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...

Preventing diseases like malaria often relies on individual choices, but a new study shows that social connections play a more significant role than previously thought. 



Health campaigns typically focus on educating individuals about prevention methods, assuming people will make rational decisions based on available information. However, researchers have found that the behaviors of friends, family, and community members strongly influence whether someone adopts protective measures.



This research highlights the importance of social ties in shaping health behaviors. People are more likely to use bed nets, insect repellents, and protective clothing if they see others around them doing the same. 



While personal awareness and expert advice matter, the study suggests that social influences outweigh these factors. Understanding how behaviors spread within communities could help improve public health efforts, making disease prevention more effective and sustainable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-ties-shape-malaria-prevention">Social ties shape malaria prevention</h2>



Researchers conducted a study in ten rural villages in India, focusing on malaria prevention behaviors. Their goal was to determine what influences people’s decisions to adopt preventative measures. 



The study examined whether factors like education, personal health awareness, and professional medical advice played a key role or if social networks had a stronger impact.



The findings revealed that social exposure is the most significant factor in determining whether individuals take action against malaria. 



The study also emphasized the role of households as primary spaces where health-related discussions take place. Instead of making independent decisions, people tend to follow the behavior of those closest to them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-networks-and-disease-prevention">Social networks and disease prevention </h2>



The research was conducted by experts from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>, the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a>, the <a href="https://iiphshillong.edu.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong</a>, <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University</a>, and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 



The team introduced a new framework for analyzing the impact of social networks on disease prevention.



“Social networks can either help or hinder disease prevention efforts that rely on a combination of behaviours. For example, if your friends and family use insect repellents, you are much more likely to use them yourself,” noted Dr. András Vörös from the University of Birmingham.



This suggests that health interventions should not only provide information but also encourage communities to adopt healthier behaviors collectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-households-in-health-behaviors">Role of households in health behaviors</h2>



One of the most striking findings of the study was the influence of households on health behaviors. People tend to discuss health matters with family members more than with outsiders. 



These discussions shape their choices regarding disease prevention. If health information is introduced within a household, there is a higher chance that multiple members will adopt preventative measures.



In contrast, expert advice and personal factors like age, gender, and education had a much smaller impact on prevention behaviors. Even when individuals were aware of health risks, they were less likely to take action unless their social circles reinforced those behaviors.



This insight highlights the need for public health initiatives that target entire families rather than individuals. When an entire household is engaged in prevention efforts, the likelihood of consistent and long-term adherence increases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-people-follow-social-trends">People follow social trends </h2>



“We found that people do not necessarily adopt prevention behaviors in bundles, but rather tend to simply adopt ones which are common among the people they talk to. Exposure to preventative behaviors within someone’s social network is the main factor influencing whether they adopt those same,” Dr. Vörös noted.



This means that people do not necessarily follow expert recommendations in full. Instead, they pick and choose based on what they see others doing. If someone in their social circle starts using insect repellent but not bed nets, they are likely to do the same.



This pattern suggests that public health interventions should focus on promoting common behaviors within social groups. If a campaign successfully encourages a few influential individuals to adopt protective measures, those behaviors are likely to spread naturally throughout the community.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-programs-and-social-influence">Public programs and social influence</h2>



Given these findings, public health campaigns need to shift from targeting individuals to engaging with groups. Instead of simply informing people about prevention measures, programs should focus on encouraging community leaders and other influential figures to promote these behaviors.



Community-based strategies could include training local leaders to educate their social circles about the importance of malaria prevention. When trusted individuals endorse certain health measures, people are more likely to follow their example.



Additionally, household-level interventions could be more effective than targeting individuals separately. When a whole family is encouraged to adopt protective measures, they reinforce these behaviors for one another, leading to longer-lasting results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-broader-perspective">A broader perspective</h2>



Although this study focused on malaria prevention in rural India, its findings apply to various diseases and locations worldwide. 



Social networks influence how people respond to health threats beyond malaria, including other infectious and non-communicable diseases.



By recognizing the power of social influence, health organizations can design more effective strategies to encourage prevention. Understanding that people follow the behaviors of those around them allows for better-targeted interventions that result in greater public health improvements.



In the fight against disease, knowledge is important, but social influence plays an even bigger role. Public health efforts that embrace this reality can lead to lasting changes and healthier communities.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-85240-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Social networks have a powerful influence on disease prevention

Preventing diseases like malaria often relies on individual choices, but...

We all know someone who seems to be aging more slowly than others. They look younger, move with more energy, and seem healthier despite having the same chronological age as their peers. What makes them different?



Scientists at <a href="https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osaka University</a> in Japan believe they may have found a way to measure this difference more accurately.



Instead of relying solely on chronological age, their new method assesses biological age - the true measure of how well the body has aged.



Using artificial intelligence (AI) and steroid metabolism <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-protein-that-reverses-cellular-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathways</a>, the model provides a deeper look into aging at a biochemical level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hormones-as-indicators-of-aging">Hormones as indicators of aging</h2>



Aging is influenced by a complex mix of genetics, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/defying-time-three-ways-to-slow-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifestyle</a>, and environmental factors. Traditional methods for estimating biological age rely on broad biomarkers such as DNA methylation or protein levels. 



However, these approaches often miss the intricate hormonal interactions that keep the body in balance.



“Our bodies rely on hormones to maintain homeostasis, so we thought, why not use these as key indicators of aging?” said Dr. Qiuyi Wang, co-first author of the study.



To explore this, the researchers focused on steroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-ai-model-for-biological-age">New AI model for biological age</h2>



The team developed a deep neural network (DNN) model that incorporates steroid metabolism <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organ-aging-can-predict-diseases-decades-in-advance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathways</a>. This AI-driven system is the first to examine how steroid hormones interact rather than just their individual levels.



“Our approach reduces the noise caused by individual steroid level differences and allows the model to focus on meaningful patterns,” explains Dr. Zi Wang, co-first author of this work.



The model was trained using blood samples from hundreds of individuals. The findings suggest that biological age differences increase as people grow older, much like a river widening as it flows downstream.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precise-health-assessment">Precise health assessment</h2>



The researchers’ method requires only five drops of blood. From this sample, they analyze 22 key steroids and their interactions to estimate biological age with greater precision. 



This advancement in technology opens doors for the early detection of age-related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-and-aging-new-study-reveals-a-surprising-connection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> risks and personalized interventions to slow down aging.



One of the most significant discoveries in the study relates to cortisol, a hormone linked to stress. The team found that when cortisol levels doubled, biological age increased by approximately 1.5 times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-stress-on-biological-aging">Impact of stress on biological aging</h2>



“Stress is often discussed in general terms, but our findings provide concrete evidence that it has a measurable impact on biological aging,” said Professor Toshifumi Takao, a corresponding author and an expert in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry.



This discovery reinforces the importance of stress management in maintaining long-term health. Chronic stress may speed up aging at a biochemical level, making it essential to prioritize mental well-being along with physical health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-applications-and-potential">Future applications and potential</h2>



Scientists believe their AI-powered biological age model could transform how people understand and manage their health. Instead of relying on general guidelines, this tool might allow doctors to give advice tailored to each person’s body and aging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-the-cellular-mortality-timer-that-dictates-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">process</a>. 



By analyzing hormone interactions, the model could help detect diseases before symptoms appear, making early treatment possible. 



The technology could also assist in designing wellness programs that fit an individual’s needs, helping people choose the best diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes to slow down aging.



In the future, this technology might make it easier to track aging speed and adjust health strategies accordingly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-research-on-biological-aging">Expanding research on biological aging</h2>



While this study represents a major step forward, the researchers acknowledge that biological aging is complex. 



“This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Wang. “By expanding our dataset and incorporating additional biological markers, we hope to refine the model further and unlock deeper insights into the mechanisms of aging.”



Advancements in AI and biomedical research continue to bring us closer to understanding the process of aging at a deeper level. The ability to assess how quickly a person is aging with a simple blood test could completely transform preventive healthcare in the years to come.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt2624" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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AI-powered blood test can predict your true biological age

We all know someone who seems to be aging more...

Skin cancer stands as the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States, bringing about millions of non-melanoma cases and tens of thousands of melanomas yearly.&nbsp;



In addition, treating skin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/golfers-have-more-than-double-the-risk-of-skin-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> costs the nation roughly $8.9 billion annually. Individuals with fair skin, a history of sun exposure or tanning bed use, and a genetic predisposition bear higher risks. 



Yet, barriers like insufficient public awareness, cultural ideals favoring tanned skin, and limited access to sun protection tools underscore the ongoing challenges in prevention.



A new study led by researchers at <a href="https://www.fau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Atlantic University</a> (FAU) sheds light on how sunburn patterns and protective habits vary with different sociodemographic backgrounds.&nbsp;



According to the <a href="https://www.aad.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Dermatology</a>, experiencing over five blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 increases melanoma risk by 80 percent and nonmelanoma skin cancer risk by 68 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perceived-risk-of-skin-cancer-nbsp">Perceived risk of skin cancer&nbsp;</h2>



The research drew from the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey 6 (HINTS 6), focusing on participants’ confidence in their own health, perceived risk of cancer, and anxiety about potential diagnoses.&nbsp;



Additionally, respondents noted whether they had experienced sunburn within the last year. The study examined how age, gender, occupation, marital status, education, Hispanic origin, race, and income shaped these responses, recognizing each of these factors could influence skin cancer risk.



Among 6,252 participants surveyed, 44% felt “very confident” they could care for their health, while 27.3% said they were “completely confident.”&nbsp;



Although few reported being “extremely worried” about skin cancer (9.1%), a quarter felt moderately concerned. On sunburns, the study found 67.6% reported none in the past year and 30.3% said they had between one and five.&nbsp;



In addition, 6.4% acknowledged drinking alcohol while already sunburned - something the authors associated with heightened exposure and additional sunburns. Activities such as drinking, working outdoors, or swimming commonly coincided with sunburn incidents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-trends-in-sunburn-prevalence">Surprising trends in sunburn prevalence</h2>



Using multinomial regression, the team found multiple factors tied strongly to sunburn likelihood. Adults over 40 emerged with lower sunburn risks, and women also tended to have fewer.&nbsp;



People who were disabled, unemployed, or employed in multiple jobs saw fewer sunburns, while those who were married or partnered experienced more. In contrast, being divorced or single corresponded with fewer sunburns.&nbsp;



Also, higher education and being Hispanic, Black, Asian, or of mixed race correlated with fewer incidents. Income was found to be a striking predictor: higher income individuals had significantly higher risks of sunburns, with the highest income group being over four times more likely to report sunburns.



“Social determinants such as race/ethnicity, sex, income and employment status are closely linked to sunburn and skin cancer risk,” said Lea Sacca, senior author and an assistant professor in the Department of Population Health and Social Medicine at FAU.&nbsp;



“While Hispanics and Black Americans generally report lower rates of sunburn, Hispanics often perceive greater benefits of UV exposure, which increases their risk. Factors such as sex, education, and income also influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-acid-in-our-skin-could-be-a-natural-sunscreen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunscreen</a> use, with lower use observed among Black Americans and Hispanic Americans.”&nbsp;



“However, within these groups, women with higher education and income are more likely to use sunscreen. Interestingly, higher income is associated with more frequent sunburns.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-basics-of-skin-cancer">The basics of skin cancer</h2>



There are three primary types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melanoma-has-been-replaced-as-the-deadliest-form-of-skin-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melanoma</a>.&nbsp;



Basal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent but typically the least severe, emerging as pearly bumps on sun-exposed areas.&nbsp;



Squamous cell carcinoma often takes the form of red, scaly patches or open sores and can spread if untreated.&nbsp;



Melanoma, the most dangerous type, can appear as new or changing moles and spreads quickly if not caught early.



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



“Understanding perceptions of skin cancer risk and the prevalence of protective behaviors is vital to reducing the likelihood of developing skin cancer, particularly among vulnerable groups,” said first author Madison Etzel, a second-year medical student at FAU.&nbsp;



“Our study underscores the importance of raising awareness about skin cancer susceptibility as we found that all sociodemographic factors were significantly linked to the number of reported <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/main-cause-of-sunburn-finally-identified-is-rna-damage-not-dna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunburns</a> in the past year.”



“Future research should explore how additional social determinants of health influence sunburn incidence and prevention behaviors. A deeper understanding of these factors is critical to addressing the widespread harms of skin cancer in U.S. adults.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-skin-cancer">Preventing skin cancer</h2>



According to health authorities like the <a href="https://www.cancer.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Cancer Society</a>, several effective strategies can prevent skin cancer.&nbsp;



Key recommendations include regularly applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when outdoors, avoiding peak UV radiation times (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wearing protective clothing (such as long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses), and steering clear of tanning beds.&nbsp;



Self-exams and professional check-ups can help detect any unusual skin changes early on, improving treatment outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-awareness-and-targeted-interventions-nbsp">Growing awareness and targeted interventions&nbsp;</h2>



The study’s findings show that comprehending public attitudes and behaviors - especially among high-risk populations - is essential to driving down skin cancer prevalence.&nbsp;



By considering how age, race, income, and education intersect with sun exposure, health officials and policymakers can better hone campaigns to encourage healthy habits.&nbsp;



Ultimately, growing awareness and targeted interventions may lead to fewer sunburns, lower healthcare costs, and improved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-alone-in-america-an-escalating-public-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public health</a> across the U.S.



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Skin cancer risk: The hidden factors beyond sunburn

Skin cancer stands as the most frequently diagnosed cancer in...

College athletes who suffer concussions may experience changes in their brains for up to a year after being cleared to play, according to new research. 



A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can interfere with normal brain function.



While symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and balance issues may fade, brain scans reveal that recovery at the neurological level may take much longer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-brain-recovery-after-concussion">Tracking brain recovery after concussion</h2>



Researchers used brain scans over the course of a year to track biomarkers of brain injury in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/at-what-age-do-olympic-athletes-perform-their-best/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">athletes</a>.



“Concussion can have long-term effects on brain health, and there is growing evidence that brain recovery may persist months to years, even after symptoms like headache, fatigue and balance problems resolve,” said Dr. Nathan Churchill of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.



“Our study followed athletes before and after concussion for over a year, using multiple brain scans to examine biomarkers that signify <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychoactive-drug-relieves-symptoms-of-traumatic-brain-injury/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain injury</a>. Our results provide strong evidence, suggesting incomplete recovery of brain function when returning to play and beyond.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-changes-over-time">Brain changes over time</h2>



The experts evaluated 187 college athletes, 25 of whom experienced concussions during the regular season. They played high-impact <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-who-play-team-sports-have-fewer-mental-health-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sports</a> like basketball, football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, and volleyball.



All of the athletes underwent pre-season testing that assessed balance, thinking, and memory in order to set a baseline. They also had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan prior to the start of the season.



Participants who later experienced concussions were given additional brain scans at important intervals: about five days following their concussion, upon clearance to resume playing, one to three months after resuming play, and one year after resuming play.



As a comparison, 27 athletes who did not have concussions had similar scans at their subsequent pre-season evaluation.



The researchers then contrasted the pre- and post-injury scans of the concussed players, with additional examination of how these changes compared to those of healthy players.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-flow-and-white-matter-changes">Blood flow and white matter changes</h2>



The tests revealed that despite being cleared medically, athletes who had experienced concussions continued to exhibit evidence of brain damage. 



The most significant finding was a reduction in blood flow to the fronto-insular cortex - a region of the brain involved in thinking, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/concussions-alter-brain-signals-that-are-crucial-for-memory-and-focus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a>, emotions, and social behavior.



At the time of their return to play, concussed athletes showed an average decrease of nine milliliters of blood per 100 grams per minute compared to healthy athletes.



A year later, the difference was even greater, with an average decrease of 11 milliliters per 100 grams per minute. These changes were more pronounced than those seen in uninjured athletes.



The researchers also looked at how water molecules flowed through the brain’s white matter. These scans indicated that, even a year after the injury, concussed athletes continued to display possible signs of residual brain injury.



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



“The presence of significant, long-lasting brain changes after injury reinforces concerns about the consequences of repeated concussions, and to what extent these effects accumulate over time,” said Churchill. 



“More studies are needed in larger groups of people to further investigate the long-term effects to the brain.”



One limitation of the study is that it only included <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-kids-sports-putting-their-hearts-in-danger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young athletes</a>. Future research should look at how concussions affect non-athletes and people in other age groups to understand the broader impact.



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



The results of the study contribute to the increasing concern regarding the management of concussions in athletes, especially when they are young. Although symptoms resolve within weeks, brain recovery might take many more months.



All stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and clinicians, should consider these residual effects when deciding whether it will be safe to return to play.



Concussions are more than just temporary setbacks - they can have lasting effects. Monitoring brain health even after symptoms subside is crucial for long-term well-being.



The research was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Institute for Military and Veterans Health Research, and Siemens Healthineers Canada.



 The full study was published in the journal of the <a href="https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5245">American Academy of Neurology</a>.



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College athletes have lasting brain changes after concussion

College athletes who suffer concussions may experience changes in their...

Chronic pain plagues millions of individuals across the globe, but its influence extends beyond the physical symptoms. A recent review of over 375 published studies has uncovered a remarkably strong link between chronic pain and mental illness.



The researchers found that 40% of adults living with chronic pain have clinically significant depression and anxiety - a result that is of particular concern considering the absence of comprehensive treatment for both conditions.



The study, led by researchers at <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins Medicine</a>, emphasizes the need for regular screening for depression and anxiety in individuals with persistent pain conditions. 



The research showed that women, younger adults, and individuals with fibromyalgia were most at risk of suffering mental illness associated with chronic pain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chronic-pain-and-mental-health">Chronic pain and mental health</h2>



For many years, studies have shown that chronic pain and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-can-safely-treat-mental-health-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health disorders</a> often occur together. But according to this new research, the link is actually stronger than it was initially believed to be.



The results reinforce the need for mental health treatment to become a routine aspect of managing chronic pain, which is defined as pain that lasts more than three months. Ongoing pain can be disabling, often impacting an individual's capacity to work, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-circadian-disturbances-trigger-mental-health-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>, and participate in daily activities.



According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 51.6 million U.S. adults - about 21% of the population - suffered from chronic pain in 2021. Among these individuals, between 20% and 40% also experience <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">depression and anxiety</a>.



Dr. Rachel Aaron, the first author of the study, is an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.



“Right now, we have effective psychological treatments for depression and anxiety, and effective psychological treatments for chronic pain, but these treatments are often siloed," explained Dr. Aaron.



"In fact, many studies exclude people with chronic pain who have depression or anxiety from clinical trials. We need integrated treatments that address chronic pain and mental health together."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-analysis-of-global-data">Comprehensive analysis of global data</h2>



In an attempt&nbsp;to&nbsp;assess the&nbsp;magnitude of the problem, the researchers examined data from 376 studies that were carried out between 2013 and 2023. These studies involved 347,468 adult patients from 50 nations, with a mean participant age of 52.



The aim was to provide an estimate of how prevalent depression and anxiety are among individuals who suffer from chronic pain, and to compare their frequencies to those who live without persistent pain conditions.



The study incorporated clinical symptoms from medical histories, diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), and many demographic variables such as age, gender, location, and pain duration. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-depression-anxiety-and-chronic-pain">Depression, anxiety, and chronic pain </h2>



Among the seven key symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders, the researchers found that patients with chronic pain exhibited the highest rates in clinical depression (39%) and clinical anxiety (40%).



Major depressive disorder was present in 37% of individuals, while 6% experienced persistent depressive disorder.



Generalized anxiety disorder affected 17% of individuals, while 8% had panic disorder. Social anxiety disorder was less common, with a rate of two percent.



The findings suggest that the psychological distress experienced by the patients is more than just a reaction to discomfort.



The data supports the theory that adverse life experiences and emotional distress can increase the risk of chronic nociplastic pain - a condition linked to changes in the way the brain and spinal cord process pain signals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-need-for-better-screening">The need for better screening</h2>



Despite the strong link between chronic pain and mental health, screening for depression and anxiety is not a routine part of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/patients-with-chronic-pain-are-turning-to-cannabis-for-relief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic pain treatment</a>. 



Many chronic pain patients with depression or anxiety struggle to find specialized care, and some are even excluded from clinical trials designed to test new pain treatments. The lack of access to integrated care leaves them in a cycle of untreated symptoms.



“People who have chronic pain are more likely than those who don’t to have depression and anxiety. This is a significant public health problem that should be addressed with routine screening of depression and anxiety in clinical settings, and the development of novel treatments that target their comorbidity,” noted Dr. Aaron.



“At the same time, this is also a story of resilience. Most people with chronic pain do not have depression or anxiety. These results challenge the ableist narrative that chronic pain is inherently depressing, and remind us that people with chronic pain can and do lead psychologically healthy, fulfilling lives.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-pain-management">Rethinking pain management</h2>



The study’s findings highlight the need for a shift in how we treat chronic pain and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/outdoor-exercise-amplifies-physical-and-mental-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>. Instead of being treated as separate issues, medical professionals should develop new strategies that address both simultaneously. 



This could include integrated therapy programs, improved screening in clinical settings, and broader inclusion criteria in research trials.



Recognizing the link between chronic pain and mental illness is the first step toward real change - one that could improve the lives of those living with persistent pain and the mental health challenges that often accompany it.



 The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2831134" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Network Open</a>.



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People with chronic pain have high rates of depression and anxiety

Chronic pain plagues millions of individuals across the globe, but...

Aging can feel like an unstoppable force. Some researchers believe it may one day be slowed or even paused, thanks to an emerging technique known as cellular reprogramming.



Curiosity has surrounded this approach since a 2016 mouse experiment at the <a href="https://www.salk.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salk Institute</a>, where progeric rodents (that age more rapidly than normal) lived longer after exposure to four genes that could rewrite <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/defying-time-three-ways-to-slow-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cellular aging</a>.



Lucy Xu, a postdoctoral research fellow at <a href="https://oto.hms.harvard.edu/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a>, has followed these findings closely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-reprogramming-changes-aging-cells">How reprogramming changes aging cells</h2>



Every mammalian cell contains <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-protein-that-reverses-cellular-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a>. However, the DNA in your heart cells behaves differently than it does in your skin cells because of the <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Epigenome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epigenome</a>, an outer layer affected by <a href="https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/the-role-of-methylation-in-gene-expression-1070/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methylation</a> patterns that can turn genes on or off. Over a lifetime, methylation shifts with diet, pollution, exercise, and stress.



<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22056670/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists</a> discovered that activating <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/cr200759" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">four reprogramming genes</a>, named after Shinya Yamanaka, can strip away large portions of these methyl marks. This can reset cells to an earlier, more flexible state, which can be good or dangerous.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-and-pitfalls">Potential and pitfalls</h2>



Animal studies have linked complete reprogramming to <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22074-teratoma" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">teratomas</a>, which are bizarre growths that sprout tissues like teeth and hair in odd places.



In one early mouse experiment by <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature12586/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spanish researchers</a>, “many of the animals died within weeks,” which reveals just how risky total cellular regression can be.



In partial reprogramming, researchers use fewer <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/cr2008309" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yamanaka genes</a> or cycle them briefly to avoid pushing cells back into a stem cell state. This less-extreme version aims to refresh <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organ-aging-can-predict-diseases-decades-in-advance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cells</a> while preserving their identity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-safety-is-a-concern">Why safety is a concern</h2>



“I don’t believe there can be reprogramming. You’re practically telling these cells to become cancer,” said Charles Brenner, a scientist at <a href="https://www.cityofhope.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">City of Hope</a> research center in Duarte, California. Creating extra stem-like cells might be a path to fierce cancers.&nbsp;



To reduce the odds of uncontrolled cell growth, some scientists use a well-known antibiotic to control gene activity. They turn it on briefly, then shut it off. The hope is that this approach rejuvenates tissues without allowing runaway <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daily-doctor-recommended-regimen-that-could-slow-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cell</a> division.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reprogramming-cells-in-aging-tissues">Reprogramming cells in aging tissues</h2>



<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2975-4%5C" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> from Harvard in 2020 showed promise by focusing on eye tissues in older mice. David Sinclair, a Harvard geneticist who worked on the study, used only three of the original four genes - removing the one most associated with tumors.



A biotech company, <a href="https://www.lifebiosciences.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Life Biosciences</a>, has advanced this strategy by testing partial cell reprogramming on monkeys with eye damage. 



The firm plans to apply for permission to do the same in people who have suffered sudden optic nerve strokes, believing the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-44740-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic-switch method</a> is safer than previous attempts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-aging-itself">A closer look at aging itself</h2>



While eye tissues seem like a controlled starting point, some labs also hope to apply partial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-the-cellular-mortality-timer-that-dictates-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reprogramming</a> more broadly.



A follow-up <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-022-00183-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">project</a> at the Salk Institute used carefully timed reprogramming in mice with extra copies of reprogramming genes. Tumors were less common, and some tissues showed younger biological markers, although lifespans did not increase.



Those results fuel speculation that certain organs, such as the brain, might benefit from partial reprogramming. Investigations at Stanford University <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-024-00594-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tested</a> this approach in mice, aiming to improve brain aging. 



The targeted reprogramming boosted newly formed neurons, though the mice had an uptick in inflammation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-questions-remain">Many questions remain</h2>



The technique still prompts concerns about long-term effects and who will have access if human trials succeed. Some fear only people with deep pockets may benefit initially. Others wonder if reprogramming might lead to costly or risky treatments that never live up to the hype.



Some scientists remain optimistic. They believe partial reprogramming might transform eye disease care, and later, other age-related problems. They acknowledge that verifying safety is key and that any therapy for aging must pass rigorous testing.



Life Biosciences expects to begin clinical trials in the near future, and will use partial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/random-dna-mutations-shape-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reprogramming</a> to help certain adults who suffer acute optic nerve issues.



Analysts say these initial results will guide future work. If the therapy shows no tumors or unexpected complications, it could open a path for new treatments targeting age-related loss of function.



“I worry about the speed,” Xu said, noting that more questions need answers before the technology expands beyond small clinical studies. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-reprogramming-cells">Future of reprogramming cells</h2>



No one knows whether these methods will eventually slow or alter aging in humans. Undeterred, investors hope partial reprogramming can become a novel strategy for a range of conditions.



Research continues across universities and startups. Many experts see partial reprogramming as a step forward, as long as scientists can balance rejuvenation with safety.



Others warn that tampering with cellular identity may unleash problems we can’t yet predict. Even so, interest in these trials keeps growing.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-024-00594-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Can we reverse aging? A bold new approach could reprogram cells

Aging can feel like an unstoppable force. Some researchers believe...

The human immune system constantly adapts to the flu viruses it encounters. Throughout life, exposure to different flu strains builds a complex immune memory. Recent research suggests that this memory might help protect against emerging threats like the H5N1 avian influenza virus. 



Scientists at the Perelman School of Medicine at the <a href="https://www.upenn.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pennsylvania</a> have discovered that people exposed to certain flu viruses in childhood may have some level of immunity against H5N1.



Their findings, published in Nature Medicine, reveal that older adults, particularly those exposed to flu strains before 1968, possess antibodies that can recognize H5N1. 



These antibodies may not stop infection but could make H5N1 less severe. The findings show who is at risk and who needs the vaccine most.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flu-exposure-in-childhood">Flu exposure in childhood </h2>



Scientists have long known that childhood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-mutations-found-in-first-severe-u-s-human-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flu</a> infections leave lasting imprints on the immune system. 



The body learns to recognize the flu strains it first encounters, creating antibodies that can last for decades. These antibodies are often most effective against flu viruses similar to those encountered in early life.



“We know that early childhood influenza exposures can elicit immune responses that last a lifetime,” said senior author Dr. Scott Hensley, a professor of microbiology.



“We found that antibody responses that were primed by H1N1 and H3N2 viruses decades ago can cross-react to H5N1 avian viruses circulating today. Most of these cross-reactive antibodies cannot prevent infections, but they will likely limit disease if we have an H5N1 pandemic.”



This means that people who were first exposed to H1N1 or H2N2 viruses before 1968 may have antibodies that can recognize the stalk of H5N1’s hemagglutinin protein. 



Since the stalk evolves more slowly than the head of the hemagglutinin protein, it remains more similar across different flu strains. However, younger individuals, who first encountered later flu viruses, may not have the same level of cross-protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-flu-virus-is-changing-fast">Bird flu virus is changing fast</h2>



H5N1 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-outbreak-has-killed-20-million-chickens-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a> have been present in bird populations for decades, but a newer version, called clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1, has recently spread among cattle. 



So far, this virus does not easily infect humans, as it does not bind well to receptors in the upper respiratory tract. However, if it mutates to infect human airway cells more efficiently, it could potentially start spreading between people.



Influenza viruses are named after the two key proteins on their surface: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). These proteins allow the virus to enter and exit host cells. 



Current flu vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize the hemagglutinin head, preventing infection. 



However, the hemagglutinin head changes rapidly, making it difficult to develop long-lasting vaccines. The stalk of the hemagglutinin protein evolves more slowly, meaning antibodies that recognize it may offer broader protection across different flu strains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prior-flu-exposure-and-h5n1-immunity">Prior flu exposure and H5N1 immunity </h2>



To understand how prior flu exposures influence immunity, the researchers analyzed blood samples from over 150 individuals born between 1927 and 2016. They looked at antibodies targeting the hemagglutinin stalk across multiple flu <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/efforts-to-control-bird-flu-are-not-working-are-humans-next/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a>, including H5N1.



The analysis showed that people born before 1968 had more antibodies capable of binding to the H5N1 stalk. In contrast, younger individuals, who did not encounter earlier flu strains, had lower levels of these antibodies.



A person’s birth year appeared to strongly influence their ability to fight H5N1. Older adults had a greater number of cross-reactive antibodies, while children and younger adults had significantly fewer. 



This suggests that younger individuals may be at greater risk if H5N1 were to spread widely among humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaccines-can-protect-the-most-vulnerable">Vaccines can protect the most vulnerable</h2>



To further explore vaccine responses, the researchers examined another group of individuals born between 1918 and 2003.



These individuals received a 2004 H5N1 vaccine, which did not exactly match the clade 2.3.4.4b strain currently circulating. The experts took blood samples before and after vaccination to measure changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-flu-may-be-more-harmful-to-the-brain-than-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibody</a> levels.



The results aligned with their earlier findings. Older adults already had some antibodies that could recognize H5 stalks before vaccination. After receiving the vaccine, their antibody levels increased slightly. However, in children and younger adults, antibody levels increased much more significantly.



This suggests that while older individuals already have some degree of cross-protection, younger populations may gain the most from targeted vaccination efforts.



“In the event of an H5N1 pandemic, all age groups will likely be highly susceptible, but it is possible that the highest disease burden will be in children,” said Hensley. “If this is the case, children should be prioritized for H5N1 vaccinations.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-a-possible-outbreak">Preparing for a possible outbreak</h2>



This study shows why knowing how past flu infections affect immunity is so important. Older adults might already have some protection against H5N1 because of flu viruses they encountered long ago. But younger people, who lack this exposure, could be at greater risk if H5N1 changes and starts spreading between humans.



Flu vaccines are still one of the best defenses, even when they don’t exactly match new virus strains. Scientists are closely watching H5N1 and working on vaccines that could protect more people if an outbreak happens.



Some researchers are also looking into universal flu vaccines. Instead of targeting fast-changing parts of the virus, these vaccines would focus on more stable regions, like the hemagglutinin stalk. If successful, they could provide longer-lasting protection against different flu types and help prevent severe illness from future flu threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-flu-immunity-may-prevent-pandemics">Bird flu immunity may prevent pandemics</h2>



While H5N1 is not yet a major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-virus-preparing-for-tomorrow-despite-minimal-risk-today/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public health threat</a>, its continued circulation among birds and cattle raises concerns.



The possibility of mutations that allow it to infect humans more easily means that preparation is essential. Research like this study helps guide vaccination strategies, ensuring that those most at risk receive protection if an outbreak occurs.



By understanding how flu exposure shapes immunity, scientists can develop better vaccines and public health strategies to minimize the impact of future influenza pandemics.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03599-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>.



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Adults may be more resistant to bird flu virus than children

The human immune system constantly adapts to the flu viruses...

Physical activity is often linked to a longer life, but a Finnish twin study suggests the connection may not be as direct as previously thought. The findings challenge traditional assumptions about exercise and aging.



Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä examined how long-term physical activity affects mortality and whether it can counteract genetic risks for disease. The team also explored role of exercise in biological aging.



The experts analyzed 22,750 Finnish twins born before 1958. Their leisure-time <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-reduces-the-risk-of-brain-diseases-by-up-to-54-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical activity</a> was assessed in 1975, 1981, and 1990. The researchers followed up on mortality data through the end of 2020. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moderate-activity-yields-maximum-benefits">Moderate activity yields maximum benefits</h2>



The researchers identified four activity groups: sedentary, moderately active, active, and highly active. Over 30 years, the biggest difference was found between the sedentary and moderately active groups.



Moderately active individuals had a 7% lower mortality risk. However, those in the highly active group did not show additional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strength-training-may-be-the-best-exercise-for-insomnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefits</a>.



In the short term, more physical activity correlated with lower mortality. However, in the long run, highly active individuals had no advantage over those who were sedentary.



“An underlying pre-disease state can limit physical activity and ultimately lead to death, not the lack of exercise itself,” said Professor Elina Sillanpää from the Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences.



“This can bias the association between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-doses-of-exercise-can-greatly-reduce-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical activity</a> and mortality in the short term.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exercise-guidelines-and-mortality-risk">Exercise guidelines and mortality risk</h2>



The experts also evaluated whether following World Health Organization (<a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHO</a>) physical activity guidelines influenced mortality and genetic disease risk. The WHO recommends 150–300 minutes of moderate or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity weekly.



The results of the study showed that meeting these guidelines did not lower mortality risk. Even twins who followed the recommendations for 15 years showed no significant difference in mortality rates compared to their less active siblings.



"The widely observed favorable association between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fitness-focused-medicine-physical-activity-reduces-chronic-disease-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical activity</a> and mortality are based on observational studies that are prone to bias from different sources,” noted postdoctoral researcher Laura Joensuu.



“In our studies, we aimed to account for various sources of biases, and combined with the long follow-up period, we could not confirm that adhering to physical activity guidelines mitigates genetic cardiovascular disease risk or causally reduces mortality.”



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



For a subset of twins, the researchers analyzed biological aging using epigenetic clocks. These clocks estimate biological aging based on chemical markers that regulate gene activity.



The results showed a U-shaped pattern. Both the least and most active individuals experienced accelerated biological aging.



“We found that the association between leisure-time physical activity and biological aging was U-shaped: Biological aging was accelerated in those who exercised the least and the most,” said Sillanpää.



Lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use played a major role in the link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fitness-is-far-more-important-than-weight-for-living-a-healthy-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical activity</a> and biological aging. The study also examined genetic susceptibility to coronary artery disease and blood pressure using polygenic risk scores.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-exercise-does-not-slow-aging">More exercise does not slow aging</h2>



This research challenges the widely held belief that more exercise always leads to a longer life. 



While physical activity is beneficial for overall health, its impact on longevity is more complicated than previously assumed. Moderate exercise appears to offer the best balance, while excessive activity does not necessarily add extra years to life.



The findings also highlight the importance of considering other factors, such as lifestyle habits and genetic predisposition. Exercise alone may not be enough to overcome genetic risks. Other aspects of health, such as diet, stress management, and avoiding harmful habits, play a crucial role in aging and longevity.



Future research may further clarify the relationship between physical activity and lifespan. In the meantime, individuals should aim for a balanced approach to exercise, focusing on overall well-being rather than just lifespan extension.



The study involved researchers from the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences and the Methodology Centre for Human Sciences at the <a href="https://www.jyu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Jyväskylä</a>. Experts at the Finnish Institute of Molecular Medicine at the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a> also contributed.



The findings are published in the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10654-024-01200-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Journal of Epidemiology</a>.



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Exercise and aging: New study reveals a surprising connection

Physical activity is often linked to a longer life, but...

People have long turned to nature for comfort and relief. A walk in the woods, the sound of waves crashing on the shore, or even the sight of green fields can bring a sense of peace. 



But can nature actually reduce physical pain?A new study from the University of Vienna and the University of Exeter suggests that it can. 



Using advanced brain imaging, researchers have uncovered how viewing nature changes the way the brain processes pain.



The study provides fresh insight into why natural environments have long been associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tapping-into-the-pain-relief-potential-of-cannabis-without-the-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healing</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-alters-pain-perception">Nature alters pain perception</h2>



Pain is not just a physical sensation. The brain plays a crucial role in interpreting and reacting to pain. The research team, led by scientists in Austria and the UK, set out to understand whether nature could influence the brain’s pain-processing mechanisms. 



The study, published in Nature Communications, suggests that watching nature reduces pain by directly affecting neural activity.



The researchers used an fMRI scanner to monitor the brain activity of 49 participants. Each person received a series of mild electric shocks while watching different videos. Some participants viewed natural landscapes, while others watched urban or indoor scenes. 



The results were clear - those who watched nature not only reported feeling less pain, but their brain scans showed reduced activity in regions linked to pain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healing-through-headphones-personalized-music-can-reduce-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perception</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-s-response-to-nature">Brain’s response to nature</h2>



The study went a step further by applying machine-learning techniques to analyze brain networks involved in pain processing. The results showed that nature influenced how the brain received and interpreted pain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cbd-can-help-ease-chronic-pain-anxiety-and-mood-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signals</a>. 



Watching natural scenes reduced the intensity of sensory input, meaning the brain perceived the pain as less severe.



“Numerous studies have shown that people consistently report feeling less pain when exposed to nature. Yet until now, the underlying reasons for this effect were unclear," noted <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a> PhD student Max Steininger, lead author of the study.



“Our study is the first to provide evidence from brain scans that this isn't just a ‘placebo’ effect – driven by people’s beliefs and expectations that nature is good for them – instead, the brain is reacting less to information about where the pain is coming from and how intense it feels."



According to Steininger, the findings suggest that the pain-relieving effect of nature is genuine, although the effect we found was around half that of painkillers. People in pain should certainly continue taking any medication they have been prescribed, he noted.



“But we hope in future alternative ways of relieving pain, such as experiencing nature, may be used to help improve pain management.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-nature-helps-ease-pain">Why nature helps ease pain</h2>



The idea that nature can aid healing is not new. Over forty years ago, Roger Ulrich, an American researcher, conducted a remarkable study on hospital patients. 



His findings showed that patients who had a view of green spaces recovered faster and used fewer painkillers than those whose windows faced a brick wall.



Despite decades of research, scientists could not fully explain why this effect occurred. The new study provides the first clear evidence that nature directly influences the brain’s pain-processing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-meditation-is-a-powerful-weapon-against-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mechanisms</a>. 



The results suggest that Ulrich’s patients may have experienced less pain because their brains reacted differently to discomfort when exposed to nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virtual-access-to-nature">Virtual access to nature </h2>



Not everyone has access to lush forests, quiet lakes, or green open spaces. Urbanization, busy schedules, and health conditions often prevent people from spending time outdoors. 



However, this study shows that even virtual nature experiences can help. Watching high-quality videos of natural scenes triggered a similar pain-relieving effect in participants.



“This study highlights how virtual encounters can bring the healing potential of nature to people when they can’t get outside," said Dr. Alex Smalley, a co-author from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.



“But we hope our results also serve as renewed evidence for the importance of protecting healthy and functioning natural environments, encouraging people to spend time in nature for the benefit of both the planet and people.”



Dr. Smalley noted that achieving this pain-relieving effect through virtual nature exposure, which is easy to implement, has important practical implications for non-drug treatments, and opens new avenues for research to better understand how nature impacts our minds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-path-for-pain-management">New path for pain management</h2>



Pain management has traditionally relied on medication. While painkillers remain essential, researchers are exploring alternative ways to help people cope with discomfort. 



This study opens the door for nature-based treatments that do not require drugs or invasive procedures.



The findings also raise exciting possibilities for future research. Scientists can now investigate how different types of natural environments affect pain perception. 



Do forests, oceans, or mountain views have different impacts on the brain? Can sounds of nature provide similar benefits? These are questions that future studies may answer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-step-toward-a-healthier-future">A step toward a healthier future</h2>



The relationship between nature and health has fascinated researchers for decades. 



This study offers compelling scientific evidence that nature can ease pain. Whether through real-world exposure or virtual experiences, natural settings have the power to change the way the brain processes discomfort.



At a time when stress and chronic pain affect millions worldwide, these findings highlight an accessible and natural approach to well-being. Protecting natural spaces and encouraging outdoor experiences may not only benefit the environment but also improve human health.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56870-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Viewing nature reduces pain by altering brain activity

People have long turned to nature for comfort and relief....

Teen pregnancy remains a significant public health concern around the world, especially in West Virginia where the rate is notably higher than the national average.



A recent study highlights the challenges associated with teenage pregnancies, particularly regarding birth outcomes and access to prenatal care. 



Researchers found that infants born to teenage mothers in the state tend to have lower birth weights and are smaller for their gestational age compared to those born to adult mothers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teen-pregnancy-rates-in-west-virginia">Teen pregnancy rates in West Virginia</h2>



Researchers at <a href="https://www.wvu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Virginia University</a> analyzed data from Project Watch, a system that tracks all births in hospitals across the state. 



The study examined 86,447 live births between 2018 and 2023, and found that 5,310 of these infants - about 6.15% - were born to teenage mothers.



By comparison, the national teen birth rate in 2022 stood at 1.36%. Rural counties had the highest rates, with Pendleton County reaching 14.38% and Boone, Mercer, and Hardy counties all surpassing 10%. The lowest rate, 2.76%, was recorded in Monongalia County.



According to Amna Umer, associate professor in the WVU School of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics, the findings emphasize an urgent issue.



“We used the most current data and the findings underscore a significant issue in the state. The risk of teen birth is multifactorial," Umer explained.



"This study highlights the role of social, geographical and educational factors offering crucial insights for policymakers to expand comprehensive, evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention education and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-birth-control-scientists-develop-a-non-hormonal-pill-for-men/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birth control</a> access for at-risk teens.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barriers-to-prenatal-care">Barriers to prenatal care</h2>



Teenage mothers are less likely to receive adequate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-pregnancy-related-deaths-in-the-u-s-skyrocketing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prenatal care</a>, a concern that has been confirmed by this study. Access to health services is a significant hurdle, especially for those in rural communities where medical facilities are scarce.



“Teenage mothers are a vulnerable population and there really isn’t a lot of research out there, especially on those living in rural areas,” said Rylee Childers, a third-year medical student from Morgantown, and the study's corresponding author.



“Our research identifies the hurdles that come with being a teenage mom and that’s important to not just people in rural areas, but also their primary care physicians and people in the medical field.”



Many factors contribute to this lack of care. Geographic distance and transportation barriers make it difficult for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-half-of-u-s-teens-have-been-harassed-by-a-partner/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">teens</a> to attend regular checkups.



“There are some people in rural areas that have to drive three to four hours to see their obstetrician,” Childers confirmed.



“Additionally, a lot of teenage moms can’t drive yet. So, another adult would have to take off work which might be difficult if they work two jobs. There are a lot of different factors that maybe not everybody realizes because they’re not familiar with that population.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-teen-pregnancy">Addressing teen pregnancy</h2>



Since most teen pregnancies are unintended, health care professionals have an opportunity to support prevention efforts. 



The study suggests that providers could play a critical role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sales-of-morning-after-pills-soar-after-new-years-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contraception</a> counseling, navigating health care options, and ensuring confidentiality in patient care.



“I really hope the study starts a conversation about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-health-gap-between-rural-and-urban-men-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rural health care</a> as a whole and especially about access to care and resources,” Childers said.



The findings also reflect broader disparities. The study found that teenage pregnancies were more common among individuals receiving Medicaid and among racial minority groups. 



These findings align with previous research that points to economic and social inequalities as factors influencing teen birth rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-forward">Moving forward</h2>



Childers and co-author Alexandra Richmond, a third-year medical student from Beckley, were selected to present their findings at the 2024 West Virginia Rural Health Conference.



For Childers, the research experience has been eye-opening.



“Working on this study opened my eyes to the entire process of research and understanding the health care disparities of the rural population as a whole,” she said. “It makes me think about how I can be a better provider for my patients.”



As discussions on teen pregnancy prevention and access to health care continue, studies like this provide valuable insights for policymakers, medical professionals, and community leaders striving to improve maternal and child health outcomes in West Virginia.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.jpagonline.org/article/S1083-3188(25)00006-3/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology</a>.



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Study links teen pregnancy to smaller newborns

Teen pregnancy remains a significant public health concern around the...

Scientists have discovered that sleep may hold clues about potential memory issues years before any noticeable slips.



Researchers have been <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13872877251319742" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studying</a> electrical brain activity during sleep to search for early markers of cognitive decline. 



Using artificial intelligence (AI) to check these signals, the team identified 85% of individuals who later developed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-night-of-lost-sleep-can-trigger-hidden-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thinking problems</a> with an overall accuracy of 77%.



The experts analyzed electroencephalography patterns that were recorded overnight. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-and-sleeping-brain-wave-patterns">AI and sleeping brain wave patterns</h2>



The AI analysis uncovered faint differences in electrical rhythms between those who later developed memory issues and those who did not. 



After looking at the results, Dr. Shahab Haghayegh from <a href="https://sleep.hms.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a> emphasized how this technology could transform early detection efforts.



“Using novel sophisticated analyses, advanced information theory tools, and AI, we can detect subtle changes in brain wave patterns during sleep that signal future cognitive impairment, offering a window of opportunity for intervention years before symptoms appear,” said Dr. Haghayegh.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-gamma-waves-the-basics">Understanding gamma waves - the basics</h2>



<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/gamma-wave" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gamma waves</a> are the brain’s high-speed communication network, firing off at frequencies between 30 to 100 Hz. 



These rapid electrical pulses help neurons sync up, making them crucial for consciousness, memory, and problem-solving. 



When your brain is in high-performance mode - whether you're deeply focused, solving a tough puzzle, or even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-deep-meditation-experiences-feel-timeless-no-past-no-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meditating</a> - it’s buzzing with gamma activity. 



Some researchers even call gamma waves the “aha!” frequency because they’re linked to moments of insight and heightened awareness.



Scientists believe gamma waves play a big role in keeping the brain sharp, but they’ve also noticed a drop in gamma activity in conditions like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-disruptions-could-signal-the-onset-of-alzheimers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s disease</a>. 



That’s why some studies, like this one, are exploring whether stimulating gamma waves could help slow down cognitive decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleeping-gamma-waves-reveal-memory-risks">Sleeping gamma waves reveal memory risks</h2>



This research team, and experts in general, have been especially interested in studying <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3084194/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gamma frequency bands</a>. 



Gamma waves are linked to memory and attention, and changes in these ranges can signal trouble for brain health. 



Disruption in gamma signals has been <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-neuro-062111-150444" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noted</a> in people with emerging cognitive impairment, hinting that small shifts in the speed or coordination of these bursts might appear earlier than more obvious signs of forgetfulness.



Researchers also point out that many normal sleepers pass through several stages each night, and there might be red flags across multiple stages. 



Each category of sleep, including deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pupils-reveal-how-active-the-brain-is-even-during-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>, carries particular brain-wave footprints that AI can analyze.



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



<a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s disease</a> and other types of <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a> remain a growing concern worldwide. This memory challenge affects more than 55 million people internationally, often leading to serious health burdens for families and communities. 



While there are no guaranteed cures for many forms of dementia, some treatments may slow or reduce symptoms in earlier phases.



Over the past few years, scientists have been racing to find ways of predicting who might be at risk before significant thinking problems develop. 



Many approaches involve advanced scans or fluid tests that can be costly. Brain activity recordings offer a simpler strategy with comfortable EEG headbands that people can wear at home.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-earlier-interventions">Potential for earlier interventions</h2>



Sleep science has shown that deep rest is involved in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-helps-prevent-unwanted-memories-from-popping-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a> and memory. 



Older adults frequently have changes in deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-timing-has-a-powerful-effect-on-our-mood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>, but not all shifts spell trouble. The trick lies in spotting patterns that hint at future impairment, which is precisely what these new methods aim to do.



“The new, FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer’s disease are effective at the earlier stages of dementia, but not the more advanced stages,” said Dr. Kun Hu, physiologist in the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at <a href="https://www.brighamandwomens.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brigham and Women’s Hospital</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-sleep-and-memory">Future research on sleep and memory</h2>



One vision for this research is wearable EEG devices that people might use on multiple nights. 



The information collected over a week or more could yield deeper insights than a single test. Gathering more data might refine how precisely the system can spot troubling sleep signals before memory loss begins.



Another angle could be looking at whether the brain’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-rewires-the-emotional-centers-of-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electrical patterns</a> can be safely adjusted overnight to maintain healthy thinking. 



The researchers suggest that carefully timed stimulation during sleep may eventually help nudge wave activity in beneficial ways.



This approach still requires proper clinical trials, but the possibilities have captured attention among those studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-sleep-patterns-affect-your-health-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>-based therapies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-your-memory-and-sleep">Monitoring your memory and sleep</h2>



Some people hesitate to learn about their risk of cognitive impairment. However, early awareness can give families time to plan, or may prompt lifestyle changes that support brain health.



Lifestyle routines such as staying physically active, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleeping-less-than-seven-hours-high-blood-pressure-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">getting enough rest</a>, and engaging in social and mental challenges have been linked to better outcomes in many aging studies.



No single test should ever define a person’s health future. Even so, it’s encouraging to see how sleep-based measurements might one day fit into regular health checkups. 



If these&nbsp;sleep&nbsp;signals can be reliably caught and confirmed, it would give individuals a better shot at staving off serious&nbsp;memory decline.



The study is published in the <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13872877251319742" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease</a>.



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Your sleep may predict memory loss or dementia years in advance

Scientists have discovered that sleep may hold clues about potential...

Many young adults struggle to put food on the table. What may seem like a temporary hardship could have lasting effects on health. A new study from Northwestern Medicine found that those who experienced food insecurity had a 41% higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease later in life. 



Even after accounting for demographic and socioeconomic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-molecule-could-shape-the-future-of-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">differences</a>, the risk remained significant.



Food insecurity affects one in eight households in the U.S. each year. It refers to the struggle to access enough nutritious food to maintain good health. This study confirms that this insecurity plays a direct role in increasing heart disease risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-insecurity-as-a-preventable-risk">Food insecurity as a preventable risk</h2>



“We’ve known that food insecurity and heart disease often go hand in hand, but this study shows, for the first time, that food insecurity comes first,” said Dr. Jenny Jia, an instructor of general internal medicine and preventive medicine at <a href="https://www.nm.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> Feinberg School of Medicine and a Northwestern Medicine internist. 



“That makes it a clear target for prevention — if we address food insecurity early, we may be able to reduce the burden of heart disease later.”



The research suggests that targeting food insecurity could prevent heart disease before it begins. Early intervention may lower future healthcare burdens and improve long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/critical-food-crops-are-threatened-by-rising-temperatures-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health outcomes</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-access-among-young-adults">Food access among young adults</h2>



The study was focused on data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, which has tracked Black and white U.S. adults since the mid-1980s.



The researchers identified participants who reported food insecurity between 2000 and 2001, then compared their health outcomes over the next 20 years to those with stable food access.



Among the 3,616 participants, those who experienced food insecurity were 41% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Over two decades, 11% of food-insecure individuals developed heart disease, compared to only 6% of those who had adequate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coal-emissions-threaten-indias-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> access.



“For a long time, there was this chicken-or-the-egg question - does food insecurity cause heart disease, or does heart disease make food insecurity worse because of the high cost of healthcare?” Jia said.



“By following people over two decades, we were able to show that food insecurity, on its own, significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.”



The researchers discovered that people with a lack of food security were more likely to be Black and have lower levels of education compared to those with stable food access. This suggests that food insecurity is not just about access to meals but is also linked to broader social and economic inequalities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-screening-for-food-insecurity">Screening for food insecurity</h2>



Jia noted that these findings highlight the importance of screening for food insecurity in healthcare settings. Identifying inadequate nutrition early and connecting patients with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/futuristic-food-supply-transforming-co2-into-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resources</a> could help reduce future health risks.



Primary care settings offer an ideal space for screening. “Because there tends to be a lot of trust between primary care providers and patients,” Jia explained. 



She also suggests extending screenings to emergency rooms and specialties like cardiology. “The more we screen for it, the better,” Jia said.



“We need better strategies to help people once they screen positive. Do we connect them to social workers who can refer them to existing community programs? Should healthcare systems develop their own interventions? These are the next big questions.”



Food insecurity screenings can be conducted by internists, pediatricians, family doctors, nurses, and medical assistants. Even self-reported forms could help identify those at risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-effects-of-food-insecurity">Long-term effects of food insecurity </h2>



Jia and her team plan to continue monitoring this group to understand the long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-crisis-why-u-s-goals-remain-out-of-reach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consequences</a> of food insecurity.



“It’s surprising to see heart disease in this group, which doesn’t include those 65 or older,” Jia said. “As they near 80, we plan to revisit the study to explore the evolving link to heart disease.”



This study was conducted with support from the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (<a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHLBI</a>) in collaboration with institutions such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Northwestern University, the University of Minnesota, and the <a href="https://digital.ahrq.gov/organization/kaiser-foundation-research-institute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaiser Foundation Research Institute</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/article-abstract/2831124" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Cardiology</a>.



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Food insecurity can lead to heart problems later in life

Many young adults struggle to put food on the table....

<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">
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</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.

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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" 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> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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