makes that validation feel unnecessary. People don’t seek opposing views because they don’t think they need to.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-challenge-in-correcting-beliefs">Real challenge in correcting beliefs</h2>



Efforts to counter misinformation often focus on facts. But facts alone may not be enough. If someone is unaware of their own errors, they won’t see the value in correction. This cognitive barrier makes misinformation harder to dislodge.



“The people who most need help distinguishing truth from falsity are the least likely to recognize that they need it," noted the researchers.



This creates a cycle that feeds itself. The more confident someone is in their beliefs, the less they question them. The less they question, the more isolated they become from reality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-the-way-we-talk-about-truth">Rethinking the way we talk about truth</h2>



This research changes how we think about conspiracy theories. It suggests that tackling misinformation requires more than better education or clearer facts. We need to find ways to address overconfidence directly.



Helping people recognize the limits of their own knowledge could be the first step. Only then can they begin to question what they believe and understand how few others might actually agree with them.



The fight against conspiracy thinking might start not with facts, but with humility. And that may be the most difficult challenge of all.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/01461672251338358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin</a>.



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Overconfidence makes conspiracy believers think they're right

Some people believe the moon landing was staged. Others say...

Worldwide, about 2.5 billion adults now carry extra pounds, and nearly 890 million meet the medical definition of obesity, according to the latest <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> fact sheet. 



A fresh analysis from Spain offers a surprisingly straightforward message about meal timing: when you eat may matter as much as what you eat.



<a href="https://www.isglobal.org/en/-/overnight-fast-and-early-breakfast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luciana Pons‑Muzzo</a> of the Barcelona Institute for Global Health <a href="https://www.isglobal.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(ISGlobal)</a> led the five‑year project that tracked more than 7,000 middle‑aged volunteers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meal-timing-matters">Meal timing matters</h2>



The study belongs to the rising field of <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1516940/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chrononutrition</a>, the science of meal timing and its effects on metabolism. Researchers looked beyond calories and food groups to see whether shifting the clock could shift the scale.



They focused on <a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body mass index (BMI)</a>, a ratio of weight to height that clinicians use as a quick screening tool for weight‑related risk. 



Volunteers who regularly ate breakfast before 8:30 a.m. and waited at least twelve hours before the next day’s first bite logged the lowest long‑term BMI.



“Our results … suggest that extending the overnight fast could help maintain a healthy weight,” said Pons‑Muzzo in the team’s summary.



Earlier work agrees. A 2024 systematic <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39485353/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">review</a> of 54 trials found that meal‑timing strategies, especially eating earlier in the day, were consistently linked to modest weight loss and better blood‑sugar control.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-spanish-cohort-revealed">What the Spanish cohort revealed</h2>



Participants logged typical meal times, sleep habits, physical activity and medical history, then repeated the drill five years later. 



The pattern was clear: every hour that breakfast crept later added about 0.3 kg/m² to BMI, while every extra hour of overnight fasting shaved off roughly the same amount.



Women generally scored lower BMIs than men but showed the same timing trend. A small cluster of men who skipped breakfast until after 2 p.m., and often smoked, drank and exercised little, had the highest average BMI.



Importantly, researchers adjusted for diet quality using a Mediterranean‑<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-diets-offer-health-benefits-and-lower-carbon-footprint/">diet</a> score, so the timing effect stood apart from food choice. That finding hints that the body’s internal clocks, not just its calorie ledger, guide weight gain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-meal-timing-syncs-with-body-clocks">How meal timing syncs with body clocks</h2>



Human <a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/circadian-rhythm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">circadian rhythms</a> prime our organs to burn and store energy at specific times. Morning light boosts insulin sensitivity and revs metabolism, while late‑night eating collides with hormonal signals that favor fat storage.



Clinical data back that up. In a 12‑week Chinese <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35443107/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trial</a>, adults on an eight‑hour early eating window lost as much weight as peers on standard calorie restriction, but they did so without counting calories.



Harvard’s Nutrition Source <a href="https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/healthy-weight/diet-reviews/intermittent-fasting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">notes</a> that time‑restricted plans typically trim 7–11 lb over ten weeks, largely because shortening the eating window curbs unplanned snacking. 



When breakfast moves earlier, dinner often follows. That shift stretches the natural overnight fast, letting glucose and insulin settle before sleep and aligning digestion with daylight activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-fasting-fits-in-everyday-life">Where fasting fits in everyday life</h2>



The Spanish team examined one flavor of <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/intermittent-fasting-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intermittent fasting</a>: simply lengthening the no‑food stretch between dinner and breakfast. Volunteers who hit at least 12 hours did best; many managed 13–14 without noticing.



That routine meshes with typical workdays and family meals, unlike alternate‑day fasts or 24‑hour fasts that some find extreme. It also skirts the nutrient gaps that can arise when entire days are skipped.



“This practice has no effect on body weight,” noted <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Camille-Lassale" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Camille Lassale</a>, a senior co‑author, echoing controlled trials showing that later, compressed eating windows can backfire in the long run. She cautioned that skipping breakfast altogether did not help.&nbsp;



For most people, the simplest tactic is to push dinner a bit earlier, say, 6 p.m., and aim for breakfast around 7 a.m. The 13‑hour fast that results is long enough to trigger metabolic benefits yet short enough to fit social life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-meal-timing-habits">Changing meal timing habits</h2>



Meal timing is easy to adjust, but it is not a magic shield. The review found weight loss from timing strategies averaged only 3–4 percent of starting weight, meaningful but modest.



Shift‑workers, parents of infants, and those with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-identify-a-cellular-switch-mitochondria-that-could-reverse-type-2-diabetes/">diabetes</a> should talk with a clinician before stretching fasts, because irregular schedules or medications might require tailored plans.



Scientists still debate how much of the benefit comes from biology versus simple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spicy-foods-can-slow-down-eating-and-cut-calorie-intake/">calorie</a> trimming. Large U.S. trials are under way to test whether early‑time‑restricted eating keeps pounds off for several years and whether it protects the heart.



As Pons‑Muzzo pointed out, firm guidelines must wait for “more robust evidence.” For now, eating breakfast soon after sunrise and closing the kitchen early remain low‑risk steps that line up with how our bodies tick.



The study is published in the <a href="https://ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12966-024-01639-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity</a>.



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Scientists identify two simple routines that will help you lose weight without dieting

Worldwide, about 2.5 billion adults now carry extra pounds, and nearly...

Scientists recently discovered that certain changes in the roots of teeth can reveal whether someone is a current or former smoker. 



This breakthrough came from a team at <a href="https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northumbria University</a>, working alongside scientists from the <a href="https://le.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a>. Their findings could offer powerful tools for both forensic science and archaeology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-teeth-can-tell-us">What teeth can tell us</h2>



Your teeth aren’t just for chewing. They carry a hidden timeline of your life. Teeth are made up of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tooth-enamel-holds-a-record-of-human-health/">enamel</a>, dentine, and cementum. 



<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/cementum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cementum</a> is the hard tissue that coats the tooth’s root, and it grows in layers - similar to the way trees deposit annual growth rings. Every year, a new layer forms.



The research team originally set out to use these cementum rings to estimate a person’s age. That kind of analysis can help identify victims of disasters when DNA samples aren’t available.



“By looking at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-rings-reveal-the-carbon-storage-capacity-of-a-forest/">growth rings</a> in the teeth, we can also estimate a person’s age when the tooth was removed, or when they died,” said Dr. Ed Schwalbe, coauthor and professor in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Northumbria University.



“Together, this information could help identify unknown individuals - such as disaster victims or those buried in mass graves - and offer new tools for forensic and historical investigations,” he confirmed.



But they also found something unexpected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoking-marks-teeth-as-well">Smoking marks teeth as well</h2>



They examined 88 teeth from both living dental patients and archaeological remains. In many cases, the cementum rings weren’t smooth and regular. Some had disruptions - changes in thickness or shape that didn’t line up with the typical growth pattern.



They looked more closely. These disruptions weren’t random. They were consistently found in the teeth of people who smoked or used to smoke.



“Our research shows that it’s possible to tell if someone was a smoker just by examining their teeth,” said Dr. Schwalbe. 



“We found that the regular annual deposition of rings was disrupted for some individuals and realised that these disruptions were associated with current or ex-smokers, but were very rare in non-smokers.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoking-s-undeniable-signature-in-teeth">Smoking's undeniable signature in teeth</h2>



In teeth from former <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smokers-have-weaker-hearts-that-pump-less-blood/">smokers</a>, the team saw thick layers of cementum built up over disrupted rings. They believe that when someone quits <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quitting-smoking-at-any-age-brings-big-and-immediate-health-benefits/">smoking</a>, the cementum begins to return to a normal growth pattern, forming denser layers on top of the older, damaged ones. 



That may explain why ex-smokers’ teeth showed thicker cementum than was found in the teeth of current smokers.



The numbers were striking. Disrupted cementum appeared in 70% of ex-smokers and 33% of current smokers - but in only 3% of people who had never smoked.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/smoking_teeth-stains-damage_cementum-rings_credit-NorthumbriaU_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/smoking_teeth-stains-damage_cementum-rings_credit-NorthumbriaU_1s.webp" alt="Example of smoking damage in an archaeological tooth. The magnified image shows variations in the tooth's cementum rings from smoking. Credit: Northumbria University" class="wp-image-1975125"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Example of smoking damage in an archaeological tooth. The magnified image shows variations in the tooth's cementum rings from smoking. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Northumbria University</figcaption></figure>



“We compared the cemental deposition of smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers visually and statistically to identify irregularities that were potentially connected to smoking activity,” said Dr. Valentina Perrone, lead author on the study. 



“We found that individuals with a history of smoking - whether as a current or former smoker – were significantly more likely to have disruption to their cementum than those who did not."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quitting-doesn-t-remove-smoking-markers">Quitting doesn't remove smoking markers</h2>



The study included 46 living participants who needed teeth extracted as part of routine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brushing-your-teeth-regularly-can-prevent-deadly-liver-disease/">dental care</a>. In one standout case, a participant’s tooth showed damage estimated to have occurred between the ages of 22 and 41.



When the researchers reviewed the patient’s history, they found that the individual, who was aged 58 at the time, had smoked between the ages of 28 and 38.



That matched the evidence exactly.



“Smoking is known to have a systemic impact on the body and numerous studies have highlighted the correlation between smoking, <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">periodontitis</a> and tooth loss,” Dr Perrone added. 



“This study shows, for the first time, the biological record of smoking-related oral health damage within the dental structure.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-echoes-from-past-centuries">Echoes from past centuries</h2>



To test whether these markers of smoking could be found in much older remains, the team worked with Dr. Sarah Inskip, UKRI Fellow at the University of Leicester’s School of Archaeology and Ancient History. They examined 18 archaeological teeth dating from between 1776 and 1890.



Some of these teeth came from individuals known to have smoked. Signs included discoloration and even physical notches worn into the teeth by clay pipes.



Even after centuries underground, the cementum in those teeth still bore the same disruption patterns as found in the teeth of modern smokers.



“This could help us learn more about people’s lifestyles in the past, especially in archaeological studies where patterns of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tobacco-bans-could-help-prevent-1-2-million-lung-cancer-deaths/">tobacco</a> use can reveal important cultural insights,” said Dr. Schwalbe.



“The identification of 'smoking damage' in archaeological teeth opens up further avenues to understand how the long-term consumption of tobacco in populations has affected our health through time,” Dr. Inskip added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-teeth-don-t-lie">Your teeth don’t lie</h2>



These findings show that even if someone quits smoking, their teeth may carry the evidence for life. 



That insight has major implications - not just for understanding personal health histories, but for reconstructing the lives of people long gone.



The next time you smile, remember that your teeth are holding a history of some of your lifestyle choices.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0323812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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Smoking leaves permanent traces in teeth deep below the surface - a new forensic

Scientists recently discovered that certain changes in the roots of...

Ever found yourself glued to a playground spat, wondering what started it? You’re not alone. This common habit reflects our natural social curiosity, a deeply rooted instinct we share with chimpanzees.



A new cross-species study shows both children and chimpanzees enjoy watching <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-pressure-alters-how-you-make-decisions/">social</a> scenes more than solo performances, even when there’s something to lose.



Researchers found that curiosity about social life isn’t uniquely human. It likely helped our species build trust, choose allies, and survive in group settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-minds-and-social-curiosity">Young minds and social curiosity</h2>



The study tested 94 children aged 4 to 6 and 27 chimpanzees living at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. 



The researchers used two boxes, each showing a video: one with a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-pressure-is-straining-teen-friendships/">social</a> interaction (like grooming, playing, or arguing), and another with an individual acting alone. Both kids and chimps spent more time with the social videos.



Statistical models showed strong effects. Chimpanzees watched social videos an average of 6.97 seconds, compared to 4.19 seconds for nonsocial ones. 



Kids showed an even stronger pattern, watching social videos for about 14 seconds versus just under 10 for the nonsocial ones.



Study lead author Dr. Laura Simone Lewis is an expert in developmental and evolutionary psychology at the <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California in Santa Barbara</a>.



“After years of observing both children and chimpanzees sometimes jumping up in the middle of research games to observe their peers, the research team was inspired to pursue a new social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-activity-may-delay-the-onset-of-dementia-by-years/">avenue</a> in the blossoming field of curiosity research,” noted Dr. Lewis. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-info-over-rewards">Social info over rewards</h2>



The second experiment tested if participants would pay a cost for curiosity. For chimps, that meant giving up jackfruit seeds. For kids, it meant skipping a chance to earn marbles. Some, especially younger kids and male chimps, chose the social videos over the rewards.



The study showed 4-year-old children stayed longer at the video box in the social condition, while older children preferred the reward. Male chimps spent over 7.6 seconds watching the social video, significantly more than in the no-info condition.



“These findings mean social curiosity emerges early in human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/">development</a> and is shared with one of our closest living cousins, the chimpanzees,” said Dr. Lewis. 



“Our strong interest in the lives of others, think gossip magazines and celebrity shows, seems to have deep evolutionary roots in our great ape lineage.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-negative-or-positive-age-and-gender-matter">Negative or positive? Age and gender matter</h2>



In the third experiment, researchers tested interest in positive versus negative social content. Positive videos showed playing and grooming. Negative ones featured arguments or crying.



Chimpanzees didn’t care much either way. But in children, patterns emerged with age and gender. 



Younger boys watched more positive interactions. Older boys preferred negative ones. Girls, by contrast, leaned more toward positive content as they aged.



“This study tells us that curiosity about what others are doing, what you might call being a bit nosey, starts young and runs deep," noted study co-author Dr. Esther Herrmann.



"It’s probably something that helps not only us but also our closest living relatives to survive and thrive in complex social groups."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-curiosity-helps-us-survive">Social curiosity helps us survive</h2>



Social curiosity has clear benefits. It helps identify allies, threats, and opportunities without risk. Watching others helps us learn who to trust, what behaviors lead to success, and how relationships shift.



Children and chimps weren’t just seeking stimulation. They were seeking information. One possible reason is that a video with two agents contains more data than a solo video. Observers learn about both individuals and their relationship.



The study also suggests that male chimps may be more attentive to conflicts because they initiate the majority of them in the wild. Female chimps, who generally avoid conflict, showed less interest in aggressive videos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-comes-next">What comes next?</h2>



The researchers suggest testing curiosity across different cultures, ages, and other great apes like bonobos or orangutans. 



Future work could explore how social roles, friendships, or dominance influence curiosity. Larger samples of young chimpanzees could also help compare developmental trajectories.



Curiosity is a tool that helps us build friendships, avoid danger, and understand the social web we live in. Whether at a zoo or on a playground, curiosity serves the same goal: making sense of the world through others.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.2242" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Social curiosity starts young and helps us survive

Ever found yourself glued to a playground spat, wondering what...

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...

As birth rates continue to decline across the United States, a new study reveals a key insight. About half of women who say they want children aren't confident they'll actually have them.



That uncertainty, researchers say, shows how complex and personal the decision to have kids has become.



The study was conducted by scientists at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/">The Ohio State University</a> and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wanting-children-vs-having-them">Wanting children vs. having them</h2>



The research team analyzed data from the National Survey of Family Growth, which surveyed 41,492 women aged 15 to 44 between 2002 and 2019. 



The survey, managed by the National Center for Health Statistics, asked a wide range of questions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-current-fertility-rate-isnt-enough-for-human-survival/">fertility</a> intentions, plans, and attitudes. What stood out was the lack of certainty, even among those who expressed a desire to become parents.



“People’s feelings about having children are complicated, and we found there are a lot of nuances. It suggests that there is no simple answer to the declining birth rate in the United States," noted study co-author Professor Sarah Hayford.



Over the years studied, the proportion of women saying they intended to have children remained fairly stable - about 62%. About 35% said they didn’t intend to, and only a small fraction were unsure. 



But among the women who did intend to have children, nearly half said they were only “somewhat sure” or “not at all sure” they would actually follow through.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confidence-is-falling">Confidence is falling</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fluctuating-income-is-detrimental-to-health/">Income</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/education-and-lifespan-college-graduates-live-an-average-of-11-years-longer/">education</a> had some influence. Women with higher education and income were more likely to say they were “very sure” they’d have children. Still, even in that group, certainty dropped. 



Among college-educated women who said they were “very sure” they would have children, the percentage fell from 65% in 2014 to 54% in 2018. And certainty wasn’t the only issue.



The intensity of the desire mattered too. Up to 25% of childless women who said they wanted kids also said they wouldn’t be particularly bothered if they didn’t have them.



“This not being bothered was especially high among younger women, and it increased over time among those who were younger,” Hayford said. 



“They are open to different pathways and different kinds of lives. If they don’t become parents for whatever reason, it doesn’t seem that upsetting to many of them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-surprising-cause-of-uncertainty">The surprising cause of uncertainty </h2>



One common theory is that young people today are hesitant to have kids because they’re unsure about the future - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-takes-a-major-toll-on-childrens-health/">climate change</a>, political instability, the cost of living. But a related study suggests that might not be the main factor.



In collaboration with Karen Benjamin Guzzo of UNC Chapel Hill, Professor Hayford analyzed survey data from the American Trends Panel. That survey asked 3,696 people about their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creativity-improves-life-satisfaction-and-overall-well-being/">life satisfaction</a> and concerns for the future.



Instead of being influenced by big-picture issues, people’s decisions about having children seemed to hinge more on their own personal happiness and stability.



“It was a bit of a surprise to us, but it was only their personal situation that mattered to whether they expected to have children,” Hayford said. “It wasn’t so much what was going on in society that predicted their fertility goals.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-views-about-wanting-children">Changing views about wanting children </h2>



The U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-fertility-rates-are-quickly-declining-and-little-is-being-done-about-it/">fertility rate</a> peaked at 2.12 children per woman in 2007. Since then, it has steadily fallen, reaching 1.62 in 2023. That drop has sparked concern and debate about what’s behind it - and what it means for the country’s future.



But the findings from this research suggest there’s no simple fix. People still express a desire to have children, but uncertainty and ambivalence are more common than ever.



“On the one hand there is a lot of latent desire and intentions to have children. But people have a lot of uncertainty about whether they will meet those goals, and many don’t seem to worry that much if they do or don’t have children,” Hayford said.



“It is hard to predict what will happen next.”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://genus.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41118-025-00251-6">Genus</a>.



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Half of women who want children aren't sure they'll have them

As birth rates continue to decline across the United States,...

Most people hear “histamine” and think of allergy symptoms - stuffy noses, watery eyes, and sneezing fits. But histamine does a lot more than trigger hay fever. It turns out this tiny molecule may play a big role in how our bodies respond to exercise.



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.uoregon.edu/">University of Oregon</a> have demonstrated that blocking histamine during workouts can seriously blunt fitness gains.



In a recent study, the team found that people taking high doses of antihistamines before exercise improved only half as much as those who didn’t take allergy medication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-histamine-isn-t-just-about-allergies">Histamine isn’t just about allergies</h2>



Histamine has been around for a long time - it’s found in everything from single-celled organisms to humans. In all these forms of life, it helps respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/">stress</a>.



“In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/outdoor-exercise-amplifies-physical-and-mental-health-benefits/">exercise</a>, it actually seems to be playing a very similar role of facilitating our adaptation to stress,” said study co-author John Halliwill, a professor of human physiology.



In humans, histamine is part of the immune system. When the body senses something harmful - like pollen - immune cells called mast cells release histamine. This sends a signal to create inflammation in the area, which can help fight off the threat. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-allergy-medication-prevents-exercise-gains">Allergy medication prevents exercise gains</h2>



The same mechanism causes allergy symptoms, and that’s why drugs like Claritin or Zyrtec, which block histamine, are used to treat them.



But inflammation isn’t always bad. In fact, it’s part of how muscles grow stronger after exercise. When you work out, you cause tiny amounts of damage to your muscles. The body repairs that damage, and in doing so, it builds new muscle tissue.



In this new study, researchers showed that when histamine was blocked during exercise, this repair-and-growth process didn’t work nearly as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-training-gains-cut-in-half">Training gains cut in half</h2>



The study tracked 16 men and women over six weeks. Everyone followed the same cycling routine: three to four sessions per week on stationary bikes. But there was one key difference.



Half of the participants were given high doses of antihistamines before each workout. The other half received a placebo.



By the end of the study, those in the placebo group had nearly twice the workout gains compared to those taking allergy medication. Their blood flow also improved more. That’s a sign that their bodies were adapting better to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evening-workouts-are-best-for-blood-sugar-control/">workouts</a>.



What didn’t change much between the groups was VO2 max - the maximum amount of oxygen a person can use during exercise. That’s often considered a gold standard for measuring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fitness-is-far-more-important-than-weight-for-living-a-healthy-life/">aerobic fitness</a>. 



However, the researchers noted that this finding may not be reliable because the study group was small or because six weeks wasn’t long enough to see those kinds of changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-between-histamine-and-exercise">Link between histamine and exercise</h2>



The connection between histamine and exercise isn’t brand new. Scientists first started suspecting a link in the 1970s. But the idea was largely ignored until recently.



Now, researchers are starting to understand the details. It seems to begin with mast cells - the same ones involved in allergy responses - which are spread throughout skeletal muscles. 



When muscles are working hard, those cells release histamine. It’s still unclear what exactly sets them off.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-histamine-does-in-the-body">What histamine does in the body</h2>



Histamine helps dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the muscle. And even after the workout ends, histamine keeps working. 



It triggers an immune response that brings inflammation to the muscle - the kind that helps it recover and grow stronger.



“We've got a whole village of cell types that are turning on programs to remodel and restructure and improve the function of the skeletal muscle-organ system,” Halliwill said. “Mast cells and the histamine that they release are a major coordinator of all those cell types.”



Histamine also affects genes. During exercise, it amplifies the expression of thousands of genes that help muscles rebuild and adapt. 



When histamine is blocked, that gene response is muted. Fewer new proteins get made. That means less recovery, less muscle adaptation, and ultimately, smaller gains in fitness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-allergy-medication-and-exercise-impact">Allergy medication and exercise impact</h2>



This isn’t the first study to raise questions about allergy medication and exercise. Another research team, working separately, found a similar result when they looked at high-intensity interval training. 



Professor Halliwill said both sets of findings point in the same direction: blocking histamine seems to reduce how much your body benefits from aerobic exercise - whether that’s biking, running, or swimming.



But that doesn’t mean you need to stop taking allergy medication. Halliwill made it clear that the doses used in this study were far higher than what you’d get from an over-the-counter drug like Claritin.



More research is needed to know whether low daily doses of allergy medication have any real effect on fitness. For now, the safest move is to stay informed and wait for more evidence.



If you’re training for an event or chasing personal bests, it might be worth talking with a doctor or trainer about how your meds could factor in. But there’s no need to panic over your allergy pills - at least not yet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00687.2024">Journal of Applied Physiology</a>.



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Allergy medication may be sabotaging your exercise gains

Most people hear “histamine” and think of allergy symptoms -...

Small shifts in two proteins that doctors usually watch for silent heart damage might also warn of cancer years before symptoms start. 



A UCLA‑led team found that people with slightly higher blood levels of <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3627711/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high‑sensitivity cardiac troponin T</a> and N‑terminal pro‑B‑type natriuretic peptide faced more cancers over nearly 18 years.



“These biomarkers are already well‑known indicators of cardiovascular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-cancer-cells-have-a-molecular-switch-that-could-be-rewired-to-behave-normally/">risk</a>, but our findings suggest their predictive power may reach well beyond heart disease,” explained Dr. Xinjiang Cai of <a href="https://www.uclahealth.org/">UCLA Health</a> who led the analysis. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-stress-and-cancer-biology">Heart stress and cancer biology</h2>



The idea is not entirely surprising, because <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9328284" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiac biomarkers</a> sit at the crossroads of inflammation, metabolism, and vascular stress, the same biological corridors where many tumors begin.



High‑sensitivity cardiac troponin T signals tiny leaks of protein from distressed heart muscle, while N‑terminal pro‑B‑type natriuretic peptide rises when the heart stretches under pressure. 



Both markers also climb with age, smoking, diabetes, and obesity, well‑known hazards for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-scientist-discovers-that-common-non-cancer-drugs-when-combined-can-kill-cancer-cells/">cancer</a> and heart disease.



That overlap led several groups to ask whether one prick of blood could reveal danger in two organs at once. 



Inflammatory cells release <a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/immunotherapy/cytokines.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cytokines</a> that damage heart tissue and help tumors gather blood supply, so a marker that senses one process naturally flags the other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-signs-of-cancer-in-the-blood">Early signs of cancer in the blood</h2>



The <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772963X25003047" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Multi‑Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis</a> followed 6,244 adults from six U.S. cities for a median 17.8 years. 



Participants entered the study free of diagnosed heart disease or cancer, yet those with troponin levels above 8.8 nanograms per liter developed roughly three times more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-lifetime-cancer-risk-may-be-established-before-we-are-born/">cancers</a> than peers whose values sat below the lab’s detection limit.



People whose <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39882725/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NT‑proBNP readings</a> exceeded 102.9 nanograms per liter showed double the cancer incidence compared with participants in the lowest quartile. 



Elevated troponin and NT‑proBNP each tracked most strongly with colorectal tumors, while NT‑proBNP alone pointed to future lung cancers, echoing hospital studies that link the peptide to advanced lung lesions.



Among 820 cancer cases recorded, prostate tumors ranked first overall, but the troponin and natriuretic signals did not predict breast or prostate cancer, underscoring organ‑specific biology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-results-on-cancer-prediction">Mixed results on cancer prediction</h2>



Earlier population <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33870217" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> laid some of the groundwork but painted a mixed picture. <a href="https://umcgresearch.org/w/prevend" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Dutch PREVEND trial</a> connected both biomarkers with later cancer, whereas a combined analysis with the <a href="https://www.framinghamheartstudy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Framingham Heart Study</a> found only natriuretic peptides mattered.



MESA’s multiethnic design and tight lab protocols bring fresh weight, because the trends did not budge across Black, Hispanic, Asian, and White volunteers. 



Even after nearly two decades of follow‑up, the link between NT‑proBNP and cancer weakened but never disappeared, hinting at complex time windows when warning signs are sharpest.



The contradiction underscores how assay choice, population age, and follow‑up time can sway results, a reminder that biomarker science thrives on replication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-protein-markers-in-cancer-growth">Heart protein markers in cancer growth</h2>



NT‑proBNP may foreshadow lung nodules because chronic airway inflammation and vessel strain push both lungs and heart to release stress signals that spill into blood. 



A clinical <a href="https://www.monaldi-archives.org/macd/article/view/3174" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> found NT‑proBNP levels tracked tumor stage and spread in people newly diagnosed with lung cancer. <a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/ask-the-experts/troponin">Troponin</a>, meanwhile, tells a different story in the colon.



Laboratory <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10363310" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> has detected cardiac troponin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-could-face-an-84-increase-in-cancer-cases-by-2050/">genes</a> switched on inside colorectal tumors and shown that blocking troponin T slows cancer cell growth. 



Future bench studies will test whether trimming troponin expression in intestinal cells alters polyp formation in mice, a step toward causation rather than correlation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proteins-for-cancer-screening">Proteins for cancer screening</h2>



The clinical takeaway is not that everyone should add troponin and NT‑proBNP to annual physical panels tomorrow. Doctors already use these tests to judge chest pain and heart failure, yet the values vary with age and kidney function, and no cancer society has endorsed the proteins for screening.



Still, the markers could enrich risk algorithms that combine personal history, imaging, and other blood tests, much like cholesterol scores guide statin decisions. 



Adding these proteins to electronic health records might also help researchers run targeted recall projects, inviting high‑risk volunteers for colonoscopy or low‑dose chest CT, while each test costs roughly 20 dollars in most U.S. labs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-and-future-research-steps">Limitations and future research steps</h2>



Limitations include the use of hospital records to flag cancers, which may miss cases diagnosed only in outpatient clinics and thus dilute some associations. 



Shared exposures such as tobacco use, sedentary time, and excess weight skew both markers upward, yet careful statistical work still found independent ties to cancer, hinting at deeper biology.



The study leaves open whether treating silent heart strain would lower a person’s odds of cancer, and trials that pair lifestyle coaching or blood‑pressure drugs with serial biomarker checks could answer that question.



Cai’s group is already sharing data with European cohorts to test the pattern abroad and hopes blood banks created for pandemic studies will speed replication. 



Watching two familiar heart numbers may soon widen the lens and spot cancers before they take root.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772963X25003047?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Advances</a>.



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Scientists invent blood test that predicts cancer years before symptoms show

Small shifts in two proteins that doctors usually watch for...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.



This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.



Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.



The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators. Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas. These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.



Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.



Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.



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



385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.



The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.



Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."



This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.



Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet Archaeopteris: the first modern tree</h2>



The star of this ancient forest is Archaeopteris – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.



William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.



Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified Eospermatopteris, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.



All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.



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



Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.



Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."



The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.



Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.



Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.



These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.



The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



-----



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

Fresh,Radish,Harvest,On,Soil,In,Garden.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
</div></figure>







Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving fall garden, and this guide lays out the best vegetables and herbs to plant now for a fruitful autumn harvest. 



Fast-growing leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, and arugula perform especially well in the waning summer heat, with harvests beginning as soon as 30 days. 



These cool-season crops relish the transition into fall, offering repeated yields with cut-and-come-again methods.



Root vegetables like radishes, carrots, and beets also excel during this period. Radishes deliver satisfaction in under a month, while carrots and beets mature in about two months. Employing succession planting ensures a continuous stream of produce deep into the cooler months. 



For a boost of fresh flavor, herbs like cilantro, basil, dill, and chervil are excellent picks. These heat-loving varieties flourish in July’s warmth and are harvest-ready in about 30 days, especially when sown continuously.



Gardeners in zones 6 through 9 can benefit from planting bush beans and snap peas, which don’t require trellising and are ideal for compact plots. 



Maturing in 50–60 days, they’re a smart choice for quick, protein-rich harvests. For those in hotter regions, heat-tolerant crops such as okra and southern peas provide reliable yields and thrive in scorching conditions.



This guide emphasizes more than crop selection—it highlights the importance of timing, soil preparation, and ongoing sowing techniques. 



With thoughtful planning and attention to regional climate needs, even late-summer gardeners can enjoy fresh salads, hearty stews, and the satisfaction of a robust, homegrown harvest well into fall.



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving...

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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.

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" 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> 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



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.

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



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.

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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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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



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 Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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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



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.

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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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