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...

Clothes dryers are a standard fixture in the average American home, but they have associated costs. They use a lot of energy, which is expensive and has consequences in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere. 



In reality, domestic dryers in the United States consume about 3% of domestic energy use, which is six times more than the consumption by washing machines.



Annually, operating clothes drying appliances in the U.S. costs more than $7 billion and releases the energy equivalent of 27 million tons of CO2. In contrast, drying clothes in the air is a cheap and efficient alternative.



Although American homes have dryers as a standard appliance, this is much less common in other nations. More than 80% of U.S. homes use a dryer, while in South Korea it is less than 30%, in Germany it is slightly over 40% and in the U.K. it is slightly below 60%. 



This imbalance prompted researchers to wonder if Americans might gain from switching to air drying.



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



Researchers from the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability (<a href="https://seas.umich.edu/">SEAS</a>) wanted to explore the financial and environmental impact of clothes drying. Under the guidance of Shelie Miller, co-director of the UM's Center for Sustainable Systems, the researchers examined different drying methods and their long-term costs.



"In most other places in the world, it's hard to find a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clothes-dryers-release-millions-of-microfibers-into-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clothes dryer</a>," said Zhu Zhu, lead author of the study. "We know dryers consume a lot of energy, so what if you used line drying instead? How much could you save? How many CO2 emissions could you avoid?"



The findings revealed a clear picture: over the lifetime of a dryer, switching entirely to air drying could save households more than $2,100. 



At the same time, this simple change could cut <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide emissions</a> by over three tons per household. Given the stark contrast in energy use and environmental impact, these results weren’t entirely unexpected.



"We knew that line drying was going to be zero and dryers were going to be a bunch," said Miller.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-a-mix-of-drying-methods">Using a mix of drying methods</h2>



While some may find it impractical to completely eliminate dryer use, the study found that a combination of line drying and occasional dryer use was the second most cost-effective and eco-friendly option. 



Surprisingly, investing in an energy-efficient dryer didn’t always guarantee savings in the long run.



"We tend to focus on technological improvements, but a lot of the time, behavioral changes can have larger impacts," Miller said. "If we are going to tackle climate change, we have to think about both cultural and technical solutions."



The study also highlighted how the impact of clothes dryers varies by region. In areas where electricity is generated primarily from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coal-use-is-not-declining-fast-enough-to-slow-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coal</a>, dryers contribute significantly to CO2 emissions in comparison to regions powered by renewable sources like hydroelectric energy.



In some places, switching from a gas dryer to an electric one can either reduce emissions by more than 90% or increase them by over 220%, depending on the energy mix.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-changes-can-make-a-big-difference">Small changes can make a big difference</h2>



While a transition to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/refrigeration-will-finally-get-an-upgrade-with-cleaner-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cleaner energy</a> sources would help mitigate the environmental impact of dryers, individuals can take immediate action by adopting more energy-conscious habits. For example, running a dryer at night during off-peak hours can reduce emissions by 8%.



For those who are hesitant about fully embracing air drying, small adjustments can help ease the transition. Some fabrics become stiff when air dried, but a short spin in the dryer - rather than a full cycle - can restore their softness. 



Many also assume they need an outdoor space for air drying, but as long as a room isn’t too humid or cold, air drying works just as well indoors.



"You don't need a big balcony or a huge backyard," Zhu said. "Based on my personal experience, you have more capacity than you imagine."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-your-dryer-worth-the-energy-cost">Is your dryer worth the energy cost?</h2>



At its core, the study challenges consumers to question whether their habits truly add value to their daily lives.



"A lot of this is asking ourselves whether the consumption we're doing is serving our lives in meaningful ways. The lowest carbon option is always the thing that you don't do," said Miller.



While dryers are convenient, their energy costs and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dryers-are-detrimental-to-the-environment-and-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental impacts</a> are hard to ignore.



Whether by embracing full air drying or simply reducing dryer use, small changes can lead to big savings - both for households and for the planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0921344925000916" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Resources Conservation and Recycling</a>.



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Clothes dryers are not worth the financial and environmental cost

Clothes dryers are a standard fixture in the average American...

Food choices shape our bodies, our health, and even our weight and futures. For decades, the debate over processed foods has been raging - are they the villains behind rising obesity rates, or is the story more complicated? Some argue that any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breaking-free-from-ultra-processed-foods-the-surprising-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultra-processed food</a> is bad news, while others say it depends on what’s being processed.



A recent study&nbsp;shakes up the conversation. The research suggests that swapping out animal products for plant-based alternatives - even the ultra-processed ones - can lead to significant weight loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-food-and-weight-gain">Plant-based food and weight gain</h2>



Many studies have shown that plant-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-humans-need-to-eat-animal-protein-to-build-muscle-science-has-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a> support weight loss, lower cholesterol, and improve heart health. However, concerns remained about whether consuming processed plant-based foods would hinder these benefits.



Dr. Hana Kahleova, director of clinical research at the <a href="https://www.pcrm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine</a>, emphasized the significance of the current study. 



“Our research shows that choosing a bagel instead of bacon for breakfast or a veggie burger instead of a hamburger for dinner is the best option if you are looking to lose weight," said Dr. Kahleova.



"Filling your plate with plant-based foods - even if they are considered ultra-processed like soy milk and vegan meat and yogurt alternatives - instead of animal products can have a positive impact on your weight and overall health."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assumptions-about-processed-foods">Assumptions about processed foods</h2>



This research directly challenges the belief that all processed foods contribute to weight gain. While ultra-processed animal products are strongly linked to increased body weight, processed plant-based foods do not appear to have the same negative effect.



To test the effects of a plant-based diet, researchers followed 244 overweight adults over 16 weeks. They split them into two groups. One group switched to a low-fat, plant-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hemp-seeds-could-be-a-game-changer-as-an-alternative-protein-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a> with no restrictions on calories. 



The other group? They didn’t change anything. No one counted calories or measured portions. The only difference was what they ate.



At the end, the vegan group lost an average of 13 pounds (5.9 kg). Their metabolism sped up. Their overall cardiometabolic health improved. Meanwhile, the control group - those who stuck with their regular diets - saw no significant change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-nova-classification">The NOVA Classification</h2>



The&nbsp;NOVA system&nbsp;is a widely recognized method for categorizing foods based on their level of processing. It helps researchers and nutritionists analyze how different types of foods impact health. The system divides foods into four categories.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category-1-unprocessed-foods">Category 1: Unprocessed foods</h3>



These are foods in their natural state or with minimal alterations. Examples include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. 



Any changes made to these foods - such as drying, freezing, or grinding - are only done to make them easier to store or prepare, without significantly altering their nutritional value.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category-2-processed-ingredients">Category 2: Processed ingredients</h3>



This category includes substances extracted from natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-molecule-could-shape-the-future-of-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a>, such as salt, sugar, and vegetable oils. These ingredients are typically used to season or cook other foods but are not consumed on their own in significant amounts. 



While they are not harmful in moderation, excessive intake - especially in the form of added sugar and refined oils - can contribute to health issues like obesity and heart disease.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category-3-processed-foods">Category 3: Processed foods</h3>



Processed foods are made by combining unprocessed foods (Category 1) with processed ingredients (Category 2). These include foods like canned vegetables with added salt, fresh bread, cheese, and smoked fish. 



Processing in this category aims to enhance taste, texture, or shelf life without fundamentally changing the food’s natural composition.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category-4-ultra-processed-foods">Category 4: Ultra-processed foods</h3>



These foods undergo extensive industrial processing, often containing artificial additives, preservatives, and ingredients not typically found in a home kitchen. 



Examples include packaged snacks, soft drinks, instant noodles, frozen meals, and processed meats like hot dogs and sausages.



Ultra-processed foods are designed for convenience and long shelf life but often contain high levels of unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives that may contribute to weight gain and chronic diseases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targeting-all-four-categories">Targeting all four categories </h3>



Participants in the vegan group reduced their intake of animal products across all four NOVA categories while increasing their consumption of plant-based foods. 



This shift contributed to their weight loss, suggesting that the reduction in animal-based foods played a bigger role than the level of processing of plant-based foods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-factors-driving-weight-loss">Food factors driving weight loss</h2>



So what exactly caused the weight loss? The researchers identified three major shifts that made the difference. First, as discussed above, participants who lost weight significantly cut back on processed animal products - things like smoked meats and processed cheese. 



Second, they ate fewer unprocessed or minimally processed animal foods, such as milk, eggs, and lean meats. Finally, they dramatically reduced ultra-processed animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/critical-food-crops-are-threatened-by-rising-temperatures-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a> like fried chicken, sausage, and packaged dairy products.



The data showed that for every 50 grams per day reduction in processed animal food, participants lost about one kilogram (2.2 pounds) over the course of the study. The effect was even more pronounced with unprocessed animal foods - cutting 93 grams per day resulted in a kilogram of weight loss.



But the biggest impact? Ultra-processed animal foods. Reducing them by 120 grams daily led to a kilogram of weight loss in just 16 weeks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-processed-foods">Plant-based processed foods</h2>



One of the most striking findings was that processed plant-based foods did not contribute to weight gain. 



Unlike animal-based ultra-processed foods, plant-based versions such as soy milk, veggie burgers, and cereal did not have a significant association with increased body weight.



“Our new study is an important reminder that plant-based foods that are considered processed, like canned beans, cereal, and veggie burgers, are actually part of a healthy diet that can help fight America’s diet-related chronic disease epidemics,” said Dr. Kahleova.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-foods-support-weight-loss">Plant foods support weight loss</h2>



A plant-based diet helps with weight loss in several ways. It is lower in fat and calories than diets with animal foods. High fiber content makes people feel full longer, so they eat less.



It also boosts metabolism. Vegan participants burned more calories after eating than those who ate animal foods. This helped them manage their weight.



Fiber is another key factor. It improves digestion, supports gut health, and reduces calorie absorption. Eating more fiber helps control appetite and maintain a healthy weight.



However, it is important o note that the study also had some limitations. Dietary intake was self-reported, which could introduce errors in food tracking. The participants were volunteers, meaning they may have been more motivated than the general population to follow dietary changes. 



Additionally, the study only lasted 16 weeks, and long-term effects still need further investigation.



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



The takeaway from this research is simple. Cutting animal products - whether you replace them with whole foods or processed plant-based alternatives - leads to weight loss.



For those looking to manage their weight, this suggests that focusing on food origin might be more important than avoiding all processed foods. 



Choosing plant-based versions of familiar foods doesn’t just make the transition easier - it also supports better health outcomes.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12986-025-00912-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nutrition &amp; Metabolism</a>.



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Plant-based foods promote weight loss, regardless of processing

Food choices shape our bodies, our health, and even our...

A new study suggests that children who consumed the least seafood at age seven exhibited lower prosocial behavior at both seven and nine years old. Prosocial behavior - such as friendliness, sharing, and altruism - appeared to be positively linked to fish consumption.



Seafood provides key nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, iodine, vitamin D, and choline. These nutrients contribute to a balanced diet and support brain development. 



Experts recommend children eat at least two servings of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/boosting-seafood-production-while-protecting-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> weekly, with one serving from oily fish like salmon or mackerel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seafood-consumption-and-child-behavior">Seafood consumption and child behavior</h2>



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk">University of Bristol</a> analyzed data from 5,969 participants in the Children of the 90s study. This long-term research received £5.2 million ($6.6 million) in new funding. The study adjusted data for social and demographic factors, ensuring accurate results.



Previous research was primarily focused on fish consumption during pregnancy. The effects were examined on babies rather than children’s ongoing development. 



However, the current study highlights the importance of research on fish intake during childhood.



The findings showed that children who did not eat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrimp-crisis-alarming-virus-threatens-global-seafood-supplies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seafood</a> had a 35% higher risk of developing lower prosocial behavior at age seven and a 43% higher risk at age nine.



Those who consumed between 1-190g of seafood per week still had a 25-30% higher risk compared to those who met the NHS recommendation of at least 190g per week.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-about-seafood-consumption">Concerns about seafood consumption</h2>



Many children in the study ate less seafood than NHS recommendations. One reason may be concerns about pollutants like mercury. 



Parents often receive mixed messages about seafood safety, making dietary choices difficult. However, experts note that the benefits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-eating-farmed-fish-may-be-safer-than-eating-fish-caught-in-the-wild/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> consumption outweigh potential risks when intake follows guidelines.



Prosocial behavior develops between ages one and two. It becomes more complex as children grow. Encouraging these behaviors early supports social development and overall well-being. Good nutrition plays a vital role in this process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-essential-nutrients-in-brain-development">Essential nutrients in brain development</h2>



Seafood is a primary source of omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA, which support brain function and emotional well-being. While the body can produce small amounts of DHA from other sources, dietary intake is necessary to maintain optimal levels.



Iodine and selenium also contribute to neurodevelopment. Iodine plays a crucial role in thyroid hormone production, which regulates brain growth. 



Selenium supports antioxidant functions and helps with thyroid hormone metabolism. Choline aids in neurotransmitter production, which impacts memory and cognitive function. Vitamin D supports calcium absorption and immune function, contributing to overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-widespread-in-the-seafood-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a>.



The study measured prosocial behavior using questionnaires. Parents reported their child’s social interactions at ages seven and nine. The results showed that children who ate more seafood displayed better social behavior.



The researchers also investigated a possible link between seafood intake and IQ. However, they found no significant connection between fish consumption and intelligence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seafood-and-child-development">Seafood and child development</h2>



"When there’s conflicting advice, it can be difficult to know what the best course of action is. Our previous studies have shown that eating fish during pregnancy in the UK can have a positive effect on child development," noted Dr. Caroline Taylor, associate professor of nutrition at the University of Bristol.



"This has also been found in countries where fish intakes are higher than they are here, so encouraging fish consumption is likely to have a positive effect on child development."



Dr. Taylor said the evidence to link fish consumption in children with the best behavioral development is clear, and that her team strongly recommends for parents to provide at least two portions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-particles-found-in-99-of-tested-seafood-samples/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> a week in accordance with NHS guidelines. 



"We hope these research findings empower parents with the knowledge to give their children the best start in life.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-considerations">Public health considerations</h2>



The <a href="https://www.nhs.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHS</a> advises that children should consume two portions of seafood per week, including one portion of oily fish. However, girls should have no more than two portions of oily fish per week due to concerns about dioxins and PCBs, which can accumulate in the body over time.



The FAO/WHO has acknowledged the benefits of seafood at all life stages. However, they also stress the need for region-specific guidelines based on local fish contamination levels, nutrient content, and dietary patterns.



Data from the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-diet-and-nutrition-survey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey</a> show that children consume less than the recommended amount of seafood. Many factors contribute to this, including concerns about mercury, taste preferences, cost, and limited availability. 



Addressing these barriers through public health campaigns could help improve childhood nutrition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-study-continues-nbsp">Long-term study continues&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/alspac/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Children of the 90s</a> study has played a major role in health research for over three decades. Founded by Professor Jean Golding in the early 1990s, the study has contributed to more than 3,000 research papers.



With the recent £5.2 million funding boost, the study will continue its research. The focus will now extend to the third generation of participants. These efforts will provide valuable insights into child health and development for years to come.



The study is published in the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00394-025-03636-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Journal of Nutrition</a>.



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Eating seafood helps children develop better social behaviors

A new study suggests that children who consumed the least...

Politicians learned long ago that humor is a powerful asset for capturing public attention and building credibility. Scientists, however, often avoid jokes when presenting their work, worried that a lighthearted tone might reduce their authority and, consequently, the perceived reliability of their research.&nbsp;



Yet a newly published paper appears to contradict this assumption, pointing toward humor’s potential to bolster a scientist’s likability and legitimize their message.



The research was led by Alexandra Lynn Frank, a doctoral student at the <a href="https://www.uga.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a>’s Grady College of Mass Communication.



The results showed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-who-use-humor-have-better-relationships-with-their-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humor</a> - if it genuinely elicits amusement - “can both have positive impacts on the likeability of a communicator, as well as enhancing perceptions that the message is an appropriate and legitimate source of scientific information.”&nbsp;



This conclusion broadens a growing line of inquiry into how comedic strategies in public outreach, such as stand-up performances, might sharpen scientific engagement. Frank’s research team placed their focus on a specific context, examining humor in the context of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spending-less-time-on-social-media-improves-your-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media</a> posts from scientists.



“Our study aimed to bridge this gap by enhancing our understanding of how individuals react to anthropomorphism and satire while providing practical insights for scientists and science communicators,” Frank explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cartoons-anthropomorphism-and-satire">Cartoons, anthropomorphism, and satire</h2>



The project centered on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-reveals-hidden-climate-extremes-in-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> (AI) content conveyed via cartoons in social media posts by a fabricated scientist named Dr. Jamie Devon. Three types of humor were tested: mild satire, anthropomorphism, or a mixture of both. Alongside these were control posts that lacked any humorous element.



Frank and her team ran an online survey with an embedded experiment. While participants realized they were completing a survey, they did not know they were part of an experiment.&nbsp;



Carefully selected using quota sampling aligned with U.S. Census data, 2,212 individuals viewed one of eight hypothetical tweets from Dr. Devon. Each tweet addressed AI and contained a cartoon, but the humorous aspect varied by group: no humor, anthropomorphism, satire, or a combination of both.&nbsp;



Survey respondents then rated how amusing the content was, how much they liked the fictional scientist, and how credible they felt the material was as a source of scientific knowledge.



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



“Politicians, entertainers, and advertisers often use humor because people tend to like and connect with people who can make them laugh,” said Frank.&nbsp;



“When people find something funny, they’re usually less likely to argue with or reject the message or the person delivering it. Our research supports this idea. We found that humor can aid scientists’ communication efforts, but only if people think they’re funny.”



In other words, a humorous approach must genuinely provoke amusement in an audience, or it might do more harm than good. The study also warns that certain types of comedy, especially harsh satire, can appear hostile and reduce the speaker’s believability.&nbsp;



“However, it is important to note that recent research conducted by my co-authors indicates that harsh forms of satire can be perceived as aggressive, which may undermine the credibility of the source of scientific information,” noted Frank.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-and-humor-on-social-media">Scientists and humor on social media</h2>



Sarcasm or combative humor is therefore discouraged. Instead, Frank and her co-authors propose that scientists on social media carefully select the tone of their jokes, aiming for content that resonates positively with readers.&nbsp;



The findings raise implications for how scientists might adopt novel and more engaging communication techniques.



“Our research aims to provide valuable insights to aid these professionals in developing public communication strategies,” said Frank, adding that comedic methods used judiciously have the power to establish a warmer connection.



“When used responsibly, humor is a powerful tool that can humanize scientists and create meaningful connections with the public on social media. By leveraging humor, scientists can simplify complex concepts, making them more relatable and easier to understand.”



“This approach not only fosters goodwill but also has the potential to dispel misinformation in a friendly manner. Moreover, humor can spark curiosity, motivating people to seek out additional information on important scientific topics.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-future-outreach">Implications for future outreach</h2>



By conveying a scientist’s approachable side while maintaining factual accuracy, humor might help reframe weighty or complicated research subjects in ways that more people can digest.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, the cautionary reminders about harsh satire underline the importance of aligning comedic approaches with the values of trustworthiness and sensitivity to one’s audience.



Although this study revolved around AI-related posts, its results could apply to a wide range of scientific discussions, suggesting that thoughtful use of jokes, cartoons, or playful analogies can enhance both interest and respect for scientific viewpoints.&nbsp;



For scientists venturing into social media - a domain that often shapes public perception - the research offers a signpost for bridging expertise with accessibility, reinforcing the message that a genuine sense of mirth can be an ally rather than a liability in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-trust-science-but-want-better-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">science communication</a>.



In a digital ecosystem where short attention spans and skepticism can challenge the spread of scientific information, humor stands out as a channel for empathy and engagement.&nbsp;



As Frank’s study indicates, humor and factual accuracy need not be at odds. Instead, a carefully tailored, genuinely amusing approach can make the communicator more likable, the message more credible, and the science more understandable - ultimately helping to broaden support for scientific endeavors.



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Humor helps scientists connect with the public and gain trust

Politicians learned long ago that humor is a powerful asset...

Genetically predicted height can be linked to the development of certain health conditions, according to new research. The findings suggest that increased height may raise or lower the odds of certain ailments, emphasizing the importance of early check-ups.



The study was led by Dr. Areti Papadopoulou, a postdoctoral research associate at the <a href="https://www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medical Research Council Biostatistics Unit</a>, and Dr. Eirini Marouli, an associate professor in computational biology at Queen Mary University of London.



The experts emphasize that these findings can benefit many people from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-risks-of-ultra-processed-foods-revealed-in-30-year-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">varied backgrounds</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-notable-links-between-height-and-disease">Notable links between height and disease</h2>



The scientists examined data from six populations of different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-life-expectancy-faces-a-triple-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancestries</a>, and analyzed the DNA factors that govern how tall a person might grow.



This approach, known as a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34982132/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phenome-wide association study</a> (a method that scans a broad set of health outcomes), uncovered a variety of conditions that were linked to a single genetic trait.



The researchers discovered 254 notable links between height and disease. One of the strongest connections was with <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/what-is-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atrial fibrillation</a>. This particular condition, which disrupts normal heart rhythms, appeared more frequently among taller individuals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-a-closer-look-at-circulatory-risk">Taking a closer look at circulatory risk</h2>



Height was strongly related to blood vessel and heart <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-remains-the-leading-cause-of-death-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">issues</a>, with taller people experiencing more problems involving veins and certain arterial conditions.



By one measure, taller people also seemed to have a lower chance of developing <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21656-hyperlipidemia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hyperlipidemia</a> (high fats in the blood) but a higher likelihood of facing specific heart <a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/arrhythmias" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arrhythmias</a>.



Some conditions connected to taller stature were only spotted in one sex or ancestry group. For instance, there was a connection between increased height and lower risk of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470284/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hyperpotassemia</a> (high potassium levels), but the link was only found in males. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspectives-on-disease-risk">New perspectives on disease risk </h2>



“Our study explored disease-related outcomes in up to 840,000 individuals of European, African, East Asian and Hispanic population groups with genetically predicted height,” explained Dr. Papadopoulou, the first author of the study.



“We report associations with a series of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-takes-a-major-toll-on-childrens-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disorders</a>, involving mental disorders and the endocrine system, that have not been previously associated with genetically predicted height.”



According to Dr. Marouli, the study reveals significant links between genetically predicted height and various health conditions, providing new perspectives on disease risk. 



"By analyzing genetic data across diverse ancestries and incorporating sex-specific analyses, we have identified associations that could improve early diagnosis and patient care,” said Dr. Marouli.



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



Simple measures, like blood pressure readings, might be interpreted more carefully for taller adults, given that some <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCGEN.121.003612" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> points to different cardiac risks by height.



For example, the experts noted that taller men appear less likely to experience high blood pressure but are more prone to heart rhythm disorders.



Screening for conditions such as certain cancers has also been debated in past <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.29159" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> of taller women, especially regarding breast health. The exact reasons for the potential link remain unclear, but the genetic factors that lead to a bigger frame may sometimes coincide with an increased risk for various types of tumors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-risks-across-diverse-groups">Managing risks across diverse groups</h2>



The researchers emphasize that improving health monitoring based on genetically predicted height should not focus on one ancestry alone.



The best strategies come from studies that include everyone, ensuring that recommendations will apply to people from diverse backgrounds and help them <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-one-third-of-asthma-cases-linked-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manage risks</a>.



Health leaders also recognize the importance of routine checkups, such as monitoring blood pressure, which is crucial for spotting early <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypertension</a>. With height now becoming a bigger part of the conversation, providers might refine their advice to match each person's unique background and build.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-link-between-height-and-health">The link between height and health</h2>



There is still much to learn about the interplay between height and overall health. By studying the genetic codes of people in different parts of the world, scientists hope to reveal fresh insights that lead to more targeted guidance.



Large-scale projects will likely expand on these findings. Future research may clarify why taller individuals face certain conditions at higher rates, while shorter individuals may struggle with others. 



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41525-025-00464-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Genomic Medicine</a>.



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Tall or short? Your height could predict future health risks

Genetically predicted height can be linked to the development of...

Selection,Of,Animal,And,Plant,Protein,Sources,-,Fish,,Meat,

Nearly 90% of adults in the United States believe they must eat meat, dairy, or eggs to get enough protein. This finding comes from a poll of 2,203 people who were surveyed in January 2025, and it highlights the lingering confusion around animal protein and plant-based eating.



Women and Gen Z participants were most likely to push back against the idea that animal products are required for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hemp-seeds-could-be-a-game-changer-as-an-alternative-protein-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adequate nutrition</a>. 



<a href="https://www.pcrm.org/about-us/staff/roxanne-becker" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Roxanne Becker</a>, MBChB, DipIBLM, who is with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, <a href="https://www.pcrm.org/news/news-releases/nearly-90-us-adults-believe-inaccurately-its-important-eat-animal-products-get" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">notes</a> that some consumers still struggle to see how plant foods can match traditional protein sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-plant-protein-replace-animal-protein">Can plant protein replace animal protein?</h2>



Consumers may worry about protein quality when moving away from animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-more-plant-protein-lowers-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a>. One key concern is about whether plant proteins are too low in essential amino acids.



Plant-based proteins are often linked with health perks such as high fiber and reduced levels of unhealthy fats. 



They also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals that animal products may lack, but the question about adequate essential amino acids remains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-protein-vs-animal-protein">Plant protein vs. animal protein</h2>



“Plant protein has been shown in randomized controlled trials to be as effective as animal protein for building muscle when the amounts of protein are equal. And it is full of nutrients and fiber, unlike animal-based protein sources,” clarified Dr. Becker.



There is strong support from <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10537483/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">controlled trials</a> for the benefits of plant-based eating.&nbsp;



In one <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33599941/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>, men who followed a plant-based dietary plan or an omnivorous plan experienced similar gains in muscle mass when the diet was paired with resistance training. 



Similar protein amounts produced comparable results, regardless of the protein source. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-protein-supports-better-aging">Plant protein supports better aging</h2>



Midlife nutrition habits can set the stage for quality of life decades later. An <a href="https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(23)66282-3/fulltext#tbl2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigation</a> led by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (<a href="https://hsph.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HSPH</a>) suggests that higher intake of plant protein in midlife may support healthy aging in women.



Participants in that study showed better physical and cognitive outcomes over the years when they relied on beans, nuts, and other plant-based staples. 



The findings indicate that animal protein may have a few benefits for mobility, but plant protein aligns with improved overall well-being.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-protein-needs">Practical protein needs</h2>



The minimum daily requirement for an adult is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram (0.01 ounces per pound) of body weight. 



That’s about 56 grams for a 70-kilogram (2 ounces for a 155-pound) man and 46 grams for a 58-kilogram (1.6 ounces for a 128-pound) woman.



Those who exercise heavily may need up to 2 grams per kilogram (0.07 ounces per pound), especially if they’re doing strength training. 



Keeping track of these figures can guide individuals toward balanced dietary choices that nourish muscle growth and support overall health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-muscle-with-age">Maintaining muscle with age</h2>



“As we age, it’s important to consume enough protein to maintain our muscle mass so we can avoid frailty. Plant protein sources, which contain no artery-clogging cholesterol and are low in saturated fat, should be the go-to,” said Dr. Becker. 



Older adults might lose muscle mass over time, so feeding the body with enough protein is wise.&nbsp;



Many plant-based options are naturally free of animal fats, which can help with <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.117.006659" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart health</a> in the long run. These foods are also linked to lower cholesterol levels.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ways-to-replace-animal-protein">Ways to replace animal protein</h2>



Busy schedules might make it tricky for some people to figure out a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/futuristic-food-supply-transforming-co2-into-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-friendly</a> menu that supplies adequate protein. 



Tofu, beans, lentils, peas, nuts and tempeh are familiar to many who want to load up on muscle-building nutrients without relying on animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-are-suffering-from-declining-plant-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">products</a>.



“Unlike animal-based protein, these foods contain zero cholesterol and tend to be low in saturated fat, making them a smart choice for long-term health. Getting enough protein is as easy as enjoying meals you already know and love,” said Xavier Toledo, a registered dietitian with the Physicians Committee.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wider-acceptance">Wider acceptance</h2>



The survey revealed that more than half of respondents felt it was possible to gain muscle on a plant-based eating plan. 



This marks a change from older attitudes that portrayed animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-changes-in-diet-can-greatly-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protein</a> as the gold standard.



Despite strong acceptance among younger adults, the broader public still lags behind on the facts. That gap could close as research keeps highlighting the flexibility and benefits of plant-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-meat-less-protein-lacks-certain-nutrients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a>.



The study is published in the <a href="https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(23)66282-3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</a>.



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Do humans need to eat animal protein to build muscle? Science has the answer

Nearly 90% of adults in the United States believe they...

For years, red wine has been romanticized as the “healthy” alcohol. Some credit its deep ruby hue and rich antioxidants with protective effects - particularly against cancer.



The main reason? <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resveratrol-may-boost-female-fertility-naturally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Resveratrol</a>. This plant compound, found in grape skins, has been linked to anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Many have assumed that a glass of red is safer than other forms of alcohol.



But, new research from Brown University suggests otherwise. A comprehensive meta-analysis examined the effects of both red and white wine on cancer risk. The results? No special protection from red wine. Even more surprising - white wine may actually increase the risk of skin cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-wine-vs-white-wine">Red wine vs. white wine</h2>



“We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess whether red wine is truly a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-polyphenols-promote-heart-health-youthful-skin-and-a-healthy-waistline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthier choice</a> than white wine,” Cho said. 



“Our analysis included as many published epidemiological studies as possible that separately explored the relationship between red and white wine consumption and cancer risk. The results revealed no significant difference in cancer risk between red and white wine overall."



“However, we did observe a distinction when it came to skin cancer risk. Specifically, the consumption of white wine, but not red wine, was associated with an increased risk of skin cancer.”



The research included 42 studies and nearly 96,000 participants. Red and white wine showed no major differences in overall cancer risk. But white wine? It stood out. According to the findings, those who drank white wine had a 22% higher risk of developing skin cancer compared to red wine drinkers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-wine-might-increase-cancer-risk">White wine might increase cancer risk</h2>



Scientists are still piecing the puzzle together. One possible explanation lies in acetaldehyde - a byproduct of alcohol metabolism.



This compound can damage DNA, increasing the likelihood of cancerous mutations. White wine might contain higher levels of acetaldehyde than red <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healing-chronic-wounds-with-gold-and-red-wine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wine</a>, making it a bigger threat.



There are also lifestyle habits to consider. People who drink wine may be more likely to spend time outdoors - whether at vineyards, rooftop brunches, or beachside gatherings. Sun exposure, combined with alcohol’s potential to impair DNA repair, could make skin cancer more likely.



The connection isn’t fully understood, but the evidence showed that white wine drinkers had a greater risk of skin cancer compared to those who preferred red wine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-wine-and-cancer-risk-in-women">White wine and cancer risk in women</h2>



Another surprising discovery was white wine’s impact on women. The study found that women who drank white wine had a 26% higher risk of developing cancer.



What makes women more vulnerable? Hormones could be a factor. Alcohol consumption has been linked to increased estrogen levels, which may contribute to hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer. 



Since white wine tends to be more popular among female drinkers, its risks deserve closer scrutiny.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-about-red-wine-s-antioxidants">What about red wine’s antioxidants?</h2>



For years, red wine has been hyped as a heart-healthy, disease-fighting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-and-depression-study-challenges-self-medication-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beverage</a>. Much of this reputation comes from resveratrol. 



In lab studies, resveratrol has shown promising anti-cancer effects - slowing tumor growth, reducing inflammation, and even interfering with cancer cell reproduction.



So why doesn’t red wine protect against cancer? It is likely because the amount of resveratrol in a glass of wine is too small to make a meaningful difference.



Research suggests that resveratrol is rapidly metabolized in the body, preventing it from reaching levels high enough to be truly beneficial. Ultimately, the idea of red wine as a cancer shield doesn’t hold up when put to the test.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bigger-picture-alcohol-and-cancer">The bigger picture: Alcohol and cancer</h2>



Beyond the red vs. white debate, one fact remains clear - alcohol itself is a known carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is strong evidence that it contributes to cancer.



Alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that can damage DNA and prevent cells from repairing themselves. In 2020 alone, alcohol consumption was linked to over 740,000 cancer cases worldwide. It plays a role in cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, colon, breast, and esophagus.



This means that while some alcoholic drinks may be worse than others, none are completely risk-free.



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



This research adds weight to an ongoing discussion: does the type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/semaglutide-shows-promise-in-reducing-alcohol-cravings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcohol</a> you drink matter? 



While red and white wine appear to have similar overall risks, the strong link between white wine and skin cancer - especially in women - raises serious concerns.



Future studies will need to investigate why white wine has this specific impact. 



Is it due to a particular chemical compound? Drinking habits? A combination of factors? Until scientists find clearer answers, these findings offer a reason to rethink assumptions about alcohol and health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moderation-is-key">Moderation is key</h2>



Wine has long been associated with relaxation, indulgence, and even sophistication. But science continues to chip away at its reputation as a "healthy" choice.



The takeaway? Moderation is key. Those who choose to drink should do so with full awareness of the risks - knowing that no type of alcohol is truly safe when it comes to cancer. 



Red wine might not be the protective elixir some had hoped for, and white wine may come with its own unique dangers.



At the end of the day, the choice is personal. But it’s always better to make that choice informed.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/3/534" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nutrients</a>.



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Red or white? The surprising truth about wine and cancer risk

For years, red wine has been romanticized as the “healthy”...

Millions of lives are lost each year as a result of smoking's negative effects, but a new study has discovered another hidden danger in cigarette smoke and discarded cigarette waste.



Researchers at the <a href="https://tu-dresden.de/?set_language=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Dresden</a> (TUD) have found that harmful compounds in cigarettes greatly increase the development and dissemination of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, both in the environment and in the lungs of smokers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-dangers-of-cigarette-waste">Hidden dangers of cigarette waste</h2>



“Cigarette filters contain many of the&nbsp;toxic substances&nbsp;found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cigarette-smoke-exposure-elevates-cancer-risk-in-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cigarette smoke</a>,” explained Dr. Uli Klümper from the Institute of Hydrobiology at the TUD.



“In our study, we found that when these filters end up in waterbodies, they are increasingly colonized by potentially pathogenic bugs and bacteria displaying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistance-increasing-enterococci-looming-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic resistance</a>, as these are particularly well adapted to the adverse conditions on the filters.”



The research group found that cigarette waste not only pollutes the environment but also poses significant public health risks. 



As these discarded cigarette butts sit in lakes, rivers, and oceans, resistant bacteria multiply rapidly on them.



This could result in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotics-for-childhood-infections-are-becoming-ineffective/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infections</a> that are more difficult to treat, which poses an additional public health concern that had previously gone largely unnoticed.



“This underlines the need for stricter measures against the careless discarding of cigarette butts, and highlights another hidden health hazard caused by smoking,” said Dr. Klümper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cigarette-waste-and-microbial-communities">Cigarette waste and microbial communities </h2>



There are many complex ways in which cigarette waste interacts with microbial ecosystems, influencing their balance and behavior. 



Cigarette butts, often discarded without a second thought, create a toxic microenvironment that selects for the survival of the most resilient bacteria. 



These bacteria, many of which already possess antibiotic resistance, thrive in polluted water bodies and form dense biofilms on cigarette filters.



Biofilms are communities of microbes, including bacteria, that adhere to surfaces and transfer genetic material more effectively than planktonic (drifting) bacteria.



The poisonous chemicals seeping from cigarette filters enhance this activity, so bacterial populations become more likely to transfer resistance genes. 



With time, these fortified bacterial colonies can find their way into natural water systems, facilitating the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections from the environment to humans.



By acting as both a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-the-effects-of-pollutants-on-river-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutant</a> and an incubator for dangerous pathogens, cigarette waste is not just an eyesore but a public health hazard that demands urgent intervention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-of-severe-infections-in-smokers">Risk of severe infections in smokers</h2>



Apart from the ecological consequences, the research discovered similarly worrying effects for consumers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tobacco-bans-could-help-prevent-1-2-million-lung-cancer-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tobacco</a>.



Smokers inadvertently speed up the transmission of antibiotic-resistant germs in their lungs, diminishing the efficacy of antibiotic therapy at times of infection.



The researchers used laboratory tests that modeled conditions within the human lungs, but in artificial lung fluid. They made a striking observation: toxic substances in cigarette smoke stressed out bacteria in lung fluid.



Under this stress, bacteria exchanged antibiotic resistance genes at an accelerated rate, significantly increasing their spread.



“In our experiments with an artificial lung medium, we were able to show that the toxic substances that accumulate in the lung fluid due to&nbsp;cigarette smoke&nbsp;trigger a stress reaction in the bacteria which, among other things, more than doubles the frequency with which&nbsp;resistance genes&nbsp;are passed on between bacteria via plasmids,” explained the researchers.



This reaction effectively speeds up the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant infections, thus complicating medical treatments and increasing risks of severe infections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-call-to-action">Global call to action</h2>



Countless lives are lost each year from cigarette-smoking-related illnesses, but the new findings point towards an even stronger rationale for curtailing cigarette smoking without delay.



Reduction in cigarette waste pollution benefits communities by constraining the propagation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in water bodies.



Simultaneously, stopping smoking cuts exposure to harmful bacteria, enhancing health conditions overall.



The research highlights the need for stronger public policy and heightened public understanding regarding the threat posed by cigarette waste - an overlooked source of antibiotic resistance bacteria.



Ultimately, the research indicates that smoking dangers run much deeper than they appear, and threaten health in ways that need urgent attention and response.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP14704" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Health Perspectives</a>.



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Cigarette waste fuels antibiotic resistance

Millions of lives are lost each year as a result...

Something is shifting in adolescent mental health. Anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms - once thought to be the struggles of a small fraction - are now affecting nearly a third of young people. Social expectations, academic pressures, and increasing screen time all contribute to this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/screen-time-delays-language-development-in-toddlers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growing concern</a>. 



But is technology the primary culprit? That’s the question researchers at the <a href="https://www.jyu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Jyväskylä</a> and the <a href="https://www.uef.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Eastern Finland</a> set out to answer.



The long-term study, which tracked 187 adolescents over eight years, offers some striking insights. Lifestyle choices - especially physical activity and screen time - emerge as key players in shaping mental well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-screen-time-s-heavy-toll">Screen time’s heavy toll</h2>



The more time adolescents spent on screens, the worse their mental health outcomes. But not all screens affected them equally. Mobile device use stood out as the biggest culprit, linked to heightened stress and depressive symptoms.



Dr. Eero Haapala is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä.



“Several international, evidence-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-spaces-are-key-to-reducing-kids-screen-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recommendations</a> suggest that the leisure screen time of children and adolescents should be limited to two hours per day. Personally, I think that even this figure is high, as it amounts to almost one month of screen time per year,” said Dr. Haapala. 



A screen is just a tool - yet prolonged exposure can erode sleep quality, reduce meaningful social interactions, and expose adolescents to distressing online content. The result? More stress, more anxiety, more moments of feeling trapped in a digital loop.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-movement-as-a-buffer-against-stress">Movement as a buffer against stress</h2>



Not all the findings were bleak. The research also uncovered a powerful antidote: movement. Adolescents who engaged in more physical activity - particularly supervised exercise - reported lower stress levels and fewer depressive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-under-two-should-not-be-exposed-to-tv-or-screen-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">symptoms</a>.



Sports participation, in particular, seemed to provide a buffer against mental health struggles, likely because of its structured environment and built-in social support.



“The modern sedentary lifestyle, with high screen exposure, challenges the mental health of children and adolescents,” said Dr. Haapala.



“Recent discussions have rightly focused on screen time and social media, but I hope our findings encourage adults in young people’s lives to promote a broad spectrum of healthy habits – especially by balancing screen time and physical activity.”



The key takeaway? Physical activity helps, but it’s not a cure-all. If screen time remains excessive, even active adolescents are at risk. The worst outcomes appeared in those with both high screen time and low physical activity - double trouble for mental health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-about-sleep-and-diet">What about sleep and diet?</h2>



The researchers also examined the impact of sleep and diet.



Unlike screen time and physical activity, these factors had a weaker connection to mental health outcomes. This might be because the study’s participants generally had adequate sleep and relatively healthy diets, making it harder to detect their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kids-with-too-much-screen-time-struggle-to-gain-language-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influence</a>.



“Achieving change requires collaboration,” said Dr. Haapala. "Society as a whole - from families to policymakers - must invest in promoting healthy lifestyles for children and adolescents by ensuring balanced screen time, sufficient physical activity, adequate sleep, and a nutritious diet.”



While diet and sleep didn’t play as strong a role in this particular study, previous research suggests they do matter. Poor sleep patterns and unhealthy diets have been linked to increased anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Still, the dominant players in this study were screen time and physical activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-screens-are-the-worst-offenders">Mobile screens are the worst offenders</h2>



One of the study’s most eye-opening revelations? Mobile devices had a significantly stronger negative impact on mental health than other forms of screen time.



Unlike television, which is often a passive experience, mobile devices demand constant interaction. Whether through social media, gaming, or endless scrolling, they create a cycle that’s hard to break. More engagement often means more stress, and the pressure to stay connected can take a toll on self-esteem and emotional well-being.



Social media, in particular, amplifies these effects. Teenagers are not just consuming content - they’re comparing, curating, and responding. The pressure to maintain an online presence, measure up to influencers, or keep up with peers can turn a harmless scroll into a breeding ground for self-doubt.



Cutting down on mobile device use may be one of the most effective ways to reduce adolescent stress levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-the-screen-time">Breaking the screen time</h2>



One of the study’s strongest messages? Early intervention is key. 



The habits children form in elementary school often stick with them into adolescence. If kids grow up with unrestricted screen time and little encouragement for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/taking-a-smartphone-break-can-improve-your-life-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical activity</a>, they’re more likely to carry those patterns into their teenage years - when stress and depression become real risks.



Encouraging structured sports, outdoor play, and clear screen time limits can help. It’s not about eliminating screens but creating a balanced relationship with them. Programs that integrate both movement and responsible technology use could be the most effective way forward.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everyday-choices-and-long-term-health">Everyday choices and long-term health</h2>



This research is part of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) Study, which investigates how lifestyle choices impact long-term health outcomes. 



The PANIC Study operates within the Metabolic Diseases Research Community at the University of Eastern Finland. This research network, consisting of 20 teams, works across genetics, patient care, and disease prevention to uncover new ways to support physical and mental well-being.



By tracking children’s habits over several years, studies like this one help paint a clearer picture of how everyday choices - like how much time we spend moving versus sitting - shape adolescent health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-screen-time">Implications for screen time</h2>



This study delivers a clear message: less screen time, more movement. It’s a simple formula, yet difficult to implement in today’s digital world. 



Parents, teachers, and policymakers all have a role to play in helping young people develop healthier habits.



Future research will likely explore how different lifestyle factors - diet, sleep, stress management - interact with screen time and exercise.



But for now, the evidence is strong. Cutting back on mobile devices and increasing physical activity could be two of the best steps toward improving adolescent mental health.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2830233" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Network Open</a>.



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Too much screen time is making teens anxious

Something is shifting in adolescent mental health. Anxiety, stress, and...

A team of engineers has recently created a breakthrough prosthetic hand that can deftly handle everyday objects, from plush toys to water bottles, adjusting its grip to avoid damaging them.&nbsp;



In doing so, the experts have introduced a novel hybrid approach to robotic hands, merging rigid and soft elements in a way that mimics the human hand’s unique design.



The innovative research was conducted in the Neuroengineering and Biomedical Instrumentations Lab at <a href="https://neuroengineering.bme.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a>. The team previously developed an electronic “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-tech-will-track-emotions-through-changes-in-our-skin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skin</a>” with a humanlike sense of pain in 2018. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prosthetic-hand-with-sensing-capabilities-nbsp">Prosthetic hand with sensing capabilities&nbsp;</h2>



The new hand features a multi-finger setup made of rubberlike polymers over a rigid, 3D-printed skeleton. 



Its three layers of tactile sensors, modeled after the layers of human skin, go beyond simple contact detection to identify textures, shapes, and the precise force needed to pick up various items.



“The goal from the beginning has been to create a prosthetic hand that we model based on the human hand’s physical and sensing capabilities - a more natural prosthetic that functions and feels like a lost limb,” said Sriramana Sankar, a Johns Hopkins biomedical engineer who led the work.&nbsp;



“We want to give people with upper-limb loss the ability to safely and freely interact with their environment, to feel and hold their loved ones without concern of hurting them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-soft-and-rigid-elements">Bridging soft and rigid elements</h2>



In prosthetic technology, robotic hands have often been either too stiff to safely handle fragile objects or too soft to manage heavier ones. This new device tackles that issue by combining a pliable exterior with an internal frame.&nbsp;



The soft, air-filled finger joints can accommodate delicate items without crushing them, while the solid core provides the stability needed to lift or grip sturdier materials.



“We’re combining the strengths of both rigid and soft <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-with-space-to-think-will-become-more-useful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robotics</a> to mimic the human hand,” Sankar explained.&nbsp;"The human hand isn’t completely rigid or purely soft - it’s a hybrid system, with bones, soft joints, and tissue working together. That’s what we want our prosthetic hand to achieve.”&nbsp;



Sankar noted that this is new territory for robotics and prosthetics, which haven’t fully embraced this hybrid technology before. “It’s being able to give a firm handshake or pick up a soft object without fear of crushing it.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoring-the-sensation-of-touch-nbsp">Restoring the sensation of touch&nbsp;</h2>



Another central focus is restoring a sensation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-hidden-way-that-humans-feel-and-sense-touch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">touch</a> to individuals with upper-limb loss. The device employs machine learning algorithms to process signals from the artificial receptors embedded in its fingertips.&nbsp;



These signals merge with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-fuels-neuron-growth-through-muscle-signals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muscle</a> activity from the forearm to guide grip strength, finger positioning, and overall dexterity.



“The sensory information from its fingers is translated into the language of nerves to provide naturalistic sensory feedback through electrical nerve stimulation,” Sankar said. “Each of its soft air-filled finger joints can be controlled with the forearm’s muscles.”



For many prosthesis users, regaining the ability to “feel” objects is equally as important as being able to hold them.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifelike-prosthetic-hands-nbsp">Lifelike prosthetic hands&nbsp;</h2>



According to Nitish Thakor, a Johns Hopkins biomedical engineering professor who directed the work, any <a href="https://youtu.be/dnPrY7xA08c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifelike prosthetic hand</a> must incorporate three major components. 



First, sensors need to detect what the hand is touching; second, the system must convert that data into nerve-like signals; and third, the user’s nerves have to receive those signals as if they come from a natural limb.



“If you’re holding a cup of coffee, how do you know you’re about to drop it? Your palm and fingertips send signals to your brain that the cup is slipping,” Thakor said.&nbsp;



“Our system is neurally inspired - it models the hand’s touch receptors to produce nervelike messages so the prosthetics’ ‘brain,’ or its computer, understands if something is hot or cold, soft or hard, or slipping from the grip.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-tests-on-everyday-objects">Successful tests on everyday objects</h2>



In controlled lab experiments, the researchers tested the new hand’s performance on 15 ordinary items, ranging from stuffed animals and dish sponges to pineapples and sturdy cardboard boxes. 



These trials showed the hand deftly recognized each object’s characteristics and adjusted its grip accordingly.



The team reported a success rate of 99.69% in handling these items without error, a marked improvement over existing prosthetic hands.&nbsp;



One notable demonstration involved the hand lifting a fragile plastic cup filled with water using only three fingers - without denting the cup or spilling the liquid.



Although the prototype represents a major step toward prostheses that blend humanlike sensitivity and adaptability, the researchers emphasize that the system is still in early development.&nbsp;



Stronger grip forces, additional sensors, and more durable materials are among the enhancements they envision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-prosthetics">What's next for prosthetics?</h2>



Thakor also sees this hybrid approach to dexterity benefiting not just amputees but the broader robotics field. 



Robots that can handle delicate objects, such as glassware or soft materials, while still possessing the strength for more demanding tasks will be vital in settings ranging from warehouses to healthcare facilities.



“This hybrid dexterity isn’t just essential for next-generation prostheses,” Thakor said. “It’s what the robotic hands of the future need because they won’t just be handling large, heavy objects. They’ll need to work with delicate materials such as glass, fabric, or soft toys.”&nbsp;



“That’s why a hybrid robot, designed like the human hand, is so valuable - it combines soft and rigid structures, just like our skin, tissue, and bones.”



As this technology matures, it could lead to more natural prosthetics that let users regain a full range of motion and sensation.&nbsp;



The engineers hope that the progress made here will spur further refinements, ultimately resulting in prosthetic hands that can handle everything from a gentle handshake to a firm grasp of heavier objects - all while preserving a truly humanlike sense of touch.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adr9300" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.&nbsp;



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Future of prosthetics: Bionic hand 'knows' what it’s touching

A team of engineers has recently created a breakthrough prosthetic...

Water keeps us alive, but what happens when something meant to help us raises new concerns? For decades, governments have added fluoride to drinking water to protect teeth, believing it to be a simple solution for cavity prevention. 



However, a recent study from <a href="https://ki.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karolinska Institutet</a> in Sweden suggests fluoride exposure - especially in pregnancy and early childhood - could impact brain development.



It’s not the first time this issue has surfaced, but the findings add weight to a long-standing debate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluoride-in-drinking-water">Fluoride in drinking water</h2>



Naturally occurring fluoride is present in many water sources, but its levels are often too low to significantly prevent cavities. 



To address this, countries such as the USA, Canada, Chile, Australia, and Ireland have long introduced fluoride into their public <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-strain-identified-that-can-eat-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water systems</a>. The standard level used in these nations hovers around 0.7 mg per liter, which is considered optimal for dental health benefits.



Despite its widespread use, the addition of fluoride to drinking water has remained a topic of debate. Health officials argue it is a cost-effective public health measure, but concerns about potential side effects persist. 



“Given the concern about health risks, the addition of fluoride to drinking water is controversial and has been widely debated in the USA and Canada,” said Maria Kippler, associate professor at Karolinska Institutet.



“Our results support the hypothesis that even relatively low <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-water-fluoridation-still-effective/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concentrations of fluoride</a> can impact children’s early development.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-fluoride-exposure">Tracking fluoride exposure</h2>



To understand how fluoride affects brain development, scientists focused on a rural area in Bangladesh. Here, fluoride naturally seeps into the water supply, just like in many other regions worldwide. They followed 500 mothers and their children for years.



By studying these families over time, researchers could observe how fluoride exposure influenced thinking and learning. 



The scientists tested urine samples to check fluoride levels in mothers and children. Unlike toothpaste, which isn't swallowed, most fluoride comes from drinking water and food.



When the children turned five and ten, the researchers tested their cognitive abilities using trusted psychological methods. The goal was to see if fluoride <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/too-much-fluoride-in-tap-water-supply-might-lower-kids-iq-by-few-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">levels</a> played a role in shaping their thinking and reasoning skills.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluoride-exposure-and-its-effects">Fluoride exposure and its effects</h2>



The findings were concerning. The median concentration of fluoride in the urine of pregnant women in the study was 0.63 mg/L. Higher levels of fluoride in mothers were linked to lower cognitive abilities in their children at both five and ten years old.



“I’d like to stress that dental care products such as toothpaste are not normally a significant source of exposure since they are not intended for ingestion,” said Dr. Kippler.



“Fluoride in toothpaste is important for prevention of caries, but it’s important to encourage small children not to swallow the toothpaste during brushing.”



At age ten, children with more than 0.72 mg/L of fluoride in their urine showed significant cognitive deficits compared to those with lower levels. The most affected areas were verbal reasoning and sensory processing, essential skills for learning and communication. 



Alarmingly, these effects were observed at fluoride levels below the current World Health Organization (<a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHO</a>) and European Union (<a href="https://european-union.europa.eu/index_en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU</a>) drinking water safety threshold of 1.5 mg/L.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-impact-on-development">Complex impact on development </h2>



Surprisingly, fluoride <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-happens-to-our-teeth-as-we-age-new-details-have-emerged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">levels</a> in five-year-olds did not strongly correlate with cognitive abilities. "This may be due to the shorter exposure time,” said Dr. Kippler.



“But also to the fact that urinary fluoride concentrations aren’t as reliable in younger children owing to greater variations in how much fluoride is taken up and stored in the body, particularly in the bones.”



Perhaps younger children process fluoride differently, or maybe it takes longer for the effects to become noticeable. Either way, this part of the study highlights how complex fluoride’s impact on development might be.



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



The study found strong links, but it can't prove fluoride directly causes these effects.



To fully understand how fluoride affects cognitive abilities, more longitudinal studies are needed. The researchers plan to examine this issue in other populations and develop experimental models to explore the potential biological mechanisms at play.



“There is a need for more research to create a robust basis for reviewing fluoride health risks and thresholds for drinking water, foods, and dental care products, especially for children,” said Dr. Kippler. “Even small changes in cognition at a population level can have serious public health consequences.”



Since many people are exposed to fluoride, it's important to understand its risks. Protecting teeth matters, but experts must also consider if fluoride affects brain development.



This study received financial support from the <a href="https://www.vr.se/english.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swedish Research Council</a> and the Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences, and Spatial Planning (<a href="https://www.era-learn.eu/network-information/organisations/swedish-research-council-for-environment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FORMAS</a>). 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP14534" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Health Perspectives</a>.



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Fluoride in drinking water raises concerns for brain development

Water keeps us alive, but what happens when something meant...

Close-up,In,A,Frying,Pan,With,Olive,Oil,,Ghee,(clarified

Swapping butter for plant-based oils may be a simple way to support better long-term health. 



A new study suggests that people who consume more plant-based oils - such as soybean, canola, and olive oil - tend to live longer than those who regularly eat butter.



The research, which tracked dietary habits for over 30 years, found a lower risk of death from cancer and heart disease among those who opted for plant oils. 



Meanwhile, higher butter intake was linked to an increased risk of early death.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-diet-affects-longevity">How diet affects longevity</h2>



Scientists from <a href="https://hsph.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health</a>, Mass General Brigham, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard analyzed dietary data from more than 220,000 participants. 



These individuals were part of long-running studies that collected information on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-eating-habits-can-lead-to-lifelong-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating habits</a> every four years. 



By reviewing this data, researchers could estimate butter and oil consumption over time.



Butter intake included all sources - spreads, cooking, baking, and margarine blends - while plant-based oil intake was calculated based on how often participants used oils in frying, sautéing, baking, and salad dressings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-butter-vs-plant-based-oils">Butter vs plant-based oils</h2>



The study's lead author, Yu Zhang, M.B.B.S., is a research assistant at the Channing Division of Network Medicine at <a href="https://www.brighamandwomens.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brigham and Women's Hospital</a>.



"What's surprising is the magnitude of the association that we found - we saw a 17% lower risk of death when we modeled swapping butter with plant-based oils in daily diet. That is a pretty huge effect on health," Zhang explained.



The key difference comes down to fat composition. 



Butter is high in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diets-linked-to-unexpected-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saturated fat</a>, while plant-based oils contain more unsaturated fats. Previous research has looked at dietary fats in general, but fewer studies have focused on their primary sources.



The findings suggest a clear contrast in health risks. Participants who ate the most butter had a 15% higher risk of death compared to those who ate the least. 



Meanwhile, those who consumed the most plant-based oils had a 16% lower risk of dying.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choosing-plant-based-oils-over-butter">Choosing plant-based oils over butter</h2>



"People might want to consider that a simple dietary swap - replacing butter with soybean oil or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/regular-olive-oil-consumption-can-literally-save-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">olive oil</a> - can lead to significant long-term health benefits," said corresponding author Daniel Wang, M.D., Sc.D., of the Channing Division of Network Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.



"From a public health perspective, this is a substantial number of deaths from cancer or from other chronic diseases that could be prevented."



To further explore this link, the researchers ran a substitution analysis. Their model showed that replacing just 10 grams of butter per day - less than a tablespoon - with an equivalent amount of plant-based oil could reduce cancer deaths and overall mortality by 17%.



"Even cutting back butter a little and incorporating more plant-based oils into your daily diet can have meaningful long-term health benefits," Wang added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-economic-benefits">Environmental and economic benefits</h2>



Beyond personal health, switching from butter to plant-based oils has broader implications. 



Butter production requires more land, water, and energy compared to plant oil production. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-began-dairy-farming-much-earlier-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dairy farming</a>, which supports butter production, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. 



In contrast, plant oils have a lower environmental impact, making them a more sustainable choice.



Economically, plant-based oils are often more affordable and widely available than butter. 



With rising food prices, making the switch could be a cost-effective way for individuals and families to improve their diets without significantly increasing their grocery bills.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-research">What’s next for research?</h2>



Although the study presents strong evidence, the investigators do recognize some limitations. 



A majority of participants were healthcare professionals, so the results may not be representative of the overall U.S. population.



Also, self-reported food intake information may have some error, although the long duration and large number of participants in the study reduce the concerns of the scientists in this regard.



Future studies will investigate the biological processes that mediate these health consequences.



For the moment, the message is straightforward: replacing butter with plant-based oils is a simple, practical move toward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prescription-for-fruits-and-vegetables-linked-to-better-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improved health</a> in the long run.



Small, sustainable changes to eating habits can have long-term payoffs - not only for individuals but for public health and the planet too.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2831265" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Internal Medicine</a>.



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Health challenge: Cooking with butter vs. plant-based oils

Swapping butter for plant-based oils may be a simple way...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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