Happy,Woman,Watching,Movie,And,Eating,Popcorn,At,Night,At

We all know the pull of one more episode. Streaming services make it easy to keep watching, and though it often feels like a guilty pleasure, new research suggests it may not be entirely bad.



A study from the University of Georgia (<a href="https://www.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UGA</a>) highlights that binge-watching or marathon reading can actually strengthen how we remember stories. 



These memories may not vanish once the credits roll but instead linger in our minds, shaping imagination and reflection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-binge-watching-strengthens-memory">Binge watching strengthens memory</h2>



The research connects this phenomenon to something called <a href="https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/34268/chapter-abstract/290548954?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">retrospective imaginative involvement</a>, or RII. It refers to how people continue to think about characters and events after finishing a story.



Rather than ending with the last chapter or episode, stories are reconstructed, expanded, and sometimes even altered in imagination.



“Humans are storytelling creatures. One of the functions of narratives is the ability to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-use-increases-smoking-vaping-risks-among-youth/">satisfy motivations</a> for things like connecting with other people, feeling autonomous and confident, and even security and safety. Stories have characters that fulfill these roles, and we can satisfy those needs through them,” noted Joshua Baldwin, lead author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-and-imagination">Memory and imagination</h2>



The study shows that people who binge-watch are more likely to engage with stories later, carrying them into daydreams. 



Consecutive viewing appears to help audiences create richer mental models of characters and worlds, which makes these stories more accessible in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-shape-what-goes-viral-on-social-media/">memory</a>.



By consuming content in longer stretches, viewers weave tighter connections across episodes and character arcs, allowing subtle details to resonate more clearly.



This means binging may support stronger recall in the short term, even if some details fade over time. 



More importantly, it keeps the emotional and thematic essence alive, which is what fuels imagination and encourages people to revisit stories in new, creative ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-people-binge-watch">Why people binge watch</h2>



The reason behind a person's binge-watching habits also matters. Some are drawn to stories to escape stress, while others seek to expand their sense of self through new perspectives.



The Temporarily Expanding Boundaries of the Self (<a href="https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/34268/chapter-abstract/290539200?redirectedFrom=fulltext">TE</a><a href="https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/34268/chapter-abstract/290539200" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">B</a><a href="https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/34268/chapter-abstract/290539200?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OTS</a>) model suggests narratives allow people to step outside daily limits and experience autonomy, competence, and connection in imagined worlds.



Escapism-driven viewing, on the other hand, gives relief by pushing aside everyday stress. 



The study found both motivations can lead to retrospective imagination, though expansion motives appear more powerful in creating long-lasting engagement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enjoyment-versus-appreciation">Enjoyment versus appreciation</h2>



Not all stories affect memory the same way. Lighter tales that are fun and easy to watch often spark simple recollections. 



By contrast, appreciated stories (those that feel deep, moving, or even bittersweet) encourage people to reimagine, expand, and reshape them.



These more reflective narratives are especially likely to trigger dynamic forms of imagination, such as changing events or exploring hidden backstories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-and-leisure-time">Stress and leisure time</h2>



Stress does not influence story recall in a simple way. When stress is low or moderate, imagination can act as a relief, giving people a way to unwind and mentally process experiences. In these cases, stories serve as a calming outlet.



However, when stress levels rise too high, the brain becomes overloaded, leaving fewer mental resources available for remembering or reflecting on narratives. 



Instead of nurturing imagination, the mind directs energy toward coping with immediate pressures.



Leisure time changes the picture. When people have free, relaxed moments, their minds are more open to revisiting favorite stories. 



These quiet breaks - during a walk, while chatting, or simply reflecting - create mental space for narratives to return, grow, and shape daydreams.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-binge-watching-can-support-coping">Binge watching can support coping</h2>



Binge-watching has often been criticized for harming sleep and well-being. But this research suggests the picture is more nuanced. 



For some, it builds mental models that last well beyond the show itself. These memories and imagined extensions may even help people cope with challenges, making stories an ongoing psychological resource.



“People who have that habit of binge-watching shows often aren’t doing it passively but are actually actively thinking about it afterwards. They’re very much wanting to engage with stories, even when they’re not around to watch shows,” Baldwin explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stories-live-on-beyond-the-screen">Stories live on beyond the screen</h2>



Most people think bingeing means wasting hours in front of a screen. But the study shows it can be much more than that. 



When you get lost in a story, the characters and emotions often tag along even after you stop watching. Sometimes they reappear in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-dogs-binge-watch-television-everyday/">daydreams</a>, other times in quiet reflections when your mind drifts.



This habit doesn’t just strengthen memory. It can stir creativity, spark imagination, and even help people make sense of their own lives. 



Stories can offer comfort, connection, or a fresh perspective - things we all need from time to time. That’s why they rarely end with the credits. Instead, they linger in our thoughts, shaping how we dream, reflect, and connect with the world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001691825004147?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Acta Psychologica</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Why binge-watching TV shows may actually be good for your mind

We all know the pull of one more episode. Streaming services make it easy to keep watching, and though it often feels like a guilty pleasure, new research suggests it may not be entirely bad. A study from the University of Georgia (UGA) highlights that binge-watching or marathon reading can actually strengthen how we remember stories. These memories may not vanish once the credits roll but instead linger in our minds, shaping imagination and reflection. Binge watching strengthens memory The research connects this phenomenon to something called...

Young,Friends,Having,Barbecue,Picnic,In,The,Nature,,Playing,Guitar,

People who lead more varied social lives tend to perceive their days as a sequence of distinct moments, whereas more isolated people experience time as a single, undifferentiated stretch. 



The new findings suggest that richer social routines are linked to finer “event segmentation,” a basic process the brain uses to turn the stream of life into manageable chunks.



Researchers at <a href="https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Holloway, University of London</a>, tested this idea with a movie-watching experiment and linked the results to measures of everyday variety. 



The study asked 157 young adults to press a button whenever one meaningful moment ended and another began while viewing Alfred Hitchcock’s suspenseful short, Bang! You’re Dead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-life-into-moments">Breaking life into moments</h2>



Participants who reported greater experiential diversity - especially in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survival-of-the-friendliest-social-animals-live-longer/">social lives</a> - marked more boundaries, indicating a finer-grained parsing of experience. The association held even after accounting for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/practicing-mindfulness-can-quiet-the-noise-of-anxiety/">anxiety</a>, loneliness, and socioeconomic factors.



As our senses take in continuous information, the brain creates “events” so we can remember, plan, and navigate. Event boundaries typically arrive when something important changes: a goal, a place, a character, or an emotion.



People differ in how finely they set those boundaries. The new study shows those differences track with the variety of life outside the lab - and most strongly with social variety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watching-hitchcock-for-science">Watching Hitchcock for science</h2>



Volunteers watched an eight-minute cut of the Hitchcock film and tapped an on-screen button whenever a meaningful unit ended and a new one began. That simple number - how many boundaries each person perceived - was the key measure.



Separately, participants reported the diversity of their recent social interactions (who they met and how they met them) and the complexity of their recent spatial routines (rooms and places visited, local exploration).



Only the social side consistently predicted finer segmentation. In statistical terms, total experiential diversity correlated with boundary frequency. Social diversity - not spatial diversity - accounted for unique variance when both were considered together.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-life-make-the-difference">Social life make the difference</h2>



The study found that people who had more assorted experiences identified more event boundaries, and their brains were able to consume this and know when one event started and ended.



“This suggests that living a fuller and more varied social life trains our brains to pick up more information around us, and helps to collate the information in a quicker, more digestible way," said lead author Carl Hodgetts from the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway.



“It’s not just about traveling to different places, or taking a different route to work each day, but connecting with a wide range of people, which helps us to understand what is happening in our world.”



This pattern fits a broader picture. Social contexts are complex and fast-changing, so frequent engagement may tune the<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-the-human-brain-create-retrieve-memories-engram-cells-connections/"> brain</a> to notice meaningful shifts. 



These shifts include who’s present, what they intend, and how they feel - and the brain may catch them more quickly and more often.



The team also found that the link between social variety and segmentation was stronger in participants with higher trait anxiety. This suggests that heightened sensitivity to social-emotional cues can amplify the effect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-memory-to-well-being">From memory to well-being</h2>



Event segmentation is not just a lab curiosity. It supports how we form <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-brains-use-storage-trick-to-keep-your-memories-in-sequential-order/">episodic memories</a>, plan actions, and move through spaces and social situations.



Finer segmentation has been tied to better recall and navigation in past work, and the new results imply that broader, more varied lives could sharpen those abilities by training the brain’s internal “film editor.”



Crucially, the association remained when the researchers controlled for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loneliness-causes-people-to-have-more-nightmares/">loneliness</a> and anxiety, indicating that the objective diversity of one’s experiences - not simply how one feels - relates to how the brain parses ongoing activity.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/social-life_experiential-diversity_life-interpretation_anxiety-levels_credit-iScience_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/social-life_experiential-diversity_life-interpretation_anxiety-levels_credit-iScience_1s.webp" alt="&quot;Individual differences in experiential diversity shape event segmentation granularity,&quot; published in iScience, investigated whether this can be partly explained by the diversity of our everyday experiences." class="wp-image-1982426"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">"Individual differences in experiential diversity shape event segmentation granularity," published in iScience, investigated whether this can be partly explained by the diversity of our everyday experiences.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-cues-under-the-microscope">Social cues under the microscope</h2>



The study relied on self-reports of recent experience and on boundary counts during a single film. It cannot prove causation. Still, the results provide a baseline and a direction for future work.



The team plans to use MRI to test whether brain activity at event boundaries differs depending on the variety of people’s social life. 



They also aim to drill down into which cues - social, spatial, or emotional - most strongly trigger boundaries.



The timing is also relevant. The work took place as UK <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/identifying-new-targets-to-prevent-severe-covid-19/">COVID-19</a> restrictions eased. 



This unusual mix of lingering limits and sudden rebounds in daily variety may have sharpened contrasts across participants. Replication across broader contexts will help establish how general the effect is.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-practical-takeaway"><a></a>A practical takeaway</h2>



You can’t watch Hitchcock all day, but you can widen your social world. The study points to a simple idea with broad appeal. 



More assorted social experiences may help your brain detect the meaningful beats of life as they happen, making the stream of experience easier to digest and remember.



And that may matter as much for everyday functioning as for the science of how minds make sense of busy days.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(25)01395-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Having an active social life helps the brain make better sense of the world

People who lead more varied social lives tend to perceive...

Most of us know music can make life feel lighter - it turns chores into something tolerable and workouts into something motivating. But what about when you hit play after an experience instead of during it? That’s where things get interesting.



A new study from scientists at <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a> shows that music can shape how well we remember something - if it makes us feel the right way. This effect is not influenced by whether the song is happy, sad, or even familiar. It’s about how much emotion the music stirs in you.



“We found that whether music was negative or positive or whether it was familiar didn’t have as much of an influence on memory as the emotional response people felt while listening to it,” said study co-author Professor Stephanie Leal.



“There was an optimal level of emotional response that aided in remembering the details of an experience. Too much or too little emotional response had the opposite effect - worse memory for details, but better memory for the gist of an experience.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-memory-and-emotions">Music, memory, and emotions</h2>



The study involved volunteers who were shown pictures of everyday objects - things like oranges, laptops, and telephones. After viewing about 100 images, they listened to 10 minutes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/classical-music-orchestrates-a-mood-lifting-dance-in-the-brain/">classical music</a>. 



When their emotional arousal had returned to normal, the volunteers were tested on what they remembered.



Some images were exactly the same. Some were slightly altered versions. Some were completely new. 



Participants had to say whether they had seen the object before and if it was identical or different. They also answered questions about how the music made them feel and whether it was familiar.



The music itself didn’t boost memory across the board. But it helped some people a lot - especially when it came to spotting that an image was similar but not exactly the same.



The key factor? <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/listening-to-music-can-change-how-we-recall-memories/">Emotional arousal</a>. The participants with the best recall weren’t the ones who felt the strongest emotions. They were the ones who felt just enough.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-music-shapes-memory">How music shapes memory</h2>



Memory isn’t just about capturing every detail. Most of the time, we’re remembering the big picture - what researchers call gist-based memory. It’s what helps us recall the idea of something without holding onto all the tiny facts. But sometimes, the details matter. That’s where detail-based memory comes in.



“We used a task designed to tap into the difference between gist- and detail-based memory,” said Leal. “Music helped with detail-based memory but only when the level of emotional arousal was just right for that person.”



This makes sense. If you’re overwhelmed, your brain might blur the details. If you’re bored, it might not care enough to store them. There’s a sweet spot in between where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/">memory</a> for detail gets sharper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-in-learning-and-therapy">Music in learning and therapy</h2>



The researchers say this kind of emotional “tuning” could eventually help in real-world situations. 



For example, listening to moderately arousing music after studying might help you hold onto more precise information for a test. But music that’s too emotional might have the opposite effect.



“Music has the ability to influence a part of your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-the-human-brain-create-retrieve-memories-engram-cells-connections/">brain</a> called the hippocampus, which is essential for turning experiences into memories,” Leal said. “We think it should be possible to tap into that in a selective way to boost or impair memory depending on the therapeutic goals.”



It’s not just about learning. This could also help with memory loss in aging, or in people with early-stage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-disruptions-could-signal-the-onset-of-alzheimers/">Alzheimer’s</a>. And for people with anxiety or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-can-rapidly-reduce-ptsd-without-revisiting-trauma/">PTSD</a>, music might help them remember the general idea of a tough experience - without reliving every sharp edge of it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-effects-for-everyone">Different effects for everyone</h2>



The challenge is that what works emotionally varies a lot between people. What’s “moderately arousing” for one person might not hit the same for another. That’s why this line of research is moving toward personalized therapy.



“In my lab, we’re trying to detect changes in the brain and cognition early. Music is noninvasive, low cost, and easy to personalize, and by learning more about the mechanisms that connect it to memory, we can develop treatments and interventions to prevent the disease from progressing,” Leal said. 



“If the federal government reduces funding for Alzheimer’s research, the chances that we’ll be able to develop this line of research into inexpensive yet effective treatments are very low, as developing personalized treatments requires lots of participants in research to really capture individual needs.”



In other words, music isn’t just for playlists and background noise. If we can figure out how to fine-tune its emotional effects, it could become a powerful way to shape how we remember - and how we heal.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.jneurosci.org/content/45/31/e0158252025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JNeurosci</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Music boosts memory - but only with the right emotional spark

Most of us know music can make life feel lighter...

We all know the feeling. You meet someone new, trade a few words, and it feels like you’ve known them forever. With others, no matter how much time you spend together, the connection never comes. But why?



Researchers say the answer might be hidden in the brain. A new study shows that people whose brains respond in similar ways to the world are more likely to become <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-friendships-improve-your-health-as-you-age/">friends</a> later. Long before two strangers grab coffee or share stories, their brains may already be in sync.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-people-prefer-like-minded-company">People prefer like-minded company</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-changes-what-we-thought-about-friendship-between-plants-fungus-networks/">Humans</a> have always preferred like-minded company. Scientists call this tendency homophily - the pull toward people who look, act, or think like us. It explains why friends often share hobbies, values, or humor. 



But a deeper question has nagged researchers for years. Do friendships create this similarity, or do people seek out those who already see the world the same way?



Carolyn Parkinson at the <a href="https://www.ucla.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Los Angeles</a> wanted to find out. She and her colleagues designed an experiment that started before friendships had a chance to form.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brain-predicts-future-friendships">The brain predicts future friendships </h2>



The team recruited 41 graduate students. Just before classes began, and before anyone had a chance to build connections, each student entered a brain scanner. 



Inside, they watched 14 short movie clips. The clips covered many styles and topics - documentaries, comedies, debates, food, sports, science.



The researchers tracked activity across 214 brain regions. Each student’s brain left a unique signature of how they paid attention, reacted, and interpreted what they saw. These “neural fingerprints” became the key to predicting future friendships.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-friendships-in-the-brain">Mapping friendships in the brain</h2>



Two months later, all 288 students in the program completed surveys asking who they spent free time with. They repeated the surveys six months after that. These results created a living map of friendships - who became close, who drifted apart, and who stayed distant.



When the researchers compared this map to the brain data, patterns emerged. Students who became <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxytocin-has-a-hidden-influence-on-who-we-call-friends/">friends</a> eight months later had already shown more similar brain responses back at the start. 



The strongest overlap appeared in the orbitofrontal cortex, a region linked to how we assign value and meaning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-impressions-aren-t-enough">First impressions aren’t enough</h2>



Interestingly, at the two-month mark, there was no big difference between the brains of friends and non-friends. That means early friendships may form out of convenience - living nearby, attending the same events, or sitting together in class. 



But as time passes, people sort themselves out. Those with deeper neural similarities grow closer. Others drift away.



The study also revealed that people who became closer showed stronger alignment across 42 brain regions. 



Many of these areas help us understand stories, focus attention, and imagine other people’s perspectives. It seems that lasting friendships may rely on how similarly two minds interpret the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similar-ways-of-thinking">Similar ways of thinking</h2>



These findings go beyond shared taste in movies or music. Even after accounting for whether students enjoyed the clips, the brain similarities held. That suggests something more fundamental at work.



“Sociodemographic factors, at least in terms of what we were able to measure here, just seem to explain part of the picture,” Carolyn Parkinson explained.



In other words, friendships aren’t just about being the same age or studying the same subject. They may be built on hidden compatibilities in thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-thinking-lines-up">When thinking lines up</h2>



The brain regions that mattered most belong to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/friends-affect-how-our-brain-responds-to-shopping/">networks</a> that knit together memories, beliefs, and emotions into a picture of what’s happening. 



When two people’s brains line up in these areas, conversations flow more easily. Communication feels natural rather than forced.



“People whose thinking processes are more similar find it easier to get on. When they say something, they just know what the other is thinking because it is how they think themselves,” noted Robin Dunbar at the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-friendship-is-deeper-than-background">Friendship is deeper than background</h2>



The team checked whether similarities in gender, nationality, or academic background explained the brain overlap. These factors played a role, but they didn’t erase the effect. 



Even after adjusting for such variables, people who grew closer showed distinct neural alignment. This means that the roots of friendship run deeper than surface similarities. 



You might connect with someone from a different culture, age, or background if your minds process experiences in the same way. That connection could outlast friendships built only on proximity or circumstance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-friendships-born-or-shaped">Are friendships born or shaped?</h2>



For some scientists, these results confirm an old intuition. Dunbar, who wasn’t part of the study, sees the findings as expected. 



“That like attracts like, rather than people thrown together by accidents draw closer in their traits. In other words, close friends are born, not made,” noted Dunbar.



But the story isn’t entirely one-sided. Life still shapes friendships. Initial bonds may form by chance. Over time, those built on deeper alignment endure, while others fade. 



Both circumstance and compatibility matter, but this research shows that compatibility often wins out.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-compass-in-our-brains">Hidden compass in our brains</h2>



What does this mean for everyday life? It suggests that our brains act like quiet compasses, pointing us toward the people who will eventually become close friends. 



We may not be aware of it, but the ease we feel with some people could reflect deep similarities in how our minds process the world.



Friendship, then, is more than shared interests or happy accidents. It is also about shared rhythms of thought, hidden long before we realize it.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02266-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behaviour</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Secrets of lasting friendships are hiding in the brain

We all know the feeling. You meet someone new, trade...

Erythrocyte,Interaction,With,Plastic,Microparticles,In,Blood.,3d,Illustration,Showing

Scientists can pull plastic particles out of seawater with relative ease, but finding and tracking them in human body tissue is far more complex. 



A new expert <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44222-025-00335-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">review</a> lays out how labs can detect plastic particles in blood, lungs, placentas, and other tissues - and why measurement choices will shape what health risks they reveal.



The authors dissect a fast-moving literature to show where current methods succeed, where they fail, and what must improve. 



They highlight the importance of sample preparation, standardized reporting, and clear metrics so that studies can be compared and results trusted.



At the center is a simple but daunting question: How do you measure plastic inside living systems without distorting the evidence?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-particles-in-human-tissue">Plastic particles in human tissue</h2>



“Every biological sample represents a different matrix,” said <a href="https://www.umass.edu/stockbridge/about/directory/baoshan-xing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baoshan Xing</a>, professor of Environmental and Soil Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts (<a href="https://www.umass.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UMass</a>) and lead study author.



That simple point drives the lab playbook. Fatty tissues, protein-rich organs, shells, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-humans-used-ancient-plant-fiber-technology-to-make-tools-39000-years-ago/">plant fibers</a> need tailored digestion steps, from alkaline solutions to enzymes. These steps allow researchers separate plastics without melting or morphing them.



Researchers use the term microplastics for solid plastic particles roughly one micrometer to five millimeters in size. It's a range now common in U.S. government and research guidance. 



Nanoplastics typically refer to particles smaller than one micrometer, often defined by colloidal behavior in the one to 1,000 nanometer range.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-plastics-in-the-lab">Finding plastics in the lab</h2>



After digestion, labs isolate particles and verify their identity. The main tools are Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and thermal methods like pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). 



Each comes with trade-offs in size limits, throughput, and polymer specificity, especially in complex tissues. Scientists use salty solutions to float or sink plastics, making it easier to recover heavier particles.



Quality control matters as much as the chemistry, including strict contamination blanks, clean air handling, and reporting of detection limits to prevent false positives or inflated counts.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/micro-nano-plastics_human-body-concentrations_illustration_credit-Nature_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/micro-nano-plastics_human-body-concentrations_illustration_credit-Nature_1s.webp" alt="Detection, concentration and distribution of MNPs in the human body. Credit: Nature Reviews Bioengineering" class="wp-image-1982042"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Detection, concentration and distribution of MNPs in the human body. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Nature Reviews Bioengineering</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-early-health-signals-show">What early health signals show</h2>



Researchers have measured <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/">microplastics</a> in human blood, showing that polymer fragments can circulate systemically. They detected measurable mass concentrations using pyrolysis GC/MS.



Follow-up work has begun to profile sizes, shapes, and polymer types in blood from healthy volunteers to probe possible links with physiology.



Scientists have found plastic particles in human placentas on both the mother’s and baby’s sides. This raises concerns about exposure before birth, which cannot be answered without better, standardized tests.



Human lung tissue examined after surgery has contained identifiable microplastics. Micro-FTIR revealed polymer types and reported concentrations per gram of tissue under stringent blank controls.



Vascular studies have reported microplastics and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-could-help-remove-nanoplastics-from-the-environment/">nanoplastics</a> in carotid artery plaques and associated those findings with higher risks of heart attack, stroke, or death over follow-up periods in clinical cohorts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methods-alter-outcomes">Methods alter outcomes</h2>



Dose matters, but researchers can count it in several ways. The number of particles per gram, mass per gram, or surface area per gram do not tell the same story in a tissue where sizes, shapes, and polymers vary widely.



Interpretation hinges on the metric. Fibers may be many but light, while spheres may be few but heavy. Different shapes behave differently, so researchers must choose measurement methods that fit the health question.



“There are no accepted protocols yet,” said Xing. Without standard methods, it’s hard to compare plastic levels across studies or turn them into health guidelines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-helps-track-plastics">AI helps track plastics</h2>



High-throughput imaging and spectral data generate mountains of information, which is where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-machine-learning-can-help-us-protect-chimpanzees/">machine learning</a> (ML) can help.



Researchers are pairing Raman datasets with classification models to speed up polymer identification and reduce analyst bias.



Thermal analysis coupled with FTIR is also being automated with ML to tease apart polymer signals in complex biological matrices, improving throughput while keeping false identifications in check.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastics-research-needs-standards">Plastics research needs standards</h2>



Reference materials, interlaboratory comparisons, and matrix specific digestion and detection protocols will make results more trustworthy and comparable across labs. 



Agencies are already coordinating methods of research, from definitions to practical measurement guidance, to support that standardization push.



“This is a headache,” said Xing. The upside is that a clear, shared toolkit would let scientists quantify risks with the same confidence we expect in other areas of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-in-human-brains-may-affect-mental-health/">environmental health</a>.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44222-025-00335-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Reviews Bioengineering</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Easier method helps detect and measure the amount of plastic particles in human bodies

Scientists can pull plastic particles out of seawater with relative...

Imagine taking a single puff from an inhaler once a week and gaining protection from viral infections that make winters unbearable. Scientists believe such an approach could also guard against future pandemics. 



The idea comes from new animal studies on an mRNA treatment designed to boost our natural defenses against viruses.



“You can think about this as a universal antiviral,” said Dusan Bogunovic at <a href="https://www.columbia.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a> in New York. The treatment aims to activate the body’s built-in antiviral shield before <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/previously-overlooked-viruses-may-secretly-shape-bacterial-populations/">viruses</a> have the chance to spread.



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



Our immune system already holds powerful tools against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-virus-spread-too-quickly-for-bats-alone-to-be-responsible/">infection</a>. When cells detect viruses, they release interferon, a molecule that activates about 1000 genes. 



These genes lead to the production of antiviral proteins. Some block viruses from entering cells, while others stop new viral particles from spreading.



“Our innate immune system is extremely powerful,” said Bogunovic. However, respiratory viruses reproduce so quickly that they often outpace these defenses. A head start could keep infections mild while the rest of the immune system catches up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-activating-protective-genes">Activating protective genes</h2>



In earlier research, many scientists believed that interferon itself could serve as a powerful, broad antiviral treatment. Interferon is a natural signaling molecule that helps cells activate hundreds of protective genes, which then produce antiviral proteins to fight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-makes-a-virus-capable-of-causing-a-pandemic/">infections</a>. 



The idea was that by giving patients interferon directly, doctors could strengthen the body’s immune defenses and block a wide range of viruses. 



However, this approach faced a serious obstacle: interferon often caused harmful side effects when used as a drug. These side effects limited its practical use and prevented it from becoming the universal antiviral once hoped for.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-the-interferon-challenges">Overcoming the interferon challenges</h2>



To overcome this, Dusan Bogunovic and his colleagues explored a different path. Instead of relying on interferon itself, they focused on the proteins that interferon activates. 



Out of the many possibilities, they selected ten promising proteins that are naturally produced when the body detects a viral attack.



The team then delivered instructions for making these proteins into cells using mRNA technology. This method has a unique advantage: rather than struggling to push large, pre-made proteins into cells, the mRNA allows cells to produce the proteins internally, right where they are needed most.



Laboratory tests showed strong results. Human cells infected with flu and Zika <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-for-the-next-pandemic-lessons-about-viral-transmission/">viruses</a> displayed enhanced antiviral defenses after receiving this mRNA treatment. These findings gave researchers hope that such a strategy could also prove effective in living animals and, eventually, in humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inhaler-that-targets-many-viruses">Inhaler that targets many viruses</h2>



The team then delivered the mRNA mixture directly to the lungs of golden hamsters. The results were striking. Treated hamsters resisted SARS-CoV-2 infection, showing much lower viral levels than untreated ones.



“I was like, ‘wow, this actually might be a universal antiviral,'” said Bogunovic. Current antiviral drugs usually target specific viruses. A treatment effective against many viruses would be a major breakthrough, comparable to antibiotics revolutionizing medicine by tackling a broad range of bacteria.



This method may also allow tailoring protein combinations for particular viruses. “Some combinations of interferon-triggered proteins might be especially effective against specific viruses,” said Bogunovic. 



Such flexibility could create both broad and targeted therapies depending on the need. Delivering enough mRNA to the right cells remains a technical challenge. 



“This is certainly exciting and could lead to very promising advances, but we are several steps down the line away from talking about a deployable, versatile countermeasure,” noted Aris Katzourakis at the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-of-the-mrna-inhaler">Potential of the mRNA inhaler</h2>



Despite hurdles, the research shows how mRNA technology can extend beyond vaccines. 



Bogunovic is optimistic that viruses may not easily evolve resistance, as multiple proteins target different parts of the viral lifecycle. This strategy has already proved successful in HIV treatments.



“The research highlights the potential of mRNA technology beyond vaccines. The current trajectory in the US with mRNA vaccines will certainly and tragically slow down progress on both of these fronts,” said Katzourakis.



If these advances continue, one weekly puff might one day shield us from the viruses that have long shaped human health.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adx5758" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Translational Medicine</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

One puff inhaler could block many dangerous viruses

Imagine taking a single puff from an inhaler once a...

Little,Girl,Using,His,Inhaler,On,A,Sunny,Day

A rescue inhaler that pairs a bronchodilator with an anti-inflammatory steroid just changed the conversation about “mild” asthma. 



In a recent study, <a href="https://www.airsupra.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airsupra</a> reduced the risk of a severe asthma attack by 47 percent versus albuterol alone and cut yearly oral steroid exposure.



Doctors have leaned on albuterol for decades, even though it treats tight airways but not the simmering inflammation that fuels future attacks. 



“SABA-only treatment of asthma is not recommended,” notes the Global Initiative for Asthma <a href="https://ginasthma.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/GINA-2023-Pocket-Guide-WMS.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pocket Guide</a> 2023.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-asthma-inhaler-does">What this asthma inhaler does</h2>



Lead investigator <a href="https://www.pri-med.com/globals/faculty/l/laforcecraigf?refurl=www.google.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Craig LaForce</a>, M.D., medical director at North Carolina Clinical Research (<a href="https://nccr.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCCR</a>), led the U.S. study with collaborators across academia and industry.



Airsupra combines albuterol, a short-acting beta2-agonist (<a href="https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/drug-guide/short-acting-beta-agonists-(sabas)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SABA</a>) that relaxes airway muscles, with budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid (<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4033967/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICS</a>) that calms airway inflammation. 



It is delivered as a pressurized metered dose inhaler (<a href="https://scholars.uthscsa.edu/en/publications/pressurized-metered-dose-inhalers-pmdi">pMDI</a>), used as needed in response to symptoms.



<a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05505734" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BATURA</a>, the trial behind the new data, was fully virtual, randomized, double blind, and event driven, with participants treated for at least 12 weeks and up to 52 weeks, all visits conducted remotely and eligibility starting at age 12.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-batura-numbers">Inside the BATURA numbers</h2>



Participants using the combination had fewer severe attacks across a year, with an annualized rate of 0.15 compared with 0.32 on albuterol alone, and lower cumulative oral steroid doses over the same period.



An independent committee recommended stopping the trial early for efficacy, and adverse events were similar between groups, with no new safety signals reported.



The benefit was not a narrow statistical blip but a clinically meaningful shift in day to day risk. Fewer attacks mean fewer urgent visits, fewer courses of prednisone, and steadier lung health over time.



These findings also align with a broader pattern seen when an inhaled <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-new-asthma-treatment-in-50-years-offers-hope-for-millions/">steroid</a> is added at the moment symptoms flare. Treat the spasm and the inflammation together, and people have fewer bad days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asthma-inhaler-challenges-protocol">Asthma inhaler challenges protocol</h2>



For years, many people with intermittent symptoms were told to carry albuterol and rely on it when they wheezed. 



That approach left inflammation unchecked, which is why guideline groups have moved away from SABA only strategies at the first hint of symptoms.



Earlier evidence pointed in the same direction. 



In the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35569035/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MANDALA</a> trial, as needed, albuterol plus budesonide reduced severe exacerbations compared with albuterol in patients with moderate to severe asthma who were responding to symptoms, building the case for anti-inflammatory rescue therapy beyond maintenance plans.



Regulators also asked whether each ingredient pulls its weight. 



The <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11898224/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DENALI</a> lung function study answered that by showing that both albuterol and budesonide contributed to efficacy when combined in the pMDI, supporting the rationale for pairing symptom relief with anti-inflammatory action in one device.



Together, these strands explain why a rescue inhaler that includes a steroid can make sense even for people who think their asthma is “mild.” Symptoms may be occasional, yet risk still accumulates when inflammation gets ignored.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bringing-into-the-real-world">Bringing into the real world</h2>



The Food and Drug Administration (<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-approves-drug-combination-treatment-adults-asthma" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FDA</a>) cleared Airsupra for adults in January 2023 as an as needed therapy to relieve bronchoconstriction and reduce the risk of exacerbations. 



“It is the first combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a short-acting beta-agonist to be approved in the U.S.”



Guidelines now emphasize getting anti-inflammatory medication to the airways when symptoms arise. That can mean ICS formoterol in one track, or an ICS paired with a SABA, with the shared goal of treating both the immediate squeeze and the underlying inflammation.



BATURA focuses that guidance on people labeled as mild, who often are told they will be fine with a rescue bronchodilator alone. 



The new data indicate a practical alternative that can be used in the same moments a person would usually reach for albuterol.



Approval status and labeling still matter. BATURA enrolled participants 12 and older in the United States, but current U.S. approval for the combination rescue inhaler applies to adults 18 and up, so clinicians will continue to match evidence and labeling to individual care plans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-patients-and-families-should-know">What patients and families should know</h2>



If your plan today calls for albuterol alone, ask whether an as needed combination could better fit your pattern of symptoms and risk. 



You are not adding a daily controller here, you are changing what happens each time you reach for a rescue dose, which may cut the chance that a bad day becomes an emergency.



Oral steroids work, but frequent bursts carry costs for bones, blood sugar, mood, and more. A rescue inhaler that reduces total steroid exposure over a year, while still preventing attacks, is a meaningful quality of life gain for many people.



Device technique still counts. Two inhalations of the prescribed dose, proper timing with the canister, and steady follow up visits help convert evidence into outcomes that show up in daily life.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-new-asthma-treatment-in-50-years-offers-hope-for-millions/">Asthma</a> care is personal. The best plan takes into account age, triggers, how often symptoms show up, and how comfortable you are with as needed versus daily medication. 



Bring questions to your next appointment and expect a conversation about options that treat both symptoms and inflammation on the spot.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2504544" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The New England Journal of Medicine</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

A new inhaler that could change asthma treatment forever

A rescue inhaler that pairs a bronchodilator with an anti-inflammatory...

Activation,Of,The,Immune,Response:,Antigen,Presenting,Cell,Activates,T-lymphocytes

Aging bodies usually slow down. Immune defenses are no exception, as infections hit harder and vaccines work less well. Yet a subset of older adults carry unusually youthful immune features, and that wrinkle changes the story in surprising ways.



A new perspective argues that keeping parts of the immune system young late in life can come with a cost. The tradeoff shows up most clearly in a blood vessel disease that strikes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-identify-a-turning-point-when-your-body-starts-aging-faster-proteins-key/">older adults</a> and can threaten sight and the heart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-youthful-immune-traits-in-elders">Youthful immune traits in elders</h2>



The <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-025-00919-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perspective</a> is led by <a href="https://www.mayo.edu/research/faculty/weyand-cornelia-m-m-d-ph-d/bio-20527870" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornelia M. Weyand</a>, M.D., Ph.D., and <a href="https://www.mayo.edu/research/faculty/goronzy-jorg-m-d-ph-d/bio-20527076" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jörg J. Goronzy</a>, M.D., Ph.D., at Mayo Clinic. Their work explores how retained youthful traits in T cells line up with disease patterns seen in late life.



“We propose that sustained immune youthfulness can be detrimental to the aging host, while immune <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-can-slow-aging-right-down-to-your-dna/">aging</a> may be a beneficial adaptation,” wrote Weyand and Goronzy. 



The core message is not a rebuke of aging, but a call to understand which immune features help and which harm as years add up.



The authors focus on a form of autoimmunity in which the body’s defenses misidentify self as threat. 



They point to patterns showing that some older patients retain a T cell pool that behaves more like that of much younger people, with strong renewal and rapid responses.



Those traits sound helpful during an infection. In the wrong context, they can feed persistent inflammation in tissues that never needed defending in the first place.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-cell-arteritis-is-a-late-life-risk">Giant cell arteritis is a late life risk</h2>



<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36656970/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giant cell arteritis</a> is an autoimmune vasculitis that targets medium and large arteries and can narrow vessels, reduce blood flow, and damage the vessel wall. It is the most common <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41584-021-00718-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vasculitis</a> in older adults, especially among people of Northern European ancestry.



Across populations, the pooled incidence is about 10 cases per 100,000 people older than 50, with higher <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7948334/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rates</a> in some regions and lower in others. 



That number helps explain why clinicians are trained to keep an eye out for new headaches, jaw pain, and sudden visual changes in older patients.



Prevalence climbs with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-method-reverses-aging-in-human-cells-without-modifying-dna/">age</a>, peaking in the 70s and 80s, and it affects women more often than men. Those facts line up with the perspective’s central point about late-life immune patterns.



Untreated or smoldering disease can lead to permanent vision loss or aortic complications, including aneurysm, which underscores why accurate diagnosis and monitoring matter. Fast steroid treatment saves sight, but long-term disease control remains a challenge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-persistent-vessel-inflammation">Persistent vessel inflammation</h2>



A line of studies has mapped a small set of T cells with self-renewing traits in inflamed arteries of older patients. 



These cells look and act younger than expected for age, and they appear to supply the fuel for chronic inflammation.



The cells in question are stem-like memory <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3277283/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CD4+ T cells</a>. They carry a transcription factor profile consistent with renewal capacity and sit near the lesions that clinicians see on imaging or biopsy.



Within the vessel wall, they cluster in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41568-019-0144-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tertiary lymphoid structures</a>, small immune neighborhoods that help them persist. Their presence explains how inflammation can recur even when symptoms seem quiet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-failed-checkpoints-in-immune-aging">Failed checkpoints in immune aging</h2>



The immune system relies on immune checkpoints to keep T cells from overreacting, especially in tissues that need peace. Those checkpoints include receptor-ligand pairs that send inhibitory signals and help maintain tolerance to self.



Several lines of <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7136921/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> show that the axis of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programmed_cell_death_protein_1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PD-1</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PD-L1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PD-L1</a> is off balance in this disease, with low PD-L1 on vascular dendritic cells and macrophages that should be braking T cells. 



That imbalance removes a layer of control and helps explain why inflammation is hard to shut down in affected arteries. 



Other checkpoint pathways may falter as well. A 2023 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37075705/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> reported a defective immune checkpoint impaired, in giant cell arteritis leading to a pathogenic immune response. 



This checkpoint normally regulates T cell activation and prevents excessive inflammation. This research points to a broader failure to impose restraint on activated T cells.



Clinical experience also shows that turning off checkpoints in cancer can, in rare cases, trigger vasculitis. 



Case <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11986302/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> and reviews link checkpoint inhibitor treatment to giant cell arteritis in older patients, which fits the idea that removing brakes can unmask self-reactivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-some-aging-may-help">Why some aging may help</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-experimenting-with-new-approach-to-fight-and-stop-human-aging-necrosis/">Aging</a> changes the adaptive immune system in predictable ways. Vaccine responses dip, naive T cells become rarer, and recall responses dominate, a set of shifts often grouped under <a href="https://immunityageing.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12979-019-0164-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immunosenescence</a>.



Those changes are not uniformly bad. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31186548/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reviews</a> of T cell aging highlight adaptations in self-renewal, quiescence, and cellular senescence that appear to limit runaway activation in older adults, which may protect against autoimmunity in some contexts.



The perspective adds a useful twist by suggesting that delayed immune aging can be maladaptive in late life. In other words, a youthful T cell program, sustained for decades, may become a liability when new tissue changes accumulate.



Age adds new neoantigens, altered self molecules that T cells can misread as foreign. A renewing T cell pool plus a higher antigenic load makes a potent mix, especially in tissues exposed to wear and tear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-impact-of-immune-aging">Clinical impact of immune aging</h2>



A practical question follows: how do we identify older adults whose immune systems remain unusually youthful, and who might be at higher risk for late-life autoimmunity. 



The answer will likely combine immune profiling with imaging and careful clinical phenotyping.



Mayo Clinic has framed a strategy around prediction and early interception, a push that leaders describe under the Precure initiative, which aims to predict and prevent disease before it becomes serious.&nbsp;



For vascular inflammation, that could mean spotting the signatures of self-renewing T cells, then tailoring treatment to shut off the supply rather than only chasing the flames.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-025-00919-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Aging</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Human immune systems have a 'fountain of youth' and scientists are trying to activate it

Aging bodies usually slow down. Immune defenses are no exception,...

You read words with your eyes, but you also hear them with a voice in your head. That inner speech isn’t just a feeling. It leaves a clear footprint in the brain that can be mapped to text on a screen. 



For people who can’t speak because of paralysis or other conditions, that shift could open the door to faster, more natural conversation.



Scientists have now identified brain activity patterns linked to inner speech and decoded them into text with a 74% accuracy rate.



Published in the journal Cell, the work could enable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-computer-interface-device-lets-users-play-games-with-only-their-minds/">brain-computer interface</a> (BCI) systems to help people who cannot speak out loud communicate by silently thinking a password to activate the system.



“This is the first time we’ve managed to understand what brain activity looks like when you just think about speaking,” explains lead author Erin Kunz of <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>. 



“For people with severe speech and motor impairments, BCIs capable of decoding inner speech could help them communicate much more easily and more naturally.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-movement-decoding-to-inner-speech">Movement decoding to inner speech</h2>



BCIs already help people with disabilities by interpreting brain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-the-speed-at-which-the-brain-processes-information/">signals</a> that control movement. 



These systems operate prosthetic devices or type text by decoding attempted speech - when users engage speech muscles but produce unintelligible sounds. 



This is faster than eye-tracking but still demands effort, which can be tiring.



The Stanford team explored decoding purely imagined speech. “If you just have to think about speech instead of actually trying to speak, it’s potentially easier and faster for people,” says co-first author Benyamin Meschede-Krasa.



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



Four participants with severe paralysis from ALS or brainstem stroke took part. Researchers implanted microelectrodes into the motor cortex, a speech-related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/multitasking-messes-with-your-brains-natural-rhythm/">brain</a> area. 



Participants either attempted speaking or imagined saying words. The two tasks activated overlapping regions, though inner speech produced weaker signals.



The researchers also observed that imagined speech involved reduced activity in non-primary motor areas compared to attempted speech, suggesting more streamlined neural pathways. 



Their models could reliably distinguish between the two types of speech despite these similarities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-and-unexpected-findings">Decoding and unexpected findings</h2>



Artificial intelligence models, trained specifically on data from participants’ imagined speech, demonstrated the ability to decode complete sentences from a remarkably large vocabulary of up to 125,000 words, achieving an accuracy rate of 74%. 



In addition to decoding prompted sentences, the system was sensitive enough to pick up on unplanned, spontaneous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-stops-paying-attention-to-repeated-distractions/">mental activity</a>.



For example, when participants were asked to count the number of pink circles on a screen, the BCI detected the numbers they silently tallied, even though they were never instructed to think them. 



This finding indicates that imagined speech generates distinct and identifiable neural patterns, even without direct prompting or deliberate effort from the user.



Furthermore, the research revealed that inner speech signals tend to follow a consistent temporal pattern across multiple trials. 



In other words, the timing of brain activity during silent speech remained stable each time the participants imagined speaking.



This reliable internal rhythm could be an important factor in refining future decoding algorithms, as it provides a predictable framework for translating thought into text with greater accuracy and speed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinguishing-speech-types">Distinguishing speech types</h2>



While the brain activity patterns for attempted speech and inner speech showed many similarities, the researchers discovered that there were still consistent and measurable differences between them. 



These differences were significant enough for the system to accurately tell the two apart, even when the signals came from overlapping brain regions.



According to Frank Willett, this distinction opens the door for developing BCIs that can selectively respond to one type of speech over the other. 



In practical terms, this means a device could be programmed to completely ignore inner speech unless the user chooses to activate it.



To give users full control, the team designed a password-based activation method. In this setup, decoding of inner speech would remain locked until the person silently thought of a specific phrase - in this case, “chitty chitty bang bang.” 



When tested, the system successfully recognized the password with more than 98% accuracy, ensuring both security and intentional use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-inner-speech-decoding">Future of inner speech decoding</h2>



Summing it all up, your inner voice leaves a measurable trace in the brain’s speech-planning system. With thin sensors and well-trained models, that trace can be turned into text in real time, without any physical movement. 



Free-form inner speech decoding remains a challenge due to variability in brain activity and limited vocabulary coverage. 



However, the authors highlight that higher-density electrode arrays, advanced machine learning models, and integration of semantic context could improve accuracy.



“The future of BCIs is bright,” Willett says. “This work gives real hope that speech BCIs can one day restore communication that is as fluent, natural, and comfortable as conversational speech.”



It’s not telepathy, and it’s not flawless, but it points toward a faster, more humane way for people who can’t speak to be heard - using the voice they already have, the one inside.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(25)00681-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

New brain-computer interface 'reads' your innermost thoughts and translates them into text

You read words with your eyes, but you also hear...

When we talk about mental health, traits like resilience or neuroticism usually dominate the discussion. Yet, another trait quietly shapes how people experience the world: sensitivity. 



For some, it brings creativity, empathy, and awareness. For others, sensitivity comes with challenges such as overstimulation and vulnerability to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-noise-exposure-increases-mental-health-risks/">stress</a>.



A new study shows sensitivity strongly affects mental health. After reviewing 33 studies, researchers found links to depression and anxiety. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensitivity-and-its-nature">Sensitivity and its nature</h2>



Sensitivity, sometimes described as environmental sensitivity, reflects how people perceive and respond to their surroundings. About 31% of the population fall into the highly sensitive category. These individuals notice subtle details, feel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-near-nature-and-greenspaces-shown-to-reduce-mental-health-issues-by-60-percent/">emotions</a> deeply, and process experiences more intensely than most.



Scientists view sensitivity as biologically rooted, influenced by genetics and brain activity in regions tied to empathy and reflection. 



The Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) is the main tool used to measure it, with three core subdimensions: Ease of Excitation, Low Sensory Threshold, and Aesthetic Sensitivity. Each reveals how differently sensitivity can influence mental well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensitivity-and-mental-health">Sensitivity and mental health</h2>



The systematic review found clear links between sensitivity and a wide range of conditions. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, agoraphobia, and avoidant personality disorder all showed associations with higher sensitivity.



Mechanisms behind this include a tendency toward overstimulation, emotional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-worms-could-change-how-we-test-mental-health-drugs/">reactivity</a>, and deeper cognitive processing. 



For example, highly sensitive individuals may dwell on negative experiences longer, which can lead to rumination. They may also become quickly overwhelmed, creating feelings of helplessness and reinforcing anxiety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strong-links-confirmed">Strong links confirmed</h2>



“This is the most extensive systematic review on sensitivity and mental health in adolescents and adults to date, and is the first ever meta-analysis on the topic to estimate the impact of this relationship,” noted Tom Falkenstein, a psychotherapist and PhD student at Queen Mary University of London. 



“We found positive and moderate correlations between sensitivity and various mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, agoraphobia and avoidant personality disorder." 



According to Falkenstein, the team's findings suggest that sensitivity should be considered more in clinical practice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-treatment-for-sensitive-people">Better treatment for sensitive people</h2>



“In addition, our findings could help improve treatment for these individuals. Around 31% of the general population are considered highly sensitive, and, as our findings show, are more likely to respond better to some psychological interventions than less sensitive individuals,” said Falkenstein.



“Therefore, sensitivity should be considered when thinking about treatment plans for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-mental-disorder-called-solastalgia-linked-to-environmental-climate-distress/">mental health</a> conditions." 



"Our work shows it is crucial that the awareness of sensitivity is improved among mental health care professionals, so clinicians and practitioners can recognize the trait in their patients, and tailor treatment to their sensitivity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-to-anxiety-and-depression">Vulnerability to anxiety and depression </h2>



The review’s meta-analysis revealed a medium correlation between sensitivity and both depression (r = .36) and anxiety (r = .39). 



This suggests sensitivity significantly shapes vulnerability to these conditions. While results varied across studies, the overall evidence was consistent.



Importantly, not all aspects of sensitivity contribute equally. Ease of Excitation and Low Sensory Threshold showed stronger links to distress, while Aesthetic Sensitivity often had weaker or inconsistent effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-of-highly-sensitive-people">Mental health of highly sensitive people </h2>



Study co-author Michael Pluess is a professor of developmental psychology at University of Surrey and visiting professor at <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>.



“This is the first meta-analysis providing robust evidence that highly sensitive people are more prone to common mental health problems,” said Pluess.



“However, it is important to remember that highly sensitive people are also more responsive to positive experiences, including psychological treatment." 



Professor Pluess noted that the results provide further evidence that sensitive people are more affected by both negative and positive experiences and that the quality of their environment is particularly important for their well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-perspective-and-future-work">Broader perspective and future work</h2>



The researchers argue that sensitivity could serve as a transdiagnostic factor. Because it influences multiple conditions, treatment should prioritize emotional regulation, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. 



Early education about sensitivity could also help young patients see it not as a weakness, but as part of their unique makeup.



Future studies will explore how sensitivity interacts with gender, age, and upbringing. Evidence already suggests supportive environments reduce risks, while negative ones amplify them. This highlights the importance of tailoring therapy to the individual.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21677026251348428" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clinical Psychological Science</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Sensitive people are more likely to develop mental health issues

When we talk about mental health, traits like resilience or...

Men who lose the Y chromosome in many immune cells face higher risks of narrow blood vessels. Narrowed vessels are a key driver of heart disease. This conclusion comes from a study analyzing more than 30,000 people.



“Loss of Y is killing a lot of men,” said Kenneth Walsh at the <a href="https://www.virginia.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a>, who wasn’t involved in the study. “Men live six years shorter than females, and an enormous amount of that mortality is due to their sex chromosome instability.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-y-chromosome-loss-occurs">How Y chromosome loss occurs</h2>



As men grow older, some of their cells start losing the Y chromosome. This usually happens in white blood cells, which protect the body from infections. 



When new blood cells are made, small mistakes can occur, and more cells lose the Y chromosome over time. By age 70, about 4 out of 10 men have this loss.



In 2014, researcher Lars Forsberg found that men with Y loss lived about five years less than those without it. Later, Kenneth Walsh linked this loss to a higher risk of heart <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-that-determines-your-heart-age-as-compared-to-your-actual-age/">disease</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-y-chromosome-loss-and-heart-disease">Y chromosome loss and heart disease</h2>



The Swedish CArdioPulmonary Bioimage Study (SCAPIS) offers one of the largest datasets for exploring cardiovascular risk. 



The researchers studied over 30,000 participants aged 50 to 64, including detailed imaging of their coronary and carotid arteries.



Men with substantial Y loss in blood cells showed stronger links to coronary atherosclerosis than men without it. 



This included more severe narrowing of arteries, greater numbers of affected vessel segments, and higher levels of calcified plaque.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-y-chromosome-loss-and-heart-arteries">Y chromosome loss and heart arteries</h2>



The researchers found that when men lose the Y chromosome in their blood cells, it links strongly to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-kills-differently-now-than-five-decades-ago/">heart problems</a>, especially in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. 



But this same loss does not seem to affect the carotid arteries in the neck in the same way. The reason may be that these two types of arteries develop disease for different reasons.



Coronary artery disease is mainly caused by fat and cholesterol building up inside the blood vessels. This buildup, combined with inflammation, leads to plaque that blocks blood flow to the heart. 



Losing the Y chromosome seems to make these processes worse, increasing the chances of clogged or narrowed heart arteries.



Carotid artery disease, on the other hand, is more often linked to high blood pressure and the stress of blood flow against artery walls. Because of this, the Y chromosome loss may not play as large a role in the carotids.



This difference shows that Y chromosome loss may affect some parts of the body more than others. It also helps explain why men, who are more likely to lose the Y chromosome, often have higher risks of heart disease compared with women.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-y-loss-harms-cells">How Y loss harms cells</h2>



Researchers have observed that immune cells lacking Y often show disrupted gene regulation and impaired function. 



In animal models, Y loss triggered fibrosis in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cycling-daily-reduces-cancer-risk-by-50-percent-and-boosts-heart-health/">heart</a> and lung tissue, driven by heightened TGF-β signaling. Blocking this pathway reversed damage, suggesting a direct mechanistic role.



In humans, men with Y loss display fibrotic disease patterns and an increased risk of both pulmonary and cardiac complications. 



Together, these findings imply that Y loss contributes to plaque formation, fibrous cap buildup, and calcification - features linked with coronary disease severity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-y-loss-raises-heart-risk">Y loss raises heart risk</h2>



Losing the Y chromosome is more than just a sign of aging. It directly raises men’s risk of heart disease, leading to earlier and more severe artery problems. 



This risk stays even when factors like smoking, weight, diabetes, or cholesterol are considered.



Kenneth Walsh notes that more proof is needed, but evidence from scans, genetics, and lab studies strongly suggests Y loss makes men more vulnerable to heart disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-y-loss-for-treatment">Testing Y loss for treatment</h2>



Researchers envision a simple blood test to identify men with significant Y loss. This could help guide preventative strategies, such as closer monitoring, targeted therapies, or lifestyle interventions.



“It might identify patients who will particularly benefit from specific treatments,” said Thimoteus Speer.



The emerging view is that Y chromosome loss reshapes immune cell behavior, driving both fibrotic and atherosclerotic pathways. This dual effect could explain men’s shorter lifespans and higher rates of heart disease. 



As understanding deepens, detecting and managing Y loss may become central in men’s cardiovascular care.



Scientists believe this finding could change how doctors treat men’s heart health. If doctors test for Y loss early, they could spot which men are at higher risk. 



With that knowledge, doctors could watch these patients more closely, suggest healthier habits, or create treatments to lower the danger.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.10.25331326v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medRxiv</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Men’s heart health tied to Y chromosome loss with age

Men who lose the Y chromosome in many immune cells...

For many people, mornings don’t really begin until the first sip of coffee. That drink doesn’t just wake the body - it flips a switch in the mind. Researchers at Bielefeld University and the University of Warwick wanted to know why coffee feels so uplifting in the morning compared with the afternoon.



The team followed young adults in Germany for several weeks. Each person tracked their mood and reported whether they had consumed caffeine in the last 90 minutes. 



The results were clear. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-coffee-may-reduce-frailty-in-aging-adults/">Coffee</a> and other caffeinated drinks boosted happiness and enthusiasm. The effect was strongest within two and a half hours of waking. Later in the day, the effect weakened.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-morning-coffee-resets-our-mood">Morning coffee resets our mood</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-helps-bacteria-resist-antibiotics-in-your-gut/">Caffeine</a> didn’t only improve positive feelings. It also reduced negative ones like sadness and being upset. But that change was smaller and less reliable. Unlike the morning lift in happiness, this effect didn’t depend on the time of day.



The difference may lie in how caffeine works. It blocks adenosine receptors in the brain. This lifts energy and increases dopamine activity. 



Dopamine is tied to alertness and mood. Together, these changes explain why the morning cup feels like such a mental reset.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-people-react-differently">Do people react differently?</h2>



The team expected to see differences based on mental health, anxiety, or caffeine habits. But they didn’t. 



"We were somewhat surprised to find no differences between individuals with varying levels of caffeine consumption or differing degrees of depressive symptoms, anxiety, or sleep problems," noted Justin Hachenberger from <a href="https://www.uni-bielefeld.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bielefeld University</a>.



"The links between caffeine intake and positive or negative emotions were fairly consistent across all groups."



This result suggests that caffeine’s emotional effects are widely shared. People who react badly to caffeine may avoid it, so they were not strongly represented in the study. 



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



Scientists also debated whether the morning boost is real or simply relief from overnight withdrawal. 



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-may-help-you-live-longer-if-you-drink-it-this-way/">Caffeine</a> works by blocking adenosine receptors, which can increase dopamine activity in key brain regions - an effect that studies have linked to improved mood and greater alertness," explained Professor Anu Realo from the <a href="https://warwick.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Warwick</a>.



"Even people with moderate caffeine consumption can experience mild withdrawal symptoms that disappear with the first cup of coffee or tea in the morning." 



In other words, coffee may feel good not only because of brain chemistry but also because it takes away the drag of going without caffeine during sleep.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mood-changes-depend-on-coffee-use">Mood changes depend on coffee use</h2>



The research showed that tiredness and social setting also change how caffeine feels. When people were more tired than usual, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-caffeine-slow-down-aging-yeast-may-hold-the-answer/">caffeine</a> gave them a bigger mood boost. 



When people were around others, the effect weakened. Social interactions may have already shaped mood, leaving caffeine less noticeable.



Negative feelings like worry didn’t shift much. Researchers think these emotions are tied to long-term stress or life events. That makes them harder to change with one drink. Positive emotions, on the other hand, respond more quickly to stimulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-link-between-coffee-and-mood">Global link between coffee and mood </h2>



"Around 80 percent of adults worldwide consume caffeinated beverages, and the use of such stimulating substances dates far back in human history," said Professor Sakari Lemola from Bielefeld University, the study’s senior author. 



"Even wild animals consume caffeine; bees and bumblebees prefer nectar from plants that contain caffeine."



Coffee is more than a drink. It is part of daily routines across cultures. Yet researchers warn against drinking too much. High doses can disturb sleep and increase dependence. Over time, stopping suddenly can trigger headaches, irritability, and fatigue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mood-boost-from-morning-coffee">Mood boost from morning coffee</h2>



The study shows caffeine works best early in the day. It makes people feel happier, more awake, and more enthusiastic. But the effect doesn’t grow stronger with each cup. It fades as the day goes on.



For most people, moderation is the key. That first cup can brighten the morning, but too much can backfire. 



Coffee may not solve deeper worries or stress, but it can lift the mood enough to start the day with energy.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-14317-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Mood boost: How coffee makes us happier in the morning

For many people, mornings don’t really begin until the first...

Tooth decay is the most common health condition in permanent teeth worldwide, and many adults feel it each time a sip of cold water stings.



A new <a href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adhm.202502465" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> suggests toothpaste made from keratin could help protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-toughest-teeth-inspire-next-generation-materials/">teeth</a> by guiding an enamel-like shield to form on worn surfaces, moving beyond patchwork fixes.



Lead author <a href="https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/sara-gamea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sara Gamea</a> and senior author <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/sherif-elsharkawy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Sherif Elsharkawy</a> are based at King’s College London (<a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/sherif-elsharkawy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KCL</a>), in the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hair-protein-for-tooth-repair">Hair protein for tooth repair</h2>



<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8052392/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keratin</a> is a structural protein that is abundant in hair and wool, and it can be extracted and processed into films, hydrogels, and scaffolds for biomedical use.



The new work leans on <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4226000/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biomineralization</a>, the natural process by which tissues organize minerals such as hydroxyapatite crystals to gain hardness and resilience, a long-standing challenge for true <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-successfully-grow-human-teeth-in-a-laboratory-for-the-first-time/">enamel</a> repair.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-keratin-toothpaste">Testing keratin toothpaste</h2>



The team made water-based keratin films that self-assemble, then tested whether these templates could organize calcium and phosphate from saliva-like solutions into ordered, enamel-like minerals.



In lab models of early <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10775501/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white spot lesions</a>, the keratin infiltrated porous enamel and supported the growth of tightly integrated crystals that restored appearance and improved mechanical properties without drilling.



The authors describe two practical delivery forms, a daily toothpaste for broad use and a professional gel for targeted spots, and note that first consumer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/4000-year-old-teeth-reveal-the-oldest-evidence-of-betel-nut-chewing/">products</a> could be feasible within two to three years if development proceeds smoothly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-keratin-to-current-options">Comparing keratin to current options</h2>



Fluoride toothpastes reduce the risk of cavities compared with non-fluoride formulas, and higher concentrations show a dose-response in children and adolescents.



But fluoride alone cannot rebuild missing minerals where the surface has already opened up.



This is why dentists sometimes turn to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9100225/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resin infiltration</a>, a plastic-based approach that can seal pores yet releases trace monomers and by-products with measurable cytotoxic potential in laboratory systems.



Composite <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25048250/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restorations</a> also carry failure risks over time, with secondary caries and fracture among the main reasons that drive replacement in long-term studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-could-affect-its-use">What could affect its use</h2>



Even with promising lab results, market adoption will depend on whether keratin-based toothpaste can match the price and convenience of standard products. 



Large-scale production from hair or wool waste will require streamlined collection, processing, and quality control systems to make it cost-effective for daily consumer use.



Public perception may also influence uptake. While some may welcome a natural, sustainable ingredient, others could hesitate at the idea of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-happens-to-our-teeth-as-we-age-new-details-have-emerged/">dental</a> product derived from hair. 



Clear education campaigns and transparent sourcing will be important to build trust and encourage widespread acceptance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-waste-to-wearables-for-teeth">From waste to wearables for teeth</h2>



Hair and wool are plentiful waste streams, and keratin extracted from them has been moving into wound dressings, tissue scaffolds, and drug delivery, a good match for circular, low-impact materials in healthcare.



“Keratin offers a transformative alternative to current dental treatments," Gamea explained. 



"Not only is it sustainably sourced from biological waste materials like hair and skin, it also eliminates the need for traditional plastic resins, commonly used in restorative dentistry, which are toxic and less durable."



If the keratin platform can be manufactured consistently, it could reduce reliance on petroleum-derived resins for some indications, while better matching tooth color and light scatter for a subtler look.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safety-of-keratin-toothpaste">Safety of keratin toothpaste</h2>



Before keratin-based toothpaste can reach consumers, it must pass through regulatory review to ensure both safety and efficacy. 



In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/R/PDF/R42594/R42594.5.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FDA</a>) would likely require it to be evaluated as an over-the-counter drug or medical device, depending on claims and formulation, which involves rigorous preclinical data, human trials, and manufacturing quality checks. 



Similar processes apply in the European Union, where approval would require conformity to Medical Device Regulation <a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/overview-device-regulation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">standards</a>. 



Toxicology assessments will need to confirm that keratin derived from hair or wool is free of harmful contaminants and does not trigger allergic reactions. 



Long-term wear studies will also be important to ensure that mineral layers formed on the enamel remain stable and do not flake or stain. 



These steps will help confirm that the product is not only innovative but also safe and reliable for daily use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-to-buy-keratin-toothpaste">When to buy keratin toothpaste</h2>



Keratin biomaterials already <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32322760/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">show</a> encouraging biocompatibility in areas like wound healing and tissue engineering, which helps the case for oral use, though dental products will still need rigorous safety, wear, and flavor testing before approval.



If trials confirm durable protection and relief from sensitivity in real mouths, the first wave may target early lesions and post-whitening sensitivity, with daily toothpaste following as manufacturing scales.



The study is published in <a href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adhm.202502465" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Healthcare Materials</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Toothpaste made from hair helps rebuild damaged tooth enamel

Tooth decay is the most common health condition in permanent...

<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.



-----



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



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



-----

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.



-----



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



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



-----

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>



-----



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



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



-----

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.



-----



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



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



-----

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>.



-----



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



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



-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



---



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



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)



---



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"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



---



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

News coming your way