Cannabis carries two faces in today’s world. On one side, it’s medicine. On the other, it’s a drug with unknown costs. Many women turn to it for nausea, stress, or pain relief. Yet scientists are raising alarms about what it might be doing to eggs inside the ovary.



A new study shows <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-use-in-any-form-directly-linked-to-significant-risk-of-heart-damage/">THC</a>, the compound that makes people feel high, can seep into the follicular fluid where eggs grow. 



Once there, it doesn’t just sit quietly. It changes how eggs mature and may set the stage for genetic mistakes. That raises hard questions about fertility, miscarriages, and the health of future children.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thc-found-in-ovaries">THC found in ovaries</h2>



The research team collected more than a thousand samples of follicular fluid from women in fertility clinics. About six percent contained THC, even though most of these patients hadn’t reported cannabis use. That means eggs were exposed to cannabis whether the women realized it or not.



Eggs from THC-positive patients matured faster. At first glance, that sounds like a good thing. But the study showed a twist. Those same patients produced fewer embryos with the right number of chromosomes. Faster wasn’t better - it was riskier.



“The findings of this study are concerning and highlight the importance of a cautious approach in using cannabis when planning to conceive,” said Dr. Jamie Lo, an obstetrician at <a href="https://www.ohsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon Health &amp; Science University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-cannabis-may-affect-fertility">How cannabis may affect fertility</h2>



Ovarian follicles are tiny sacs that prepare eggs for fertilization. The timing of this process matters. Rushing it can leave the egg unprepared. 



THC appears to trigger early changes by interacting with cannabinoid receptors. This likely lowers levels of cyclic AMP, a molecule that normally prevents eggs from maturing too soon.



When eggs race ahead, chromosomes don’t always line up properly. Under the microscope, THC-exposed eggs showed spindles that were broken, misplaced, or multipolar. 



These are the very structures that should guide chromosomes during division. When they fail, the result is aneuploidy - embryos with missing or extra chromosomes.



“This is a hypothesis, and the worst thing I would want is for the public to read this and become fearful. More studies are needed to verify our findings and determine how or even if the changes we observed affect reproduction,” noted study lead author Cyntia Duval.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifts-in-gene-activity">Shifts in gene activity</h2>



The team also examined which genes switched on or off inside eggs exposed to THC. They found hundreds of changes. Many genes tied to inflammation, cell structure, and embryo survival showed altered activity.



One important example is MMP9, a gene critical for breaking down tissue so embryos can implant. THC exposure reduced its expression. 



Other signals, like interleukin-33 and interferon-gamma, also dropped. These molecules help prepare the uterus for implantation. Without them, the odds of miscarriage climb.



Eggs rely on precise gene activity to build reserves of RNA and proteins before fertilization. If THC scrambles that preparation, embryos may falter in the first days of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-and-fertility-treatments">Cannabis and fertility treatments </h2>



In real fertility treatments, the impact was clear. Women with THC in their ovarian fluid had fewer healthy embryos to transfer. 



For those trying naturally, this might mean longer waits to conceive, more miscarriages, or fewer chances of success.



“The finding that exposure to higher levels of THC could be associated with worsened fertility and increased reproductive complications may help patients that cannot abstain from cannabis with a harm-reduction strategy,” Lo said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cannabis-potency-problem">The cannabis potency problem</h2>



Potency has changed the landscape. Decades ago, marijuana contained about three percent THC. Today, dispensaries sell strains that easily top 30 percent. Extracts and concentrates climb past 40 percent.



“However, certain types of cannabis are typically more potent than others - cannabis extracts are typically more potent than cannabis flower,” said Tom Freeman, a professor of psychology at the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a>.



People often try to adjust by smoking less or inhaling lightly. But as Freeman pointed out, these efforts rarely balance the equation. “Higher potency products still deliver a larger dose of THC to consumers than lower potency products,” he said.



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



Eggs are not renewable. Women are born with all they will ever have. Damage to these cells carries lasting consequences. 



Unlike sperm, which regenerate daily, eggs cannot be replaced. If THC harms them, the effects echo across fertility and pregnancy outcomes.



“Because it’s hard to know the specific level of THC in various cannabis products on the shelves, I advise my patients to consider safer alternatives to treat the symptoms they’re using cannabis for or at least try to reduce the frequency of their use," said Lo.



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



This study doesn’t close the book. It opens it. The findings highlight real risks, but more work is needed to prove direct cause and effect. 



Scientists need larger samples, longer follow-ups, and data from natural conceptions, not just fertility clinics.



Still, the warning is clear. THC speeds egg maturation, disturbs chromosomes, and alters gene activity. It may not stop conception entirely, but it may lower the odds of healthy embryos. For women planning pregnancies, this information could make all the difference.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-63011-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Cannabis may cause unexpected fertility issues in women

Cannabis carries two faces in today’s world. On one side, it’s medicine. On the other, it’s a drug with unknown costs. Many women turn to it for nausea, stress, or pain relief. Yet scientists are raising alarms about what it might be doing to eggs inside the ovary. A new study shows THC, the compound that makes people feel high, can seep into the follicular fluid where eggs grow. Once there, it doesn’t just sit quietly. It changes how eggs mature and may set the stage for...

Autophagy is the body’s cellular recycling system. It is a natural process where cells destroy themselves in order to recycle old, damaged or abnormal parts. Autophagy plays a crucial role in protecting our cells from environmental damage. 



Every day, our cells are bombarded with DNA-damaging agents, such as ultraviolet rays, radiation, toxins, and chemicals. These factors can cause harm to our cells to the extent that they cease to function effectively.



In females, this unrelenting attack can be catastrophic as it disrupts the quality of egg cells and may lead to infertility, miscarriage, birth defects, and genetic diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autophagy-and-reproductive-health">Autophagy and reproductive health</h2>



Identifying the significance of this protective mechanism, researchers at the <a href="https://missouri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Missouri</a> investigated how autophagy influences reproductive health.



Ahmed Balboula is an assistant professor in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR).



Professor Balboula and his team sought to establish how autophagy - often referred to as the unsung hero of cellular biology - impacts <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-may-be-linked-to-female-fertility-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">female fertility</a> and the battle against DNA damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autophagy-the-cell-s-superhero">Autophagy: The cell's superhero</h2>



Autophagy is a lesser-known but important process that assists in the maintenance of cellular health. The process involves the elimination of damaged cell parts, and the recycling of useful components, which helps maintaining cellular balance and function.



Autophagy is essential for stress response, energy balance, and the prevention of cell damage - including the maintenance of reproductive cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-natural-defense-system">A natural defense system</h2>



One of the body's natural defense mechanisms, autophagy helps keep biological systems operational. However, its role in female egg health is what piqued Professor Balboula's interest.



The researchers found that, under circumstances of moderate to severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-damage-can-persist-for-years-increasing-cancer-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA damage</a> (more common in older women), autophagy activity decreases in female eggs.



"When autophagy activity decreases in DNA-damaged eggs or in maternally aged eggs, which have moderate DNA damage, there is an increased risk for aneuploidy," noted Balboula.



Aneuploidy refers to an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell. This disorder leads to genetic causes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horse-miscarriages-offer-insights-into-human-pregnancy-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">miscarriage</a> and congenital birth defects, including Down syndrome.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autophagy-to-the-rescue">Autophagy to the rescue</h2>



The researchers didn't just identify a problem; they also uncovered a potential solution.



They discovered that stimulating the process of autophagy in female eggs might improve not only the quality of these eggs but also reduce DNA damage and abnormal chromosome numbers. 



Professor Balboula hopes that the findings could spark new research directions for enhancing female egg quality and, consequently improving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reproductive-health-is-impacted-by-geographic-location/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reproductive health</a> for both humans and animals.



"The deactivation of autophagy that we found is likely just one of many underlying mechanisms contributing to aneuploidy," said Balboula. "Going forward, I will continue to explore other underlying mechanisms contributing to poor egg quality to ultimately further efforts to improve the quality of female eggs."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproductive-biology-research">Reproductive biology research </h2>



Professor Balboula, who moved from the University of Cambridge to Mizzou in 2019, was drawn by the university's reputation as a powerhouse in reproductive biology research.



“I knew this was the place to enhance my career,” he said. “The collaborators, resources, and research infrastructure here at Mizzou, especially within CAFNR, the Division of Animal Sciences, and the NextGen Precision Health building, help us take our research to the next level, and we are just getting started.”



The research demonstrates how scientists are pushing the boundaries to improve our health, and offers a glimpse into what might be in store for the future of women's reproductive health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-fertility-treatment">The future of fertility treatment </h2>



While Balboula and his colleagues have revealed a vital connection between autophagy and egg quality, this research is only the tip of the iceberg. 



Understanding how cellular maintenance functions affect fertility might unlock new possibilities for novel treatments.



Can autophagy be used to boost reproductive health? Could this knowledge lead to age-related fertility loss-prevention breakthroughs?



With advancing technology, non-invasive treatments or dietary and lifestyle interventions to stimulate autophagy may soon become a reality.



In the meantime, Professor Balboula’s research is a promising leap toward enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-fertility-rates-are-quickly-declining-and-little-is-being-done-about-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fertility</a> success, as well as our understanding of cellular resilience.



The full study was published in the journal Nature Communications.



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Cellular ‘cleanup' helps preserve eggs and female fertility

Autophagy is the body’s cellular recycling system. It is a...

Many people feel an automatic jolt of fear when they sense a sudden movement overhead. While this reaction can be a lifesaver in certain situations, it can also cause unnecessary distress.



Scientists have studied these swift responses to identify how the brain tells us to duck for cover. A recent study focused on mice reveals new clues about the links between primal fear <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brains-turn-intense-stress-into-constant-fear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">circuits</a> and learned safety.



"Fast instinctive responses to environmental stimuli can be crucial for survival but are not always optimal," wrote the researchers.



"Animals can adapt their behavior and suppress instinctive reactions, but the neural pathways mediating such ethologically relevant forms of learning remain unclear."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-to-suppress-fear">Learning to suppress fear </h2>



Study co-author Sara Mederos is a neuroscientist at University College London's <a href="https://www.sainsburywellcome.org/web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sainsbury Wellcome Center</a>.



“We were interested in trying to describe the mechanisms from behavior to the molecular level that could drive this learning to suppress fear,” said Mederos.



The researchers analyzed activity in the ventrolateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN), a structure deep in the brain that processes visual messages for rapid defensive behavior. 



The experts found that with repeated proof of safety, the mice began ignoring an overhead shadow that previously caused them to run for cover.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-the-script-of-fear">Changing the script of fear</h2>



The researchers used optogenetics, a method for activating or silencing precise sets of neurons with light, to see how the higher visual cortex and lower regions interact. 



Once the animals recognized the threat was a false alarm, the visual cortex relinquished control.



Scientists suggest that such top-down signaling reveals how the mind can block out reflexes once it learns a threat is harmless. This might open doors for understanding problems like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-microbes-have-an-unexpected-link-to-anxiety/">anxiety</a>, which affects over 40 million adults in the United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-the-visual-cortex">The role of the visual cortex</h2>



Early phases of learning hinged on activity in the higher visual areas that interpret what the eyes see. Mice unable to engage these cortical zones kept fleeing from the looming stimulus and missed the memo that it was safe.



Once the mice registered the new information, further reliance on the visual cortex dropped. This shift spotlighted the vLGN as the area responsible for holding on to the updated response, ensuring that learned calm stayed in place.



Connections in deeper brain structures can adapt swiftly and recalibrate how sensory input is interpreted. This study identified a role for endocannabinoid signals that appeared to tune neuron-to-neuron communication in the vLGN.



Adjusting the strength of those synapses helped the mice replace hardwired panic with a calmer take on the overhead movement. Once that rewiring took hold, fear responses dropped even if the usual triggers were present.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neural-circuits-and-fear-regulation">Neural circuits and fear regulation</h2>



The findings represent a significant advancement in understanding how the brain suppresses fear.&nbsp;



"This study provides valuable insights into the neural circuits involved in fear regulation," noted Felicity Nelson, a science journalist reporting on the research.



Nelson emphasized that while the research offers promising avenues for developing treatments for anxiety disorders, translating these findings from mice to humans will require further investigation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-solutions-for-human-anxiety">Practical solutions for human anxiety</h2>



Researchers believe that unlocking these subcortical changes in mice could inform interventions for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. 



Estimates from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs suggest that about six percent of Americans will experience PTSD during their lifetimes.



Some forms of therapy already emphasize facing and reinterpreting triggers to reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-heights-or-public-speaking-each-fear-has-a-unique-place-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fear responses</a>. Tapping into the specific circuits that drive these shifts might improve how well those interventions work and how fast patients see benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-fear-related-disorders">Addressing fear-related disorders </h2>



Scientists plan to refine methods such as focused ultrasound to stimulate or tone down specific brain cells without surgery. They want to see if humans can similarly learn to block out panic responses when they see no real danger.



“If we can get the same effects, then this could become an idea that can potentially lead to pre-clinical work,” said Mederos. 



Many hope this approach might open new avenues to address fear-related disorders in clinical settings.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr2247" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Scientists discover a new way to suppress fear

Many people feel an automatic jolt of fear when they...

Aspartame is a sugar substitute that appears in diet sodas, sugar-free snacks, and countless low-calorie treats. Some people see it as a helpful way to reduce sugar intake and limit weight gain.



Researchers, however, have noticed signals that this sweetener might impact vascular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vitamin-helps-prevent-cataracts-and-maintain-eye-health/">health</a>. In a new investigation, scientists explored how aspartame might contribute to fatty plaque buildup in blood vessels through changes in insulin release.



The research was led by Yihai Cao, a professor at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden who studies <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/about/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic diseases</a>.



“One of my students was sipping on this sugar-free drink, and I said, ‘Why don’t you look into that?’” recalled Professor Cao.



The team set out to test the effect of aspartame on inflammation linked to cardiovascular function.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-effects-of-aspartame">Health effects of aspartame </h2>



The scientists provided mice with a diet containing 0.15% aspartame for about 12 weeks. This is roughly equivalent to drinking three cans of diet soda daily for an adult in the United States.



The animals showed more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omega-3-and-omega-6-fatty-acids-may-reduce-cancer-risk/">fatty deposits</a> in their arteries than mice that did not consume the sweetener. These plaques can narrow blood vessels and intensify the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes over time.



Aspartame is about 200 times sweeter than regular sugar, so it can trick sweet-sensing cells in the mouth and digestive system. This causes a boost in insulin secretion that may be higher than typical responses seen with sugar.



The researchers noticed that the aspartame-fed mice displayed a noticeable rise in insulin levels soon after they consumed the sweetener. This extra insulin surge seemed to kick off events that led to more plaque development and elevated artery inflammation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buildup-of-immune-cells">Buildup of immune cells</h2>



Excess insulin can send signals that promote the buildup of cholesterol and immune cells in the blood vessel walls. Once these cells get stuck, they make arterial inflammation worse.



The researchers found a particular immune messenger called CX3CL1 that played a big part in trapping these immune cells. 



“Because blood flow through the artery is strong and robust, most chemicals would be quickly washed away as the heart pumps, surprisingly, not CX3CL1,” noted Professor Cao. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pinpointing-the-immune-interaction">Pinpointing the immune interaction</h2>



CX3CL1 remained attached to the vessel walls, where it acted like a magnet for circulating immune cells. When those cells got caught, they compounded the fatty plaques and contributed to harmful changes in the arterial lining.



Aspartame-stimulated insulin release appeared to turn on this sticky CX3CL1 response. 



By blocking the receptor for CX3CL1 in some of the mice, the team saw that plaque formation stayed under control.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-vessel-inflammation">Blood vessel inflammation </h2>



Some people assume that sugar-free items are automatically better for weight control or overall health. Yet this study hints that aspartame may influence blood vessel inflammation in ways worth noticing.



“Artificial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweetener-erythritol-sugar-substitute-linked-to-blood-clots-heart-disease/">sweeteners</a> have penetrated almost all kinds of food, so we have to know the long-term health impact,” said Professor Cao. 



His team plans to continue studying aspartame and other sweeteners to see if humans experience these effects and to uncover how these products fit into a balanced diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-should-aspartame-be-avoided">Should aspartame be avoided?</h2>



Many questions remain about how different sweeteners might affect individuals with metabolic issues. 



More trials will be needed to see if there are safe thresholds for aspartame use or if certain at-risk groups should avoid the sweetener entirely.



The study also suggests that CX3CL1 could be a potential target for drugs aimed at reducing <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16753-atherosclerosis-arterial-disease" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atherosclerosis</a>. This immune messenger is linked to other conditions driven by inflammation, such as arthritis and diabetes.



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



Investigators may consider approaches that gauge aspartame’s impact on blood sugar levels across various populations, including those with prediabetes and insulin resistance. 



Since insulin regulation is complex, new findings could reveal nuances that differ from person to person.



While the current findings revolve around animal models, scientists aim to expand the research to see if the same issues apply in humans. 



Experts may examine real-life consumption patterns, genetic differences, and how other factors (like body weight or gut bacteria) might modify the effects of artificial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweeteners-linked-to-higher-risk-of-depression/">sweeteners</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metabolic-impacts-of-sweeteners">Metabolic impacts of sweeteners </h2>



The research emphasizes the importance of studying the metabolic consequences of sugar substitutes beyond their low-calorie appeal. Small changes in insulin dynamics might have broader ripple effects on the cardiovascular system.



Many people lean on diet beverages as an alternative to sugary drinks, but this study highlights the need for a cautious approach. 



The study also provides researchers with a new approach to developing improved guidelines for sweetener use.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(25)00006-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Metabolism</a>.



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Mice fed artificial sweetener exhibit alarming health issues

Aspartame is a sugar substitute that appears in diet sodas,...

Tiny plastic particles in coastal waters may be linked to higher rates of disabilities that affect thinking, movement, and self-care, according to a preliminary investigation.&nbsp;



This research examined regions with elevated levels of marine microplastics and observed a greater prevalence of functional limitations in local populations, though the study does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-plastics-and-coastal-communities">Ocean plastics and coastal communities</h2>



The researchers focused on microscopic fragments of plastic less than 5 millimeters across - referred to as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-infiltrating-the-human-body-even-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> - which can form when plastic trash breaks apart or can originate in personal care products, food wrappers, and discarded fishing materials.&nbsp;



The experts assessed whether people living in coastal counties with higher levels of these particles in nearby waters also had a higher prevalence of impairments in memory, thinking, mobility, and day-to-day self-care tasks.



“The environment can play a crucial role in our health, and factors such as pollution may impact a person’s risk of developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-the-rate-of-cognitive-decline-in-alzheimers-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive decline</a> and other neurological disabilities,” said study co-author Dr. Sarju Ganatra of the <a href="https://www.lahey.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lahey Hospital and Medical Center</a>.



“Our study found that in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-improve-well-being-in-coastal-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal communities</a> with higher levels of microplastics in the water, there were higher rates of disabilities that can affect a person’s life in many ways through thinking and memory, movement and their ability to take care of themselves and live independently.”



However, the authors caution that their findings only suggest an association, not necessarily causation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted</h2>



In total, 218 coastal counties across 22 U.S. states were included. The scientists gathered information on marine microplastic concentrations in ocean surface waters adjacent to these counties, sorting the locations into four main categories: low, medium, high, and very high.&nbsp;



The lower bound included zero to 0.005 pieces of plastic per cubic meter, and the higher tiers reached up to or beyond 10 pieces per cubic meter - sometimes more than a thousand pieces per cubic meter on average.



Next, the team examined data on disabilities among residents in four functional domains: memory/thinking, mobility, self-care, and independent living.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-plastics-and-disability-risks">Ocean plastics and disability risks </h2>



Self-care disabilities might mean difficulties bathing or dressing, while independent living disabilities could involve challenges such as shopping, managing money, or using transportation.



The researchers found that in counties with the highest levels of ocean plastics, the average prevalence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-interactions-have-a-surprising-influence-on-memory-in-great-apes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> and thinking disabilities was 15.2%, compared to 13.9% in counties with the lowest levels. Similarly, mobility disabilities in high-level counties averaged 14.1%, whereas low-level counties came in at 12.3%. 



For self-care disabilities, the average was 4.2% in high-exposure counties compared to 3.6% at the low end. Independent living impairments stood at 8.5% in the highest category versus 7.7% in the lowest group.



After accounting for variables such as heart disease, stroke, depression, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-air-pollution-forms-may-help-us-prevent-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a>, and differences in wealth, they calculated that areas with very high microplastic concentrations showed a 9% higher rate of memory and thinking disability, 6% higher mobility disability, 16% higher self-care disability, and 8% higher independent living disability compared to the lowest-exposure counties.



“These findings provide insights into how marine microplastics might affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-may-literally-be-a-state-of-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain health</a>,” Ganatra said. “More research is needed to explore this connection further and examine the overall public health implications of microplastic pollution.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-distribution-of-ocean-plastics">Complex distribution of ocean plastics</h2>



According to the investigators, ocean circulation patterns, local waste management practices, industrial activities, and population density all influence how plastic accumulates.&nbsp;



“The amount of plastic in different areas can vary due to ocean currents, which can carry and concentrate plastic in certain regions. Other factors, like population density, local waste management, and industrial activities, may also play a role,” Ganatra explained.



The reasons are complex and likely involve multiple environmental- and human-related factors working together, but this relationship needs further investigation to be fully understood.”&nbsp;



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



The study offers a snapshot in time, highlighting that a key limitation was the lack of longitudinal tracking to see whether rising or falling marine microplastic levels coincide with changes in community health over extended periods.&nbsp;



Nonetheless, the results open a door to more exploration of how small-scale pollutants might have large-scale effects on population health, especially in regions most exposed to marine pollution.



While the link between microplastic levels and disabilities remains tentative, the findings point to a potential intersection of environmental science and neurological well-being.&nbsp;



Researchers hope that further work on both sides - studying how plastic behaves in coastal ecosystems, and how human health outcomes might shift - could offer clearer answers in the years ahead.



This preliminary study was released on February 25, 2025, and will be presented at the <a href="https://www.aan.com/events/annual-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting</a>, set to take place April 5–9, 2025.&nbsp;



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Ocean plastics linked to disability risks for coastal residents 

Tiny plastic particles in coastal waters may be linked to...

A simple blood test that identifies how much each of our organs has aged could help detect the likelihood of developing conditions such as heart disease or lung cancer - decades in advance.&nbsp;



By revealing which organs are aging more rapidly than expected, this approach offers a possible route to preventing a wide range of illnesses before they take hold.



In a new study, researchers discovered that varying rates of organ aging correlate strongly with subsequent health outcomes.&nbsp;



The findings demonstrate how “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-cancer-rates-in-young-adults-linked-to-accelerated-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accelerated aging</a>” in one organ can predict an increased risk not only of diseases specific to that organ but also a host of conditions elsewhere in the body.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organs-age-at-different-rates">Organs age at different rates </h2>



The project was led by a team including scientists from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> (UCL), Stanford University, <a href="https://www.inserm.fr/en/home/">Inserm</a>, and the University of Helsinki. The researchers analyzed data from the <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/epidemiology-health-care/research/epidemiology-and-public-health/research/whitehall-ii#:~:text=Whitehall%20II%20%2D%20also%20known%20as,from%20the%20British%20Civil%20Service." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Whitehall II study</a>, a long-running cohort investigation overseen by Professor Mika Kivimaki.



“Our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-migrate-from-the-gut-to-other-organs/">organs</a> function as an integrated system, but they can age at different rates. Aging in particular organs can contribute to numerous aging-related diseases, so it’s important for us to take care of all aspects of our health,” said Kivimaki, the study’s lead author.&nbsp;



“We found that a quick and easy blood test can identify whether a specific organ is aging faster than expected. In years to come, blood tests like this could play a crucial role in preventing numerous diseases.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-gaps-in-organ-aging">Measuring gaps in organ aging</h2>



In the late 1990s, blood samples were collected from more than 6,200 individuals, all middle-aged adults at the time.&nbsp;



The scientists used these samples to calculate the biological age of nine different organs - namely the heart, blood vessels, liver, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-lockdowns-weakened-our-immune-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune system</a>, pancreas, kidneys, lungs, intestines, and the brain - as well as an overall measure for the entire body.&nbsp;



They compared each organ’s biological age to a person’s chronological age, uncovering significant disparities within the same individual. Some organs aged at a relatively slow pace, while others appeared far older than expected.



After measuring these age “gaps,” the researchers tracked each participant’s health status for two decades using national medical registries.&nbsp;



By the close of the follow-up period, participants were aged between 65 and 89, and many had experienced at least one of the age-related conditions considered in the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-disease-over-decades">Predicting disease over decades</h2>



The analysis revealed that individuals whose organs showed rapid aging were more susceptible to 30 different illnesses, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-lockdowns-weakened-our-immune-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>, respiratory infections, and various cancers.&nbsp;



A heart that aged unusually fast predicted elevated odds of heart conditions, whereas accelerated aging in the lungs was linked to a higher risk of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections.



Interestingly, participants with an immune system that aged more rapidly than normal proved to have the greatest likelihood of developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preventing-dementia-scientists-say-three-factors-matter-most/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a>, surpassing those with a more quickly aging brain.&nbsp;



The investigators connect this result to existing evidence linking susceptibility to severe infections with a higher dementia risk down the line, suggesting that inflammatory activity may drive or exacerbate neurodegenerative processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-close-coordination-among-organs">Close coordination among organs</h2>



Another noteworthy finding highlighted the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-kidneys-may-not-survive-a-roundtrip-to-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kidneys</a>. People whose kidney age outpaced expectations tended to confront a heightened risk of vascular disease, liver disease, and type 2 diabetes.&nbsp;



At the same time, accelerated aging in nearly any organ predicted a greater chance of suffering kidney damage in the future.&nbsp;



According to the authors, these patterns demonstrate the tight coordination among our organs, wherein malfunction in one system can have wide-ranging effects on others.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catching-the-onset-of-organ-aging-nbsp">Catching the onset of organ aging&nbsp;</h2>



For many years, testing blood biomarkers separately was too expensive to be practical for large-scale preventive strategies.&nbsp;



However, recent advances in proteomic technologies now allow scientists to examine thousands of proteins simultaneously from a single sample, supplying fresh insight into how quickly a specific organ might be aging.&nbsp;



Blood protein levels respond to factors such as environment, lifestyle, disease, and medications, making them valuable indicators of a person’s physiological state over time.



“I believe that in the future of healthcare, the prevention of age-related diseases could begin much earlier, prioritizing those who would benefit most and tailoring interventions to individual risk profiles,” Kivimaki explained.&nbsp;



By catching the onset of accelerated aging in a particular organ, healthcare providers can focus on preventing future problems.&nbsp;



Diet changes, exercise programs, or even targeted medical interventions could slow or reverse damage in the system that shows the most alarm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-approach-to-disease-prevention">A new approach to disease prevention</h2>



Because a rapidly aging organ often signals potential trouble elsewhere, the study endorses a more holistic viewpoint on disease prevention.&nbsp;



Rather than concentrating on isolated symptoms or risk factors, doctors could soon use blood test results to anticipate which organs warrant the most urgent attention.&nbsp;



This method could reshape how screenings and check-ups are conducted, allowing for highly targeted counseling and therapies before irreversible damage occurs. “We hope our findings could contribute to new ways of helping people stay healthy for longer as they age,” noted Kivimaki. 



“Blood tests may advise whether a person needs to take better care of a particular organ, and potentially provide an early-warning signal that they may be at risk of a particular disease.”



In effect, the ability to monitor organ-specific aging might be a stepping stone toward personalized healthcare, where prevention is carefully crafted to an individual’s physiology and medical history.



Moving forward, integrating proteomic data into clinical practice holds the promise of detecting risky aging trajectories earlier than ever before. By revealing how each organ ages on its own timetable, doctors and patients alike can more effectively manage health to preserve vitality well into older adulthood.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landig/article/PIIS2589-7500(25)00006-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancet Digital Health</a>.



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Organ aging can predict diseases decades in advance

A simple blood test that identifies how much each of...

Unhealthy,Products.,Food,Bad,For,Figure,,Skin,,Heart,And,Teeth.

Most dietary programs focus on weight loss or meeting U.S. nutrition guidelines. These guidelines do not mention ultra-processed foods (UPFs), even though they are linked to serious health risks. 



Chips, candy, and other mass-produced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-lets-you-check-how-processed-your-food-is-grocerydb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">packaged foods</a> often replace natural ingredients with additives. Studies show eating UPFs increases the risk of diseases and early death.



Despite these risks, no major dietary programs focus on reducing UPF intake. 



To address this gap, researchers from <a href="https://drexel.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drexel University</a> designed an intervention. The goal was to help people eat fewer ultra-processed foods using multiple strategies.



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



Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are the heavily modified, lab-created stuff you find in most grocery store aisles - think packaged snacks, sugary cereals, instant noodles, and even some protein bars. 



They go through multiple industrial processes, packed with additives like preservatives, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweetener-neotame-has-shocking-effects-on-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial flavors</a>, emulsifiers, and loads of sugar or refined oils. 



These foods are designed to be super convenient, hyper-palatable, and have a long shelf life. 



But here’s the catch: they often lack real nutrition and can mess with your metabolism, gut health, and even brain chemistry.



Studies link them to everything from obesity and diabetes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweetener-erythritol-sugar-substitute-linked-to-blood-clots-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a> and even mental health issues.



The problem is, ultra-processed foods are everywhere, and they’re marketed as quick, tasty, and sometimes even "healthy" options. 



But because they’re engineered for taste and texture, they can be addictive, making it easy to overeat without feeling full. 



Most importantly, their ingredient lists often look more like a chemistry experiment than actual food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-ultra-processed-food-intake">Reducing ultra-processed food intake</h2>



The Drexel University program went beyond education. It included mindfulness strategies to handle cravings, one-on-one meal planning, and household involvement.



The researchers also provided financial support to help participants buy healthier foods, which can be expensive.



The two-month intervention involved 14 adults with overweight or obesity who ate at least two UPF items daily. On average, participants cut their UPF intake by nearly half.



“Reducing UPF intake can be extremely difficult, because the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-make-our-bodies-age-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> industry wants us to be hooked on UPFs,” said lead author Dr. Charlotte Hagerman.



“The industry designs UPFs to be ultra-delicious, convenient, cheap, and constantly present in the U.S. - even if not directly in front of us, then on our TVs, phones, and roadside signs.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promising-results-from-the-intervention">Promising results from the intervention</h2>



Despite the small sample size, the results of the trial were encouraging.



By the end of the program, participants had nearly halved their UPF <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-ultra-processed-foods-makes-your-muscles-weaker-and-more-fragile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intake</a>, measured both in calories and total items consumed. They also reduced their daily calorie intake by more than 600 calories. 



Sugar consumption declined by 50 percent, while saturated fat intake dropped by 37 percent. Sodium intake also saw a significant decrease of 28 percent. On average, participants lost 7.7 pounds over the two-month period.



“Interestingly, participants did not have meaningful increases in their fruit and vegetable consumption, suggesting that if we want to improve dietary intake more holistically, we may need to more strongly encourage people to eat these foods,” said Hagerman.



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



Participants met weekly with health behavior coaches in both group and individual sessions. 



They learned how to identify UPFs, cope with cravings, and improve their home food environment. Each participant received a $100 grocery store gift card to support healthier purchases.



To track progress, the participants completed detailed food intake reports. They documented everything they ate on selected weekdays and weekends using a specialized assessment tool. 



The researchers classified foods as UPFs or non-UPFs, consulting experts when needed to avoid bias.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-benefits-of-cutting-upfs">Psychological benefits of cutting UPFs</h2>



Beyond physical health, the participants noticed mental and emotional benefits. Many reported feeling better overall, with improvements in mood and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-are-harmful-to-nearly-every-part-of-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy</a>.



Since UPFs can trigger addiction-like behaviors, reducing intake may help regulate emotions and improve mental clarity. Cutting back on UPFs also seemed to help participants feel more in control of their eating habits, making it easier to maintain a healthier diet.



By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of food choices, the program helped participants develop a healthier relationship with eating. This could be crucial for long-term success in maintaining dietary changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-for-research">Next steps for research</h2>



“The findings suggest that people can reduce their ultra-processed food intake, if given the proper tools, and that they will be enthusiastic about interventions designed for this purpose,” said Hagerman. 



“The results also suggest that reducing UPF intake will lead to meaningful health improvements – such as weight loss and better mood – in as short as eight weeks.”



The research team plans to expand the study. Future work will test the intervention on a larger sample and evaluate which strategies are most effective. The researchers also want to see if the program works across different populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bigger-picture">The bigger picture</h2>



This study highlights the need for better public awareness and policies to reduce UPF consumption. Since UPFs dominate the food supply, long-term solutions should address accessibility and affordability of healthier alternatives. 



Education, financial incentives, and community-based programs could help more people reduce their UPF intake. As research continues, these findings may shape new approaches to improving public health through better nutrition.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/osp4.70029" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Obesity Science &amp; Practice</a>.



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What happens when you stop eating processed foods? Doctors found out

Most dietary programs focus on weight loss or meeting U.S....

A new study has found that air pollution isn't just affecting health - it’s also shaping how people spend their money. As pollution levels rise, so do purchases in categories tied to pleasure and emotional comfort.



From gourmet snacks to entertainment gadgets, people potentially turn to these items as a way to cope with the discomfort and anxiety brought on by poor air quality.



This discovery not only broadens our understanding of air pollution's societal impact, but also highlights the subtle ways in which environmental stress can drive financial decisions. 



In this case, there is an apparent unexpected link between the state of the environment and our consumer behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-fuels-consumer-spending">Air pollution fuels consumer spending</h2>



The recent study reveals an intriguing correlation that arises when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-worry-about-poor-air-quality-but-dont-know-how-to-protect-their-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor air quality</a> meets our inherent human nature.



The key takeaway is that spending tends to rise mainly in categories related to joy, entertainment, and health. These purchases serve as emotional comforts, helping individuals cope with the anxiety and discomfort of living in polluted air.



This new revelation upends the traditional understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shopping-mania-part-of-your-brain-is-always-browsing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consumer behavior</a> under conditions of environmental distress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poor-air-quality-and-digital-platforms">Poor air quality and digital platforms</h2>



Digital platforms play a bigger role in consumer behavior when air quality is poor. With people spending more time indoors, there is an increased reliance on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/happiness-influences-online-shopping-habits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online shopping</a>, social media recommendations, and digital marketing campaigns.



According to the researchers, businesses leveraging online ads and content related to healthcare products see a marked increase in consumer engagement in areas of poor air quality.



This phenomenon is part of a broader trend where digital interactions increase in frequency when environmental factors limit outdoor activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-air-pollution-spending-link">The air pollution-spending link</h2>



The research was conducted by Sanghwa Kim, assistant professor of marketing at McMaster University, and Michael Trusov, professor of digital marketing and analytics at the University of Maryland's <a href="https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert H. Smith School of Business</a>.



The team identified the unexpected link between pollution and spending through an analysis of credit card usage data and air quality indexes.



Professor Kim noted that the relationship was pronounced among pleasure-seeking categories - from gourmet snacks and entertainment gadgets to wellness products - due to their ability to lift the mood of consumers.



This spending spree, however, doesn't come without its fair share of risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hidden-danger">The hidden danger</h2>



Kim warns that the surge in hedonic spending may lead consumers to develop unhealthy and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/internet-addiction-impairs-brain-function-in-teenagers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">addictive routines</a> that not only erode their emotional well-being but also risk saddling households with a burdensome buildup of revolving debt. 



The reliance on retail therapy as a coping mechanism for environmental distress could potentially trap families in a vicious cycle of overspending that threatens their long-term financial stability and overall quality of life.



The study was conducted "in the spirit of protecting consumer well-being and societal welfare beyond simply serving profit-seeking purposes," Kim added.



The experts suggest that a pivot towards eco-friendly products with a hedonic, or pleasure-seeking focus, might offer a more sustainable solution.



They argue that such a move could strike a delicate balance between ensuring immediate consumer gratification and promoting responsible, long-term sustainable choices, thereby mitigating the hidden dangers associated with excessive and impulsive spending.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policy-implications-and-recommendations">Policy implications and recommendations</h2>



The study does not stop at observing consumer behavior but also provides valuable advice for policy-making institutions, businesses, and marketers.



Policymakers, for instance, can develop campaigns that link air quality with everyday consumer choices and illuminate how environmental health contributes to individual well-being and economic stability.



Public initiatives could focus on raising awareness of how environmental conditions influence consumer behavior, and steer towards developing mindful spending habits.



Businesses and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-robots-marketing-and-the-power-of-persuasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marketers</a>, on the other hand, could tap into air quality trends to mold their strategies. 



Professor Trusov suggests that brands could "adjust in-store ambiance, promotional timing, and digital outreach" and incorporate sustainability and well-being into their messaging.



Ultimately, the study advocates for a balance between focusing on societal values and business profits.



"We need marketing strategies with a strong focus on sustainability, aiming to promote more responsible marketing for a better world," concluded Professor Trusov.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://api.crossref.org/v1/works/10.1177%2F00222429241282998/transform" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Marketing</a>.



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How air pollution affects consumer spending

A new study has found that air pollution isn't just...

In many parts of the world, people are too poor to afford energy options such as gas or electricity. In addition, the supply of more conventional fuels, such as wood, may be insufficient for the population size. 



People in this position are increasingly turning to plastics to provide energy for heating and cooking. This dangerous practice has the potential to hurt millions due to the effects of toxic emissions on health.



Growing urban populations make energy demands higher, but policies in support of cheap, cleaner fuel alternatives also fall short of requirements, particularly in developing countries.



In densely populated areas of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, scientists have charted patterns of energy consumption. The information indicates an alarming trend - a significant majority of the population is unable to pay for clean energy options. 



With few choices, many families turn to whatever combustible material is available, which further reinforces the cycle of pollution and illness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urbanization-fuels-the-crisis">Urbanization fuels the crisis</h2>



The rapid expansion of urban areas in developing nations has exacerbated the plastic-burning crisis. 



Traditional fuels such as wood and charcoal, once readily available in rural settings, have become increasingly scarce within sprawling cities. 



Meanwhile, inadequate waste management has led to a surplus of plastic waste which is seen as a readily accessible - albeit hazardous - fuel source.



A new study led by researchers at <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curtin University</a> highlights the growing severity of this issue. The experts are calling for urgent action to curb the use of plastic for fuel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-of-burning-plastic">Health risks of burning plastic </h2>



Lead researcher Dr. Bishal Bharadwaj warns that burning plastic exposes millions to toxic emissions, which can have severe health consequences.



“Burning plastic releases harmful chemicals such as dioxins, furans and heavy metals into the air, which can have a range of health and welfare impacts such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-levels-of-air-pollution-increase-the-risk-of-heart-and-lung-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lung diseases</a>,” noted Dr. Bharadwaj.



The risks are particularly severe for women and children, who spend more time indoors and are thus more exposed to airborne pollutants. However, the consequences are far-reaching and can affect entire neighborhoods and cities.



The research highlights the scale of the problem, and reveals alarming statistics from different regions.



“In a survey, 13 percent of Nigerian households reported using garbage as a cooking fuel, while soil and food samples in Indonesia have revealed dangerous toxin levels linked to burning plastic,” said Dr. Bharadwaj.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trends-in-plastic-consumption">Trends in plastic consumption </h2>



This issue is all the more distressing since it affects millions of people who already struggle with the effects of poverty and inequality. 



Furthermore, trends predict an exponential growth in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-disease-found-in-seabirds-is-caused-by-plastic-consumption/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic consumption</a> and urban population sizes.



“By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population will live in urban areas and many cities already struggle to provide basic services such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-zero-waste-a-global-commitment-to-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waste collection</a>," explained Dr. Bharadwaj. 



"This will be a growing problem, given global plastic consumption is expected to triple by 2060 and inequality will deepen with rapid, unmanaged urbanisation in developing countries.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-issue-effectively">Addressing the issue effectively</h2>



According to Professor Peta Ashworth, solving this crisis will require a multi-pronged approach.



Effective government intervention is essential, but current policies often do not take into account the needs of the communities most affected by plastic burning. 



“Many governments are not addressing the issue effectively because it’s usually concentrated in areas such as slums, which are often neglected. A ban on plastic burning might not help if people have no other option to keep warm and cook their food,” noted Professor Ashworth.



Instead, the study emphasizes the need for practical and inclusive solutions that provide alternative energy options to vulnerable communities.



“Possible ways to address the problem include subsidies for cleaner fuels to make them affordable for poorer families, better waste management to prevent plastic from piling up in slum areas, education campaigns to inform communities about the dangers of burning plastic, and alternative low-cost, innovative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-cooking-could-save-half-a-million-lives-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooking solutions</a> tailored to lower-income areas,” said Professor Ashworth.



As we move forward, it is clear that comprehensive studies and collaborative efforts are essential to grasp the full magnitude of this crisis and develop realistic solutions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-of-plastic-burning">Ripple effects of plastic burning</h2>



While the plastic-burning crisis is most prevalent in developing nations, its effects extend far beyond the communities directly involved. 



The toxic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-can-make-other-pollutants-more-toxic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a> released into the air contribute to global atmospheric pollution, which can worsen respiratory diseases and environmental degradation.



International organizations, policymakers, and researchers must work together to develop sustainable, long-term solutions.



Strengthening global waste management policies, investing in alternative energy technologies, and promoting cross-border collaborations will be crucial steps toward mitigating the crisis.



As the world moves toward a more urbanized future, the challenge is clear - without bold, immediate action, millions will continue to suffer from the consequences of this silent crisis.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44284-025-00201-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Cities</a>.



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Burning plastic as fuel for cooking is becoming a big global problem

In many parts of the world, people are too poor...

Anxiety is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people all over the world. It has long been the subject of intense scientific study.



Recently, researchers have stumbled upon an unexpected ally in the fight against this prevalent condition - the humble gut microbe. 



It appears that gut microbes, in their natural habitat, produce compounds known as indoles, which are crucial for regulating the brain activity associated with anxiety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-microbes-big-impacts">Tiny microbes, big impacts</h2>



The researchers, who were based at <a href="https://www.duke-nus.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke-NUS Medical School</a> and the National Neuroscience Institute, set out to investigate the role that gut microbes play in regulating anxious behavior.



The findings are truly eye-opening. Not only do <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-microbes-affect-how-we-handle-everyday-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes in the gut</a> influence brain activity, they may also hold the key to potential treatments for mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-microbes-and-anxiety">Gut microbes and anxiety </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/151-million-americans-have-mental-health-disorders-linked-to-leaded-gasoline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mental health disorders</a> are becoming increasingly prevalent in today's world. In Singapore, for instance, 1 in 7 people has experienced a mental health issue.



The most common conditions include <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/confirmed-magic-mushrooms-can-effectively-treat-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depression</a> and anxiety, which contribute significantly to the disease burden in many countries.



The research team set out to explore how the presence of microbes affects the anxious behavior of mice.



In germ-free mice that had not been exposed to any living microbes, observable anxiety-related behavior increased significantly compared to the behavior of mice that had been exposed to microbes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-the-gut-to-the-brain">From the gut to the brain</h2>



Upon further study, the researchers linked this increased anxiety to heightened activity in the basolateral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-do-fear-and-anxiety-reside-in-the-brain-new-cells-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amygdala</a> (BLA) - a part of the brain responsible for processing emotions such as fear and anxiety.



More specifically, the team identified the role of specialized proteins within brain cells, referred to as calcium-dependent SK2 channels, which regulate anxiety behavior.



"Our findings reveal the specific and intricate neural process that links microbes to mental health," said co-lead author Professor Shawn Je.



"Those without any live microbes showed higher levels of anxious behavior than those with live bacteria. Essentially, the lack of these microbes disrupted the way their brains functioned, particularly in areas that control fear and anxiety, leading to anxious behavior."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-microbes-and-mental-balance">Gut microbes and mental balance </h2>



The researchers extended their investigation by introducing live microbes to germ-free mice.



With live microbes reintroduced, the heightened neuronal activity in the basolateral amygdala was significantly reduced, and the rodents showed less anxiety-related behavior.



Additionally, treating these germ-free mice with indoles - metabolites produced by certain microbes - resulted in similar effects, confirming a direct link between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-have-an-impact-on-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiota</a> and mental balance.



"Establishing hunger signals and controlling hunger is an evolutionarily conserved defense mechanism. The physiological switch at birth, can therefore, be viewed as a first major wave of anxiety exposure for the newborn, which simply says, 'If you don’t eat, you will die,'" explained co-lead author Professor Sven Pettersson.



"Additionally, birth is associated with exposure to breast milk, known to contain microbes that can produce molecules known as indoles." 



"Indoles are known to be secreted in plants when they are exposed to stress or malnutrition (drought) and in this paper we report a similar mechanism in which indoles can regulate anxiety levels in mammals."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-of-anxiety-treatments">A new era of anxiety treatments</h2>



This breakthrough suggests that targeting the gut-brain axis could pave the way for new anxiety treatments, either through dietary indole supplementation or introduction of indole-producing microbes as probiotics. 



Professor Patrick Tan, Senior Vice-Dean for Research at Duke-NUS said that the findings underscore the deep evolutionary links between microbes, nutrition, and brain function. 



"This has huge potential for people suffering from stress-related conditions, such as sleep disorders or those unable to tolerate standard psychiatric medications. It’s a reminder that mental health is not just in the brain - it’s in the gut too," said Professor Tan.



Next, the researchers will test their findings in clinical trials and examine the efficacy of indole-based probiotics or supplements as a natural anxiety treatment in humans.



If these trials are successful, we may be on the brink of a new era in mental health care, where gut microbes play a pivotal role in maintaining mental health balance.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44321-024-00179-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EMBO Molecular Medicine</a>.



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Gut microbes have an unexpected link to anxiety

Anxiety is a common mental health disorder that affects millions...

Generic drugs are often promoted as identical to their brand-name equivalents - cheaper, yet equally safe and effective. However, a recent study challenges this widely held belief.



Study co-author John Gray is a professor in The Ohio State University’s <a href="https://www.osu.edu/giving/explore/support-a-college/fisher-college-business" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fisher College of Business</a>. He pointed out that disparities in manufacturing standards exist worldwide.



“Drug manufacturing regulation, and therefore quality assurance practices, differ between emerging economies like India and advanced economies like the United States. Where generic drugs are manufactured can make a significant difference,” said Professor Gray.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-generic-drugs-from-the-u-s-and-india">Generic drugs from the U.S. and India</h2>



The researchers uncovered a concerning link. They discovered that users of generic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americans-have-a-shocking-dependency-on-prescription-drugs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drugs</a> manufactured in India reported substantially more "severe adverse events" than users of equivalents made in the United States.



These adverse events included instances of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hospitalization-rates-for-the-flu-and-covid-19-are-strikingly-similar-among-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hospitalization</a>, disability and, in a few tragic cases, even death.



George Ball is an associate professor of operations and decision technologies at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.



“The FDA assures the public that all generics patterned after the same original drug should be equivalently safe and effective, however, this is not necessarily the case when it comes to generic drugs made in India,” said Professor Ball.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-generic-drugs-to-their-factories">Tracing generic drugs to their factories </h2>



This study stands out not only for its findings but also for its exceptional methodology. Although the FDA was hesitant to disclose information about the manufacturing locations of the drugs, the researchers found a workaround. 



By leveraging the Structured Product Labeling dataset, they successfully traced the drugs back to their factories of origin.



“Overcoming this lack of transparency of drug manufacturing location is one of the major accomplishments of our study,” said Professor Gray.



To ensure a fair comparison, the researchers matched those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanorobots-built-with-folded-dna-could-revolutionize-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medicines</a> made in India with identical drugs produced in the United States.



These drugs were perfectly alike in every measure – active ingredients, dosage form, and administration route. Therefore, it would be an accurate interpretation to say, they were comparing "apples to apples."



The study considered 2,443 drugs from the United States and emerging economies. Significantly, 93% of these generic drugs were Indian-made. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adverse-events-and-comparative-analysis">Adverse events and comparative analysis</h2>



The researchers used the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to identify events reported for people using generic drugs from India and those using their matched counterparts that were manufactured in the United States. 



Only those reports listing the most severe outcomes like hospitalization, disability, and death were considered.



The number of severe adverse events associated with the use of generic drugs manufactured in India was 54% higher than the number for equivalent generic drugs that were manufactured in the United States.



The results were largely driven by drugs that have been on the market for longer. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daily-dose-finasteride-magic-pill-regrows-hair-heals-prostate-boosts-heart-health/">Older drugs</a> were often found to have poorer quality.



“In the pharmaceutical industry, the older drugs get cheaper and cheaper and the competition gets more intense to hold down costs. That may result in operations and supply chain issues that can compromise drug quality,” explained Professor Gray.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loopholes-in-the-inspection-process">Loopholes in the inspection process </h2>



Despite these findings, the researchers caution against interpreting the results as a blanket indictment of offshore drug production.



“There are good manufacturers in India, there are bad manufacturers in the U.S., and we’re not advocating for ending offshore production of drugs or bashing India in any way. We believe this is a regulatory oversight issue that can be improved,” explained Professor Gray.



One of the major regulatory loopholes lies in the inspection process of these plants. While inspections of U.S.-based plants are unannounced, those in overseas locations such as India are prearranged.



This potential loophole may allow manufacturers to conceal problems, making it harder for the FDA to detect these issues. 



Professor Gray suggested that making all inspections unannounced, worldwide, could significantly improve the situation. He also called for product labeling to give information about the country of manufacture.



"A key recommendation we make in this study is for the FDA to make drug manufacturing location, such as the country of manufacture, and drug quality, transparent for consumers. This can help create a market in which drug quality is incentivized more than it is today,” concluded Professor Ball.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10591478251319691" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Production and Operations Management</a>.



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Generic drugs are not created equal, and a new study reveals why

Generic drugs are often promoted as identical to their brand-name...

In a world where gender roles are continually shifting, a fresh study illuminates the unexpected benefits of extended paternity leave.



According to the research, an extended break for dads after the arrival of a new baby can enhance their co-parenting dynamics with mothers in a rather significant manner. However, the effects of longer paternity leave aren't just limited to the fathers.



The study was led by Reed Donithen and Professor Sarah Schoppe-Sullivan at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extended-paternity-leave-and-co-parenting">Extended paternity leave and co-parenting</h2>



Mothers have been reported to interfere less with the father's involvement in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/child-care-quality-has-direct-impact-on-later-success-in-science-and-math/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">childcare</a> when the fathers take an extended break from work after the birth of their child.



"When fathers take longer leaves, mothers might take that as a sign that fathers are more interested in being an active parent and be less likely to try to prevent them from participating in childcare," said Donithen, the lead author of the study.



In addition, longer leave for fathers is linked to mothers changing their attitudes about fathers and child care, noted Professor Schoppe-Sullivan.



When dads take more time off after the birth of their baby, moms relax unrealistically high standards for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fathers-give-children-an-educational-advantage-by-playing-with-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">father's parenting</a> and are less reliant on others’ evaluations about their fulfillment of the maternal role.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-parental-roles">Redefining parental roles </h2>



Remarkably, a more extended paternity leave not only modifies mothers' reaction to fathers' involvement in childcare but also their perception of parental roles. 



"It is difficult to change people’s attitudes. But a longer paternity leave appears to change not only how mothers respond to fathers’ involvement in child care but how they view <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parent-children-relationships-are-key-to-lifelong-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parental roles</a>," said Professor Schoppe-Sullivan. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-how-new-parents-adjust">Studying how new parents adjust </h2>



The researchers based their findings on data from the New Parents Project, a long-term study led by Professor Schoppe-Sullivan.



The project investigates how dual-earner couples adjust to becoming parents and how families and children evolve over time. 



The study involved 182 couples who were predominantly married and white. The participants were assessed four times: once during the mother's third trimester of pregnancy, and then when the baby was 3, 6, and 9 months old.



When the baby was nine months old, both parents were questioned about their behaviors and attitudes regarding "maternal gatekeeping."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-dynamics-with-paternal-leave">Shifting dynamics with paternal leave</h2>



The term "maternal gatekeeping" describes the extent to which a mother either inhibits or encourages a father's involvement in childcare.



Here, "gateopening behaviors" include encouraging the father's engagement in parenting, for example, by seeking his opinion on childcare behaviors. 



Conversely, "gateclosing behaviors" include instances when moms discourage dads, such as through criticism.



Interestingly, when fathers took longer leaves, both parents agreed that mothers were less likely to employ gateclosing behaviors. 



However, the researchers noticed that it didn't necessarily lead to increased gateopening by the moms, which was unexpected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-societal-expectations-of-moms">Societal expectations of moms</h2>



Donithen noted that this reluctance could possibly be attributed to the societal perception that mothers should predominantly handle childcare.



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moms-are-more-worried-about-chores-and-its-a-heavy-mental-load/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mothers</a> may think they are the default main parent and so they don't go out of their way to encourage dads to get more involved," noted Donithen.



However, Professor Schoppe-Sullivan suggests a more optimistic interpretation - mothers observing fathers take longer paternity leaves and assume a more active parenting role might not feel the need to push for further involvement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-balanced-parenting">The future of balanced parenting</h2>



In essence, the study signifies that longer paternity leave could trigger a series of changes to reduce the load new mothers usually carry in childcare. 



Professor Schoppe-Sullivan believes this could be a pathway towards establishing more balanced parental roles.



"This study suggests that a longer paternity leave may be a way out of the trap, that it may lead to a situation where fathers do have more of an equal role in parenting," she explained.



In conclusion, the benefits of extended paternity leave extend beyond the fathers. As we progressively move towards a society keen on gender equality, we may need to pay more attention to strategies that encourage balanced co-parenting.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11199-025-01565-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sex Roles</a>.



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How paternity leave changes parenting dynamics

In a world where gender roles are continually shifting, a...

In recent months, there has been growing interest in whether gas stove emissions harm our health. Some studies have suggested a connection to respiratory problems, while others question these conclusions.



This debate has existed for decades, with experts linking indoor air pollution from gas stoves to conditions like asthma. One person who has scrutinized industry strategies in this area is Allan M. Brandt, a public health historian at Harvard University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-on-gas-stove-emissions">Research on gas stove emissions</h2>



Industry documents from the 1970s reveal attempts to challenge the results of early research on gas stove <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gas-stoves-release-more-harmful-nanoparticles-than-vehicle-exhaust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>. Observers noticed parallels to the tobacco industry’s pattern of funding selective studies to cloud the evidence.



Financial support from companies with a vested interest can sometimes lead the researchers to modify the way in which they report their results or interpretations. This approach can sideline important data that is then unavailable for public scrutiny.



<a href="https://academic.oup.com/ije/article/42/6/1724/737113" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> who found potential harm from gas stove emissions faced pushback. They often encountered criticism that their findings were inconclusive or flawed.



In many cases, industry-associated consultants challenged study designs or questioned the statistical methods. A backdrop of uncertainty frequently stalled the implementation of stronger regulations on indoor pollutants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen-dioxide-and-respiratory-health">Nitrogen dioxide and respiratory health</h2>



Burning natural gas produces <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gas-stoves-emit-unsafe-levels-of-nitrogen-dioxide/">nitrogen dioxide</a>, a byproduct that can irritate airways and aggravate respiratory issues. It can also worsen existing conditions in those with sensitive lungs.



Scientists note that ventilation plays a key role in reducing nitrogen dioxide levels. However, older homes and smaller kitchens may not have effective ventilation systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gas-pollution-beyond-the-kitchen">Gas pollution beyond the kitchen</h2>



While many discussions focus on emissions from cooking appliances, gas use for heating can also influence indoor air quality. Leaky connections or inadequate exhaust vents can introduce pollutants into living spaces.



Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to combustion byproducts can contribute to respiratory symptoms. More research is ongoing to pin down exact thresholds for safe indoor air.



“If there is one thing that is clear about the natural gas industry, we do not stand in place,” stated Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the American Gas Association. Her perspective confirms the industry’s stance that questions about health risks are still open to debate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-perceptions-of-gas-stoves">Public perceptions of gas stoves</h2>



Industry campaigns have historically shaped how consumers view their stoves. Some outreach efforts emphasized the convenience and efficiency of gas, while downplaying potential hazards.



Similar to tobacco’s past strategies, these campaigns highlighted doubt rather than clarity. As a result, many households remained unaware of safer alternatives or the advantages of proper ventilation.



Critics <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37638371/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">argue</a> that transparent disclosure of study funding could address lingering doubts. Without clarity, readers may struggle to weigh evidence on gas stove-related health findings.



Independent oversight boards have advocated clearer labeling of potential conflicts of interest. Organizations that set air quality guidelines increasingly scrutinize such conflicts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reassessing-cooking-habits">Reassessing cooking habits </h2>



Households seeking fewer emissions can use range hoods or open windows during cooking. Some experts also recommend trying induction or electric stoves, which avoid burning fuel indoors.



Replacing a stove may seem daunting, but consumer rebates and incentive programs can help with the cost. Even small steps, like using portable induction burners, reduce the levels of indoor pollutants.



Much like tobacco litigation, momentum for policy change often comes from grassroots activism. Families concerned about breathing issues are pressing for stronger indoor air quality standards.



Elected officials are also beginning to talk about limiting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-gas-isnt-as-clean-as-we-think/">natural gas</a> in new buildings. Arguments for electrification hinge on both climate concerns and individual well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ongoing-debate-on-indoor-air-pollution">The ongoing debate on indoor air pollution</h2>



Brandt's work reminds us that hidden influences can shape public dialogue in subtle ways. Gas stoves represent one part of a bigger conversation about the extent of corporate influence on science.



Independent researchers continue to analyze the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exposure-to-gas-stoves-in-homes-is-worse-for-your-health-than-secondhand-smoke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health impacts</a> of indoor pollution. Their findings suggest that improved transparency can support better decisions for families and policymakers.



Navigating these issues starts with understanding the science behind what we breathe at home. By recognizing past tactics, people can advocate for healthier environments and hold industries accountable.



Organizations like the <a href="https://climateinvestigations.org/who_we_are/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Investigations Center</a> highlight the decades-old use of tactics that are still in play today. Greater public awareness can spark changes to building codes and consumer protections.



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Gas stove pollution: Why we don't have the full story

In recent months, there has been growing interest in whether...

<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.

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</div></figure>







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



---



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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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 



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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