A recent study comparing how mothers in the U.K. and Uganda soothe their crying babies found something surprising: Ugandan babies calm down faster, even though their moms take longer to respond.



On the surface, this flips the script on common Western parenting advice. We often hear that faster is better when it comes to calming a crying infant. But this research suggests that the manner in which a mother comforts her baby matters more than how quickly she does it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-touch-versus-talk-to-calm-babies">Touch versus talk to calm babies</h2>



Researchers observed 147 real-life moments of distress in 82 infants across both countries. They focused on what mothers did in those moments, not just how quickly they reacted.



In both places, faster responses did help babies settle down. But here’s the twist: even though U.K. mothers typically responded more quickly, Ugandan babies calmed faster overall. That wasn’t random. The difference came down to the way mothers soothed their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conscious-awareness-when-does-our-sense-of-purpose-emerge/">infants</a>.



In Uganda, moms often used touch - holding, carrying, or <a href="https://www.afro.who.int/countries/uganda/news/safe-space-nourish-who-uganda-champions-breastfeeding-workplace" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breastfeeding</a> - as their main method of comfort, even with older babies. In the U.K., mothers started with physical comfort when babies were young, but switched to using more words and less touch as their infants grew.



That shift in strategy seems to make a difference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-shapes-our-parenting">Culture shapes our parenting</h2>



The study was led by researchers from the <a href="https://www.dipf.de/en/frontpage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DIPF Leibniz Institute</a> in Germany, and Durham University in the U.K.. They wanted to understand how caregiving works in real life - outside of labs or parenting books - and across very different environments.



“Our findings show that maternal responsiveness is universally important. But how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mothers-can-use-singing-to-engage-with-infants/">mothers</a> respond, and the effectiveness of their strategies, varies in meaningful ways between cultures,” said Dr. Carlo Vreden of the DIPF Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education.



“Importantly, we are not making value judgments about which approach is better. Rather, we are highlighting that caregiving strategies are shaped by culture. It is not just about how quickly the mothers respond to their babies, but also the type of maternal soothing response which plays a crucial role in infant emotion regulation.”



In the U.K., many parenting norms are based on studies done in Western countries, often under very controlled conditions. But this doesn’t reflect the full picture of how most babies are raised around the world.



Professor Zanna Clay explained, “Most of what we know about babies’ early emotional development is based on studies conducted in Europe and North America. But of course, these Western settings don’t reflect the caregiving environments experienced by the majority of infants around the world, nor how they may have been historically.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-babies-stay-calm-despite-slower-responses">Babies stay calm despite slower responses</h2>



One principal reason why Ugandan mothers would take longer to reply is plain: they’re frequently engaged in manual labor, such as working in the fields or taking care of household chores outside. In contrast to high-income environments, mothers in rural Uganda typically cannot abandon everything the instant their baby begins crying.



“Uganda is an interesting place to study <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/child-care-quality-has-direct-impact-on-later-success-in-science-and-math/">caregiving</a>,” Clay said, “as infants are typically cared for by multiple different caregivers and their styles of caregiving culturally differ, such as prioritising more physical contact with their babies.”



Even with slower response times, Ugandan mothers’ reliance on touch - especially breastfeeding - seemed to have a calming effect. The babies got comforted in a way that worked well for them, even if it wasn’t immediate.



Professor Clay added, “Our study also highlights the balance between responding to your baby while also having to manage daily tasks, which can be more challenging in rural low-resource settings.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-parenting-advice">Rethinking parenting advice</h2>



This research challenges the idea that there’s only one right way to raise emotionally healthy kids. It shows that parenting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parenting-may-help-keep-the-brain-younger/">strategies</a> can look different in different places - and still be effective.



“We’ve shown that Western ideas about optimal parenting don’t always apply in other settings,” said Dr. Vreden. “Even though the U.K. mums do seem to follow this sort of gold standard of responding as soon as possible, it's the Ugandan children, who don't get that quicker response, who actually recovered faster.”



“This emphasises the complexity of different strategies working in different ways and in different settings.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calm-babies-in-real-life">Calm babies in real life</h2>



By watching what happens in real-life settings - not just in labs - researchers can get a clearer picture of what helps babies <a href="https://www.eccpct.com/Resources/Child/Tips-for-Tots/Help-Young-Children-Regulate-Their-Emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regulate</a> their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/facial-expressions-arent-enough-to-understand-human-emotions/">emotions</a>. This matters for building parenting support programs that fit the realities of people’s lives, no matter where they live.



Future research may explore how these early caregiving approaches affect children as they grow and how parenting differs across even more cultures.



In the end, it’s not just about being fast - it’s about being effective. And effectiveness can look very different, depending on where you are.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2026-56898-001.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Developmental Psychology</a>.



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How, or how fast? Study examines fascinating cultural differences in how babies are calmed

A recent study comparing how mothers in the U.K. and Uganda soothe their crying babies found something surprising: Ugandan babies calm down faster, even though their moms take longer to respond. On the surface, this flips the script on common Western parenting advice. We often hear that faster is better when it comes to calming a crying infant. But this research suggests that the manner in which a mother comforts her baby matters more than how quickly she does it. Touch versus talk to calm babies Researchers...

The growing number of legal psychedelic therapy programs in places like Colorado and Oregon has sparked new questions about how these substances affect people beyond traditional clinical outcomes. One area gaining more attention is how psychedelics influence sexuality, gender identity, and romantic relationships.



A new study by researchers from the <a href="https://www.buffalo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University at Buffalo</a>, University of Michigan Medical School, University of Exeter, and the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie offers the first real data on this topic. 



Published in the Journal of Sex Research, the study surveyed nearly 600 people about their experiences with psychedelics like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-could-help-millions-who-suffer-from-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin mushrooms</a>, LSD, ecstasy (MDMA), and ketamine. 



The results show that these substances may play a role in shaping how people view their intimate lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychedelics-and-sexuality">Psychedelics and sexuality </h2>



Participants in the study reported that psychedelic experiences led to deeper feelings of connection with their partners. 



Many described improved relationship quality, increased attraction to their current partners, and more satisfying sexual experiences.



Dr. Daniel Kruger is a research associate professor in the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions and first author on the paper.



“People in clinical trials and people going on psychedelic retreats in other countries have talked about a broad range of positive effects, including greater self-insight and feeling more connected to other people," said Dr. Kruger. "Could there be benefits for intimate relationships in the long-term?” 



This line of questioning is what motivated the team to go deeper, especially since no previous studies had explored how psychedelics may affect gender identity or sexual behavior. 



To fill this gap, the researchers asked participants to reflect on how their psychedelic use shaped aspects of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-exhibit-better-sexual-health-eating-a-plant-based-vegan-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sexual</a> and romantic lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-sexual-attraction">Changes in sexual attraction </h2>



About 70% of respondents said their sexuality or sexual experiences were influenced by psychedelic use. Of those, 65% noticed changes in the short term, while nearly 53% said the effects lasted over time. 



Around 10% said their gender identity or expression had shifted after using psychedelics. Some described a new awareness of gender fluidity, with feelings that fluctuated between masculine and feminine.



One of the most unexpected findings was how many participants experienced changes in sexual attraction. 



“I think the biggest surprise for me was the increase in same-sex attraction, reported by a quarter of women and about one in eight men,” said Dr. Kruger.



“A third of those with other gender identities also reported changes. Most people did not experience this, but the fact that so many people did is striking.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-mental-health-treatments">Rethinking mental health treatments</h2>



The idea that psychedelics could be the next wave in psychiatric treatment isn’t new, but this study adds another layer to the conversation. 



Dr. Kruger noted that while psychedelics hold promise, they’re not a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/confirmed-magic-mushrooms-can-effectively-treat-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magic cure</a>. “Many people think that psychedelics will be the next generation of psychiatric medications. And psychedelics seem like they could be much more effective.”



Still, Dr. Kruger emphasized caution: people shouldn’t “just think of psychedelics as a magic pill that just makes everything better.”



Legal access is expanding, and with it, usage is increasing - especially among young adults. Many older adults are now trying psychedelics for therapeutic purposes too.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-use-linked-to-higher-risk-of-schizophrenia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psychedelic use</a> may be at an all-time high among young adults, and many older adults are trying psychedelics for the therapeutic benefits,” said Dr. Kruger.



“There are huge implications for public health when so many people are using psychedelics. We need to reduce risks and protect people from harms and educate people so they know what they are getting into.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychedelics-and-sex-research">Psychedelics and sex research</h2>



Since this was the first study to focus on the intersection of psychedelics and sexuality, it was designed to cast a wide net. The researchers now plan to dig deeper.



A new version of the survey is already underway, and it’s open to any adult who has used psychedelics. Participants can respond anonymously.



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-offers-new-explanation-for-how-psychedelic-drugs-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychedelic therapy</a> moves further into the mainstream, understanding how it affects not just the brain but also the heart - and identity - will become more important. This study is just the beginning of that conversation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224499.2025.2479197" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journal of Sex Research</a>.



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Psychedelics, sexuality, and self-discovery: What a new study reveals

The growing number of legal psychedelic therapy programs in places...

Science has never existed in a vacuum. Yet, the way it’s written and shared often makes it feel like it does. Technical language, emotionless tone, and a third-person perspective dominate scientific writings and make them feel cold and inaccessible.



These rules help maintain objectivity, but they also build a wall between science and society. In a time of climate crisis, biodiversity collapse, and widespread ecological grief, that wall needs to come down.



Scientists at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> believe that storytelling - not just data - is essential. Their new perspective, published in People and Nature, invites the scientific community to experiment with more personal, emotional, and narrative-driven ways of communication.



The goal is not to dilute the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-must-reconnect-with-nature-now-to-save-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">science</a>. It is to open it up and make it resonate. And in doing so, to inspire the public, policymakers, and even other scientists to act.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-facts-aren-t-enough">When facts aren’t enough</h2>



The motivation behind this call is clear. Global temperatures are rising. Biodiversity is shrinking. We are dangerously close to irreversible tipping points. And yet, the political and public response often falls short.



The authors point to the case of climate scientists Dr. Rose Abramoff and Dr. Peter Kalmus, who were penalized for protesting at a major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-pushing-nature-toward-a-breaking-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientific</a> conference.



Their protest - “Out of the lab and onto the streets” - was seen as a break from objectivity. But it also highlighted the emotional weight that many scientists carry.



“As environmental scientists ourselves, we feel frustration, a sense of loss, fear and sometimes helplessness at the lack of action to protect the planet,” noted Professor Karen Anderson, one of the lead authors.



Scientists are not robots. They feel the urgency, but their training often keeps them from expressing it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-scientific-writing-became-emotionless">How scientific writing became emotionless</h2>



Scientific writing hasn’t always been so detached. Its current form began in the 17th and 18th centuries when so-called “gentleman scientists” wrote for peers. This legacy shaped how we write <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-grip-on-co2-is-slipping-what-it-means-for-us-all/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">science</a> today: objective, methodical, and impersonal.



“That form of writing clearly has its place - but we’re not only debating technical aspects of science for academic interest,” said Dr. Katherine Crichton.



That traditional model, however, is poorly suited to communicate with wider audiences. The gap between scientific evidence and public understanding has only grown. Scientists publish their findings in research journals, but few outside academia ever read them.



Meanwhile, media coverage distorts, simplifies, or omits vital details.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storytelling-makes-science-memorable">Storytelling makes science memorable</h2>



Stories are not just entertainment. They’re a means by which humans understand the world. We evolved with stories. We remember them. We feel them. And crucially, we act on them.



“Humans are inspired by stories. By telling better stories, scientists can help inspire meaningful action to protect ourselves by protecting our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-must-live-in-harmony-with-nature-to-create-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a> and the planet,” said Dr. Crichton.



Narratives can drive change in ways data alone cannot. The authors cite philosopher Donna Haraway, who argues that life itself may not be at stake - but ways of living and dying are.



The issue is not that scientists don’t care. It’s that their writing style hides their humanity. It hides their hope, grief, wonder, and fear. This paper suggests it’s time to stop hiding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-missing-half-behind-the-science">The missing half: Behind the science</h2>



One of the most powerful ideas in the paper is the notion of a “dark twin” - the unspoken story behind the clean, published version of research. Inspired by scientist Merlin Sheldrake, this dark twin includes the chaos, serendipity, and emotional weight of doing science.



These are the parts that people connect with. How did the researcher feel when standing on a melting glacier? What was it like getting sick at high altitude while collecting soil samples in the Himalayas? These experiences reveal the full reality of science as a human endeavor.



The Exeter researchers even provide one such dark twin. It recounts fieldwork in Nepal, altitude sickness, meals cooked in remote lodges, and the scent of incense plants. The story reads like a travelogue, yet it builds up to a scientific insight. It shows how science actually happens - in the messiness of real life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotions-don-t-undermine-credibility">Emotions don't undermine credibility </h2>



The worry, of course, is that emotional stories could be seen as unscientific. That they might undermine credibility. But the authors argue otherwise. Emotions and storytelling don’t distort the science - they contextualize it.



“We study these ecosystems because we love them – but we are expected to be removed from our subjects,” noted Professor Angela Gallego-Sala.



That artificial distance limits how effectively scientists can communicate. Scientific journals enforce this distance through style guides and traditions. But those conventions don’t reflect the reality of how science is done - or why it matters.



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



If scientists don’t share their own stories, someone else will. And the public might hear only the loudest, most extreme narratives. Often, those are doom-laden headlines or overly simplified takes.



This imbalance creates despair or apathy. When every headline screams catastrophe, people may shut down emotionally. The paper warns against letting only the bleakest versions of science reach the public.



Hope matters, and so does empathy. Both can be built through honest, heartfelt storytelling. That’s why the authors argue for more stories that show resilience, solutions, and human connections to nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-storytelling-in-science-0">Emotional storytelling in science</h2>



There are already some success stories. Suzanne Simard’s use of terms like “mother trees” helped people understand and care about complex ecological systems. She faced criticism for using emotional language, yet her work reached millions.



“We’ve separated ourselves from nature so much that it’s to our own demise … The result is that we have loss of old-growth forests. Our fisheries are collapsing. We're in a mass extinction,” she said.



Simard’s approach proves that emotional, metaphor-rich storytelling can bring science to life. It helps people see nature not as a concept, but as kin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reimagining-the-role-of-the-scientist">Reimagining the role of the scientist</h2>



The paper makes another important point: scientists have the privilege of witnessing environmental change firsthand. They see the beauty and the damage. That perspective should not stay hidden.



By writing from the frontlines, scientists can show the stakes more clearly. They can make their work more transparent and accessible. They can also build public trust, which is eroding in an age of misinformation.



“There is plenty of other academic work that advocates for scientific storytelling. The problem is that these other pieces don’t demonstrate how this can be done,” Professor Anderson noted.



That’s what this paper offers - concrete examples, models, and encouragement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storytelling-brings-science-to-life">Storytelling brings science to life</h2>



The authors end with a clear invitation: experiment. Try new formats. Write personal biographies. Share the dark twin of your paper. Record videographic stories. Let readers see the journey, not just the results.



“It’s the start of a different type of experiment - an experiment with stories,” said Professor Anderson.



They argue that science communication should not be an afterthought. It should be treated with the same care and creativity as the research itself.



This is not about replacing data with feelings. It’s about recognizing that feelings are part of science too. That behind every study is a person who cared enough to ask a question and search for answers.



The perspective, published in <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pan3.70027">People and Nature</a>, is titled "We are storytelling apes: experimenting with new scientific narratives in a time of climate and biodiversity collapse."



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Storytelling can bring science to life and inspire action

Science has never existed in a vacuum. Yet, the way...

Modern life is busy. Between work, family, errands, and social commitments, daily exercise often takes a back seat. For many, squeezing in a gym session every day feels impossible. But what if you didn’t have to? New research shows that the weekend warrior routine may offer similar health benefits.



“You don’t need to exercise every day to stay healthy. As long as you get 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week - whether packed into one to two days or spread out - you can significantly reduce your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sitting-too-much-can-cause-premature-aging-even-if-you-exercise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk of dying</a> from cardiovascular disease, cancer or other causes,” said study co-author Dr. Zhi-Hao Li, an epidemiologist at <a href="https://portal.smu.edu.cn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Medical University</a>.



The findings come from analysis of a U.K. health database involving over 93,000 participants who were tracked using wrist accelerometers. The devices measured their movements precisely, thus avoiding the potential errors from self-reporting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-weekend-exercise">Impacts of weekend exercise</h2>



Participants were divided into three groups: weekend <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weekend-warrior-workouts-lower-the-risk-of-200-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warriors</a>, regular actives, and inactive people. Both active groups showed clear health advantages over the inactive one.



Weekend warriors had a 32% lower risk of death from all causes, 31% lower from cardiovascular disease, and 21% lower from cancer. Regular actives showed similar, but slightly smaller reductions in risk.



“This message is encouraging news for busy people who struggle to fit in daily workouts but can manage a concentrated burst of activity on weekends or over a couple of days,” noted Dr. Li. “The research provides reassuring evidence that even sporadic physical activity can have lasting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strength-training-may-be-the-best-exercise-for-insomnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health benefits</a>.”



No major differences were apparent between the two active groups in terms of health outcomes. This suggests that total time spent moving matters more than how it's spread out.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-even-short-bursts-of-activity-help">Even short bursts of activity help</h2>



To improve health, the World Health Organization (<a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHO</a>) and <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Heart Association</a> recommend that adults get between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fitness-focused-medicine-physical-activity-reduces-chronic-disease-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a> in the same time period.



A combination of both also works. Activities can range from brisk walking, cycling, or jogging to household tasks like gardening and dancing, as long as the effort is moderate to vigorous.



The study gathered data using movement trackers worn on the wrist. The data came from the <a href="https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.K. Biobank</a> and included people aged 37 to 73, with slightly more women than men. 



Among the individuals included in the analysis, about 42% were weekend warriors, 24% were regular actives, and 34% were inactive and did not follow any exercise routine.



Over eight years of follow-up, nearly 4,000 people died - with heart disease and cancer accounting for the majority of these deaths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-advice-for-weekend-exercise">Practical advice for weekend exercise </h2>



American Heart Association expert Dr. Keith Diaz, who was not involved in the study, is a professor of behavioral medicine at <a href="https://www.columbia.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a>.



“Many people struggle to fit in daily <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-doses-of-exercise-can-greatly-reduce-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercise</a> during the workweek; however, this research shows that even if you can only be active on the weekends, you can still gain meaningful health benefits,” said Dr. Diaz.



“One important caveat to remember is that trying to fit 150 minutes of exercise into just one or two days can be a lot on your body.”



People aiming to become weekend warriors should build up gradually. Warm-ups and proper progression can lower the chance of injury. While some risk of musculoskeletal injuries exists, the health benefits are still much greater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-the-research">Limitations of the research </h2>



Although the study offers valuable insights on exercise benefits for weekend warriors, the researchers acknowledged some limitations. The analysis was focused on physical activity during a single week and didn’t monitor long-term changes in behavior.



Most participants were white and lived in the U.K., so the findings may not reflect global patterns. Furthermore, the effects of physical activity are influenced by genetics, environment, and culture.



The researchers suggest that more studies are needed with broader ranging samples. These studies may include varied backgrounds, longer timelines, and other health markers to better understand how weekend <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-exercise-routine-can-cut-your-risk-of-early-death-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">workouts</a> affect diverse populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focused-efforts-for-a-healthier-life">Focused efforts for a healthier life</h2>



This study brings a hopeful message. You don’t have to overhaul your entire week to protect your health. A focused, vigorous effort on one or two days can still help you live longer. 



Whether you prefer Saturday hikes or Sunday spin classes, you can count them toward your well-being - as long as they are intense enough and total a minimum of 150 minutes weekly.



For those with busy schedules, this research affirms that any movement that fits your lifestyle counts. Being a weekend warrior isn’t a fallback - it’s a legitimate strategy for a healthier, longer life.



The study is published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.124.039225">Journal of the American Heart Association</a>.



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Weekend warriors reap the same health benefits as daily exercisers

Modern life is busy. Between work, family, errands, and social...

For many people living with chronic conditions, daily life means constant pain, disrupted sleep, and emotional strain. Traditional treatments often bring limited relief, while side effects from long-term medication can worsen a patient's quality of life. 



In recent years, medicinal cannabis has emerged as a potential alternative, offering a ray of hope where other therapies have failed.



A new long-term study offers compelling evidence that this treatment may be more than just a passing trend - it may be here to stay.



Conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a>, the QUEST Initiative tracked patients over 12 months to assess whether improvements seen in the first three months of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tapping-into-the-pain-relief-potential-of-cannabis-without-the-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> oil use could last. The answer, according to data published in the journal PLOS One, is yes.



Those who continued the treatment saw sustained gains in physical and mental well-being across a range of conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legalization-of-medicinal-cannabis">Legalization of medicinal cannabis </h2>



Australia legalized medicinal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-use-impacts-working-memory-and-brain-function/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> in 2016 for patients not responding to standard treatment. Since then, more than one million people have been prescribed cannabis for over 200 health conditions. Most use it to manage pain, sleep disorders, anxiety, or depression.



Therapeutic effects stem from compounds like THC and CBD. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cbd-reduces-the-unwanted-side-effects-of-thc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">compounds</a> offer alternatives to opioids, which carry risks such as addiction, bowel issues, and cognitive decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinically-meaningful-improvements">Clinically meaningful improvements</h2>



QUEST followed patients aged 18–97 across 114 clinics between November 2020 and December 2021. The participants completed regular assessments at baseline, 2 weeks, and eight timepoints up to 12 months.



They reported their own health-related quality of life (HRQL), including physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Other metrics included fatigue, pain, sleep, anxiety, and depression.



The study revealed clear trends. HRQL improved quickly and stayed high. EQ-5D-5L scores rose by 0.114 (Cohen’s d = 0.52). QLQ-C30 scores increased by 10.71 points (d = 0.91), a large clinical improvement.



Pain intensity and pain interference also dropped, especially in chronic pain patients. The PROMIS pain interference score improved by 4.87 points (d = 0.76). Fatigue fell by 4.70 points (d = 0.51), and sleep disturbances dropped by 5.96 points (d = 0.76).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improvements-for-mental-health-conditions">Improvements for mental health conditions</h2>



Patients with anxiety or depression saw meaningful change after using medicinal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-cannabis-users-face-higher-heart-attack-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a>. For those with depressive disorders, depression scores dropped by 7.19 points (d = 0.65), moving many from severe to moderate symptoms.



Anxiety scores improved by 5.65 points (d = 0.69) for patients with anxiety conditions. These changes exceeded the clinically accepted threshold of 5 points.



The THC to CBD ratio in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-cannabis-significantly-increases-the-risk-of-heart-attack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> oil mattered. THC-dominant oils showed greater improvements in anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep. CBD-dominant oils worked better for some pain types, including headache and cancer-related pain.



Musculoskeletal pain responded better to CBD-dominant oils than CBD-only ones. However, pain interference didn’t vary much across oil compositions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prescription-medication-and-motor-function">Prescription medication and motor function</h2>



Nearly half of participants reported reducing other prescription medications. About 22% had been taking opioids when they joined. By the end of 12 months, 70% of these patients had reduced or stopped their opioid use.



People with movement disorders reported better HRQL. But they showed no significant change in upper limb function. Their average score increase (1.43 points) didn’t meet the clinical threshold for improvement.



PROM completion rates declined over time, falling to 38% at 12 months. Those who dropped out earlier showed less improvement. This suggests participants who continued saw more benefit from medicinal cannabis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-medicinal-cannabis">Benefits of medicinal cannabis </h2>



The results show that medicinal cannabis can quickly improve symptoms and maintain those benefits long-term. Clinicians now have more data to guide their decisions. The findings may also shape health policy.



“This is promising news for patients who are not responding to conventional medicines for these conditions," noted the study authors. 



The research adds to growing international data supporting medicinal cannabis. It also highlights the need for more targeted research into dosage, specific conditions, and long-term effects.



With over a million Australians already using it, the evidence is clear: medicinal cannabis is not just a temporary fix - it’s a lasting option for many.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0320756" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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Medicinal cannabis helped patients feel better for a full year

For many people living with chronic conditions, daily life means...

More Americans are starting to connect alcohol consumption with cancer risk. According to a new national survey, over half of U.S. adults now believe that drinking alcohol regularly increases the chance of developing cancer later in life.



This marks a notable increase from last year, when only 40% made that connection. The survey, conducted between January 30 and February 10, 2025, comes from the <a href="https://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania</a>.



Researchers asked more than 1,700 U.S. adults about their understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-related-deaths-have-doubled-over-the-past-two-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcohol’s health effects</a>, and the results suggest that recent public health messaging may be making an impact. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-public-messaging">The power of public messaging</h2>



One likely reason for the shift is the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory released on January 3, 2025. 



The statement warned that drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing at least seven types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-small-amounts-of-alcohol-increase-cancer-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> - including breast, colon, and liver cancer - and recommended that alcoholic beverages carry clearer warning labels. The advisory received widespread media attention. 



“Our data suggest that the Surgeon General’s synthesis of the science showing that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-consumption-can-lead-to-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcohol consumption</a> increases one’s risk of cancer got traction,” noted Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center.



“The Surgeon General’s impact is a reminder that what health officials communicate about science can affect behavior.”



While several reports on alcohol and health were released around the same time, including one from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and another from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, most respondents were unaware of those. 



The Surgeon General’s message was the only one that reached a large audience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alcohol-reports-are-influencing-behavior">Alcohol reports are influencing behavior</h2>



Nearly half of those surveyed said they had heard or read about recent reports on the health impact of alcohol. 



When asked to name which report they remembered, 46% pointed to the Surgeon General’s advisory. However, 44% were unsure which one they had encountered.



The survey also asked whether exposure to these reports influenced people’s choices. 



Almost 1 in 3 respondents (29%) said they would be less likely to accept a drink if offered in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-social-drinking-feels-so-different-from-drinking-alone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social setting</a>. But for most (61%), the reports made no difference.



A small group (9%) said they’d be more likely to accept a drink after learning about the reports.



Among those more inclined to take a drink, 73% said they’d also be more likely to accept a second one if offered. In contrast, 22% said they’d be less likely to accept a second drink.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opinions-about-moderate-alcohol-use">Opinions about moderate alcohol use</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-alcohol-in-moderation-does-not-prolong-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moderate drinking</a> is typically defined as one drink a day for women and up to two for men. 



When asked about this level of alcohol use, 47% of those who recalled only one report said the report framed moderate drinking as harmful. 



About 25% believed it described both harmful and beneficial effects. Another 20% were unsure what the report said.



While these numbers suggest that some confusion remains, public understanding seems to be heading in a new direction - especially in light of high-profile warnings and growing media coverage.



With over half of Americans now aware of the link between alcohol use and cancer, the conversation around moderate drinking may continue to evolve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-moving-forward">What this means moving forward</h2>



The rising awareness about alcohol’s link to cancer signals a shift in public perception. As more people connect everyday behaviors with long-term health risks, health officials may see new opportunities to improve labeling, education, and outreach. 



Still, with a significant portion of the population unsure or unconvinced, there’s clearly work to be done.



Public health campaigns that clearly communicate the risks - like the Surgeon General’s advisory - can help people make more informed choices.



Whether or not these messages continue to change behavior will depend on how they are delivered, how frequently they are repeated, and how much trust they earn from the public.



As the conversation around alcohol continues, the next challenge may not be just raising awareness - but helping people turn that awareness into meaningful decisions.



Details of the survey were <a href="https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250401/Survey-shows-increased-awareness-of-alcohole28099s-cancer-risks.aspx">published</a> by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.



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New blood test can diagnose and track the progression of Alzheimer’s

A new blood test could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment...

Long-term practitioners of Transcendental Meditation (TM) may be doing more than just relaxing - they could be rewiring their biology for better aging and stress resilience.



In a new study, researchers compared meditators with up to 40 years of experience against non-meditators. The analysis revealed meaningful differences in gene expression, brain activity, and the levels of stress hormones.



The research, conducted by scientists from <a href="https://www.miu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maharishi International University</a>, the University of Siegen, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, provides new insights into how regular meditation may influence biological aging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slowing-biological-aging-with-meditation">Slowing biological aging with meditation </h2>



One of the most significant findings involves <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/personality-has-a-profound-influence-on-gene-expression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene expression</a>. The experts found that TM practitioners exhibit lower expression of specific genes, such as SOCS3, that are tied to inflammation and stress.



This gene is commonly associated with chronic stress and energy metabolism, and its reduced expression could signal a lower "allostatic load" - a measure of the body's wear and tear due to prolonged stress.



“This study provides evidence that long-term practice of TM technologies has a broad range of health benefits at the molecular level,” said Supaya Wenuganen of Maharishi International University. 



“The gene expression differences, cognitive function indicators, and lower cortisol levels after long-term TM practice relate to each other in ways suggesting reduction of both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-can-accelerate-the-aging-of-the-immune-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress and aging</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-signals-show-youthful-patterns">Brain signals show youthful patterns</h2>



Cognitive decline with age is a well-known phenomenon. However, EEG scans in the study suggest that older TM practitioners retain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transcendental-meditation-mental-health-productivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain function</a> that closely resembles that of younger adults.



The researchers tracked the latency of N2 and P3 brain signals, which are markers linked to how quickly the brain processes information. TM practitioners had faster response times compared to non-meditators of the same age.



They also scored higher on the Brain Integration Scale (BIS), which includes measures like brainwave coherence, reaction speed, and attention control.



“The findings around cognitive function are particularly exciting,” said Frederick Travis, a co-author of the study. "Both younger and older TM practitioners showed higher scores on the BIS compared to non-meditators." 



"The older meditators performed on par with young controls. This reinforces the findings on evoked potential responses, further suggesting a protective effect against cognitive decline with age.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cortisol-clues-in-hair-samples">Cortisol clues in hair samples</h2>



Stress leaves traces in more than just your mood - it can be measured in your hair. The researchers analyzed levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-is-reflected-in-hair-cortisol-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cortisol</a> (a stress hormone) and cortisone (its inactive form) in hair samples from all participants.



TM practitioners consistently exhibited a lower ratio of cortisol to cortisone compared to non-meditators, which suggests a more balanced stress response and greater resilience.



“Cortisol plays a critical role in the body’s response to stress, and chronically high cortisol levels are associated with a host of age-related health issues in addition to cognitive decline,” said Kenneth Walton, a senior researcher at Maharishi International University. 



“The reduced cortisol-to-cortisone ratio in meditators suggests they have more adaptive reserve, more resilience, contributing to overall health and longevity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meditation-and-biological-aging">Meditation and biological aging</h2>



By examining gene expression, brain function, and hormonal markers together, the study offers a more complete picture of how this type of meditation may influence aging at multiple levels.



The research strengthens earlier findings suggesting that meditation can reduce cardiovascular risk and improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transcendental-meditation-using-the-power-of-the-mind-to-heal-trauma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental well-being</a>.



“The lower expression of age-related genes and lower hair cortisol in the TM groups extend the findings of short-term studies indicating these practices lead to healthy aging and more resilient adaptation to stress,” noted Walton.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



While the results are promising, the researchers note that more studies are needed to explore the biological mechanisms behind these effects.



Future research will look more closely at energy metabolism, inflammation pathways, and other molecular processes to understand how regular meditation may help slow the aging process over time.



Scientists also hope to examine larger, more diverse populations over time to confirm and expand upon these findings.



For now, this study offers a compelling reason to sit still, close your eyes, and breathe. Your genes - and your brain - might just thank you for it.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/15/3/317" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biomolecules</a>.



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Meditation slows biological aging at the molecular level

Long-term practitioners of Transcendental Meditation (TM) may be doing more...

Every summer feels hotter than the last. News reports cover deadly heatwaves, rising humidity, and collapsing infrastructure under soaring temperatures. But while climate models predict extreme weather, a deeper question lingers: how much heat can the human body actually tolerate?



A recent study from the University of Ottawa’s Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit (<a href="https://hepru.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HEPRU</a>) has provided fresh insights. 



The team, led by Dr. Robert D. Meade and Professor Glen Kenny, set out to measure the biological limits of thermoregulation - our body’s ability to control internal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-is-pushing-parts-of-earth-beyond-human-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> under conditions of environmental stress.



This research does more than update old data. It redefines our understanding of human survival in a warming world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-tolerance-is-lower-than-expected">Heat tolerance is lower than expected</h2>



Until recently, scientists assumed that humans could tolerate “wet bulb” temperatures - where humidity and heat combine - up to 35 °C. This threshold was widely cited as the maximum point for survival. However, new experiments have challenged that belief.



“The conditions under which humans can effectively regulate their body temperature are actually much lower than earlier models suggested,” said Professor Kenny.



This revelation comes from a series of precise laboratory experiments that exposed volunteers to controlled <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a> and humidity. 



The research team applied a method called thermal-step protocols, where air temperature or relative humidity is increased in steps to determine when the body loses control over its internal temperature. 



This point, called the “core temperature inflection,” was assumed to mark the edge of thermoregulation. Yet, until now, no study had tested this assumption directly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-human-thermoregulation-limits">Testing human thermoregulation limits</h2>



To validate the threshold, researchers subjected 12 healthy adults to extreme conditions in a climate-controlled chamber. First, each participant underwent a humidity-step protocol. 



They were gradually exposed to increasing levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-broke-records-for-450-straight-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a> or moisture to determine their personal inflection point - the moment when their core temperature started climbing sharply.



But the experiment didn’t stop there. Each participant returned for two additional 9-hour trials. In one session, they were exposed to a wet bulb temperature just below their individual limit (around 30.9 °C). 



In the other, they faced a temperature just above it (approximately 33.7 °C). The goal was to see whether the body could adapt and stabilize, or whether it would succumb to the heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-the-body-fails-to-cool-itself">When the body fails to cool itself</h2>



The outcome was decisive. “The results were clear. The participants’ core <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> streamed upwards unabated, and many participants were unable to finish the 9-hour exposure,” Dr. Meade explained.



These extended trials confirmed that even slightly exceeding the inflection point leads to dangerous, unmanageable rises in body temperature. Heat stroke levels (around 40.2 °C core temperature) could be reached in under 10 hours under “Tabove” conditions. 



Even in the “Tbelow” trials, where conditions were slightly milder, the body struggled. It would take more than 24 hours to reach heat stroke, but the trajectory was still upward.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-heat-impacts-on-humans">Predicting heat impacts on humans</h2>



This research does more than confirm a theory - it validates a method.



Thermal-step protocols have been used for decades to estimate limits for thermoregulation, but they lacked direct validation. Now, with this study, scientists can confidently rely on these models when projecting future human risks.



“Our findings [are] especially timely, given estimated limits for thermoregulation are being increasingly incorporated into large scale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clouds-have-become-less-reflective-making-global-warming-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> modeling,” noted Dr. Meade.



By testing human physiology in real-world simulations, this study connects lab science with global climate data. It also provides detailed measurements of physiological strain during prolonged exposure.



Even when core temperature didn’t immediately reach lethal levels, participants showed signs of uncompensated heat stress - rapid heart rates, fatigue, and inability to finish the trial.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-climate-map">Global climate map</h2>



As climate models grow more detailed, they are beginning to include human physiological limits. This study adds confidence to those models by showing that the lab-based thermal-step method can predict real-life responses. 



It also shifts expectations: survivability thresholds now fall between 26 °C and 31 °C wet bulb temperature, which is much lower than the previously cited 35 °C mark.



“By integrating physiological data with climate models, we hope to better predict and prepare for heat-related health issues,” said Professor Kenny.



In other words, this isn’t just about lab numbers. It’s about how cities will respond to heat emergencies, how healthcare systems can adapt, and how urban planning must change. Policies can now draw on data that reflect the actual stress on human bodies under conditions of rising temperature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-exposure-may-exceed-human-capacity">Heat exposure may exceed human capacity</h2>



What makes this study urgent is the projection that large regions across the globe will soon experience these dangerous conditions. 



Some of these zones include densely populated areas where millions may face extended periods of wet bulb temperatures of above 32 °C. With each degree rise, the margin for survival shrinks.



These findings serve as both a warning and a guide. They remind us that biological systems - unlike machines - can only adapt so far. The limits are real, measurable, and fast approaching.



Human survival under climate stress will depend not only on environmental policy but on understanding and respecting the boundaries of our own physiology.



This research marks a turning point. It shows that the future of climate adaptation must start with the human body. It is not a matter of theory, but of the unmistakable rise of core temperatures, the lab data collected over nine sweltering hours, and the shared vulnerability of every person facing a hotter planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2421281122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS</a>.



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Humans have a much lower heat tolerance than expected

Every summer feels hotter than the last. News reports cover...

Why would prehistoric humans carry their youngest children deep into the winding, pitch-black recesses of ancient caves - places riddled with danger, low oxygen, and claustrophobic tunnels? 



A new study from researchers at <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tel Aviv University</a> suggests an answer that goes beyond simple tradition or education: these children weren’t just tagging along - they were spiritual participants.



A paper recently published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/arts14020027" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arts</a>, a journal from MDPI, presents an innovative interpretation of children’s presence at cave art sites. The study proposes that small children were believed to serve a powerful spiritual function - acting as mediators between humans and the unseen world.



The research was conducted by Dr. Ella Assaf, Dr. Yafit Kedar, and Professor Ran Barkai from Tel Aviv University's Jacob M. Alkow Department of Archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern Cultures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-participated-in-cave-art">Children participated in cave art</h2>



Cave paintings, particularly those found in France and Spain, date back between 40,000 and 12,000 years and continue to mystify archaeologists.&nbsp;



While previous studies have focused on the adult creators of these artworks, there’s growing evidence that children were also involved. Handprints and finger paintings left by young ones, some as young as two years old, are scattered among the animal figures and abstract shapes. 



Footprints and hand impressions found near these ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-cave-painting-discovered-in-indonesia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paintings</a> suggest that children didn’t merely observe - they actively took part.



“There is solid evidence of children’s participation in the artwork,” Assaf said. “This naturally raises the question: why were very young children taken on exhausting and hazardous journeys deep into the dark, meandering caves with low oxygen levels - crawling through crevices, descending shafts, and climbing rocks to reach their destination?”



So far, most hypotheses have leaned toward the educational. The assumption was that adults brought children along to pass on cultural knowledge - traditions, myths, artistic skills. But the experts believe there’s more to the story.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-as-powerful-figures">Children as powerful figures</h2>



“Despite extensive research on cave art, few studies have focused on the presence of children,” Kedar said. “The prevailing hypothesis is that their participation served an educational purpose. In our study, we argue that children’s involvement had an additional meaning.”



Drawing on ethnographic studies of indigenous societies and recent insights into the nature of cave rituals, the researchers suggest that small children were considered spiritually potent. 



In many traditional cultures, children are not seen merely as passive observers or learners, but as powerful figures in their own right - what the researchers call “active agents.”



“Children possess a range of unique mental and cognitive traits, For this reason, indigenous cultures worldwide, throughout history and prehistory, have viewed children as 'active agents' - mediators between this world and the entities inhabiting the natural world, the underworld, and the cosmos as a whole,” Assaf said.&nbsp;



“In this way, children made a vital contribution to their communities - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-hunter-gatherers-had-a-very-organized-domestic-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunter-gatherers</a> who lived in nature and sought to maintain continuous, respectful relationships with various entities: animals and plants that served as food sources, stones used for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-select-the-best-materials-for-termite-fishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toolmaking</a>, ancestral spirits, and more.”



By involving children in cave rituals and artwork, ancient communities may have believed they were strengthening their connection to spiritual entities - animals, ancestral spirits, or cosmic forces - that governed their survival. 



These were communities deeply reliant on nature, where food, tools, and spiritual meaning were derived from the landscape around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-delivered-messages-in-cave-art">Children delivered messages in cave art</h2>



According to Barkai, caves themselves were often seen as liminal spaces - gateways to the underworld. For prehistoric societies, descending into the earth was not merely physical but symbolic. Within the depths, shamanic rituals could be performed to communicate with unseen forces.



“Young children were perceived as liminal beings - belonging to both the realm they had left just recently (before birth) and the world they currently inhabit,” he said. “Thus, small children were considered particularly suited to bridging the gap between the worlds and delivering messages to non-human entities.”



By this logic, children were not just extras in a ceremonial performance, but integral players. Their presence, their touch, even their handprints may have been believed to amplify the ritual’s power.&nbsp;



Thus, children joined adults on journeys into the depths of caves and participated in painting and rituals as part of their role in the community - as ideal mediators with entities from the beyond.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-childhood-and-spiritual-connection-nbsp">Childhood and spiritual connection&nbsp;</h2>



This study contributes to a growing body of work that rethinks the role of children in prehistory. Rather than viewing them as mere bystanders or apprentices, researchers are beginning to see young members of ancient communities as active participants in shaping both social life and spiritual practices.



By blending archaeological evidence with cultural anthropology and religious studies, the scientists opened a new window into how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-had-surprising-diets-3-5-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early humans</a> understood the roles of the youngest among them.&nbsp;



It’s a theory that paints childhood not just as a period of learning, but as a time of spiritual connection - and children, not just as learners, but as vital messengers between worlds.



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Children played a spiritual role in prehistoric cave art

Why would prehistoric humans carry their youngest children deep into...

Memories don't follow a straight, linear path, even though we often recall them like tidy stories. Researchers are now embracing this complexity, using smartphones to explore how memories shift over time, how they become richer or fade, and how we might intentionally strengthen them.&nbsp;



These digital tools are allowing scientists to track real-life experiences in ways that lab studies can’t, revealing how actions like trying something new, replaying moments before sleep, or feeling strong emotions may enhance our memory.



These insights are being shared at the <a href="https://www.cns.org/annualmeeting?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwna6_BhCbARIsALId2Z32nZKBwJfBW1xlk4p1DeZXQCu-j2lAYuBjcMNte24oAjQO4Thu2rEaAj5-EALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">annual meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS)</a>, where researchers are highlighting a range of smartphone-based studies that explore how memory is shaped by daily life.&nbsp;



“Smartphones are an incredible tool for understanding patterns of feelings, behavior, and experiences in daily life, and how different types of everyday events stay with us in memory,” said Elizabeth Goldfarb from <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a>, who is chairing a session on the topic. 



“Real experiences have so much more salience and self-relevance than anything I can generate in the lab, and being able to quantify how people remember those events is very exciting.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-dreams-and-the-timing-of-memory">Sleep, dreams, and the timing of memory</h2>



One line of research being presented comes from Morgan Barense at the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a>, who is examining how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-rewires-the-brain-to-strengthen-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> and dreams affect memory retention. This work emerged unexpectedly, when a previous study showed that memory recall was significantly affected by when material was reviewed in relation to sleep.&nbsp;



“We found that the timing of when someone first reviews material relative to sleep had an enormous effect on how well they later remembered it,” Barense said.&nbsp;



“The effect was so striking that I initially didn’t believe it. That discovery made me realize that sleep is something all memory scientists should be paying close attention to.”



Barense’s team, led by graduate student Nelly Matorina, developed a smartphone app called HippoCamera to test how a night of sleep impacts memories from the day before.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memories-following-sleep-are-more-vivid">Memories following sleep are more vivid</h2>



Participants recorded two events each day - one in the morning, one in the evening - for two weeks. The researchers then tested <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recall</a> after 12-hour intervals, comparing the effects of sleep versus wakefulness. 



Their earlier findings were confirmed. “Memories following sleep were more vivid, felt temporally closer, and were easier to recall, suggesting that a single night of sleep helps preserve the richness of autobiographical memory,” Barense explained.



Participants also recorded dreams and identified any that related to events captured with the app. “Interestingly, memories that were dreamt about were also rated as feeling temporally closer and were more likely to be recalled from a first-person perspective,” she added.



The team followed up by testing those same memories a year later to see how they changed, particularly in relation to the event's location.&nbsp;



“Our pattern of results suggests that the link between an event and its location may initially weaken after a night’s sleep to allow for memory reorganization, but over the long term, a year later, our memory is strongly connected to where it took place,” Matorina said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smartphones-improve-memory-research-nbsp">Smartphones improve memory research&nbsp;</h2>



While studying memory outside the lab comes with challenges, Barense sees great value in this approach.&nbsp;



“Real-world data collection introduces variability that is difficult to control, and tracking sleep and memory over time requires careful methodological design,” she said.&nbsp;



“However, these challenges are also what make smartphone-based research so promising - it allows us to move beyond artificial settings and study memory as it naturally unfolds in daily life.”



Looking ahead, Barense’s team will partner with Ken Paller’s lab at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> to see if memory retention can be boosted during sleep. They plan to combine HippoCamera with targeted memory reactivation, which uses sound cues tied to events and plays them during specific sleep stages.&nbsp;



“While our previous work has shown that HippoCamera strengthens autobiographical memory in older adults, we believe that incorporating sleep-based memory reactivation will further amplify its benefits,” Barense said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smartphone-app-tests-recall">Smartphone app tests recall</h2>



Lila Davachi of <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a> is also using smartphone-based research to explore memory, inspired by the mental and emotional effects of the pandemic.&nbsp;



“The lab had already published several papers on the impact of context representations on associative memory and here we all were sitting in our homes, meeting on Zoom, with very little change in our contexts,” she said.&nbsp;



“It was natural to wonder how this was going to impact our long-term memories and, perhaps by consequence, our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-crisis-half-of-the-worlds-population-will-be-affected-by-age-75/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>.”



Davachi and her team used a “daily diary” smartphone app, asking participants to report and categorize daily events over two weeks as “novel,” “routine,” or “periodic.” Two weeks later, they tested recall.&nbsp;



With the help of artificial intelligence to analyze responses, the researchers found that novel events were remembered with greater vividness and detail.&nbsp;



“Perhaps more exciting, we found that routine and periodic events that happened on the same day as a novel event were also better remembered than routine and periodic events that took place on days with less novelty,” Davachi explained. “This suggests a penumbra-like effect of novelty.”



This effect hints at the value of “experiential diversity” in strengthening memory. By mixing up daily routines with new experiences, people might be able to enhance not just specific memories but their overall ability to recall an entire day.&nbsp;



“Being able to sample and record data from individuals in the real world, along with the use of AI-based large language models to help us analyze large amounts of complex data, is a solid stepping stone,” Davachi said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-role-of-emotion-and-addiction">Exploring the role of emotion and addiction </h2>



Goldfarb is also using smartphones to investigate how people remember emotionally intense experiences, particularly in the context of substance use. In one study, she is examining the role of memory in alcohol addiction.&nbsp;



Memory is an important factor in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zapping-the-brain-with-ultrasound-waves-may-cure-drug-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">addiction</a>, since, for instance, someone can’t relapse in a place where they used to drink if they have no memories of drinking there. “Yet we know very little about what people remember about their time drinking that drives this behavior,” Goldfarb said.



Using smartphone recordings, her team is able to compare real-life memories of drinking events with patterns seen in lab studies.&nbsp;



“We’re uncovering some similarities with what we measure in the lab, which is great for establishing ecological validity,” she said. However, these real-world observations are also revealing new insights.&nbsp;



“We are seeing that people are more likely to link different parts of a positive event together in memory,” she said. “As a researcher, the effects of real emotions are so much stronger than what we can create in the lab.”



Goldfarb believes this emerging body of work - from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dream-recall-who-remembers-their-dreams-and-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dreams</a> to novelty to emotions - is opening new doors in memory research. As she concludes, these new tools and findings are a significant step forward in helping people build stronger and more detailed memories.



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Smartphones are teaching us how to supercharge our memory

Memories don't follow a straight, linear path, even though we...

Clothing rental has been pitched as a way to curb the fashion industry’s massive environmental impact. But so far, many of these ventures haven’t lasted long. 



What could make this idea work? It turns out that focusing on a specific market and building strong relationships with suppliers could be the key.



A recent study investigated whether clothing rental is a possible solution to the fashion industry's footprint. The research was led by <a href="https://www.chalmers.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chalmers University of Technology</a>, along with experts at the University of Borås and the research institute RISE.



The team explored what has and hasn’t worked for companies trying to make renting clothes a practical, long-term business.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rental-clothes-and-sustainable-consumption">Rental clothes and sustainable consumption </h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fashion-industrys-plastic-waste-is-a-major-environmental-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fashion industry</a> is one of the top contributors to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unprecedented-increase-in-global-ocean-plastic-pollution-since-2005/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global pollution</a>. In Sweden alone, over 90% of the climate impact from clothing comes from newly produced garments.



Renting instead of buying could keep clothes in circulation longer and reduce the need for constant production.



"Many people have clothes hanging in the closet that are rarely or never used. Renting clothes can extend the use of each garment and thus contribute to more sustainable consumption," said study co-author Professor Frida Lind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-fashion-rental-models">Types of fashion rental models</h2>



The researchers examined nine Swedish clothing rental companies. Some were still active, while others had shut down. Through this, they identified three common types of rental models.



The first model is membership-based. Customers sign up and borrow clothes for a set period of time, similar to how a library works. These companies were often founded by individuals who were driven by an interest in sustainability.



The second approach is subscription-based. In this model, customers pay a monthly fee and receive a rotating selection of garments to wear. Companies using this model usually aimed to expand quickly and attract investors.



The third model focuses on individual rentals. These businesses typically offered clothing for specific purposes - such as renting out ski jackets along with ski equipment - creating a bundled, purpose-driven experience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-fashion-rental-companies-struggle">Why fashion rental companies struggle </h2>



Despite genuine interest from consumers, many of the businesses struggled to stay afloat.



"What struck us was that it seemed so difficult for them to make their business profitable. Several had had to end their investments for various reasons," said Professor Lind.



Running a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-were-already-making-clothing-120000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clothing</a> rental service involves multiple layers of effort. Every garment needs to be returned, cleaned, inspected, and prepared before it can be sent out again. This process is time-consuming and costly. 



Many companies also had high overhead expenses related to storage, transportation, and laundry. For those using a subscription model, raising early-stage investment proved difficult. 



The researchers found that most of these models simply require more time and support to take root in the market.



"Renting out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-dark-side-of-donating-clothes-to-charity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clothes</a> involves many steps where each item of clothing needs to be handled and inspected before it can be rented out again, which takes time. Companies also struggled with high costs for warehousing, logistics and laundry, for example," said Professor Lind.



"Especially for the subscription models, there were also difficulties in obtaining venture capital to be able to survive financially through the first phase of building the company. All this shows that these business models need time to establish themselves in the market."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-niche-markets-are-more-promising">Niche markets are more promising</h2>



Not all of the business models fared poorly. Companies that targeted a narrow and specific market - such as outdoor gear - had better outcomes, especially when they operated near places where such clothing was needed.



"They seem to have found their niche and seen that there is a specific need that the customer is willing to pay for each time they need to use that type of clothing," said Professor Lind.



Companies that collaborated closely with clothing designers, manufacturers, and suppliers tended to do better as they gained useful insights that helped improve both product quality and customer satisfaction.



"Rental companies that worked closely with clothing manufacturers and suppliers, such as designers with a sustainability profile, benefited greatly from this as they were able to quickly get feedback on which types of clothing were most popular," said Professor Lind.



"They also gained valuable information about the quality of the garments, for example if there was something that often broke."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-these-efforts-matter">Why these efforts matter</h2>



The researchers didn’t measure the environmental impact of each business model in this particular study. But earlier findings from Chalmers show that 70 percent of a garment’s climate impact comes from production, while 22 percent is linked to the shopping trips consumers make to buy them. 



In the U.S., an average person throws away about 81 pounds of clothing per year. In the EU, that number is about 26 pounds per person.



If people buy fewer new clothes and use existing garments for longer, that shift could bring major environmental benefits. And if those changes happen without extra travel emissions - even better.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-habits-one-attempt-at-a-time">Changing habits, one attempt at a time</h2>



While some of the companies examined for the study didn’t survive, Professor Lind believes the broader effort is still important. She noted that even failed attempts help shift public attitudes around how we view clothing ownership and consumption. They also provide useful lessons for future ventures.



"All initiatives that can contribute to the sustainability transition are important. Not least because they help to change attitudes about clothing consumption and increase knowledge about what can and cannot work," said Professor Lind.



"Our study can be an important contribution to the fashion industry's sustainability transition, as it shows the possibilities of new business models in this industry." 



"We hope that it can have an impact on decision-makers who need a basis for establishing incentives and financial motivation for a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealthy-nations-are-making-more-progress-toward-sustainable-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable</a> fashion industry."



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/jbim-04-2024-0281/full/html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing</a>.



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Borrow clothes, save the planet? The reality of fashion rental

Clothing rental has been pitched as a way to curb...

We all know how tempting it is to scroll through our phones or other screens before bed - just one more video, one more post. But new research shows that bedtime tech use may be robbing you of rest.



A survey of over 45,000 young adults in Norway found that using screens after going to bed increases the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insomnia-increases-heart-attack-risk-by-69-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insomnia</a> by nearly 60% and cuts sleep time by about 24 minutes each night. The study was led by researchers from the <a href="https://www.fhi.no/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian Institute of Public Health</a>.



The research was focused on students in full-time higher education, aged 18 to 28, and explored the impact of different screen activities - from social media and gaming to podcasts and studying - on sleep habits and quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-sleep-screen-connection">The sleep-screen connection</h2>



Sleep is essential for our physical health, mental well-being, and academic performance. Yet many people struggle to get enough rest. One possible reason? Screens in bed.



According to the researchers, screen use in bed can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-who-watch-screens-in-bed-have-the-most-disrupted-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disrupt sleep</a> in multiple ways. Notifications may interrupt sleep cycles, screen time can reduce total sleep duration, and engaging content might delay the onset of sleep. 



Additionally, the light emitted by screens can interfere with the body's internal clock.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evaluating-screen-use-among-students">Evaluating screen use among students </h2>



The team used the 2022 Students’ Health and Wellbeing Survey, a nationally representative study of Norwegian students, to gather data. 



Participants were asked if they used screens after going to bed and how long they used them. The students also reported on the nature of their screen use - whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scrolling-online-videos-is-not-a-good-cure-for-boredom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watching videos</a>, gaming, scrolling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/goldilocks-amount-of-social-media-time-may-protect-teens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media</a>, listening to audio, browsing the internet, or reading study materials.



The individuals shared details about their sleep habits: when they went to bed and woke up, how long it took to fall asleep, how often they had trouble sleeping, how sleepy they felt during the day, and how long their sleep issues lasted.



Insomnia in this study was defined as experiencing both nighttime sleep difficulties and daytime sleepiness at least three times a week for three months or more.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-screen-activity-was-irrelevant">Screen activity was irrelevant </h2>



Surprisingly, the researchers didn’t find social media to be any worse than other screen-based activities when it came to disrupting sleep.



“The type of screen activity does not appear to matter as much as the overall time spent using screens in bed,” said Dr. Gunnhild Johnsen Hjetland, lead author of the study. 



“We found no significant differences between social media and other screen activities, suggesting that screen use itself is the key factor in sleep disruption - likely due to time displacement, where screen use delays sleep by taking up time that would otherwise be spent resting.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-suffers-from-screen-use-in-bed">Sleep suffers from screen use in bed</h2>



Participants were grouped into three categories: those who only used social media in bed, those who used screens but not for social media, and those who engaged in a mix of activities that included social media. 



Across the board, the more time they spent on screens after lights-out, the more their sleep suffered.



An extra hour of screen time after bedtime increased the chances of insomnia symptoms by 59%. It also shortened sleep duration by an average of 24 minutes. 



But the specific activity - whether social media or otherwise - didn’t appear to make a difference.



“Given the widespread use of screens in bed we aimed to explore the relationship between different screen activities and sleep patterns,” added Hjetland. 



“We expected that social media use might be more strongly associated with poorer sleep, given its interactive nature and potential for emotional stimulation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-for-a-digital-curfew">Time for a digital curfew?</h2>



If screen time is cutting into your sleep, experts say there are simple ways to adjust.



“If you struggle with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-night-of-lost-sleep-can-trigger-hidden-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> and suspect that screen time may be a factor, try to reduce screen use in bed, ideally stopping at least 30–60 minutes before sleep,” Hjetland advised. “If you do use screens, consider disabling notifications to minimize disruptions during the night.”



However, the researchers caution that the study was conducted within a single cultural context - Norway.



Sleep habits and technology use may differ across regions. Additionally, some screen activities that may affect sleep in unique ways, like gaming or listening to music, were grouped together. That means the effect of each activity might not be fully understood.



“This study cannot determine causality - for example, whether screen use causes insomnia or if students with insomnia use screens more,” noted Hjetland. “The study also did not include physiological assessments, which could provide more precise insights into sleep patterns.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-screen-use-changes-before-bed">Screen use changes before bed</h2>



While more research is needed, this large-scale survey adds to growing evidence that screen use at bedtime may not be doing your sleep any favors. 



If your nights feel restless and your days feel sluggish, it may be worth reevaluating how - and when - you use your phone.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1548273/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Psychiatry</a>.



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Put the phone down: Screen use in bed linked to insomnia

We all know how tempting it is to scroll through...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

<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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

[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;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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