When the air turns hot, your body shifts into cooling mode: you sweat from heat, you lose water, and your brain looks for fast relief, usually in the form of sugar. 



Sweetness signals quick energy, and cold, sugary drinks or treats feel extra tempting because they promise two things at once - fluid to cool you down and sugar to perk you up. 



Heat also dulls appetite for heavy foods, so sipping something sweet feels easier than eating a full meal. 



Add bright ads and ice-cold displays by the checkout, and it’s no surprise that warm days nudge many people toward more sugar than they’d normally choose. But is this just observational bias, or is it a real thing? 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-and-sugar-consumption">Heat and sugar consumption</h2>



A new study looked at what millions of U.S. households actually bought in grocery stores from 2004 to 2019 and asked a simple question: when the temperature rises, do people end up taking in more added sugar? 



The short answer is yes, and the increase shows up most in communities with lower incomes or less formal education. 



The longer answer uncovers a demand-side ripple of climate change that most of us haven’t thought about: heat changes cravings and habits, and those shifts can widen health gaps unless we plan for them.



For every 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-use-sugar-in-ways-we-never-imagined/">warming</a>, added sugar rose by about 0.7 grams per person per day, with the sharpest climb from roughly 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. 



That may not sound like much in a day, but across a season and a population, it stacks up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-and-sugar-link">Heat and sugar link</h2>



The project was led by <a href="https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/hep3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pan He</a> of Cardiff University’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. 



She and colleagues paired long running scanner data from tens of thousands of households with local temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation to isolate the temperature effect.



The analysis focused on retail purchases rather than restaurant orders, so it likely undercounts some items consumed away from home. Even so, the signal was clear in warmer months across many regions.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-type-of-diabetes-type-5-is-now-officially-recognized-linked-to-nutritional-deficiencies/">temperature</a> response was not linear at every extreme. The increase was strongest in moderate to hot ranges, while the very hottest days showed a flattening.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-temperature-alters-food-choices">How temperature alters food choices</h2>



Beverages did most of the work. The extra sugar came mainly from sodas and fruit drinks, while frozen desserts added a smaller share.



Extreme heat can suppress appetite, which helps explain why the total increase slows on the most sweltering days. That kink does not erase the broader upward link between heat and added sugar.



Price movements did not drive the core pattern. When researchers accounted for food prices, the heat signal largely held.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-feels-the-heat-most">Who feels the heat most</h2>



The effect was largest in households with lower income or less education, a reminder that socioeconomic factors shape both exposure and choices. 



Higher income groups showed smaller changes, likely reflecting access to air conditioning, safer water, and steadier routines.



Patterns varied by background <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heat-is-making-crop-harvests-wildly-unpredictable/">climate</a> and work setting. People in cooler baseline regions and households with outdoor workers were more responsive to hotter conditions.



“What surprised us most was that the strongest increase in added sugar consumption occurred not during extreme heat, but within a relatively mild temperature range, between 12°C and 30°C," explained Pan He. 



This suggests that even moderate warming can significantly influence dietary behavior, leading to increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and frozen desserts."



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



Excess added sugar is <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/php/data-research/added-sugars.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">linked</a> to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, and average U.S. adults still take in about 17 teaspoons per day. 



That baseline makes a few extra grams per day under future warming more troubling for those already at risk.



The American Heart Association (<a href="https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/how-much-sugar-is-too-much" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AHA</a>) recommends capping added sugars at about 6 percent of daily calories. That comes to roughly 36 grams per day for men and 25 grams for women.



The study’s projection adds context. Under a high emissions pathway, the researchers estimate nearly 3 grams per person per day of additional added sugar by 2095, with the steepest seasonal rise in summer and fall.



Health burdens do not fall evenly. Communities with fewer resources already face higher rates of diet related disease, so a temperature linked nudge toward more sugar can widen gaps.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-be-done">What can be done</h2>



Public policy can help. City level beverage taxes have been followed by higher shelf prices for taxed drinks and lower purchases of sugary beverages, as shown in a <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1002283" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> from Berkeley back in 2017.&nbsp;



Clearer labeling and steady nutrition education can support better choices without adding cost. Water access matters too, especially in neighborhoods with unsafe pipes or limited fountains.



Climate adaptation plans should include diet. Cooling centers, safe drinking water, and employer protocols for hot days can lower the pull of sweet, chilled products when temperatures spike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-research-on-sugar-intake-and-heat">More research on sugar intake and heat</h2>



Restaurant orders remain a blind spot, and future work can test whether the same pattern appears in quick service and delivery data. 



That matters for sweetened coffees, teas, and blended drinks that often carry substantial added sugar.



The team’s approach can extend to other countries and cultures. 



Regions with popular sweet teas, energy drinks, or bubble teas may show different temperature thresholds but similar upward shifts during warm periods.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-025-02398-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Direct link found between the weather and the amount of sugar humans eat

When the air turns hot, your body shifts into cooling mode: you sweat from heat, you lose water, and your brain looks for fast relief, usually in the form of sugar. Sweetness signals quick energy, and cold, sugary drinks or treats feel extra tempting because they promise two things at once - fluid to cool you down and sugar to perk you up. Heat also dulls appetite for heavy foods, so sipping something sweet feels easier than eating a full meal. Add bright ads and ice-cold displays...

Freezing food has been a common practice for decades. From fish to vegetables, many households rely on cold temperatures to keep food items fresh for longer.



In certain cases, freezing food might offer unexpected benefits. This is especially true for bread, which appears to transform in helpful ways once exposed to sub-zero temperatures.



A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined how different storage and preparation methods affect the body's blood sugar response after eating white bread. 



The researchers found that freezing and then defrosting the bread significantly reduced the blood sugar response compared to fresh bread. Toasting the bread also led to a lower blood sugar response.&nbsp;



Combining these methods - freezing, defrosting, and then toasting - resulted in the most substantial reduction. The findings suggest that such preparation techniques can favorably alter the glycemic response of white bread.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freezing-changes-bread-s-starch">Freezing changes bread’s starch</h2>



Bread is mostly made of starch, which accounts for more than 80% of wheat flour <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bread-wheat-gave-rise-to-civilization/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">content</a>. When bread is subjected to cold temperatures, starch undergoes retrogradation, a process that reorders its structure.



This shift leads to resistant starch, a form that the small intestine cannot fully digest. It then travels to the colon, where gut bacteria break it down and release beneficial fatty acids.



One major byproduct of resistant starch breakdown is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S216183132200833X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butyrate</a>, known for supporting a healthy intestinal environment. Some <a href="http://tip.zaragoza.unam.mx/index.php/tip/article/view/406" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> link it with anti-inflammatory effects that may ease digestive troubles.



People who freeze their bread and consume it in small portions can take advantage of this shift in starch content. This strategy also keeps bread from going stale too quickly, which reduces waste.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freezing-benefits-more-than-just-bread">Freezing benefits more than just bread</h2>



Freezing food has long been encouraged for hygiene. In the case of fish, it can eliminate anisakis, a parasite that poses health risks.



This same approach helps fruits and vegetables retain vitamins for longer periods, which supports a balanced diet. Bread is just the latest addition to this practice, but it seems to do more than ward off spoilage.



"The different storage and preparation conditions resulted in lower blood glucose values compared to both types of fresh white bread," reported the study’s authors.



All three of the procedures investigated (freezing and defrosting, toasting from fresh, and toasting following freezing and defrosting) favorably altered the glucose response of the breads.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-waste-more-taste">Less waste, more taste</h2>



Frozen bread often tastes just as good once thawed. It also prevents excessive waste, which is a mounting issue in many households.



Estimates suggest that millions of pounds of bread go to <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/food-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landfills</a> every year. Reheating a slice now and then lowers the temptation to toss an entire loaf.



Some prefer to slice bread before freezing it to make single servings easier to handle. Each piece can be stored in plastic or a resealable bag to lock out moisture.



Placing the bread in the freezer promptly prevents staleness. It preserves the microbiota-friendly starch transformation, so your gut gets the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diet-shifts-the-hidden-costs-of-what-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best result</a> each time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-freezing-effect">The freezing effect</h2>



This effect is not exclusive to bread. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/10408398.2011.629352" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> show that cooked and cooled potatoes or rice exhibit similar changes in starch composition.



Experts advise moderation with all starchy foods. Portion control, variety, and attention to overall eating patterns remain essential for well-being.



As more people become aware of resistant starch, everyday foods may gain renewed interest. Freezing bread emerges as one accessible way to nurture healthy bacteria without overhauling your routine.



Deciding to freeze a loaf could cut down on food waste while boosting digestive perks. This small step might offer valuable support for those aiming to keep their gut in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forming-healthy-habits-takes-much-longer-than-21-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">good shape</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-health-connections">Potential health connections</h2>



Resistant starch has been <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-3010.2005.00481.x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studied</a> for potential links to weight management, blood sugar balance, and even certain cancers. It has been found to promote a favorable environment in the gut, which may influence overall metabolic health.



Individuals with diets high in resistant starch sometimes experience greater feelings of fullness. These effects could potentially help reduce unnecessary snacking.



Scientists caution that more studies are needed to confirm these observations in large populations. Even so, early findings suggest real promise in using simple tactics like bread-freezing to optimize daily nutrition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-simple-way-to-eat-healthier">A simple way to eat healthier</h2>



Freezing bread taps into a phenomenon that researchers have been examining for years. It introduces a subtle yet meaningful change in how starch behaves.



Though bread alone will not solve health concerns, its improved resistant starch profile can be part of a well-rounded regimen. Each slice can be a small step toward better <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ditch-the-diet-trends-for-a-healthier-relationship-with-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating habits</a>.



Moderation is still key, since resistant starch is just one piece of the puzzle. A balanced selection of proteins, fruits, and vegetables brings a more complete range of nutrients.



Choosing whole-grain options and mixing them with produce might have a positive impact on body weight and metabolic factors. Many experts recommend this approach as a gentle way to support better gut function.



Consulting a doctor or nutritionist can guide individuals with unique health concerns. Personalizing this practice is the best way to reap its rewards.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/1602746" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Journal of Clinical Nutrition</a>.



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Freezing bread could make it healthier

Freezing food has been a common practice for decades. From...

Love is at the heart of human connection, shaping our emotional well-being and quality of life. Whether in the early stages of romance or years into a committed partnership, testing and understanding how a relationship is truly going can be challenging. 



Some couples communicate openly and resolve conflicts with ease, while others struggle with misunderstandings and distance.



Just in time for Valentine’s Day, researchers at Stockholm University have introduced a new tool to help couples assess their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-power-are-more-likely-to-cheat-on-their-partners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relationship satisfaction</a>. Their study presents a scientifically validated method to measure how satisfied partners feel in their relationship.



With just seven simple questions, this scale provides a quick yet meaningful indication of the current state of a relationship.



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



Romantic relationships contribute significantly to emotional stability and mental health. A fulfilling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/self-compassion-enhances-relationship-satisfaction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relationship</a> can bring happiness, reduce stress, and provide a sense of security, while unresolved issues can lead to frustration, anxiety, and even depression. 



Despite this, many couples do not have an accessible way to evaluate how they feel about their relationship. Traditional methods, such as lengthy questionnaires or therapy, can be time-consuming and difficult to access.



“This scale makes it possible to quickly and efficiently get an idea of how a relationship is doing, without having to go through long and complicated interviews or questionnaires. It can even be used during couples counseling to monitor progress over time,” noted Per Carlbring, a professor of psychology at <a href="https://www.su.se/cmlink/stockholm-university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm University</a>.



By answering seven well-structured questions, couples can gain valuable insights into their emotional closeness, trust, and ability to resolve conflicts. The scale does not just measure satisfaction; it also provides practical suggestions for strengthening the relationship based on the results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-valentine-s-scale">Science behind the Valentine’s Scale</h2>



Scientific validation is crucial when developing tools to measure emotions and relationships. The Valentine’s Scale has been tested on over 1,300 participants, demonstrating a high level of reliability over time. 



The results align with other well-established relationship measures, such as the <a href="https://arc.psych.wisc.edu/self-report/dyadic-adjustment-scale-das/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dyadic Adjustment Scale</a> and Quality of Dyadic Relationships.



“At the same time, it can predict improvements in quality of life and contribute to a reduction in mental health problems such as anxiety and depression by quickly providing a clear picture of how the relationship is doing and thus enabling early intervention,” said Carlbring.



What sets the Valentine’s Scale apart from other assessments is its simplicity and accessibility. Many relationship tests require complex analysis or professional interpretation, but this scale provides immediate feedback and suggestions that couples can act on without additional support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valentines-scale-a-tool-for-growth">Valentines Scale: A tool for growth</h2>



Many people fear that evaluating their relationship might expose problems or lead to unnecessary stress. However, the creators of the Valentine’s Scale emphasize that the test is not designed to predict a relationship’s future. Instead, it serves as a conversation starter and a tool for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-usually-end-up-with-partners-who-look-as-attractive-as-we-are/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-reflection</a>.



“Do the Valentine’s test as a step to start getting closer to each other on Valentine’s Day,” said Carlbring. He highlights the importance of approaching the results with an open mind rather than fixating on achieving a perfect score.



“If the test result raises concerns, it may be a good idea to talk about what lies behind the answers. Relationships are dynamic and affected by many factors."



"It may be stress, communication difficulties or other life circumstances. By reflecting together, you can find ways forward, whether it’s strengthening the relationship or making other decisions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encouraging-honest-conversations">Encouraging honest conversations</h2>



One of the key benefits of the Valentine’s Scale is its ability to encourage honest and meaningful discussions between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dating-apps-make-it-difficult-to-find-true-love/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">partners</a>. 



Often, couples avoid difficult topics for fear of conflict, but open communication is essential for a strong relationship. The test results can provide a neutral starting point for addressing concerns and understanding each other’s perspectives.



For those who find themselves facing challenges, the test can offer guidance on how to improve connection and resolve conflicts. The suggestions accompanying the results focus on everyday actions that can bring partners closer, rather than drastic changes or unrealistic expectations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-the-valentines-scale">Discovering the Valentines Scale</h2>



The Valentine’s Scale is free and available online at <a href="https://valentinskalan.se/eng/">valentinskalan.se</a>. 



It only takes a few minutes to complete, but the insights gained can have a lasting impact. Whether taken alone or together, the test serves as a valuable tool for understanding the strengths and areas for growth in a relationship.



By reflecting on the results, couples can take meaningful steps toward greater closeness, trust, and understanding. Valentine’s Day is often associated with grand gestures, but true connection comes from the small moments of care and communication that build a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/having-a-sense-of-purpose-makes-you-more-likely-to-find-love/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lasting bond</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/16506073.2024.2420655" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cognitive Behaviour Therapy</a>.



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How strong is your relationship? Test it with the Valentine’s Scale

Love is at the heart of human connection, shaping our...

Artists have explored tree-like images in art for centuries. Many people see these scenes and instantly recognize them as trees, even when the art is strangely stylized or lacks detail.



A new study suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-time-and-space-interact-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ability</a> to spot trees in art may hinge on a simple quantity related to how branch thickness scales across different sizes.



The research was conducted by Jingyi Gao, currently at the University of Wisconsin, and Mitchell Newberry, an assistant professor at the University of New Mexico.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-tree-proportions-trick-your-brain">How tree proportions trick your brain</h2>



Trees appear in many cultural depictions, yet the features that trigger our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-human-brain-processes-visual-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brains</a> to recognize them are not always obvious. Some artwork has curvy shapes, while others show bold, blocky forms that look nothing like leaves or bark.



The new <a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/2/pgaf003/7996468?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> shows that one hidden pattern stands out. When smaller branches maintain a certain relationship to their parent branches, viewers see a tree right away.



By keeping the ratio between small and large branch diameters consistent, artists preserve an essential quality that suggests tree-like growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recognizable-trees-in-art">Recognizable trees in art</h2>



A fractal is a shape that repeats itself on different scales. These patterns appear in snowflakes, clouds, and real tree branches. They can also show up in hand-carved shapes or painted lines, as long as the size pattern remains similar across large and small areas.



In this study, the researchers explored whether fractals could explain why certain artworks display recognizable trees. They focused on a "branch diameter scaling exponent," which acts like the fractal dimension for tree branches.&nbsp;



“There are some characteristics of the art that feel like they’re aesthetic or subjective, but we can use math to describe it,” said Gao, the lead author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-math-behind-tree-like-shapes">Math behind tree-like shapes </h2>



Branch diameter scaling resembles the standard Pythagorean theorem, which often shows up in middle school geometry.



By squaring the diameters of child branches and relating them to the parent branch, the researchers identified a numerical factor that separates a tree-like feel from other forms.



This number can vary from about 1.5 to 3 for real trees in nature. Artists, whether knowingly or not, often work near that range. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-from-different-eras">Art from different eras</h2>



The team analyzed carvings from the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in India, a Japanese painting from the 1700s, and early 1900s Dutch abstract art. Each of these cultural pieces showed a similar balancing act in how thick the branches were compared to their bigger trunks.



Even when lines were curved like snakes or reduced to bold strokes on a gray background, observers still saw a tree if the diameter scaling stayed in that “sweet spot.”&nbsp;



“It’s at the core of a lot of different depictions of trees, even if they’re in different styles and different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brains-bend-time-to-adapt-to-lifes-rhythm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultures</a> or centuries,” said Newberry, senior author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-discoveries">Unexpected discoveries</h2>



In some surprising cases, an art piece that looked more realistic had a slightly off scaling exponent, while a more stylized carving had a value closer to real-life trees. This hints that realism is not the only requirement for a convincing tree image.



A highly abstract example from Piet Mondrian’s series offers a glimpse at this idea. Even with just a few black lines and no obvious leaves, one painting has a scaling exponent that lands in the natural range.



When Mondrian removed that scaling in a later piece, people began interpreting the lines in all sorts of other ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-math-and-art-connect-in-tree-images">Math and art connect in tree images</h2>



The study stems from a background of interdisciplinary thinking. Mathematics can unite seemingly separate fields, especially when it comes to repeated patterns found in biology and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-our-brains-neurons-make-and-retrieve-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">art</a>.



This project also highlights how looking at a painting can reveal deeper truths about nature. The researchers combined artistic analysis with core geometry to capture a consistent formula.



By tapping into fractals, the experts unlocked a new way of explaining how we recognize tree shapes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blending-science-and-creativity">Blending science and creativity</h2>



The research might also spark fresh discussions about the blending of science and creativity. The study focuses on the idea that something as subjective as art appreciation might have a quantitative backbone. 



Scientists continue to investigate whether our brains latch onto these branching proportions from an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-pathway-discovered-that-suppresses-fear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary standpoint</a>, given our familiarity with natural trees that grew around us for thousands of years.



The visual pull of art might be less mysterious than previously believed. It could boil down to numbers that we subconsciously pick up whenever we spot repeating forms. The same principle might extend to different styles of illustration or design, from digital graphics to architecture.



The study is published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/2/pgaf003/7996468?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>.



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How and why our brains can instantly recognize trees, even in abstract art

Artists have explored tree-like images in art for centuries. Many...

A recent study by Princeton neuroscientists introduces a novel mathematical model that sheds light on how the brain integrates sensory cues - such as sights and sounds - when making decisions.&nbsp;



The findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41593-025-01869-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Neuroscience</a>, could deepen our understanding of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and may also help improve artificial intelligence systems, such as digital assistants and self-driving cars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflicting-sensory-information">Conflicting sensory information</h2>



Everyday decisions require the brain to juggle multiple sensory inputs. A commuter walking to work, for instance, might see a glowing crosswalk signal indicating it is safe to cross.&nbsp;



At the same time, they may hear the blaring siren of an ambulance approaching the intersection, forcing them to reassess their decision.



While scientists have long studied how the brain processes such competing signals, the precise mechanisms remain unclear.



One crucial region for decision-making is the prefrontal cortex, located just behind the eyes. This area is often regarded as the center of higher cognition. Previous studies have shown that neurons in the prefrontal cortex respond in complex ways during decision-making. 



For example, some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-cells-communicate-to-support-decision-making/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurons</a> may fire only when a green traffic light appears and a car is blocking the crosswalk. However, a comprehensive model explaining how these neurons collectively process sensory information to generate behavioral decisions has remained elusive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-model-to-explain-brain-circuitry">A new model to explain brain circuitry</h2>



Various mathematical models have been developed to explain how neural circuits link <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-sensory-perception-brain-fascinating-interplay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensory information</a> to behavior, each with its limitations.&nbsp;



One commonly used approach involves recurrent neural networks - models with interconnected units designed to simulate decision-making. However, these models are often difficult to interpret due to the complexity of their connections.



In their latest study, postdoctoral researcher Christopher Langdon and assistant professor of neuroscience Tatiana Engel - both from <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University</a> - propose a new framework called the latent circuit model.



Instead of analyzing the entire brain network in overwhelming detail, Langdon and Engel suggest focusing on a few key neurons that act as “ringleaders” in decision-making, influencing the behavior of the entire network.&nbsp;



This approach, known as a low-dimensional mechanism, seeks to identify a small number of core processes that drive neural decision-making.



“The goal of the research was to understand if low-dimensional mechanisms were operating inside large recurrent neural networks,” Langdon said.



To test their hypothesis, the researchers applied the latent circuit model to a context-dependent decision-making task performed by humans, monkeys, and computer models.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-decision-making-model-nbsp">Testing the decision-making model&nbsp;</h2>



In the experiment, participants were first shown a context cue - either a square or a triangle. Next, they saw a moving grid, which acted as the sensory cue.&nbsp;



Depending on the shape they were initially shown, participants had to focus on either the color (red vs. green) or the motion (left vs. right) of the grid to make their decision.



Using the latent circuit model, Langdon and Engel found that when motion was the relevant cue, neurons processing shape information suppressed those that processed color. The opposite occurred when color was the critical cue.



“It was very exciting to find an interpretable, concrete mechanism hiding inside a big network,” Langdon said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-decision-making-in-the-brain">Mapping decision-making in the brain</h2>



The latent circuit model allows researchers to predict how decision-making changes when specific neural connections are strengthened or removed. By testing these predictions, scientists can verify whether the underlying connectivity is truly necessary for the task.



Indeed, the study confirmed that task performance deteriorated in predictable ways when certain neural connections were disrupted.



“The cool thing about our new work is that we showed how you can translate all those things that you can do with a circuit onto a big network,” Langdon said.&nbsp;



“When you build a small neural circuit by hand, there’s lots of things you can do to convince yourself you understand it. You can play with connections and perturb nodes, and have some idea what should happen to behavior when you play with the circuit in this way.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-neuroscience-and-ai">Implications for neuroscience and AI</h2>



With the human brain containing more neurons than there are stars in the Milky Way, understanding its complexity is a daunting challenge.&nbsp;



However, the latent circuit model opens new possibilities for studying how groups of interconnected neurons give rise to decision-making processes.



Disruptions in decision-making are a hallmark of numerous neurological and mental health disorders, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-fruit-can-protect-you-from-late-life-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depression</a>, schizophrenia, and ADHD. By revealing the mathematical computations that drive decision-making, this model may help researchers understand these conditions more effectively.



Beyond neuroscience, these insights could also enhance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lawless-superintelligence-zero-evidence-ai-control-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a>. AI-driven systems, from digital assistants like Alexa to self-driving cars, rely on decision-making algorithms. Understanding how the human brain efficiently processes information could lead to more adaptable and intelligent AI systems.



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



The next phase of research will involve applying the latent circuit model to other commonly studied decision-making tasks.



“A lot of the tightly controlled decision-making tasks that experimentalists study, I believe that they likely have relatively simple latent mechanisms,” Langdon said. “My hope is that we can start looking for these mechanisms now in those datasets.”



By refining this approach, neuroscientists aim to unlock more secrets of how the brain translates complex sensory inputs into clear, decisive actions.



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Key neurons act as 'ringleaders' to guide decision-making

A recent study by Princeton neuroscientists introduces a novel mathematical...

The COVID-19 lockdown reshaped lives in many ways, including how people approached pet ownership. During the pandemic, a surge in puppy purchases swept across the U.K. as individuals and families sought companionship while they were confined to their homes.



While many welcomed new furry companions with open arms, concerns arose about the long-term consequences of these impulsive adoptions.



Would owners remain committed once life returned to normal? Would these dogs develop behavioral problems due to rushed decisions and inadequate training? Researchers at The Royal Veterinary College (<a href="https://www.rvc.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RVC</a>), U.K., led by Dr. Bree Merritt, set out to answer these questions.



The study, published in the journal PLOS One, reveals the complex reality of pandemic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reimagining-pet-diets-for-a-more-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">puppy ownership</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-puppy-purchases-during-the-pandemic">Puppy purchases during the pandemic</h2>



As lockdown measures took hold in early 2020, people found themselves spending more time at home. Many saw this as the perfect opportunity to welcome a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dog-day-honoring-mans-best-friend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">puppy</a> into their lives.



The demand for dogs soared, leading to inflated prices, overwhelmed breeders, and, in some cases, unethical breeding practices.



Animal welfare experts expressed concerns about the potential fallout. They worried that some buyers acted impulsively, without considering whether they could provide for a dog long-term. Would these pandemic puppies face neglect, abandonment, or behavioral struggles in homes that were unprepared for their needs? 



These questions fueled the need for deeper research into the experiences of owners and their dogs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-pandemic-puppy-owners">Tracking pandemic puppy owners</h2>



To better understand the reality of pandemic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-owners-ages-and-beliefs-influence-their-pet-food-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">puppy ownership</a>, the researchers surveyed nearly 800 U.K. dog owners who had purchased a puppy between March and December 2020. The study aimed to uncover their motivations, training approaches, and overall experiences.



Participants provided details about their daily interactions with their pets, their emotional connection, and any difficulties they faced. A follow-up survey was conducted when the puppies reached 21 months of age. 



This allowed researchers to assess how ownership experiences evolved over time and whether the initial excitement had given way to unexpected challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-owners-stayed-committed-but-at-a-cost">Owners stayed committed, but at a cost</h2>



Despite widespread concerns that many pandemic puppies would end up abandoned or rehomed, the study found that 98% of surveyed owners still had their dogs at 21 months old. 



This high retention rate suggests that, for most, the commitment to their pets remained strong even as their daily routines returned to normal.



However, the study also revealed that ownership came with significant challenges. Of those surveyed, 40% admitted that the pandemic influenced their decision to get a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dogs-say-goodbye-before-they-die-these-signs-will-tell-you-if-your-friend-is-leaving-soon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog</a>.



These owners were more likely to report difficulties related to costs, lifestyle changes, and unexpected responsibilities. Many struggled with cleaning up after their pets, sacrificing personal activities, and managing expenses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-issues-and-owner-burden">Behavioral issues and owner burden</h2>



One of the biggest concerns for pandemic puppy owners was behavioral issues. 



Dogs that grew up in lockdown often had limited exposure to the outside world, leading to problems such as separation anxiety, control struggles, and aggression. Owners who reported behavioral difficulties felt a greater burden of dog ownership.



While various problem behaviors caused stress, aggression had the most significant impact. Owners of aggressive dogs experienced a weaker emotional connection with their pets compared to those dealing with other challenges. 



This highlights the importance of early intervention and training to prevent behavioral issues from escalating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-the-whole-picture">Capturing the whole picture</h2>



The study acknowledged a potential limitation in its findings. Owners who had already rehomed their dogs might have been less likely to participate in the follow-up survey. 



This means the 98% retention rate could represent a best-case scenario. Some dogs may have been relinquished after the survey period ended, making the overall picture more complex than the data suggests.



Additionally, the financial and emotional burdens of dog ownership might have driven some participants to keep their struggles private. Many may have hesitated to admit difficulties, especially if they felt judged for their decision to acquire a dog during the pandemic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-better-behavioral-support">Need for better behavioral support</h2>



For those who faced challenges with their pandemic puppies, access to evidence-based behavioral support could make a crucial difference. Professional training and behavior modification techniques could help struggling owners manage their dogs more effectively, improving their overall quality of life.



"Relationships with our dogs can be immensely rewarding, but it’s not all fun and games. Looking after them can be hard work, expensive or even change day-to-day activities," noted Dr. Merritt.



"Problem behaviors are likely to be a much wider concern beyond just those dogs who were brought home during the pandemic. These results show how important it is to find evidence-based help for problem behavior to improve the emotional health of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/friends-family-members-and-guardians-dogs-are-more-than-just-pets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, their owners and sustain their relationship.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impulsive-pandemic-puppy-purchases">Impulsive pandemic puppy purchases</h2>



The findings of this study serve as an important reminder that dog ownership requires long-term planning, not just short-term enthusiasm. 



Many pandemic puppy buyers made decisions based on the temporary circumstances of lockdown life. Once restrictions eased and daily routines resumed, they found themselves struggling with responsibilities they had not fully anticipated.



"Impulsive acquisition of dogs based on short-term circumstances is an enduring challenge for the canine welfare sector," said Dr. Rowena Packer, senior author of the study. 



"Here, we demonstrate that puppy purchases that were a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as having increased time for a dog during this atypical period, resulted in owners who felt a greater burden of dog ownership by the time their puppy was a young adult, compared to owners whose purchases were planned based on longer-term circumstances."



"U.K. campaigns have long encouraged owners to consider their ability to care for a dog for the duration of its lifetime at acquisition. However, if the efficacy of these messages remains limited, greater interventions may be needed to emphasize the responsibilities of dog ownership, ideally prior to purchase.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-lifelong-commitment">A lifelong commitment</h2>



While most pandemic puppy owners chose to keep their dogs, the challenges they faced highlight the importance of informed decision-making. 



Owning a dog is not just about companionship; it requires time, effort, and financial resources. Without proper preparation, owners can find themselves overwhelmed, and their pets may suffer as a result.



The study reinforces the need for education and support for prospective dog owners. Those considering bringing a pet into their home must evaluate their long-term ability to care for an animal - not just their immediate desire for companionship.



With the right guidance, future pet buyers can ensure a fulfilling and responsible relationship with their dogs, built on commitment rather than impulse.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0316166" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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Pandemic puppy owners report challenges but remain committed

The COVID-19 lockdown reshaped lives in many ways, including how...

Imagine your child being able to enjoy the simple pleasure of a peanut butter sandwich without worrying about a potential allergic reaction. For parents of children with peanut allergies, this may no longer be a distant dream, but an attainable reality.



Researchers have found a promising new treatment strategy and the secret ingredient is regular, store-bought <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/midnight-snack-the-best-foods-for-a-good-nights-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peanut butter</a>.



The study revealed that, after ingesting peanut butter at incremental doses over an 18-month period, all children with a moderate level of peanut allergy were able to consume three tablespoons of peanut butter without an allergic reaction.



This presents a potential solution for many children with mild to moderate peanut allergies who have a higher tolerance threshold, which equates to tolerating at least half a peanut.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-breakthrough-for-peanut-allergies">A breakthrough for peanut allergies</h2>



"Children with high-threshold peanut allergy couldn't participate in previous food allergy treatment trials, leaving them without opportunities to explore treatment options," noted <a href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIAID</a> Director Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo.



"Today’s report focuses on this population and shows that a very safe and accessible form of therapy could be liberating for many of these children and their families."



While existing FDA-approved food allergy treatments are primarily designed for children with low-threshold peanut allergy, the recent study offers a glimpse of hope for an estimated 800,000 U.S. children who have high-threshold peanut allergy.



Before now, their only management strategy has been peanut avoidance.



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



The researchers aimed to identify whether a simple, low-cost treatment could help children with high-threshold peanut allergies tolerate an even greater amount of peanut protein.



The mid-stage trial was conducted with a diverse group of 73 children, aged between 4 and 14 years. 



The children were randomly assigned to either implement the new treatment strategy or persist with their peanut avoidance regimen.



Those following the new protocol started with a daily dose of 1/8 teaspoon of peanut butter, which was gradually increased every eight weeks to a maximum of one tablespoon. 



This increase was carefully monitored by medical professionals with minimal reported cases of severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-500000-americans-are-now-allergic-to-red-meat-because-they-were-bitten-by-a-tick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">allergic</a> reactions during the treatment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exceptional-success-rate">Exceptional success rate</h2>



After successful completion of the treatment plan, the children participated in an oral food challenge to evaluate how much peanut butter they could consume without an allergic reaction. 



All of the children who completed this challenge successfully tolerated up to 9 grams of peanut protein, which is equivalent to 3 tablespoons of peanut butter.



This was in stark contrast to the avoidance group, where only a fraction of the children could tolerate this amount.



The trial notably took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, with certain essential logistical restrictions.



Nevertheless, using statistical techniques to account for missing results, the study showed an exceptional success rate among the children in the trial who were exposed to increasing amounts of peanut butter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peanut-tolerance-a-lasting-effect">Peanut tolerance: A lasting effect?</h2>



After the initial treatment, the children continued to ingest 2 tablespoons of peanut butter weekly for 16 weeks, then avoided <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peanuts-have-a-beneficial-impact-on-vascular-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peanuts</a> entirely for eight weeks.



The children returned to the study site for a final oral food challenge after this period. The sustained success rates were impressive, with over 86% of the treated children continuing to tolerate peanut protein.



Follow-up trials are needed to determine whether the therapy has a long-lasting effect on peanut tolerance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-food-allergy-treatments">Expanding food allergy treatments</h2>



The researchers are now exploring whether similar strategies could be applied to other common allergens, such as tree nuts, eggs, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beef-and-dairy-contain-a-powerful-cancer-fighting-nutrient/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dairy</a>.



If effective, this approach could revolutionize allergy management, reducing the burden of strict food avoidance and offering a more inclusive diet for millions of individuals.



Additionally, experts highlight the importance of accessibility. Unlike existing FDA-approved treatments that rely on pharmaceutical interventions, this method of desensitization uses an affordable, widely available food product. This makes it a practical and scalable solution for families worldwide.



Looking ahead, the experts aim to conduct larger, long-term studies to confirm the durability of peanut tolerance and assess whether sustained exposure is necessary for lifelong immunity.



Ultimately, the research could reshape food allergy treatment and offer renewed hope to families navigating the challenges of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indoor-pets-reduce-the-risk-of-food-allergies-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food allergies</a>.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://evidence.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/EVIDoa2400306" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NEJM Evidence</a>.



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New therapy may help reduce peanut allergies in children

Imagine your child being able to enjoy the simple pleasure...

Music has a profound effect on human emotions. Some people experience deep joy from listening to a favorite song, while others remain indifferent. However, one response seems universal - the instinct to move to a beat. 



A new study led by Concordia University researchers reveals that the urge to move to music exists independently of musical enjoyment.



This discovery challenges the assumption that pleasure and movement are always connected in musical experiences. The research focused on individuals with musical anhedonia, a condition where people do not feel joy from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-has-the-power-to-change-the-mood-of-our-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>. 



Despite their lack of musical pleasure, they still exhibited a natural tendency to move to rhythm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-movement-without-musical-enjoyment">Movement without musical enjoyment</h2>



The study, led by PhD student Isaac Romkey, examined how people with musical anhedonia respond to rhythmic patterns. The researchers tested their reactions to over 50 short musical pieces, comparing them with individuals who enjoy music.



Participants with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-connects-people-emotionally-and-physically/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">musical</a> anhedonia were carefully selected. They had to experience pleasure from other activities like food or physical intimacy. This ensured that their lack of response to music was not part of a broader emotional or neurological issue. 



Additionally, they had to show normal pitch and rhythm perception and could not have depression, which might affect their emotional responses.



After listening to each piece, participants rated both their level of enjoyment and how much they wanted to move. The researchers expected those with anhedonia to report less pleasure but still feel the natural urge to move to groovy music.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-findings-in-groove-response">Unexpected findings in groove response</h2>



Romkey and his team had a clear expectation based on previous research. 



“Normally, we would expect to see an inverted U-shaped response to rhythmic complexity, meaning that we want to move to music that is of medium complex rhythms as opposed to music that is very simple or very complex,” said Romkey. 



However, the results did not align with this prediction. People with musical anhedonia did not show lower groove responses than the control group. 



Instead, their results suggested that movement itself could generate pleasure, even when the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-music-affects-a-babys-heartbeat-before-birth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a> was not inherently enjoyable to them.



For individuals with musical anhedonia, the instinct to move seemed to override their usual lack of enjoyment. This finding suggests that rhythm and movement play a more fundamental role in musical experiences than previously believed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-responds-to-rhythm">How the brain responds to rhythm</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/song-melodies-have-become-much-simpler-since-1950/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Music</a> affects multiple areas of the brain. Romkey and his colleagues believe that the urge to move is linked to the dorsal striatum, a brain region involved in motor control. 



Pleasure, on the other hand, is primarily associated with the ventral striatum, which is responsible for reward, motivation, and goal-directed behavior.



This distinction may explain why people with musical anhedonia still feel compelled to move to music. Even if their ventral striatum does not respond strongly to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-music-help-plants-grow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>, their dorsal striatum remains active, triggering movement and possibly generating pleasure through physical engagement.



Romkey and his team are now working to explore this connection further. 



“For future studies, we are going to look at differences in functional and structural connectivity in the brain between anhedonics and controls in the dorsal and ventral striatum using imaging techniques including MRI and magnetoencephalography,” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-are-less-likely-to-move-to-music">Some are less likely to move to music</h2>



The reasons behind musical anhedonia remain largely unknown, but evidence suggests a genetic component. Some people may be born with differences in how their brain processes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-evokes-stronger-emotions-than-streamed-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">musical pleasure</a>. 



The fact that these individuals still respond to rhythm with movement suggests that the ability to groove is deeply ingrained in human biology.



This research could lead to a better understanding of why music is such a universal aspect of human culture. Even for those who do not experience musical pleasure in the typical sense, rhythm remains a powerful force that influences physical behavior.



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



Romkey’s study opens the door for further research on how movement and music interact. His team, which includes researchers from <a href="https://www.concordia.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Concordia University</a> and <a href="https://international.au.dk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>, plans to expand their work using advanced brain imaging methods.



By studying the brain’s response to rhythm and movement, they hope to uncover more about how music affects people on a neurological level. The findings could have implications beyond music, potentially influencing research on movement disorders, therapy, and human social interactions.



This study highlights the complexity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-reveals-which-brain-areas-are-affected-by-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">musical experience</a>. Even those who do not feel pleasure from music still engage with it physically - revealing how deeply rhythm is embedded in the human mind and body.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0312030" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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Why your body moves to music even if you don’t enjoy it

Music has a profound effect on human emotions. Some people...

New research suggests that a playful mindset can be instrumental during difficult times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals who score high on a playfulness scale exhibit stronger resilience compared to less playful counterparts. 



The findings indicate that this resource is essential to maintaining well-being and facing adversity.



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



The research, conducted by researchers at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a> (OSU), offers profound insights into how playful people navigate adversity.



The research may ultimately guide the development of strategies and interventions aimed at helping individuals handle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a> and uncertainty.



These findings are timely, given the increasing global challenges that demand both a realistic assessment and creative adaptation.



Xiangyou “Sharon” Shen of the OSU Health, Environment, and Leisure Research Lab (HEAL) is the study's lead author.



"Understanding how playful people navigate adversity can inform interventions and strategies to help people cope with stress and uncertainty," said Shen. 



"They shared similar perceptions of risk and protective factors as their less playful peers, but demonstrated greater optimism when envisioning future possibilities, engaged in more creative problem solving, and managed to infuse quality and enjoyment into everyday activities."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pandemic-stress-and-public-health">Pandemic stress and public health</h2>



Chronic stress is a significant public health concern in the United States, linked to a wide range of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, depression, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/teachers-experienced-high-anxiety-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a>. 



External factors like the pandemic, economic uncertainty, and social issues can exacerbate stress levels and contribute to mental health diagnoses.



For the analysis, Shen and study co-author Zoe Crawley divided a group of more than 500 U.S. adults into two subgroups based on their levels of playfulness, as measured by the Adult Playfulness Trait Scale.



Shen noted that highly playful individuals actively altered challenging situations, found creative substitutes for what was lost, viewed obstacles as opportunities for growth, and maintained a strong sense of control over their responses.



Perhaps most revealing, she added, was that while the highly playful didn’t necessarily engage in different activities or do them more often than their less playful counterparts, they experienced those activities with higher quality - demonstrating greater immersion, activeness, and positive affect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-playful-people-during-the-pandemic">Playful people during the pandemic </h2>



Shen describes the approach of creating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-helps-us-learn-from-positive-and-negative-experiences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">positive experiences</a> amid adversity as "making lemonade from lemons." 



This is deeply connected with resilience as it combines realistic assessment with flexible problem-solving, which offers a clear demonstration of how personality traits like playfulness shape our responses to stress.



"Highly playful people were just as realistic about COVID-19 risks and challenges as others, but they excelled at ‘lemonading’ - creatively imagining and pursuing the positive, discovering ways to create moments of joy even in difficult circumstances," said Shen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-playful-advantage-in-a-pandemic">Playful advantage in a pandemic</h2>



While it has been widely accepted that playful people "reframe" situations to make them more enjoyable, these findings suggest that it is not about wearing "rose-colored glasses." 



Playful individuals maintain their ability to view <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consciousness-may-stem-from-unseen-dimensions-beyond-our-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reality</a> as it is while finding the silver linings.



Shen emphasized that playfulness doesn't distort reality - it enhances it, offering specific ways in which this trait helps individuals navigate challenging times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-playfulness-can-be-cultivated">Playfulness can be cultivated</h2>



The study also suggests several approaches to cultivate playfulness, including engaging in activities that provoke joy and curiosity, embracing new experiences, creating opportunities for spontaneous exploration, spending time with inspiring, fun-loving people, and appreciating moments of silliness and humor.



"A key to all of this is focusing on the quality of engagement rather than simply doing what might be called play activities. True playfulness doesn’t require a playground, games, or toys. It’s about bringing a spirit of openness, flexibility, and fun to everyday moments," noted Shen.



She also emphasized that setting aside time for play can be beneficial, providing a safe space to express and practice playfulness. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-life-s-biggest-challenges">Navigating life's biggest challenges </h2>



No matter how occupied you might be, dedicating five to ten minutes daily for a small dose of play can make a meaningful difference in your life.



This research represents a significant step toward understanding the role of playfulness in helping individuals navigate challenging situations. 



In the context of our current global challenges - whether economic uncertainty, environmental concerns, or public health crises - the insights are invaluable. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1462980/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Psychology</a>.



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Playful people handled pandemic stress better than others

New research suggests that a playful mindset can be instrumental...

Who is most vulnerable to online misinformation and why? A new study offers a revealing look at how different demographic and psychological factors - such as age, education, political identity, and analytical thinking - shape individuals’ ability to assess the accuracy of news.&nbsp;



Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development analyzed data from 31 experiments conducted in the United States between 2006 and 2023.



Surprisingly, the findings do not align with many long-held assumptions about who is more likely to be duped by fake news.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-demographics-psychological-factors-and-fake-news">Demographics, psychological factors, and fake news</h2>



The study was led by Mubashir Sultan, a doctoral candidate at the <a href="https://www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Human Development</a>’s Center for Adaptive Rationality.&nbsp;



Sultan and his colleagues performed an individual participant data meta-analysis, often considered the gold standard because it compiles and re-examines raw data from multiple studies rather than simply aggregating previously reported effect sizes.&nbsp;



This approach allowed the team to analyze 256,337 individual decisions made by 11,561 participants, whose ages ranged from 18 to 88 years.&nbsp;



Participants were asked to judge whether headlines covering politics, health, and other topics were true or false. 



The researchers then connected participants’ responses to four demographic factors (age, gender, education, and political identity) and four psychological factors (analytical thinking, partisan bias, motivated reflection, and familiarity with the news).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-assumptions-about-education">Common assumptions about education</h2>



Education emerged as one of the most surprising factors. Higher education is often presumed to protect against misinformation - under the assumption that college and advanced degrees teach critical thinking.



However, the meta-analysis found no significant difference in susceptibility between those with higher and lower educational attainment. 



In other words, a four-year degree or postgraduate study did not predict better performance in distinguishing real from fake headlines. This finding runs counter to the conventional wisdom that more education automatically translates into greater immunity to misinformation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-misconceptions-about-age-and-fake-news">Misconceptions about age and fake news</h2>



Age also challenged expectations. Previous studies often blame older adults for being more prone to sharing or believing misinformation.&nbsp;



In contrast, the new analysis showed that older adults were actually better than younger adults at discerning true headlines from false ones. They tended to label more headlines as false, indicating a greater degree of skepticism.&nbsp;



However, these findings exist alongside the well-documented observation that older adults do share more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/digital-misinformation-rumors-spread-like-nuclear-reactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fake content</a> online - suggesting a complex interplay between careful headline scrutiny and actual sharing behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-political-identity-and-partisan-bias">Political identity and partisan bias</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-trust-news-that-matches-their-political-views-even-when-its-fake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Political identity</a> proved to be another influential factor. The meta-analysis confirmed that Republicans, on average, are more likely to accept news headlines as true, resulting in lower overall accuracy when distinguishing real from false stories.&nbsp;



Democrats, for their part, were more skeptical, labeling more headlines as false. Sultan and his colleagues link these findings to partisan bias, in which people are more willing to believe stories that align with their political affiliations and to reject those that conflict with them.



That said, analytical thinking - the ability to logically evaluate information and solve problems systematically - generally predicted better performance in detecting misinformation.&nbsp;



However, a twist emerged in the form of motivated reflection: individuals who scored higher in analytical thinking were actually more susceptible to partisan bias.&nbsp;



In other words, rather than using their critical skills to transcend personal beliefs, these analytical thinkers often deployed their reasoning faculties to defend their existing political identities. 



This paradox highlights the fact that reasoning can sometimes serve entrenched worldviews instead of open-minded evaluation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-familiarity-as-a-powerful-persuader">Familiarity as a powerful persuader</h2>



One of the strongest indicators of misinformation susceptibility turned out to be familiarity with the news. If participants recognized a headline from having seen it before, they were significantly more likely to accept it as true.&nbsp;



This result highlights the perils of repeated exposure, especially on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spending-less-time-on-social-media-improves-your-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media</a> platforms where the same headlines (whether accurate or false) can circulate extensively.&nbsp;



Over time, familiarity can breed acceptance, making misinformation more persuasive simply by virtue of being encountered multiple times.



The findings come at a time of growing concern over how misinformation shapes public opinion and election outcomes.&nbsp;



According to co-author Ralf Kurvers, a senior research scientist at the Max Planck Institute, the study’s relevance is heightened by the rise of right-wing populism and the dire warnings from the <a href="https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-risks-report-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024</a>. This report identifies misinformation as one of the world’s greatest short-term threats.&nbsp;



Kurvers advocates for targeted media literacy efforts, particularly for younger adults, who, despite being “digital natives,” were less able to differentiate between genuine and fake news in the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-challenges-of-misinformation">Addressing the challenges of misinformation </h2>



Moving forward, the researchers recommend that interventions account for how political bias and repeated exposure can reinforce incorrect beliefs. 



They point to the need for fostering respectful conversations across political divides and designing social media tools that reduce the repeated circulation of false content. 



As part of a broader initiative on online environments at the Max Planck Institute, the team aims to develop strategies for addressing these challenges, including methods that help people become more reflective about the information they encounter.



Ultimately, the study underscores the complexity of combating misinformation. Simply improving education levels does not appear to be a magic bullet, nor does encouraging more analytical thought if that thinking is subverted by partisan motives.&nbsp;



Instead, the research suggests that a multi-pronged approach - combining critical reflection, awareness of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quick-decisions-are-often-biased-and-misleading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bias</a>, and caution about familiar-seeming claims - is needed to help individuals navigate the vast sea of online information.



The study is published in the <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2409329121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Who falls for fake news? New study challenges what we thought

Who is most vulnerable to online misinformation and why? A...

Screen time has become an unavoidable part of modern childhood, with televisions, tablets, and smartphones capturing the attention of even the youngest minds. 



Each moment of a toddler's day is filled with discovery, growth, and learning, but as digital devices become increasingly woven into daily routines, concerns arise about their potential impact on early development. 



Could too much screen time derail this crucial stage of cognitive and language growth? An international team of researchers set out to answer this question, and their findings suggest that the answer might be yes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-screen-time-and-language-development">Screen time and language development</h2>



The research team included scientists from over 20 nations. Together, they carried out an extensive study to understand how screen time affects toddlers' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/talking-to-babies-in-parentese-boosts-their-language-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language development</a>.



Spanning from August 2021 until March 2023, the study explored the lives of 1,878 toddlers between the ages of 12 to 48 months across Latin America.



The experts investigated how the children interacted with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excessive-smartphone-usage-linked-to-health-issues-in-adolescents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smartphones</a> and other devices. They also analyzed how screen time impacted the developmental progress of the toddlers.



"Descriptive studies show that children use screens before two years of age for an average of one hour a day or more," wrote the researchers.



"This reported use goes against the recommendations of pediatric societies, which advise against screen use for children under two years and suggests shared use with parents after two years."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sources-of-toddler-screen-time">Sources of toddler screen time</h2>



The analysis revealed that the young children most often engaged with television and smartphones. The study confirmed that toddlers' daily screen exposure often exceeds one hour, with TV and background TV serving as the primary sources. 



The genre of content most consumed was entertainment, closely followed by music and educational programming. 



The experts also found that screen time was not dramatically influenced by socio-economic status (SES) or nationality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-screen-time-and-delayed-language">Screen time and delayed language</h2>



One might think that this growing engagement with electronic devices is merely a sign of our modern times, but the consequences might be far more severe. 



The study’s results revealed a negative association between screen time and language development. More screen exposure was linked to lower lexical density and delayed language milestone progress.



In simpler terms, the more time that children spend in the virtual world of screens, the more their real-world <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/native-language-is-specially-stored-in-the-brain-for-easy-access/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language</a> skills seem to suffer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-screen-time-and-books">Shared screen time and books</h2>



On the other hand, not all screen time was found to be detrimental to the toddlers. Shared screen engagement with adults and exposure to books appeared to shift the narrative, positively impacting language skills.



While the TV might be a foe when viewed alone, it seems to transform into an ally when the experience is shared with an adult.



The study’s results are clear: unchecked screen time negatively impacts early language development. However, adult-supervised screen time and exposure to books can serve as shields, protecting and even promoting toddlers' language skills.



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



With the rapidly evolving nature of technology, it's likely that screen use among toddlers will only increase and become more complex.



But the findings of this study offer a glimmer of hope. The research demonstrates that while screen time might be an inevitable part of our modern world, its potential negative impacts are not. 



With more research, we can gain a better understanding of how to maximize the benefits - and mitigate the drawbacks - of toddler screen time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-balance-in-a-digital-world">Finding balance in a digital world</h2>



As technology continues to evolve, the conversation around screen time and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genes-influence-blood-pressure-from-early-childhood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early childhood</a> development grows more urgent. While digital devices are here to stay, their impact depends on how they are used.



This study highlights the importance of mindful engagement. Interactive screen time with adults and regular book reading can help counteract the negative effects of screen time for children.



Future research is needed to explore not just the quantity, but also the quality of screen exposure. With digital learning tools on the rise, understanding their role in language development is crucial.



Instead of eliminating screens, the key lies in balancing digital engagement with real-world interactions to support healthy cognitive growth.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0314569" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>.



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Screen time delays language development in toddlers

Screen time has become an unavoidable part of modern childhood,...

Silly,Baby

Are babies born with a moral instinct for right and wrong, or do they figure it out after seeing how others behave? This question has stirred up lively debates in academic circles for years.



Some early experiments hinted that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-music-affects-a-babys-heartbeat-before-birth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">babies</a> can prefer helpful individuals over harmful ones, long before they can speak. Recent <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature06288">findings</a> now cast doubt on the idea that morality is hardwired from birth. 



<a href="https://psych.ubc.ca/profile/kiley-hamlin/">Dr. Kiley Hamlin</a> at the <a href="https://www.ubc.ca/">University of British Columbia</a> has been leading important inquiries in this field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moral-instincts-in-babies">Moral instincts in babies</h2>



<a href="https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/moral-psychology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moral psychology</a> explores how people come to recognize acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Many have wondered if these sensitivities are in place from the start or shaped by social interaction.



<a href="https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Locke</a> proposed that the human mind begins as a <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/10615/10615-h/10615-h.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tabula rasa</a>, meaning a blank slate, with all knowledge stemming from experience. 



This perspective suggests that children develop moral judgments only after observing the actions of those around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-replication-challenge">The replication challenge</h2>



In science, <a href="https://www.understandinghealthresearch.org/useful-information/replicability-26" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">replicability</a> means being able to repeat a study and get consistent outcomes. Experts recently joined forces to re-assess whether infants truly favor characters who <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/desc.13581" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">help over those who hinder</a>.



They used video stimuli instead of live puppet shows and tested a large sample. Results indicated that infants did not show a consistent preference for pro-social figures.



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



One possibility is that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-hear-far-more-speech-at-home-than-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">babies</a> need more time in the world before they form strong impressions about right and wrong. Others suspect small changes in the method can influence an infant’s attention and choices.



“Some people will jump to the interpretation that [the results show] the original finding was incorrect...we shouldn’t be so quick to jump to conclusions,” posted <a href="https://ccsre.stanford.edu/people/michael-c-frank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Frank</a>, founder of the <a href="https://manybabies.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ManyBabies</a> consortium. 



Researchers note that subtle differences in presentation might explain the mixed outcomes.



Classic theories from <a href="https://archive.org/details/moraljudgmentofc0000piag" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jean Piaget</a> suggest children’s moral judgments evolve in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-climate-change-is-impacting-infant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stages</a>, moving from a focus on consequences to an understanding of intentions. 



If moral reasoning develops over time, it may be less obvious in infants who are still exploring their surroundings.



Lawrence Kohlberg’s <a href="https://archive.org/details/philosophyofmora0001kohl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">six-stage sequence</a> also implies that advanced moral thinking requires cognitive growth. Babies, by contrast, could be years away from processing moral conflicts at that level.



Some point out that in many cultures, parents quickly step in to shape moral behavior, teaching children to recognize good and bad acts. <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Why_Do_Men_Barbecue.html?id=Fpq_xqLBe4kC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Early environment</a> may thus play a bigger role than expected.



Others highlight that investigating infant behavior is tricky. A slight alteration in setting might change how babies react in ways that do not necessarily map onto their moral understanding.



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



Researchers continue to refine designs that capture genuine responses from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mothers-gut-health-shapes-the-brain-development-of-her-baby/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infants</a>. Eye tracking, heart rate measures, and brain imaging could offer clearer insights without relying solely on manual choices.



Some wonder if there is an innate core to morality. Paul Bloom’s <a href="https://archive.org/details/justbabiesorigin0000bloo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> argues that young children may display compassion or empathy when someone is hurt.



Another perspective is that moral awareness takes shape through simple interactions, like seeing a parent console someone who is upset. Repeated exposure to caring acts might steer children toward a preference for kindness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-studies-on-baby-morals-differ">Why studies on baby morals differ</h2>



Discrepancies between studies can reflect the complexity of human development. Babies are not miniature adults, and their responses can hinge on momentary factors like mood or alertness.



Large-scale collaborations offer a powerful way to handle variability across labs. This approach increases confidence in the findings by recruiting diverse samples of children from different backgrounds.



Yet, even large efforts cannot offer the final word on infant morality. Researchers remain eager to keep testing new methods and refine our understanding of how these little humans begin to judge right and wrong.



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



Some experts propose that parents observe their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-immune-systems-have-hidden-and-surprising-strength/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">child</a>’s spontaneous reactions to kindness or aggression. This can guide gentle interventions and conversations that frame empathy as a cherished value.



Simple acts, like praising a toddler for sharing, may spark early moral awareness. Subtle encouragement could pave the way for deeper ethical reasoning later in childhood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-questions">Ongoing questions</h2>



Many psychologists wonder if moral responses differ in babies raised in close-knit communities versus more individualistic settings. 



Broader cross-cultural studies could reveal whether certain behaviors are consistent across societies or shaped by local customs.



Debates about morality in infancy are far from settled. Each fresh result invites new theories, and the field thrives on reevaluating what it truly means to be human.



New data-collection methods, including real-time parent diaries, may refine how researchers track changes in infant reactions across many months. Capturing these everyday moments could lead to a fuller picture of early moral inclinations.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature06288" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Developmental Science</a>.



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Are babies born with morals, or is morality a learned behavior? Scientists think they know

Are babies born with a moral instinct for right and...

Plant-based meat alternatives have grown in popularity, yet many consumers remain hesitant to fully embrace them. 



While ethical, environmental, and health concerns drive interest, practical factors still play a crucial role in shaping consumer behavior. A new study sheds light on what really matters to people when choosing between meat and its substitutes.



A team of researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (<a href="https://www.uni-halle.de/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLU</a>), <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humboldt University Berlin</a>, and Georg August University Göttingen conducted a survey of 2,100 U.S. consumers. Their findings reveal that price has a greater influence on purchasing decisions than similarity to meat.



The study challenges common assumptions about consumer behavior in the growing market of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-perfecting-plant-based-meats-with-ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meat alternatives</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-people-do-not-oppose-plant-based-meat">Most people do not oppose plant-based meat</h2>



Despite an increasing variety of plant-based options, meat remains the dominant choice for most consumers. Many people still prefer traditional meat over substitutes, even though plant-based alternatives have been widely available for years.



"Even though the supply of plant-based alternatives has been growing for years, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-thrived-on-plant-based-diets-not-meat-alone-780000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">demand for meat</a> persists. Unfortunately, there is very little reliable data on the general acceptance of meat alternatives, what conditions are required to make them more attractive, and whether or not they are just a fad," noted study lead author Steffen Jahn.



This knowledge gap has made it difficult for food producers and policymakers to understand how to promote plant-based options effectively. The researchers focused on the U.S. market because of its exceptionally high levels of meat consumption. 



"The United States is a country with one of the highest rates of meat consumption in the world. For example, around 25 kilograms of beef was consumed per capita alone in 2023," said Jahn.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consumers-burger-preferences">Consumers’ burger preferences</h2>



To understand consumer preferences, researchers presented participants with four burger choices. 



The options included a real beef burger, a plant-based burger designed to mimic meat (analog), a vegetarian burger that resembled meat in appearance but not taste or texture (semi-analog), and a falafel burger (non-analog). Participants viewed pictures and written descriptions of each burger before making a choice.



As expected, the majority of respondents - around three-quarters - chose the traditional beef burger. What surprised researchers was how the different plant-based options performed. The falafel burger turned out to be the most preferred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-meat-less-protein-lacks-certain-nutrients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meat alternative</a>, while the plant-based analog burger ranked the lowest.



"However, we did not expect to find that the falafel burger was the most popular meat alternative, while the analog burger came in last place. This contradicts the widespread assumption that meat substitutes are only competitive if they are as close as possible to the original," explained Jahn.



The findings suggest that consumers may not necessarily want plant-based products that replicate meat. Instead, they might be more interested in options that stand on their own, rather than attempting to mimic animal-based foods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-price-parity-does-not-change-consumer-choices">Price parity does not change consumer choices</h2>



The second phase of the study examined whether lowering the price of meat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-plant-based-meat-alternatives-the-key-to-a-healthier-heart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alternatives</a> would make them more attractive. 



Many advocates argue that plant-based foods should be priced the same as or lower than meat to encourage people to switch. However, the study found that simply matching prices does not significantly affect consumer decisions.



"Meat alternatives are currently more expensive than meat, which is why there are discussions about adjusting the prices into alignment. However, we found that price parity has no real effect on people's choices," noted Jahn.



This means that if plant-based alternatives and meat cost the same, most consumers will still choose traditional meat. Price alone does not drive them toward substitutes unless there is a noticeable financial advantage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consumers-choosing-plant-based-meat">Consumers choosing plant-based meat</h2>



Although price parity does not influence consumers, meaningful discounts do. The study found that when plant-based burgers were at least 10% cheaper than their meat counterparts, sales of meat alternatives increased by 14%. 



When the price of a plant-based burger dropped to half the price of a beef burger, the number of consumers choosing the alternative doubled.



These results indicate that a strong financial incentive can shift consumer behavior. Price-sensitive shoppers, especially those who do not have a strong preference for meat, may opt for plant-based alternatives if the price difference is large enough.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-men-switch-to-meat-alternatives-faster">Men switch to meat alternatives faster</h2>



An interesting trend emerged when researchers examined the impact of price on different demographic groups. 



The study found that men, who are generally more attached to meat-based diets, are more likely to switch when the price of plant-based options drops. Even those who had never tried a meat alternative before were more willing to give it a chance if they saw a significant price advantage.



This challenges the common assumption that women are more likely to adopt plant-based diets. While women may show more interest in vegetarian or vegan foods for health and ethical reasons, men appear to be more motivated by financial savings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-perception-in-consumer-choices">Role of perception in consumer choices</h2>



Beyond price, perception plays a key role in how people view meat alternatives. Consumers often associate plant-based burgers with ultra-processed foods, which have a negative reputation. 



Some may avoid them due to concerns about artificial ingredients or the belief that they are not as healthy as whole-food plant-based meals.



"Restaurants and food manufacturers might actually be able to increase their sales of vegetarian or vegan alternatives if they offered meat substitutes at lower prices than the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meat</a> options. A truly faithful imitation is not the goal here, our study suggests. Maybe it's because many people associate them with ultra-processed foods, which have a bad reputation," said Jahn.



This insight suggests that businesses should focus not just on lowering prices but also on improving the perception of plant-based products. Marketing efforts that emphasize natural ingredients and health benefits might help attract more consumers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-options-in-plant-based-meat">More options in plant-based meat</h2>



One of the key takeaways from the study is the importance of variety. Consumers have different preferences, and no single alternative will satisfy everyone. While some people prefer products that closely resemble meat, others are more open to entirely different plant-based options.



Based on these findings, the researchers recommend offering a broad range of plant-based choices rather than focusing solely on meat-like substitutes. Consumers may be more willing to try products that stand on their own rather than those that attempt to replicate meat exactly.



The study challenges traditional assumptions about meat alternatives and highlights the importance of price in shaping consumer choices. While plant-based products continue to grow in popularity, businesses and policymakers must consider what truly influences purchasing behavior. 



Lower prices and a diverse selection of options may be the key to encouraging more people to adopt plant-based diets.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2319016121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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People will switch to plant-based meat if it is cheaper than real meat

Plant-based meat alternatives have grown in popularity, yet many consumers...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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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