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...

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...

Microplastics in the environment have become a well-known issue, sparking global concern. More recently, however, research has revealed that microplastics infiltrate human bodies, particularly the brain.



As studies reveal new details about the accumulation of plastic particles in our bodies, scientists are delving deeper into their potential impacts and ways to prevent exposure.



A recent study published in the journal <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39901044/">Nature Medicine</a> found that our brains house around a spoonful of these tiny plastic fragments, which is alarming, to say the least. 



When the researchers analyzed the brains of deceased people who had been diagnosed with dementia, their levels of microplastics were 3-5 times higher.



In response to these and other relevant findings, researchers from the <a href="https://www.uottawa.ca/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Ottawa</a> and the University of Toronto published a review of the current state of knowledge on the accumulation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/micro-nanoplastics-mnps-help-cancer-cells-spread/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">micro and nanoplastics</a> (MNPs) in humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-in-the-brain">Microplastics in the brain</h2>



The analysis showed that microplastics are pervasive in the water we drink, the food we eat, and the air we breathe. 



"The dramatic increase in brain microplastic concentrations over just eight years, from 2016 to 2024, is particularly alarming. This rise mirrors the exponential increase we're seeing in environmental microplastic levels," said Dr. Nicholas Fabiano from the University of Ottawa's Department of Psychiatry.



The researchers noted that concentrations of MNPs were 7-30 times higher in brain tissue than in other vital organs, such as the liver or kidneys. It seems that our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brains-are-constantly-working-to-predict-what-comes-next/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brains</a> are favored by these miniscule shards of plastic.



Mostly less than 200 nanometers in length and primarily composed of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disposable-coffee-cups-release-trillions-of-plastic-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polyethylene</a>, these tiny invaders were found in the cerebrovascular walls and immune cells of the brain. The particles are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to speculations about their role in neurological conditions.



It is not certain whether patients with dementia had high levels of MNPs due to the neurological condition, or whether the particles promoted the development of dementia. Future studies will investigate this relationship further.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-the-microplastic-menace">Tackling the microplastic menace</h2>



Moving beyond the danger they pose, the research highlights useful practices that we can employ in our daily lives to reduce MNP exposure.



An action as simple as opting for filtered tap water instead of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-thousands-of-nanoplastics-found-in-bottled-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bottled water</a> could lower microplastic intake from a staggering 90,000 to 4,000 particles per year.



"Bottled water alone can expose people to nearly as many microplastic particles annually as all ingested and inhaled sources combined. Switching to tap water could reduce this exposure by almost 90%, making it one of the simplest ways to cut down on microplastic intake," said Dr. Brandon Luu.



Other significant sources of MNPs include plastic seals in tea bags, which could release millions of tiny particles per brewing session, noted Dr. Luu.



"Heating food in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-containers-may-release-forever-chemicals-into-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic containers</a> - especially in the microwave - can release substantial amounts of microplastics. Avoiding plastic food storage and using glass or stainless steel alternatives is a small but meaningful step in limiting exposure."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-elimination-pathways">Possible elimination pathways</h2>



The research team also reported on studies about potential elimination pathways. For instance, sweating may aid in the removal of certain plastic-derived compounds from the body. However, the researchers caution that more studies are needed.



"We need more research to wrap our heads around microplastics - rather than wrapping our brains in them - since this could be one of the biggest environmental storms most people never saw coming," said Dr. David Puder.



The commentary emphasizes the need for research priorities, including establishing clear exposure limits and evaluating long-term health repercussions of microplastic bioaccumulation. 



There is also an urgent need for extensive human studies to uncover relationships between microplastic exposure and chronic health outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-and-neurological-health">Microplastics and neurological health</h2>



As researchers continue to uncover the extent of microplastic accumulation in the human brain, concerns are mounting about its potential impact on neurological health. 



The presence of these particles in cerebrovascular walls and immune cells in the brain suggests they may contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegenerative diseases.



Chronic inflammation in the brain has been associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other cognitive impairments. 



Higher concentrations of microplastics in individuals with dementia raise concerns about their role in accelerating neuroinflammation and neurological decline.



Understanding how these particles interact with brain cells, disrupt neural pathways, and influence cognitive decline is essential for assessing long-term health risks.



The full review article was published in the journal <a href="https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/brainmed/aop/article-10.61373-bm025c.0020/article-10.61373-bm025c.0020.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brain Medicine</a>.



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Microplastics in the brain: Alarming new details revealed

Microplastics in the environment have become a well-known issue, sparking...

A good night’s sleep can feel like a luxury as people age. Many older adults find themselves staring at the ceiling in the middle of the night, restless and exhausted. Insomnia creeps in, bringing groggy mornings and sluggish days. 



While sleep aids exist, they come with side effects, leaving many searching for natural solutions. Could exercise be the answer?



A new analysis suggests that physical activity plays a crucial role in sleep quality. But not all movement is created equal. Among various exercise types, one stands out as particularly effective - strength training.



The results are clear: lifting weights, performing push-ups, and engaging in resistance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-reduces-the-risk-of-brain-diseases-by-up-to-54-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercises</a> may be the key to deeper, more restful sleep in older adults.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-sleep-worsens-with-age">Why sleep worsens with age</h2>



As people age, sleep gets harder. Something once easy can turn into a nightly challenge. Studies show that about one in five older adults has insomnia, which causes more than just tiredness.



Sleep deprivation doesn’t just cause fatigue; it has been linked to cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and weakened immune function.



Even for those without underlying health issues, poor sleep disrupts daily life. Concentration slips, energy levels plummet, and mood swings become frequent.



Older adults who still work may see their productivity decline, while those enjoying retirement may feel too exhausted to fully engage in social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-doses-of-exercise-can-greatly-reduce-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activities</a>. The consequences ripple far and wide, making sleep quality a major concern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-type-of-exercise">Best type of exercise</h2>



Understanding that exercise could hold the key to better sleep, researchers set out to determine which type had the greatest impact. They scoured medical databases, analyzing clinical trials published up to October 2022. Their focus? Adults formally diagnosed with insomnia.



The studies that were examined by the team compared different forms of exercise against routine daily activities, usual care, and other non-exercise interventions. To measure sleep quality, the researchers relied on the Global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (GPSQI), a widely recognized tool in sleep research.



Across these studies, a variety of exercises emerged. Some focused on aerobic activities like cycling, dancing, swimming, brisk walking, and even gardening. Others examined the effects of resistance training, including exercises with weights, push-ups, and planks.



Balance training featured step-ups and heel-to-toe walking, while flexibility exercises involved gymnastics, yoga, and Pilates. A few studies combined multiple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/step-and-time-based-exercise-goals-are-equally-beneficial/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercise</a> types into a single regimen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-participated-in-the-studies">Who participated in the studies?</h2>



The analysis included data from 24 studies, encompassing 2,045 older adults with an average age of 70.



These studies spanned the globe, with research conducted in Asia, North America, South America, and Europe. Some studies were community-based, while others focused on nursing home residents.



Exercise programs varied significantly. Some involved mild activity, while others pushed participants into moderate-intensity workouts. On average, sessions lasted just over 50 minutes and were performed two to three times per week. 



Most programs continued for about 14 weeks, long enough to assess meaningful changes in sleep patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strength-training-improves-sleep">Strength training improves sleep</h2>



At first glance, aerobic exercise seemed promising. When analyzed alone, it improved sleep quality by 4.35 points on the GPSQI. Combination exercise also showed positive effects, though slightly less impressive, with an improvement of 2.35 points.



Then came the deeper analysis. Using an advanced statistical method known as network meta-analysis, the researchers compared multiple exercise types simultaneously, accounting for direct and indirect effects.



The results flipped the script. Strength training took the lead, improving sleep quality by a remarkable 5.75 points - far surpassing all other exercise types.



Aerobic exercise, while still beneficial, improved sleep by 3.76 points. Combination exercises, which incorporated multiple techniques, improved it by 2.54 points. 



Sleep education, a non-exercise intervention that researchers examined as a comparison, showed some effectiveness but fell short of the impact seen with strength training.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-strength-training-works">Why strength training works</h2>



The impact of resistance exercises on sleep may not be immediately obvious. Yet, a closer look reveals multiple pathways through which strength training promotes better rest.



One explanation lies in hormonal balance. Strength training influences the production of cortisol and melatonin, two hormones critical to sleep regulation. 



It also reduces stress, a common trigger for insomnia. Physically, stronger muscles contribute to better posture, reduced joint pain, and improved mobility - all factors that can make sleep more comfortable.



Unlike aerobic workouts, which primarily elevate heart rate, strength training activates deep muscular and neurological processes. The controlled, intentional nature of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-it-comes-to-practice-and-learning-variety-is-key/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercises</a> may help calm the nervous system, preparing the body for rest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-sleep-education">Role of sleep education</h2>



Interestingly, sleep education emerged as the strongest non-exercise <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-term-exercise-can-make-belly-fat-healthy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intervention</a> in this analysis. However, its effectiveness varied across studies. 



Some programs focused on relaxation techniques, while others provided guidance on sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent bedtime or limiting screen exposure before bed.



While sleep education did show benefits, it still didn’t match the power of physical exercise - especially resistance training. The researchers emphasized that while knowledge is valuable, action is more effective.



Understanding how to sleep better is one thing; engaging in a structured exercise routine that actively enhances sleep is another.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-considerations">Challenges and considerations</h2>



Despite the strong evidence supporting strength training, the researchers acknowledged limitations in their analysis. 



The studies they reviewed varied in design, making it difficult to compare results perfectly. Some lacked precise details about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-training-improves-mental-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercise</a> intensity, while others didn’t focus on specific types of resistance training.



Another challenge is accessibility. Strength training requires proper technique to avoid injury, and not all older adults feel comfortable using weights. Those with joint issues or mobility limitations may find certain movements difficult. 



However, modifications exist, and even low-impact resistance exercises can provide benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strength-training-a-simple-solution">Strength training: A simple solution</h2>



At the end of their analysis, the researchers reached a firm conclusion. 



“Exercise, particularly strengthening exercise and aerobic exercise, is beneficial for enhancing subjective sleep quality at a clinically significant level compared with normal activities,” they noted.



For older adults searching for a natural way to combat insomnia, strength training may be the missing piece. A simple routine - whether lifting light weights, performing bodyweight exercises, or using resistance bands - could lead to deeper sleep, improved energy, and better overall well-being.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://fmch.bmj.com/lookup/doi/10.1136/fmch-2024-003056" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Family Medicine and Community Health</a>.



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Strength training may be the best exercise for insomnia

A good night’s sleep can feel like a luxury as...

Glp-1,Receptor,,Inactivated,And,Surrounded,By,An,Agonist,(semaglutide,,Red)

Sugar holds a strong place in many people’s diets, especially when stress runs high or snacks are within easy reach. While sugar’s appeal may feel irresistible, excessive consumption can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. 



Scientists may have discovered a natural way to regulate blood sugar and curb cravings, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-loss-drugs-could-save-an-enormous-number-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">akin to drugs like Ozempic</a>. They've been investigating the relationship between sugar intake, gut signals, and hormones that help control appetite.



Reducing sugar intake can be challenging, but experts emphasize that managing blood sugar lowers the risk of diabetes complications. 



Health guidelines suggest limiting added sugars to 9 teaspoons per day for men and 6 teaspoons per day for women. 



Though this might seem difficult, research points to gut microbes as a potential secret weapon against persistent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americas-tide-of-obesity-is-rising-with-75-already-impacted/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cravings and obesity</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-glp-1-the-basics">Understanding GLP-1 - the basics</h2>



GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone your body naturally produces in the gut. It plays a big role in managing blood sugar and appetite. 



After you eat, your intestines release GLP-1, which signals your pancreas to pump out insulin. At the same time, it tells your liver to slow down glucose production, keeping blood sugar levels steady. 



But GLP-1 doesn’t stop there - it also slows digestion and sends signals to your brain that make you feel full, which helps prevent overeating.



Drugs like <a href="https://www.ozempic.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ozempic</a>, <a href="https://www.wegovy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wegovy</a>, and <a href="https://www.victoza.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Victoza</a> mimic GLP-1’s natural actions, helping control blood sugar and curb cravings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-signals-and-sugary-foods">Gut signals and sugary foods</h2>



Dr. Li from <a href="https://english.jiangnan.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jiangnan University</a> in China has been examining how gut signals might shape a person’s preference for sugary foods. 



In a recent publication, the authors state, “A growing body of research has revealed that our cravings for dietary components originate from signals sent from the gut, a key organ in transmitting dietary preferences.” 



This highlights the dynamic interaction between diet and gut microbes.



They also note, “However, which genes, gut flora, and metabolites in the gut microenvironment are involved in the regulation of sugar preference is currently unclear.” 



To understand this better, some studies have explored the role of hormones in sugar cravings, especially in individuals with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/type-2-diabetes-heightens-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type 2 diabetes</a>. 



There is also evidence suggesting that those with certain genetic variations tied to FGF21 are about 20% more likely to consume high amounts of sweet foods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glp-1-and-gut-microbiota">GLP-1 and gut microbiota</h2>



One surprising discovery involves Ffar4, a receptor that influences gut microbiota composition. When Ffar4 levels decrease, the abundance of a gut microbe, Bacteroides vulgatus, may shift. 



Researchers at Jiangnan University have found that increasing this microbe in diabetic mice can “orchestrate the secretion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-loss-drugs-could-save-an-enormous-number-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glucagon-like peptide-1</a> (GLP-1).” 



This microbe produces metabolic compounds that send signals linked to sugar cravings and energy balance.



Bacteroides vulgatus is known to produce pantothenate, a form of vitamin B5. Scientists report that pantothenate helps release GLP-1, a hormone tied to satiety and blood sugar regulation. 



GLP-1, in turn, triggers the release of another hormone, FGF21. When these signals function properly, the body manages sugar more effectively, ultimately reducing the urge for sweet foods.



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



People with type 2 diabetes often have impaired GLP-1 function, prompting researchers to explore ways to improve or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/olives-may-be-a-powerful-weapon-in-the-fight-against-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mimic its activity</a>. 



GLP-1 agonist drugs, such as semaglutide, have proven effective in lowering blood sugar and controlling appetite. 



While these medications work, some scientists are investigating whether natural methods can stimulate the same hormonal pathways. The authors suggest their study “provides a strategy for diabetes prevention.”



This approach brings the gut microbiome into focus, as small changes in microbial makeup might have broader implications. 



If further research confirms similar outcomes in humans, it could influence how doctors approach <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neurons-discovered-that-tell-us-when-to-stop-eating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sugar cravings</a> and early diabetes management. 



Emerging studies indicate potential benefits in boosting beneficial gut microbes, but it remains unclear how soon this concept will translate into practical medical solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glp-1-microbiomes-and-the-future">GLP-1, microbiomes, and the future</h2>



Many questions remain about how gut microbes shape individual dietary choices. Researchers continue exploring whether manipulating these microbes could regulate sugar intake without drastic measures. 



Adjustments in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-microbiome-trillions-of-bacteria-unique-like-your-fingerprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbe populations</a> might not only help balance blood sugar but also support overall health.



Evidence linking intestinal bacteria to hunger-regulating hormones is growing, raising hopes that these discoveries may curb sugar cravings before diabetes develops. 



Some might compare this to a helpful chain reaction: the gut microbe produces specific compounds, those compounds activate the body’s natural signals, and the result is steadier blood sugar control. 



While the future direction of this research is uncertain, ongoing discoveries about microbes and hormones provide valuable insights into maintaining health - and possibly preserving a sweet tooth in moderation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-024-01902-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Microbiology</a>.



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Natural Ozempic alternative may soon be available for humans

Sugar holds a strong place in many people’s diets, especially...

Throughout history, humanity has chased the elusive promise of eternal youth. From mythical fountains to today's anti-aging creams, the pursuit of staying forever young remains constant. But beneath this superficial search lies a deeper scientific exploration into cellular aging.



Recently, a team of researchers at <a href="https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osaka University</a> in Japan might have brought us closer to genuinely reversing the aging process at a cellular level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-cellular-aging">Understanding cellular aging</h2>



Our bodies naturally <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/random-dna-mutations-shape-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">age</a> as cells gradually become less active, transitioning into a state known as senescence. Senescent cells are not just older; they are distinctly larger and characterized by thicker stress fibers. 



These stress fibers play a crucial role in how cells move and interact with their surrounding environment. However, why these older cells maintain such an unusually large size has puzzled scientists for years.



"We still don't understand how these senescent cells can maintain their huge size," noted study lead author Pirawan Chantachotikul. 



"One intriguing clue is that stress fibers are much thicker in senescent cells than in young cells, suggesting that proteins within these fibers help support their size."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promoting-cellular-rejuvenation">Promoting cellular rejuvenation </h2>



In their quest for answers, researchers pinpointed a specific protein, AP2A1 (Adaptor Protein Complex 2, Alpha 1 Subunit), which seems crucial to this cellular phenomenon. 



Found predominantly in senescent cells, particularly within the structural stress fibers, AP2A1 could be the key to understanding cellular aging.



To explore AP2A1’s function, researchers manipulated its presence in cells, observing significant effects. 



"The results were very intriguing," said Shinji Deguchi, senior author of the study. "Suppressing AP2A1 in older cells reversed senescence and promoted cellular rejuvenation, while AP2A1 overexpression in young cells advanced senescence."



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



Collagen is like the glue that holds your body together - it keeps your skin firm, joints flexible, and hair and nails strong. 



But as you age, your body produces less collagen, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and achy joints. 



Starting in your mid-20s, collagen production naturally slows down, and by the time you hit your 40s and 50s, the decline becomes more noticeable. 



Sun exposure, smoking, poor diet, and stress can speed up collagen breakdown, making aging signs appear even faster. 



That’s why skincare and supplement industries are obsessed with collagen - it’s the key to keeping things youthful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-collagen-scaffold">Complex collagen scaffold </h2>



Delving further into AP2A1, the researchers identified its close interaction with another vital protein, integrin β1. 



Integrin β1 is known for anchoring cells to their external surroundings, specifically to the extracellular matrix - a complex collagen scaffold providing structural support. 



Both AP2A1 and integrin β1 appear to traverse the stress fibers together, a process critical in cell structure and function.



Integrin β1’s role in strengthening adhesion between cells and their external environment could explain the enlarged and raised structure typical of senescent cells. This interaction likely helps older cells maintain their oversized physical characteristics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-marker-for-cellular-aging">Potential marker for cellular aging</h2>



Given its strong correlation with senescent cells, AP2A1 presents itself as an exciting potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/muscles-defy-aging-with-remarkable-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biomarker</a> for aging. 



Identifying such markers is crucial in understanding aging at a molecular level and might eventually allow scientists to quantify aging more precisely.



Moreover, AP2A1 is not just a passive marker. Its active involvement in aging processes positions it as a promising target for medical interventions aimed at combating age-related diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-cosmetic-applications">Beyond cosmetic applications</h2>



This research is important beyond just improving how we look as we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beyond-genetics-the-biggest-factors-that-influence-health-and-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">age</a>. It targets the root cause of aging at the cellular level. 



Diseases linked to aging, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and some cancers, may improve with therapies targeting proteins like AP2A1.



If scientists can reverse or slow cellular aging, people might live healthier, longer lives. Instead of treating symptoms after diseases appear, this approach prevents or delays their onset. 



Thus, understanding AP2A1 could lead to significant advances in medicine, benefiting overall human health, increasing lifespan, and enhancing quality of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-forward">Looking forward</h2>



The identification of a cellular process linked directly to aging offers exciting possibilities for future treatments. Current anti-aging methods usually mask aging symptoms rather than addressing their causes.



However, this new cellular discovery targets aging at its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aging-hotspot-found-in-the-brain-may-hold-the-key-to-longevity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roots</a>, potentially reversing the process entirely. While the research is still evolving and requires further studies, its potential impact is significant. 



By understanding and controlling cellular mechanisms like the AP2A1 protein, medicine could effectively reverse aging, not just hide it.



Such advances promise genuine rejuvenation, significantly improving human health and extending lifespan. 



As science moves forward, these findings could lead to treatments combating various age-related diseases, from osteoporosis to heart disease.



Though practical applications are not yet available, the groundwork is promising. The ultimate goal is to help people maintain youthfulness at the cellular level, enhancing overall health and longevity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0898656825000294?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cellular Signalling</a>.



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Study: Protein discovered that can reverse cellular aging

Throughout history, humanity has chased the elusive promise of eternal...

Dementia is a growing health risk, affecting millions of people and their families. As life expectancy increases, so does the number of dementia cases, making prevention more important than ever.



While genetics and lifestyle choices play a role, researchers are now looking beyond personal factors. The environment we live in can either increase the risk of dementia or help protect brain health.



A recent study from the University of Georgia <a href="https://publichealth.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Public Health</a> sheds light on the impact of surroundings on dementia risk. 



The research team, led by Professor Suhang Song, set out to investigate how the environment affects <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/risk-of-dementia-is-much-higher-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain health</a>. The results show that avoiding pollution and spending more time in green spaces may lower the risk of dementia.



“These numbers show that living in a dementia-friendly environment is important to delay or prevent cognitive decline and the onset of dementia,” said Professor Song.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-environment-affects-dementia-risk">How environment affects dementia risk</h2>



The researchers studied 54 reports on how the environment affects brain health. They closely analyzed 21 of them to measure the impact more accurately.



They found that air pollution and traffic noise increase dementia risk, while green spaces and walkability help prevent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-activity-may-delay-the-onset-of-dementia-by-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive decline</a>. 



By focusing on objectively measured environmental factors rather than self-reported data, the study provides stronger evidence than previous research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-and-dementia-risk">Air pollution and dementia risk</h2>



Living near major roads increases dementia risk by about 10%. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PMx) raises risk by 9%, and nitrous oxide (NOx) exposure adds another 10%. Noise pollution has also been linked to a 9% increase in risk.



Long-term exposure to traffic pollution is particularly harmful. Tiny air pollution particles called PM2.5 are linked to memory loss and slower thinking. However, the impact is not the same everywhere. In some places, studies found no strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preventing-dementia-scientists-say-three-factors-matter-most/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">link</a>.



One possible reason is that people in those areas change their behavior - like staying indoors when pollution levels are high - so they are exposed to less pollution, which may reduce its harmful effects on the brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protective-role-of-green-spaces">Protective role of green spaces</h2>



Access to parks, forests, and water bodies lowers dementia risk by about 6%. These environments promote physical activity, reduce stress, and improve air quality. 



Walkable neighborhoods with easy access to food stores, community centers, and healthcare also support cognitive health.



“Based on these findings, we can suggest that people visit parks or forests more often and also live further from the major roads,” said Professor Song. “Also, living in a community where there is more walkability, or being close to local amenities like bookstores, health care centers and more is helpful.”



Cities designed with cognitive health in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stop-googling-start-napping-to-reduce-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mind</a> should prioritize pedestrian-friendly streets, connected pathways, and accessible public spaces. 



Encouraging mixed-use developments, where homes, shops, and essential services are within walking distance, can help create healthier environments for aging populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-urban-planning">Rethinking urban planning</h2>



This study emphasizes the need for urban designs that reduce pollution and increase green space. Cities should prioritize public parks, pedestrian-friendly streets, and better air quality to lower dementia risk.



“The biggest advantage of this paper is to quantify the association between certain factors and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-sizes-are-growing-possibly-lowering-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive health</a>. This analysis can provide evidence for data-driven urban planning and support decision makers," said Professor Song.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-dementia-risk">Future research on dementia risk</h2>



One of the strengths of this study was its focus on objective data. Many past studies relied on subjective reports, which can introduce bias. This research used measurable environmental factors, making the conclusions more reliable.



Future studies should continue using objective methods to investigate the link between surroundings and dementia risk. Understanding the long-term effects of urban design, pollution exposure, and community layouts can help shape policies that improve cognitive health outcomes.



Professor Song hopes this study encourages more research on how the environment affects brain health. Using data-driven solutions, experts can help build communities that reduce dementia risk and support well-being.



A better understanding of these factors could lead to smarter urban planning and healthier living spaces for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568163724004483?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ageing Research Reviews</a>.



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Living near major roads increases dementia risk

Dementia is a growing health risk, affecting millions of people...

Scientists have been investigating how certain common medications might hold back the movement of cancer cells. Many years of observational research has hinted that daily low-dose aspirin use could curb the spread of certain cancers, including breast and prostate tumors, which caught the attention of clinicians.



One question lingered: how exactly does aspirin slow or stop this hidden process that sends <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-cells-collaborate-to-survive-challenging-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> cells drifting around the body? Experts at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> say they have found a critical clue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-spread-and-immune-defense">Cancer spread and immune defense</h2>



When a tumor stays in one spot, doctors often have a chance to remove or treat it. Trouble emerges when the cancer cells slip into the bloodstream and lodge in other areas, creating <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/types/metastatic-cancer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metastatic growths</a> that are much harder to manage.



Small, lone cancer cells traveling through the body might be more open to immune system attacks than large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-games-could-accelerate-discoveries-in-cancer-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tumors</a>. The Cambridge team tested this idea by looking for the factors that shrink or boost immune defense.



Their work drew attention to thromboxane A2, often called TXA2, which is produced by platelets. The team showed that TXA2 triggers a pathway in <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/t-cell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T cells</a> involving a protein called ARHGEF1, limiting the ability of these T cells to attack cancer.



Aspirin blocks the enzyme that leads to the creation of TXA2. When TXA2 levels drop, T cells seem to have more energy to find and eliminate microscopic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-lifetime-cancer-risk-may-be-established-before-we-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer threats</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aspirin-boosts-immunity-against-cancer">Aspirin boosts immunity against cancer</h2>



“It was a Eureka moment when we found TXA2 was the molecular signal that activates this suppressive effect on T cells,” said Dr. Jie Yang, a researcher in the Department of Pathology.



The experts found that the protein ARHGEF1 makes T cells weaker, so they don’t fight cancer as well. When they stopped ARHGEF1 from doing this, the T cells stayed strong and attacked cancer more effectively. As a result, fewer cancer cells spread in the mice they tested.



In simple terms, the aspirin pathway stifles TXA2 production, which then allows T cells to keep doing their job without being put to sleep by that clotting factor. 



The researchers suspect that, in many people, this added boost could stand between remission and a devastating cancer comeback.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-target-for-cancer-treatment">New target for cancer treatment </h2>



Rahul Roychoudhuri is a professor of cancer immunology and immunotherapy at the University of Cambridge. 



"Despite advances in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-cancer-cells-have-a-molecular-switch-that-could-be-rewired-to-behave-normally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> treatment, many patients with early stage cancers receive treatments, such as surgical removal of the tumor, which have the potential to be curative," said Professor Roychoudhuri.



"We hope that therapies that target this window of vulnerability will have tremendous scope in preventing recurrence."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aspirin-s-potential-for-cancer-prevention">Aspirin’s potential for cancer prevention</h2>



Experts warn that aspirin is not without risks. A small portion of people can experience dangerous bleeding or <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ulcer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stomach ulcers</a>, so it is vital to speak with a doctor before making any changes to your routine.



On the bright side, the cost of low-dose aspirin is modest compared to many expensive antibody-based cancer drugs. Scientists believe this might mean broader global access if clinical trials confirm the results.



The <a href="https://www.addaspirintrial.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Add-Aspirin</a> clinical trial is investigating whether aspirin might keep some early tumors from returning. Scientists hope these new findings will guide them on how to personalize aspirin use and avoid giving it to people who will not benefit.



New <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41571-018-0134-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-metastatic</a> treatments could also be designed to target the TXA2 and ARHGEF1 pathway with more precision. This may ultimately become a useful strategy to reduce side effects and keep T cells motivated for the long run.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-translating-findings-into-patient-care">Translating findings into patient care</h2>



Researchers agree that it is still early in the process, especially for establishing the safest dose or identifying who is likely to gain the most. But the potential payoff could be significant if these steps lead to lower rates of advanced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> diagnoses.



Everything points to a greater role for the immune system in halting cancers before they get out of hand. Aspirin may enhance this defense, making it a key focus of cancer research.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08626-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Aspirin may prevent cancer from moving to other parts of the body

Scientists have been investigating how certain common medications might hold...

Smokers and e-cigarette advocates often believe that vaping helps people to quit the use of tobacco. However, new research provides strong evidence contradicting this belief, challenging the widely held assumption.



The research was conducted by a team of scientists at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and at Moores Cancer Center at the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, San Diego</a>.



Their significant results have recently been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaping-vs-smoking">Vaping vs. smoking</h2>



“Most smokers think vaping will help you quit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quitting-smoking-at-any-age-brings-big-and-immediate-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoking</a>,” stated John P. Pierce, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor in the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health (<a href="https://hwsph.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HWSPH</a>), and one of the study's co-authors.



“However, this belief is not supported by science to date. While some researchers have suggested that smokers who switch to daily vaping will be more successful in quitting smoking, we studied quitting success among both daily and non-daily vapers and came up with a quite definitive answer.”



More than 6,000 U.S. smokers took part in the study, of which 943 were also smokers who vaped.



One striking finding from this study was that quitting smoking was less successful among vapers than among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smokers-have-weaker-hearts-that-pump-less-blood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smokers</a> who didn't vape. 



Daily vape users were 4.1% less successful at quitting smoking, and occasional vape users were 5.3% less successful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-misleading-perception-of-vaping">Misleading perception of vaping</h2>



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that close to one out of every five Americans consumes <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> products. 



Most tobacco consumers are cigarette smokers although, in recent times, there has been a shift towards vaping, mostly because people feel that it is safer than smoking cigarettes.



This perception of safety reinforces the illusion that vaping can aid a smoker to get weaned off <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-cigarettes-accelerates-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cigarettes</a>.



Interestingly, researchers took note of the potential dangers of vaping, and asserted that e-cigarettes are not benign.



“The adverse health effects of cigarette smoking become obvious after people have smoked for 20 years. While vapes generally don’t contain the same harmful chemicals as cigarette smoke, they have other risks, and we just don’t yet know what the health consequences of vaping over 20 to 30 years will be,” shared Pierce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoking-and-vaping-definitive-study">Smoking and vaping - definitive study</h2>



One particular strength of the research is its capacity to adjust for a large number of variables that are understood to impact the cessation of smoking.



The scientists carefully controlled for variables such as smoking frequency, levels of interest in quitting, having a smoke-free household, and socioeconomic status.



This way, they were able to ensure that what they found wasn't confounded by outside factors, and therefore the conclusions drawn would be stronger.



“For example, if a smoker is already very interested in quitting, has a smoke-free home, and does not smoke daily, they are much more likely to successfully quit, regardless of whether they vape or not,” said senior author Karen Messer, Ph.D., professor of biostatistics at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health.



“We matched each smoker/vaper on such characteristics. You have to make very sure you’re comparing like with like, and that’s why this analysis is so definitive.”



According to the researchers, previous studies that failed to account for these confounding factors have contributed to the persistent misconception that vaping aids smoking cessation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-informing-public-health-policy">Informing public health policy</h2>



The findings also have significant implications for public health policy, particularly in connection with the marketing of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/e-cigarettes-linked-to-increased-risk-of-heart-failure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">e-cigarettes</a>.



Young people are often the target of marketing campaigns and may find themselves using e-cigarettes as a stepping stone to nicotine addiction.



“There’s still a lot we don’t know about the impact of vaping on people,” commented Natalie Quach, &nbsp;a third-year&nbsp;biostatistics Ph.D.&nbsp;student at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, and the study’s first author.



“But what we do know is that the idea that vaping helps people quit isn’t actually true. It is more likely that it keeps them addicted to nicotine.”



Messer emphasized the importance of rigorous research in shaping public health strategies. 



“As the public health community continues to grapple with the complexities of tobacco control, it is essential that we rely on rigorous scientific evidence to inform our policies and interventions,” she stated.



“Our research shows that misleading associations between vaping and smoking cessation routinely occur unless confounding characteristics are carefully accounted for.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-study-matters">Why this study matters</h2>



These findings highlight the importance of evidence-based policymaking, particularly as e-cigarette use continues to increase.



Without careful consideration of the full range of influences on smoking behavior, the public may continue to be misled about the role of vaping in tobacco cessation.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2831011" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA</a>.



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Does vaping help people stop smoking cigarettes? New study has answers

Smokers and e-cigarette advocates often believe that vaping helps people...

Researchers examining British Labrador retrievers have identified multiple genes connected to canine obesity. The investigations revealed that these same genes, including one called DENND1B, are associated with obesity in humans as well.&nbsp;



The findings mark a significant advance in understanding how biological mechanisms in dogs can shed light on human weight regulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genes-linked-to-obesity">Genes linked to obesity </h2>



The gene DENND1B emerged as the strongest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-is-obesity-difficult-to-reverse-it-starts-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a>-linked variant in Labradors. DENND1B was found to have a direct impact on a brain pathway responsible for regulating the energy balance in the body, called the leptin melanocortin pathway. 



Four additional genes showing a weaker association with canine obesity were likewise mapped to human genes.



Study co-first author Alyce McClellan is an expert in the <a href="https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience</a> at the University of Cambridge.



“These genes are not immediately obvious targets for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-loss-drugs-linked-to-unexpected-benefits-and-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weight-loss drugs</a>, because they control other key biological processes in the body that should not be interfered with. But the results emphasise the importance of fundamental brain pathways in controlling appetite and body weight,” said McClellan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-body-s-energy-regulation-system">The body's energy regulation system </h2>



An essential outcome of the research was confirming that DENND1B is present not only in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/probiotics-help-overweight-dogs-shed-pounds/">dogs</a> but also in humans, where it is linked to obesity.&nbsp;



By focusing on this gene in Labrador retrievers, scientists could zero in on how it impacts the body’s energy regulation system. They hope the insights gained from working with dogs will help clarify how certain neural pathways affect human eating behaviors and metabolic processes.



The researchers stress that while these genes are important for understanding appetite and weight gain, they do not present a straightforward target for obesity treatments. This is because the relevant genes are tied to other crucial functions in the body; tampering with them might create unwanted side effects.&nbsp;



Instead, the study highlights the complexity of regulating appetite and energy balance at a genetic level, reinforcing the importance of the leptin melanocortin pathway - a well-known system controlling satiety and hunger.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-motivation-and-obesity-risk">Food motivation and obesity risk</h2>



Among the most striking findings, the researchers noted behavioral differences in dogs that carry the genes most strongly associated with obesity.&nbsp;



“We found that dogs at high genetic risk of obesity were more interested in food,” said co-first author Natalie Wallis, a researcher in the same department.



“We measured how much dogs pestered their owners for food and whether they were fussy eaters. Dogs at high genetic risk of obesity showed signs of having higher appetite, as has also been shown for people at high genetic risk of obesity.”



This link between genetic risk and food motivation underscores a significant parallel with human cases: individuals who harbor certain genetic profiles may experience stronger cravings for food and need more discipline to maintain healthy body weight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-counteracting-genetic-obesity-risks">Counteracting genetic obesity risks</h2>



Interestingly, the study showed that even Labradors with a high genetic propensity for obesity could stay slim if their owners enforced rigorous diet and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-in-a-pill-is-now-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercise</a> routines. This is similar to what happens in humans.&nbsp;



People carrying particular genetic variants are more prone to weight gain, yet they can avoid obesity by strictly controlling their caloric intake and staying active.



“Studying the dogs showed us something really powerful: owners of slim dogs are not morally superior. The same is true of slim people. If you have a high genetic risk of obesity, then when there’s lots of food available you’re prone to overeating and gaining weight unless you put a huge effort into not doing so,” said senior author Eleanor Raffan, a scientist at Cambridge.



“By studying dogs we could measure their desire for food separately from the control owners exerted over their dog’s diet and exercise. In human studies, it’s harder to study how genetically driven appetite requires greater willpower to remain slim, as both are affecting the one person.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-broader-issue-of-obesity">The broader issue of obesity</h2>



The current obesity crisis is affecting both people and their pets. Between 40-60% of domestic dogs are believed to be overweight or obese, a situation mirrored in humans. The problems range from heightened risk of chronic illnesses to reduced quality of life.&nbsp;



Because dogs live alongside people and share many of the same dietary and lifestyle influences, they serve as a strong model for studying how genetics interacts with the environment to determine body weight.



In this project, researchers gathered data from pet owners, measuring each dog’s body fat and “greediness,” then collecting saliva samples to analyze DNA.&nbsp;



Comparing various obesity markers with each dog’s genetic makeup allowed them to pinpoint which genes correlated with weight gain. The most powerful variant, DENND1B, was tied to about 8% more body fat in the dogs carrying it.



Subsequent tests confirmed that the same gene variants also show relevance to weight issues in human populations, particularly in groups where single genetic alterations can cause severe, early-onset obesity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-steps-for-owners-nbsp">Practical steps for owners&nbsp;</h2>



Given that dogs with high-risk genes are especially food-motivated, the researchers advise owners to spread out daily food rations or use puzzle feeders that slow consumption. They also suggest choosing nutrient compositions that help dogs feel full longer.&nbsp;



Parallel recommendations exist for people, highlighting the benefits of portion control, diet quality, and strategies to combat overeating cues.



“This work shows how similar dogs are to humans genetically. Studying the dogs meant we had reason to focus on this particular gene, which has led to a big advance in understanding how our own brain controls our eating behavior and energy use,” Raffan said.



The scientists consider these discoveries a springboard for deeper investigations into how genes shape appetite and metabolism, in both animals and people.&nbsp;



While the genes identified here may not be immediate targets for obesity drugs, they provide essential clues about the biochemical pathways that drive weight gain. This, in turn, might eventually guide more refined strategies for managing and preventing obesity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.ads2145" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Humans and dogs share genes linked to obesity

Researchers examining British Labrador retrievers have identified multiple genes connected...

Rainbow,Trout,Caught,And,Released,In,The,Boise,River,In

Farmed fish are often viewed with suspicion, while wild-caught varieties are more likely to be perceived as healthy and pure. Seafood shoppers everywhere debate the differences and weigh their options carefully.



A fresh scientific review points to an unexpected conclusion. Various pollutants can accumulate in fish, and wild-caught individuals appear to experience greater exposure to these. 



This perspective is shared by <a href="https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6007-8622" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Isabel  Casanova-Martínez</a>, a scientist who works under the auspices of several Spanish research institutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-heavy-metals">Understanding heavy metals</h2>



Many people recognize that <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/heavy-metal-blood-test/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heavy metals</a> pose a threat for food safety. 



These substances include elements like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elevated-mercury-levels-discovered-in-dolphins/">mercury</a>, <a href="https://periodic-table.rsc.org/element/33/arsenic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arsenic</a>, lead and others that can build up in tissue (bioaccumulate) over time. Certain types can be risky to humans if present in large amounts.



Researchers found that wild-caught fish carried an average mercury concentration of 0.06 micrograms per gram, while farmed fish had about half that, at 0.038 micrograms per gram. 



They also found arsenic levels of 3.26 micrograms per gram in wild fish, compared with 1.23 micrograms per gram in farmed varieties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ddt-and-other-pollutants">DDT and other pollutants</h2>



A lesser-known concern is <a href="https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/ddt-brief-history-and-status" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DDT</a>, which was once a widely used pesticide. Even though it was banned in many places years ago, traces can still linger. These residues can find their way into aquatic environments and accumulate in fish.



The review indicates around 196.48 nanograms per gram of DDT in wild-caught samples, whereas farmed fish had about 44.64 nanograms per gram. 



The findings suggest differences in how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-small-fish-whole-reduces-cancer-risk-in-women/">fish</a> come into contact with old pesticide deposits, possibly due to habitat or feeding patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-some-fish-fare-better">Why some fish fare better</h2>



Fish produced through aquaculture may face stricter oversight in terms of feed and water conditions. 



Organizations like the <a href="https://www.fao.org/publications/fao-flagship-publications/the-state-of-world-fisheries-and-aquaculture/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food and Agriculture Organization</a> note that this method continues to expand faster than other food sectors. Many producers track feeds and test water more regularly than ever.



Heavy metals can be introduced through industrial pollution, runoff, or other sources in natural waters. 



Filtered tanks or closely monitored pens could mean fewer contaminants find their way into farmed species, although no method removes the risks entirely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-risks-and-caution">Real-world risks and caution</h2>



The <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mercury-and-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> has identified mercury as being among the top chemicals of concern for public health, especially for expectant mothers and small children. 



High concentrations have been <a href="https://www.epa.gov/mercury/health-effects-exposures-mercury">tied</a> to neurological issues and developmental problems in infants.



Safe daily or weekly seafood intake is still possible, but guidelines vary depending on a person’s overall health. 



Experts often urge pregnant women to be particularly careful about the consumption of large, predatory fish as they are known to harbor elevated mercury levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-nutrition-and-contaminants">Balancing nutrition and contaminants</h2>



Eating fish brings many benefits. It offers protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and important minerals. 



<a href="https://www.fishwatch.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA Fisheries</a> underscores that fish are a valuable food, but also acknowledges that consumers should stay informed about possible contaminants.



Some nutrients, like <a href="https://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/se.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">selenium</a> and <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zinc</a>, vary based on the fish’s environment and diet. 



Farmed diets often include formulated feeds that are designed to control final nutrient profiles. Wild species gain nutrients from ecosystems that are less predictable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leading-author-s-viewpoint">Leading author’s viewpoint</h2>



"Rather than pitting wild fishing against aquaculture, our review demonstrates that both sectors can coexist and help meet the world’s seafood needs safely," concluded Dr. Casanova-Martínez, lead author of the study.



"Still, ongoing research and improvements in feed and environmental monitoring are essential for safeguarding public health." 



These observations reflect the broader consensus that both systems are vital for feeding populations. Each approach has benefits and drawbacks that require further attention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-regulation-matters">Why regulation matters</h2>



Regulatory bodies set maximum allowed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-100-million-americans-exposed-to-contaminated-drinking-water/">contaminant levels</a> to keep consumers safe. Many fish samples in both categories fall within established safety margins. 



Continuous oversight helps the public gain confidence in what ends up on their plates.



Authorities also caution special populations. Small children and pregnant individuals may need more careful advice about portion sizes, fish types, and heavy meal frequency. 



Public health agencies need to adjust recommendations when new evidence emerges.



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



Aquaculture often employs best practices to reduce pollutants, yet wild-caught products remain popular for taste and tradition. 



People can choose a balanced approach, selecting a mix of fish sources and staying updated on guidelines for safer consumption.



Additional studies on feed technology and water filtration are ongoing. Research may reveal improved methods to cut contaminants and maintain fish quality in coming years.



Concerns about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heavy-metal-pollution-threatens-marine-life-and-human-health/">heavy metals</a> and legacy pesticides should not overshadow the nutritional value of fish. 



Instead, consumers should be making informed choices by identifying reputable suppliers and following health advisories to ensure they reduce the intake of unwanted substances.



Individuals looking for more detail can consult government websites or speak with healthcare providers for tailored advice. Monitoring official recommendations about fish intake can also safer meal planning.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956713525000891" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Control</a>.



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Why eating farmed fish may be safer than eating fish caught in the wild

Farmed fish are often viewed with suspicion, while wild-caught varieties...

The human body operates on an internal schedule, known as the circadian rhythm. This biological clock influences sleep, metabolism, and even muscle recovery. While most people associate circadian rhythms with sleep cycles, new research shows that these rhythms also affect how quickly injuries heal.



A study from Northwestern Medicine, conducted on mice, reveals that muscle injuries heal faster when they occur during the body's natural waking hours.



These findings could have significant implications for shift workers, aging individuals, and those with metabolic disorders. 



The study also raises important questions about how disruptions like jetlag and daylight saving time changes impact <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-ultra-processed-foods-makes-your-muscles-weaker-and-more-fragile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muscle</a> recovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faster-recovery-during-active-hours">Faster recovery during active hours</h2>



The study, conducted on mice, shows that muscle injuries recover more quickly when they occur during active hours. Injuries during usual sleeping periods heal at a slower rate. 



Clara Peek, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics at Northwestern University <a href="https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Feinberg School of Medicine</a>, believes these findings could help shift workers and those experiencing aging-related muscle issues.



The study also highlights how disruptions such as jetlag and daylight saving time changes affect circadian rhythms. “In each of our cells, we have genes that form the molecular circadian clock,” Peek said. 



“These clock genes encode a set of transcription factors that regulate many processes throughout the body and align them with the appropriate time of day. Things like sleep/wake behavior, metabolism, body temperature and hormones - all these are circadian.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-time-affects-muscle-recovery">How time affects muscle recovery</h2>



Peek’s lab previously found that muscle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/muscles-defy-aging-with-remarkable-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tissues</a> regenerate faster when damaged during natural waking hours. 



To understand why, the researchers examined muscle stem cells at different times of the day. They used single-cell sequencing to analyze injured and uninjured muscle tissue. 



The findings revealed that the inflammatory response in stem cells varies by time of day. These stem cells signal neutrophils, immune cells crucial to muscle recovery.



“We discovered that the cells’ signaling to each other was much stronger right after injury when mice were injured during their wake period,” Peek said. 



“That was an exciting finding and is further evidence that the circadian regulation of muscle regeneration is dictated by this stem cell-immune cell crosstalk.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aging-may-slow-muscle-recovery">Aging may slow muscle recovery</h2>



The research also uncovered the role of NAD+, a coenzyme essential for energy production and metabolism. The muscle stem cell clock influences NAD+ production after injury, which in turn affects immune responses.



To test this, the scientists used genetically modified mice with increased NAD+ production in muscle stem cells. They found that boosting NAD+ levels led to stronger inflammatory responses and improved muscle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-fuels-neuron-growth-through-muscle-signals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healing</a>.



These findings may be crucial in understanding muscle recovery issues linked to aging and metabolic disorders. Peek believes circadian rhythm disruptions could explain slower healing in older individuals and those with obesity or diabetes.



“Circadian disruptions linked to aging and metabolic syndromes like obesity and diabetes are also associated with diminished <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-trauma-can-cause-muscle-decline-adult-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muscle</a> regeneration,” Peek said. 



“Now, we are able to ask: do these circadian disruptions contribute to poorer muscle regeneration capacity in these conditions? How does that interact with the immune system?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



Peek and her team plan to explore the exact mechanisms by which NAD+ influences immune responses. They hope to uncover whether this process can be manipulated to improve muscle recovery in those affected by aging or metabolic disorders.



“A lot of circadian biology focuses on molecular clocks in individual cell types and in the absence of stress,” Peek said. 



“We haven't had the technology to sufficiently look at cell-cell interactions until recently. Trying to understand how different circadian clocks interact in conditions of stress and regeneration, is really an exciting new frontier.”



This research opens new possibilities for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-muscles-may-soon-be-able-to-regenerate-like-other-muscles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhancing muscle repair</a> by aligning treatment approaches with the body's natural rhythms. 



Optimizing recovery schedules and boosting NAD+ production could improve muscle healing. This study reveals how the body’s internal clock affects regeneration, offering new possibilities for better treatments. 



Understanding these processes may help aging individuals, shift workers, and those with metabolic disorders recover faster and maintain stronger muscles.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq8538" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Muscle recovery depends on time of day

The human body operates on an internal schedule, known as...

A recent study indicates that chronic stress may be associated with an increased chance of stroke in some younger adults - particularly women.



The researchers examined younger adults and found an association between stress and stroke in female participants, but not male participants. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-adults-and-work-related-stress">Young adults and work-related stress</h2>



The research team zeroed in on adults under the age of 50 who had experienced an ischemic stroke of unknown cause.&nbsp;



“Younger people often experience stress due to the demands and pressures associated with work, including long hours and job insecurity, as well as financial burdens,” said senior Nicolas Martinez-Majander, a doctor at the <a href="https://www.hus.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helsinki University Hospital</a> in Finland.&nbsp;



“Previous research has shown that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chronic-stress-disrupts-gut-bacteria-and-fuels-cancer-progression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic stress</a> can negatively affect physical and mental health. Our study found it may increase the risk of stroke in younger women.”



Ischemic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stroke-deaths-expected-to-rise-to-five-million-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stroke</a> occurs when a blood vessel is blocked, cutting off blood flow to part of the brain. Potential outcomes can include weakness, speech issues, vision problems, or even death.&nbsp;



While young adults generally carry a lower risk of stroke, chronic stress may lead to physiological changes that raise stroke likelihood in certain groups, especially younger women.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chronic-stress-and-stroke">Chronic stress and stroke</h2>



To investigate possible links between chronic stress and stroke, the researchers examined 426 participants aged 18 to 49 who had an ischemic stroke lacking a known cause. These individuals were then matched by age and sex with 426 people who had not experienced a stroke.



All participants answered a questionnaire evaluating stress during a one-month period. Those with stroke were instructed to recall how stressed they felt in the month before their stroke.&nbsp;



The survey asked 10 questions - one of which was, “In the last month, how often have you felt that you were unable to control the important things in your life?” - and each question offered response options rated from zero to four, with four meaning “very often.”



Combining answers produced an overall stress score, with 0–13 deemed “low stress,” 14–26 “moderate stress,” and 27–40 “high stress.”&nbsp;



On average, people who suffered a stroke logged a stress score of 13, while those who did not have a stroke averaged 10. Overall, 46% of stroke survivors showed at least moderate stress levels, compared to 33% of those in the stroke-free group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stroke-risk-and-moderate-stress-nbsp">Stroke risk and moderate stress&nbsp;</h2>



After accounting for factors such as educational background, high blood pressure, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-has-a-hidden-impact-on-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcohol</a> consumption, the researchers discovered a striking pattern among younger women.&nbsp;



Moderate stress corresponded to a 78% greater stroke risk for women, and high stress was linked with a 6% increase. Yet, in younger men, no association appeared.



“More research is needed to understand why women who feel stressed, but not men, may have a higher risk of stroke,” said Martinez-Majander. 



“In addition, we need to further explore why the risk of stroke in women was higher for moderate stress than high stress. Knowing more about how stress plays a role could help us to create better ways to prevent these strokes.”



Though the data point to a heightened risk, the study cannot confirm that stress directly causes stroke. Instead, the results highlight a correlation warranting further examination. 



Future inquiries may focus on whether stress mediates other risk factors - such as hormone fluctuations or lifestyle behaviors - that then amplify the likelihood of stroke.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-lifestyle-mechanisms">Possible lifestyle mechanisms</h2>



Chronic stress can trigger an overactive stress response, potentially causing long-lasting effects on blood pressure, inflammation, and metabolic processes.&nbsp;



Elevated stress might also reduce opportunities for exercise or encourage unhealthy habits (like poor nutrition or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-cigarettes-accelerates-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoking</a>), thereby intensifying stroke risk.&nbsp;



These mechanisms could be particularly pronounced among younger women balancing job demands, financial strains, and other social pressures.



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



A primary limitation to note is that those under intense stress may have been less inclined to participate in the study, potentially influencing results. Additionally, data collection hinged on self-reports of stress, a subjective measure that may vary between individuals.



Moreover, the study does not prove causation but only demonstrates an association between chronic stress and stroke in younger female participants. 



Finally, the analysis focused solely on ischemic strokes lacking a known origin, so the findings might not apply to other stroke types.



Nevertheless, these insights underscore the significance of stress management for younger adults, especially younger women. 



Understanding how moderate or high stress could lead to adverse health outcomes may pave the way for tailored prevention strategies - ranging from better mental health support to lifestyle modifications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-women-stress-and-stroke-prevention-nbsp">Young women, stress, and stroke prevention&nbsp;</h2>



While the exact reasons underlying the heightened stroke risk in stressed young women remain unclear, this study calls for closer monitoring of stress levels in clinical settings, alongside routine checks of factors like blood pressure and cholesterol.&nbsp;



Effective stress-reduction programs or workplace policies to lessen the burden on young women might also reduce future stroke occurrences.



By delving deeper into the physiological and behavioral pathways connecting stress and stroke, researchers can refine their efforts in mitigating risk.&nbsp;



For now, these findings point to stress as a meaningful element of stroke vulnerability among younger women, highlighting the need for interventions that tackle chronic stress before it contributes to more severe cardiovascular consequences.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000213369" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology®</a>.



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Work stress linked to higher stroke risk in young women

A recent study indicates that chronic stress may be associated...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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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"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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