Seagrass meadows are more than just coastal greenery. Beneath the waves, they capture carbon and bury it in the seafloor, storing it safely for decades or centuries. This makes seagrass a powerful ally in the fight against climate change



But there’s a catch. When humans flood coastlines with too much nutrient pollution - especially from wastewater - it doesn’t just mess with the water. It messes with the seagrass, too.



Scientists wanted to find out exactly how this works, and they didn’t take shortcuts. Over nine years, researchers observed what happened when they added extra nutrients to seagrass beds. What they found was a balancing act between helping and hurting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-balance-of-seagrass-and-nutrients">The balance of seagrass and nutrients</h2>



In the warm, shallow waters of tropical bays, seagrass grows in sandy beds. Such places are usually poor in nutrients. That may sound bad, but it is one of the reasons why seagrass is good at capturing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-plays-a-major-role-in-global-carbon-storage/">carbon</a>. 



The plants grow slowly and consistently, extending their roots deep into the sediment where carbon is stored and trapped.



But when researchers added <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lack-of-phosphorus-will-limit-growth-of-the-amazon-rainforest/">phosphorus</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kelp-farms-could-help-clean-up-coastal-nitrogen-pollution/">nitrogen</a> to these beds, something interesting happened. The seagrass responded with a burst of growth. 



First, it strengthened its root systems. Then, it put more energy into its blades - the flat, grass-like leaves. As the roots grew quickly, they also died more quickly, sending extra carbon into the sediment. That should be good news, right? 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-shadow-of-too-much-nitrogen">The shadow of too much nitrogen</h2>



Here’s where things got complicated. When nitrogen levels went too high, the team saw a surge in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invisible-forest-of-phytoplankton-thrives-in-a-warming-climate/">phytoplankton</a> - tiny algae that float in the water. These blooms blocked sunlight, putting the seagrass at risk.



“People thought excess nutrients were killing seagrass,” said Jacob Allgeier, associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the <a href="https://umich.edu/">University of Michigan</a>. 



“But we show that as long as there are not too many nutrients, which would also increase phytoplankton, the seagrass will just increase growth with excess nutrients.”



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



To figure out what was really going on, a team led by recent doctoral graduate Bridget Shayka went hands-on - literally. The team collected seagrass samples from test plots in the Bahamas. 



Shayka and 17 undergraduate students separated each plant into parts: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-meadows-still-thrive-on-floridas-nature-coast/">blades</a>, sheaths, roots, and rhizomes (the stems that grow underground). Next, the parts were freeze-dried, crushed, and tested for nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon.



The researchers found that nutrients from human sources had a bigger effect than those from fish.



“The systems we study are pretty low-nutrient systems, so adding nutrients can increase seagrass production,” said Shayka, now a program officer at Ocean Visions. 



“But we also know that when you go too far and add too many nutrients, it really destroys these systems. It's one of the leading causes of their destruction around the world and in coastal systems.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen-isn-t-the-only-problem">Nitrogen isn’t the only problem</h2>



In another experiment, the researchers tried 21 varied nutrient ratios in bottles of seawater and phytoplankton. They were curious to know if the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus mattered more than just the amount of each nutrient. The results surprised them.



In this system, phosphorus had a stronger positive effect on seagrass growth. Nitrogen, on the other hand, caused phytoplankton levels to spike. That meant more light-blocking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-algae-play-an-unexpected-role-in-cooling-the-earth/">algae</a> in the water and more stress for the seagrass beds.



“When you grow tomatoes, you don't just add nitrogen. You add a perfect ratio of nitrogen and phosphorus. That idea is replete in our society,” said Allgeier. “But because we tested the water column and because we tested the seagrass, we're able to say that model doesn't work in our system.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seagrass-and-carbon-storage">Seagrass and carbon storage</h2>



It’s unlikely that we’ll stop nutrient pollution altogether. But these findings suggest we don’t need to. Instead, we need to manage it better.



“We're not stopping nutrient enrichment. It's just not going to stop,” said Allgeier. “But we can manage it. And how do you best manage it? We scrub it for nitrogen.”



If local communities can control nitrogen runoff - especially from sewage and agriculture - they might give seagrass a better chance to grow, store carbon, and stay alive. This matters, not just for marine ecosystems, but for climate action too.



Seagrass may not get the attention coral reefs or rainforests do, but when it comes to carbon storage, it’s one of the most powerful tools in nature.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70401">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Seagrass is a powerful climate weapon - unless we drown it in nutrients

Seagrass meadows are more than just coastal greenery. Beneath the waves, they capture carbon and bury it in the seafloor, storing it safely for decades or centuries. This makes seagrass a powerful ally in the fight against climate change But there’s a catch. When humans flood coastlines with too much nutrient pollution - especially from wastewater - it doesn’t just mess with the water. It messes with the seagrass, too. Scientists wanted to find out exactly how this works, and they didn’t take shortcuts. Over nine years,...

The Bronze Age is no longer a mystery box of pottery and tools. Thanks to detailed isotope and botanical analysis, we now see how deeply life changed around 1500 BCE in Central Europe. At the heart of this story is the Tiszafüred-Majoroshalom cemetery in Eastern Hungary.



The research, led by Tamás Hajdu and Claudio Cavazzuti, uncovered how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bronze-age-technology-is-a-modern-solution-for-clean-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">people</a> moved, ate, and related to each other during a time of major cultural shift.



This change was not gradual. It was fast, sweeping, and surprisingly well-documented. Over 130 isotope samples and dental microremains from Tiszafüred tell us how this community responded to larger forces that were shaping Bronze Age Europe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-people-stopped-migrating-and-stayed-local">People stopped migrating and stayed local</h2>



Strontium isotope analysis shows a sharp drop in long-distance movement during the Late Bronze Age. Most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bronze-age-teeth-discovery-highlight-the-evolution-of-the-human-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">people</a> buried at Tiszafüred were local. About 75% came from within 20 kilometers. Just one person in the entire sample clearly came from far away.



Migration didn't stop, but it changed. Middle Bronze Age newcomers often arrived from nearby highlands like the Upper Tisza basin. Later migrants came from farther west, such as Transdanubia or the Southern Carpathians. These areas were linked to the growing influence of the Tumulus culture.



"Mobility is more intense among adult males," the researchers noted, but the gap narrows in the Late Bronze Age. Female exogamy - marrying outside one's community - was rare and likely local.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-became-simpler-and-evenly-shared">Food became simpler and evenly shared</h2>



Nitrogen and carbon isotope values show a major dietary shift. In the Middle Bronze Age, people ate a wider range of foods. Diets varied by social class, especially for protein. Males had more access to meat.



In contrast, Late Bronze Age diets became less diverse and more equal. The reduction in nitrogen variability suggests fewer inequalities in protein access. This matched the social restructuring seen in settlement <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-nebra-sky-disc-reveals-crafting-secrets-of-the-bronze-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a>. 



Tell-settlements were abandoned. Communities became less hierarchical and more dispersed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-millet-farming-reshaped-bronze-age-diet">Millet farming reshaped Bronze Age diet</h2>



Carbon isotope data and dental calculus analysis both confirm it: broomcorn millet changed everything. Introduced around 1540–1480 BCE, this high-yield, fast-growing cereal became a key part of the diet.



Microscopic remains from dental plaque confirmed millet traces in 6 out of 11 Late Bronze Age individuals. By contrast, just 2 out of 14 Middle Bronze Age people had eaten millet. 



Millet consumption wasn't just a trend. It represented a shift in how people fed themselves and their communities.



“The strong investment in broomcorn millet as key-cereal is considered one of the earliest phases in Europe,” noted the researchers. This shift likely helped communities support population growth during unstable times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-millet-replaced-barley-in-bronze-age">Millet replaced barley in Bronze Age</h2>



Macro-archaeobotany confirmed these findings. Among 22 soil samples, wheat appeared in 60%, barley in less than 10%, and broomcorn millet was absent from Middle Bronze Age layers.



By the Late Bronze Age, millet showed up regularly in dental calculus. Millet's short growing season and high energy content made it ideal for mobile or resource-stressed communities.



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



Social structure mirrored diet. The Middle Bronze Age featured elite males with high meat access and fortified tell-settlements. After 1500 BCE, these settlements disappeared. 



Community life shifted to scattered villages. Burial customs became less ornate, and hierarchies dissolved.



“The abandonment of the fortified MBA tell settlement is followed by a new phase with less structured centers, less stable social hierarchies and the reduced inequalities that we could clearly observe, at least at the level of food consumption,” the researchers wrote.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-just-herders-after-all">Not just herders after all</h2>



These results directly challenge long-held <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/5000-year-old-fort-hidden-in-the-jungle-confirms-ancient-society-sophistication-lidar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beliefs</a>. The Tumulus culture has often been called a herding society. But this study shows less meat and more millet. 



People ate local cereals, not just livestock. Protein intake fell even as communities adopted new crops and settlement styles.



"The old topos of the ‘pastoralist Tumulus Grave Culture’… is contradicted," the researchers concluded in their paper. The people of Tiszafüred lived complex lives that blended old ways and new demands.



This study of a Bronze Age site is one of the most detailed of its kind. It reveals the deep ties between food, identity, and community. 



Through teeth and soil, we see how people responded to change - not with chaos, but adaptation. And in doing so, they rewrote the human story in the Carpathian Basin.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-01113-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Millet farming marked a turning point in life during the Bronze Age

The Bronze Age is no longer a mystery box of...

Flat,Lay,Composition,With,Tasty,Maple,Syrup,And,Dry,Leaves

Sweet treats come with strings attached. Added sugar pushes blood pressure higher, drives visceral fat, and nudges blood glucose past healthy limits. For most people, swapping table sugar for something less taxing could be a small shift with outsized benefits.



A new study suggests that the switch might already be sitting on the breakfast table. 



Researchers looked at what happens when adults trade two tablespoons of refined sugar for an equal amount of pure maple syrup, and the results point to improvements in several early warning signs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strawberries-promote-cardiometabolic-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiometabolic</a> trouble.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugar-has-invaded-our-lives">Sugar has invaded our lives</h2>



Americans swallow about 17 teaspoons of added sugar each day, roughly two to three times the <a href="https://www.heart.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Heart Association</a>’s recommended cap for men and women. 



Health guidelines urge keeping added sugars below ten percent of daily calories and, ideally, closer to six percent for better heart health.



Cutting back is easier when the replacement tastes familiar. Maple syrup fits the bill but offers more than sweetness. 



Scientists have cataloged more than 67 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-polyphenols-promote-heart-health-youthful-skin-and-a-healthy-waistline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polyphenols</a> in the amber liquid alongside minerals, vitamins, and amino acids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maple-syrup-vs-sugar-the-test">Maple syrup vs. sugar - the test</h2>



The latest work, led by Dr. André Marette at Laval University’s <a href="https://www.iucpq.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quebec Heart and Lung Institute</a> and Dr. Marie-Claude Vohl at the Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (<a href="https://www.inaf.ulaval.ca/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INAF</a>), enrolled 42 volunteers aged 18 to 75 with body mass index values between 23 and 40. 



Each person replaced five percent of daily calories - about two tablespoons - with either Canadian maple syrup or a flavored sucrose syrup for eight weeks. After a four-week washout, the groups switched syrups so every participant served as their own control.



“We know from decades of research that maple syrup is more than just sugar. It contains over 100 natural compounds, including polyphenols, that are known to prevent disease in part through their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-with-milk-has-powerful-anti-inflammatory-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-inflammatory effects</a>,” remarked Dr. Marette. 



Because the fundamental chemistry of maple syrup is unique, they wondered if ingesting maple syrup instead of an equivalent amount of refined sugar would differently impact cardiometabolic health and the intestinal microbiota in humans. 



According to Dr. Marette, "The results were extremely encouraging. I did not expect to see so many improvements of risk factors within a relatively short treatment period.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-shifts-in-key-markers">Surprising shifts in key markers</h2>



After eight weeks on maple syrup, participants handled an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meal-time-has-a-major-influence-on-our-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oral glucose</a> tolerance test far better than when they consumed the sucrose syrup, showing a change of -50.59 versus +29.93. 



Systolic blood pressure edged down by -2.72 millimeters of mercury, while it crept up +0.87 millimeters on the sucrose phase. 



Android fat mass - deep abdominal fat linked to heart disease - dropped -7.83 grams on maple syrup but rose +67.61 grams with refined sugar.



“Both individually and collectively, the study findings are quite significant. The combined decrease of such key risk factors may help to reduce the risk of diabetes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>," Dr. Marette enthused. 



"Making a commitment to lifestyle changes and small adjustments to our everyday diets is important and can be a powerful tool in preventing future diseases.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-maple-syrup-is-different">Why maple syrup is different</h2>



Blood tests were only half the story. Stool samples showed fewer Klebsiella species and Bacteroides pectinophilus - microbes tied to inflammation - after maple syrup consumption. 



At the same time, Lactocaseibacillus casei and Clostridium beijerinckii flourished. These shifts hint that maple’s natural compounds may influence metabolism partly through the gut.



Pure maple syrup brings trace nutrients along for the ride. 



Two tablespoons supply about 35 percent of a day’s manganese, 15 percent of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-carb-diets-have-more-nutritional-value-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">riboflavin</a>, eight percent of copper, and small but measurable amounts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amaranth-seeds-rich-in-calcium-and-iron-prevents-tumors-and-keeps-bones-strong/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calcium</a>, thiamin, and potassium, all while carrying roughly twelve percent fewer calories than light corn syrup. 



Refined sugar, in contrast, arrives stripped of such extras.



“With each new study, we learn more about the benefits that natural products from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-plant-species-show-great-promise-in-fight-against-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medicinal plants</a> and functional foods, like maple syrup, provide,” noted Dr. Navindra Seeram. 



“The promising results of this first human trial provide more reasons to educate consumers about maple syrup’s many health benefits. It is truly a ‘smarter sweetener’ and a healthier alternative to refined sugar.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-maple-syrup-data-is-needed">More maple syrup data is needed</h2>



The sample size was modest, and the trial lasted just eight weeks. Even so, the consistency across multiple risk factors stands out.



“While this study was limited to a relatively small sample size (42 men and women) and took place during a relatively short period, the results are still significant,” Dr. Marette remarked. 



“We now have human evidence to support replacing refined sugars with maple syrup, a natural sweetener, for preventing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/christensenella-minuta-gut-bacteria-linked-obesity-different-men-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolic diseases</a>."



The scientists' next goal is to conduct larger studies with other populations to explore how replacing refined sugars with maple syrup might impact their unique health conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-make-the-swap">How to make the swap</h2>



Swapping maple syrup for sugar in your diet is as simple as it sounds.



“Before the study, I would consume pure maple products regularly but not consistently," one study participant shared. 



"I have always enjoyed it. Today my routine is to replace refined sugars with two tablespoons of pure Canadian maple syrup daily."



Small swaps add up. Cutting just two tablespoons of refined sugar trims roughly 96 calories and more than 24 grams of straight sucrose.



By choosing pure maple syrup in place of refined sugar, you enact a modest dietary change backed by evidence of healthier glucose responses, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-foods-might-work-like-medicines-to-lower-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lower blood pressure</a>, diminished visceral fat, and a more favorable gut microbiome.



While larger studies will refine these insights, the present trial already encourages individuals, clinicians, and food producers to rethink sweetening habits and embrace this nutrient-rich natural syrup as a wiser everyday indulgence.



For anyone edging toward metabolic trouble, that simple switch may be one easy step toward better numbers at the next check-up.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://jn.nutrition.org/article/S0022-3166(24)00465-6/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Nutrition</a>.



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This sugar substitute has surprising health benefits, including weight management

Sweet treats come with strings attached. Added sugar pushes blood...

Orchids thrive in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, where lush forests, rolling peaks, and a climate that swings between calm mist and chilly gusts provide ideal conditions for growth.



It is in these elevated environments, spanning roughly 4,593 feet to 8,366 feet above sea level, that three new members of the <a href="https://www.aos.org/explore/pleurothallis">Pleurothallis</a> orchid genus have emerged.



Each of these species carries a distinctive way of reproducing without seeds, hinting that these mountains may still harbor more botanical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-orchids-evolved-to-reproduce-without-ever-opening-their-flowers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treasures</a>. Researchers identified them after conducting detailed fieldwork and lab studies to understand how these orchids adapt to cold, damp conditions.



The discovery was recently described by Dr. Armando P. Karremans and colleagues from the <a href="https://www.entercostarica.com/attractions/hidden-treasures/lankaster-botanical-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lankester Botanical Garden</a> at the University of Costa Rica, whose work emphasizes how local collaborations help uncover rich plant diversity in remote habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchids-clone-to-endure-cold">Orchids clone to endure cold</h2>



One feature that sets these species apart is prolification, a process in which miniature plantlets form directly on flowering stems. This approach allows an orchid to skip making seeds and instead focus on spreading small clones from the main <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adelopetalum-argyropus-new-orchid-species-discovered-resembles-small-cupcake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a>.



Scientists believe this reproduction trick could be especially handy in rugged cloud forests if pollinators are scarce. The ability to clone themselves may also ensure long-term survival for the orchids during times when mating partners are limited.



In general, orchids can propagate in many ways, but they rarely grow directly from flower stems. Researchers hypothesize that stress in chilly, moisture-laden habitats may help trigger this behavior. As a result, these species may rely on this method far more than orchids in less challenging settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchids-found-in-cloud-forests">Orchids found in cloud forests</h2>



Costa Rica features over 1,700 orchid species, and about one-third of those are exclusive to its borders. The Talamanca range, which stretches into western Panama, is viewed as a stronghold of high-altitude biodiversity. 



Botanists have only scratched the surface of its potential, with many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/despite-their-incredible-adaptability-orchids-are-disappearing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">specimens</a> waiting to be formally recognized.



Each of the three newcomers - Pleurothallis matrisilvae, Pleurothallis pridgeoniana, and Pleurothallis winkeliana - shows varied forms of <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/news/epiphytes-plants-such-moss-bromeliads-found-trees" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epiphyte growth</a>. These orchids can cling to mossy trunks, branches, or even grow on thick leaf litter. 



Researchers confirm that each orchid species also displays distinct habits of vegetative spread, enabling them to thrive in the cold, damp canopies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protected-forests-help-survival">Protected forests help survival</h2>



Much of Costa Rica’s highland forest is protected by <a href="https://www.sinac.go.cr/EN-US/asp/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SINAC</a>, the robust local network of parks and reserves. Within these areas, institutions like the Lankester Botanical Garden lead efforts to document and conserve fragile ecosystems.



The region’s protected status made it possible for experts to revisit remote sites, track orchid colonies, and set up small field labs. They collected data on plant health, habitat pressures, and pollinator activity, revealing ways in which these newly found orchids interact with the environment.



Stable conservation measures also motivate researchers to explore further. Besides the new orchids that clone themselves for survival, scientists may uncover helpful data for managing pests or monitoring changes in humidity and temperature. 



The findings contribute to fine-tuning forest management, benefiting other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-orchids-turn-parasitic-when-conditions-allow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fauna</a> and flora in the region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-orchids-show-how-species-evolve">Mountain orchids show how species evolve</h2>



Orchids in this genus share certain traits, yet each species offers clues to broader patterns of evolution in tropical mountains. As they root themselves on tree branches or decaying logs, they often form miniature communities with mosses, lichens, and small insects.



Scholars suggest that, over time, repeated isolation in each valley or ridge may spark subtle genetic shifts. When those shifts accumulate, new species emerge. Tracking these changes can reveal how tropical biodiversity is generated and maintained.



Some experts also point out that widespread distribution of orchids across Central and South America hints at older migratory pathways along the highlands. Studies of plant DNA are ongoing, aiming to illuminate the family tree of <a href="https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:325966-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pleurothallis</a> and its closest relatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-pride-and-ongoing-curiosity">Local pride and ongoing curiosity</h2>



Across Costa Rica, orchids hold both cultural and ecological importance. Many towns embrace them as emblems of natural beauty, spurring youth programs for conservation or horticulture.



In many cases, local communities help scientists spot uncommon plants on coffee farms or along distant hiking trails. This collaboration sometimes leads to on-site training, where residents learn to recognize orchid species and track changes year to year.



Enthusiasm for these floral gems extends to western Panama as well. Researchers find that sharing knowledge with cross-border partners speeds up everything from collecting samples to verifying lab results. Progress made on one side of the mountains can guide decisions on the other side.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchids-on-the-edge-of-change">Orchids on the edge of change</h2>



The road ahead involves sorting out how these orchids adapt and spread in a changing climate. Cold cloud forests around 4,593 feet may experience shifts in rainfall or average temperatures that could affect orchids, pollinators, and epiphyte growth.



For now, experts believe that the <a href="https://costa-rica-guide.com/travel/regions/cordillera-talamanca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Talamanca region</a> remains a haven where the three newly identified species can stay healthy. Yet monitoring changes is essential to anticipate any threats from habitat loss or shifting weather patterns.



Continued research may confirm the presence of additional undiscovered species in the area. As scientists refine their methods, more hidden orchids could make an appearance, adding to the appreciation of Central America’s intricate ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/140316/list/9/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PhytoKeys</a>.



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Rare orchids found to clone themselves for survival in the cold

Orchids thrive in the highlands of Costa Rica and western...

Even with all the training and computing power in the world, artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT still fall short in one surprising area: understanding a simple flower. A new study shows that AI can't grasp the idea of a flower the way a human can.



The study, led by researchers at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>, explains why. Most large language models (LLMs) that power AI are trained on language alone and sometimes images. That limits how they experience the world.



“A large language model can’t smell a rose, touch the petals of a daisy or walk through a field of wildflowers,” said Qihui Xu, the study’s lead author and postdoctoral researcher in psychology. 



“Without those sensory and motor experiences, it can’t truly represent what a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flower</a> is in all its richness. The same is true of some other human concepts.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-ai-capture-emotion">Can AI capture emotion?</h2>



The team compared how humans and LLMs represent the meaning of 4,442 words. These words covered a wide range, from objects like “flower” and “hoof” to ideas like “humorous” and “swing.”



The researchers tested two families of models - GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 from OpenAI, and PaLM and Gemini from Google. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-struggles-to-interpret-human-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humans and AIs</a> were compared on two main measures.



The first, called the Glasgow Norms, asked people to rate words based on nine qualities. These included how emotionally arousing a word is, how concrete it is, and how easy it is to imagine it. For example, how strongly does “flower” stir emotions? How clearly can you picture it?



The second measure, called the Lancaster Norms, focused on sensory and motor experiences. Participants rated how much each word involved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-brain-region-that-connects-all-the-senses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">senses</a> like touch, smell, and sight, and motor actions like moving the hands or torso.



The individuals were asked how much the senses of smell and touch were involved in experiencing a flower.



The researchers then compared how closely human ratings aligned with AI ratings. They checked if AIs and humans agreed on which words were more emotionally charged, more imageable, or more tied to senses and actions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-lacks-the-human-experience">AI lacks the human experience </h2>



The results were telling. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-ai-models-pose-an-existential-threat-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI models</a> did quite well on words that didn’t involve sensory or motor information. Abstract concepts were easier for them to grasp.



But for words rooted in the physical world - those involving sights, smells, touches, and movements - AI fell behind.



“From the intense aroma of a flower, the vivid silky touch when we caress petals, to the profound joy evoked, human representation of ‘flower’ binds these diverse experiences and interactions into a coherent category,” noted the researchers.



Language alone, the study found, isn’t enough. “Language by itself can’t fully recover conceptual representation in all its richness,” Xu said.



Even though AIs can come close to human-like understanding for some concepts, the way they learn is very different.



“They obtain what they know by consuming vast amounts of text - orders of magnitude larger than what a human is exposed to in their entire lifetimes - and still can’t quite capture some concepts the way humans do,” Xu said. “The human experience is far richer than words alone can hold.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-will-ai-catch-up">Will AI catch up?</h2>



There’s hope that AI will improve. The study found that LLMs trained with images along with text were better at grasping visual concepts than text-only models.



Xu said future models might get even closer to human understanding when they can interact more with the physical world. “When future LLMs are augmented with sensor data and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robosapiens-ai-project-making-industrial-robots-more-free-thinking-adaptable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robotics</a>, they may be able to actively make inferences about and act upon the physical world."



For now, though, a flower remains something uniquely human that AI does not experience. "If AI construes the world in a fundamentally different way from humans, it could affect how it interacts with us,” said Xu.



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



While machines are improving at handling language and images, they still lack something essential - the richness of real-world experience.



This deep connection to the senses shapes how people understand the world. It’s not just about describing things, but about living them. As the study shows, these experiences bind our concepts together in ways that text-based models cannot match.



Even as technology advances, these small but profound moments remind us of what it truly means to be human - and why the richness of lived experience remains beyond the reach of machines.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02203-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behaviour</a>.



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Why AI can't truly understand a flower

Even with all the training and computing power in the...

Modern science continues to expand our influence over nature. From growing lab-made meat to editing DNA, the line between natural and engineered is becoming thinner. One of the latest advancements pushes that line even further with a genetic switch that controls plant traits.



Researchers at Colorado State University have made a significant leap by developing a genetic tool that can control traits in fully grown plants. This marks the first successful use of a synthetic “toggle switch” in a complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-future-climate-conditions-will-transform-plant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> system.



The study showcases a way to switch specific plant genes on or off using an external signal. The implications are enormous. It hints at the possibility of growing plants that ripen on demand, endure climate extremes, or produce more nutritious crops.



Unlike earlier tools used only in single-celled organisms, this switch works in multicellular plants. This unlocks a realm of possibilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-gene-switch-for-plants">A gene switch for plants</h2>



Synthetic biology borrows ideas from electronics. Just like a circuit uses switches to control lights or computers, DNA circuits can control gene behavior. 



Scientists design synthetic DNA segments and insert them into organisms to behave like tiny logic circuits. These circuits can regulate how genes function, depending on the signals they receive.



This is exactly what the <a href="https://www.colostate.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a> team accomplished. Their tool acts like a switchboard. When triggered by a signal, it can turn certain genes on or off inside a living <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2025-our-power-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a>. 



Until now, genetic toggle switches had only worked in simple bacteria. Applying this approach to a plant, which is a much more complex and multicellular organism, had never been done.



This ambitious project was led by Professor June Medford from the Department of Biology and Professor Ashok Prasad from the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Their collaboration blends deep biological knowledge with precise engineering expertise.



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



Professor Medford believes the switch has strong potential in agriculture. If farmers could control when fruit ripens or when plants grow, food systems could become more efficient and less wasteful. She sees the tool as a platform to regulate many traits in plants.



“The multicellular nature of a plant - their roots, tissues, vegetative and reproductive organs - makes it a complex challenge that we are finally able to overcome,” she said. “This work is a promising initial step to programing plants to do all sorts of useful things that were not possible before.”



This complexity is what made the breakthrough so important. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-finally-learn-what-makes-plants-roots-grow-faster-and-stronger-autophagy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants</a> have layers of tissue, multiple types of cells, and interact with their environment constantly. Getting a synthetic switch to function properly across all parts of a mature plant required years of innovation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-and-testing-the-plant-switch">Building and testing the plant switch</h2>



To build the switch, the team began by synthesizing specific parts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2025-innovation-takes-the-lead-in-environmental-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> DNA. Then, using mathematical modeling, they tested combinations of genes in silico, on the computer. 



This modeling allowed the researchers to simulate how different genetic switches might behave before conducting live experiments. After refining the best candidates, they inserted the selected sequences into real plants.



For 12 days, the experts observed how the genes responded to external cues. The results were promising. Genes activated or deactivated just as the models had predicted. This helped prove that complex plant systems could be engineered in a programmable, predictable way.



Professor Medford explained the importance of combining biology with computation. “As biologists, we understand biology really well, and we partner with folks like professor Prasad and his team who are experts at developing the algorithms - this allows us to find the key signals amid the noise."



“This project is a true marriage between quantitative research and mathematical modeling to predictably engineer a plant’s abilities for any number of needs. Our work also opens the possibility that in the future, genetic circuitry design like this could be automated through machine learning speeding the process.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-switching-functions-across-the-entire-plant">Switching functions across the entire plant</h2>



The most impressive part of the study was the tool’s reach. It did not just work in one part of the plant. The researchers showed that it could regulate shoots, roots, and cells at various stages of development. This kind of system-wide control is essential if the technology is to be used outside the lab.



Such flexibility means that this switch could help manage plant growth, resistance to stress, or even how plants use water. It is a major step forward for programmable biology.



The collaboration between Medford’s biology team and Prasad’s modeling group proved essential. Engineering plant responses is not easy, but it becomes manageable when guided by data and prediction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-plant-switch-can-help-crops-survive">The plant switch can help crops survive</h2>



According to Professor Prasad, the new tool has potential far beyond basic experiments. If developed further, it could help plants grow better under changing climate conditions or produce more reliable yields in challenging environments.



“In the face of unpredictable and unseasonable climates farmers could control the state of their crops by turning ‘on’ a switch that promotes drought tolerance. Or one that helps plants like pumpkins grow earlier in the season and then retain size and nutrition,” Prasad said. 



“The applications for this breakthrough are nearly endless for humanity and the environment.”



This kind of control could support food security and sustainability. If plants can be tailored in real time, farms could adapt faster to droughts, heatwaves, or pests. 



The possibilities also stretch beyond food. Custom-designed plants could help in medicine, materials science, or even space farming.



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



The CSU team’s work is a foundation. It is still early, but their success proves that programming a plant’s internal machinery is now possible. More research will improve the toggle’s reliability, response time, and adaptability across species.



This tool does not replace traditional breeding or genetic editing. It adds a new layer. A layer where genetic traits are no longer fixed but can be activated as needed.



From modeling DNA on computers to watching real plants change in real time with a genetic switch, this research represents a major milestone in synthetic biology. It opens a door to living plant systems that think, respond, and adapt, all on command.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acssynbio.4c00777" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Synthetic Biology</a>.



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New 'toggle switch' lets plants ripen on command

Modern science continues to expand our influence over nature. From...

Adding a cup of beans to your daily meals might do more than fill you up - it could also support your heart and metabolic health. New research shows that eating beans every day is a simple and affordable habit with big potential health benefits.



The study was led by scientists from the <a href="https://www.iit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Illinois Institute of Technology</a>, who set out to explore how two common beans could affect people with prediabetes. Their findings offer some food for thought when it comes to preventing chronic diseases.



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



“Individuals with prediabetes often exhibit impaired lipid metabolism and chronic low-grade inflammation," said Morganne Smith, a doctoral candidate at the Illinois Institute of Technology. 



"Both of which can contribute to the development of conditions like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweetener-erythritol-sugar-substitute-linked-to-blood-clots-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intermittent-fasting-can-reverse-type-2-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type 2 diabetes</a>.”



The study showed that eating beans reduced cholesterol and inflammation in prediabetics, but didn’t affect glucose levels.



The research was presented at <a href="https://nutrition.org/nutrition-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NUTRITION 2025</a>, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. 



The work is part of a larger project by Indika Edirisinghe, PhD, and Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, also from Illinois Institute of Technology.



While beans like chickpeas and black beans are popular ingredients in many dishes, they often receive little attention in studies looking at heart disease and diabetes risk. This new study puts the spotlight back on them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-chickpeas-and-black-beans">Understanding chickpeas and black beans</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whats-the-best-protein-for-muscle-gain-it-might-not-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chickpeas</a>, also known as garbanzo beans, have a mild, nutty flavor and a firm texture, making them ideal for everything from hummus and stews to salads and roasted snacks. 



Rich in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hemp-seeds-could-be-a-game-changer-as-an-alternative-protein-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based protein</a>, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium, chickpeas support digestive health, promote satiety, and help regulate blood sugar. 



Their high folate content also makes them particularly valuable in supporting prenatal health and cell repair.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discover-the-six-foods-that-rejuvenate-your-body-inside-and-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black beans</a>, on the other hand, bring a denser, creamier texture and an earthy flavor that pairs well with Latin American, Caribbean, and Southwestern cuisines. 



Like chickpeas, they provide a solid source of protein and fiber, but they also deliver a powerful dose of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins - the same compounds found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/15-benefits-of-eating-blueberries-the-superfood-that-greatly-improves-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blueberries</a>. 



These antioxidants help combat inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Black beans also contain resistant starch, which nourishes gut bacteria and may improve insulin sensitivity.



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



To make sure the results reflected real-world conditions, researchers asked 72 participants with prediabetes to maintain their usual lifestyle. 



They were randomly assigned to eat one cup of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discover-the-six-foods-that-rejuvenate-your-body-inside-and-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black beans</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whats-the-best-protein-for-muscle-gain-it-might-not-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chickpeas</a>, or rice (used as a control) every day for 12 weeks.



Blood samples were collected at the start, six weeks in, and again at 12 weeks. The team measured cholesterol levels, markers of inflammation, and blood sugar. They also performed glucose tolerance tests at the beginning and end.



The results were significant. For those eating chickpeas, total cholesterol dropped from an average of 200.4 milligrams per deciliter to 185.8 milligrams per deciliter by the end of the 12 weeks.



Meanwhile, those eating black beans saw a significant decrease in a marker of inflammation known as interleukin-6 - from 2.57 picograms per milliliter to 1.88 picograms per milliliter. However, there were no significant changes in blood sugar levels for any group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-beans-better-health">More beans, better health</h2>



“Our study showed the benefits of consuming beans in adults with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cinnamon-helps-control-blood-sugar-in-prediabetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prediabetes</a>, but they are a great option for everyone,” said Smith. 



“These findings could be used to inform dietary guidelines, clinicians, or public health programs focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-diet-may-save-your-life-six-key-foods-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preventing heart disease</a> and diabetes.”



The good news is that adding more beans to your diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose canned, dried, or frozen beans, they are all good options. The researchers recommend checking labels for added salt or sugar.



“There are a lot of ways to incorporate beans into your regular diet as a cost-effective way to support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases,” said Smith. 



“You can blend them to add some thickness to a soup base, add them as a salad topping, or pair them with other grains like rice or quinoa.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measurable-benefits-add-up">Measurable benefits add up</h2>



Beyond supporting heart and metabolic health, beans are packed with essential nutrients that benefit the body in many ways. 



They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a smart choice for those aiming to reduce their meat intake without sacrificing essential nutrients.



Beans are also rich in fiber, which supports digestion and can keep you feeling full longer - a plus for weight management.



In addition, beans provide key vitamins and minerals like iron, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magnesium-threonate-is-best-supplement-for-improving-brain-health-says-neurologist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnesium</a>, potassium, and folate. These nutrients play vital roles in energy production, muscle function, and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. 



With a low glycemic index, beans can also help manage blood sugar levels over time.



This study is just the beginning. The researchers plan to continue looking at how eating beans affects gut health. They hope to learn more about the connection between gut bacteria and metabolic health.



For now, the takeaway is simple: beans are an affordable, and nutrient-dense food that can be a valuable part of any balanced diet. Just a cup of beans a day could be a small but mighty step toward better health.



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Eating a small amount of these types of beans greatly boosts heart health and metabolism

Adding a cup of beans to your daily meals might...

Underwater,Photo,Nudibranches,On,The,Sand,Sea,Life

Most of Earth’s surface lies hidden beneath miles of saltwater on the deep ocean floor. Almost every breath we take and every weather pattern we watch on the evening news depends on what happens there, yet humans have seen very little of it. 



The deep sea - water deeper than about 656 feet - covers two-thirds of our planet, but we’ve seen little of it with our own eyes. 



An ambitious new analysis shows how little: less than 0.001 percent of the deep seafloor has ever been photographed.



That fraction is smaller than a single blade of grass on a football field, and it leaves scientists making big decisions from a sliver of evidence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-deep-ocean-is-unexplored">Earth's deep ocean is unexplored</h2>



Dr. Katy Croff Bell of the <a href="https://www.oceandiscoveryleague.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Discovery League</a> led the team that pored over records from roughly 44,000 dives going back to 1958. 



She and her colleagues found that, if every picture ever taken of the deep seafloor were stitched together, the patchwork would cover an area about the size of Rhode Island. It is also only one-tenth the size of Belgium, a country many travelers cross by train before lunch.



“As we face accelerated threats to the deep ocean - from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-mitigate-climate-change-with-deep-ocean-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-mining-impacts-marine-life-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential mining</a> and resource exploitation - this limited exploration of such a vast region becomes a critical problem for both science and policy,” she says.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploration-record-thinner-than-hair">Exploration record thinner than hair</h2>



The tally of dives might sound impressive until you consider scale. The study looked at 66 percent of Earth’s surface and found that almost 30 percent of all visual observations were captured before 1980, often with grainy black-and-white film. 



Nearly two-thirds of the images were taken within 230 miles of the United States, Japan, or New Zealand. Five well-funded nations - the United States, Japan, New Zealand, France, and Germany - conducted 97 percent of documented deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcano-becomes-a-natural-incubator-for-thousands-of-live-skate-eggs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">submersible missions</a>.



“If the scientific community were to make all assumptions about terrestrial ecosystems from observations of only 0.001 percent of that total area,” the authors explain, “they would be basing their assessments of all land-based life on Earth on an area roughly the size of Houston, Texas.” The mismatch is staggering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-ocean-and-daily-life-on-earth">Deep ocean and daily life on Earth</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-satellite-is-rewriting-what-we-know-about-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deep-sea currents</a> shuttle heat around the globe, shaping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-accelerate-jet-stream-winds-and-airplane-turbulence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jet stream</a> and steering hurricanes. 



Microbes living in darkness help produce much of the planet’s oxygen and store vast amounts of carbon in ocean sediments. 



Medicines drawn from deep-sea sponges and corals already fight cancer, infection, and pain. 



When warm surface conditions change, the deep absorbs or releases heat, moderating the climate we feel at street level. 



Yet policies on seabed mining, carbon storage, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-marine-protected-areas-boost-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine conservation</a> often proceed with almost no direct visual evidence of what is at stake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-technology-bottleneck">The technology bottleneck</h2>



Cost sits at the heart of the problem. A single day at sea on a modern research vessel can cost more than $50,000, and deploying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-baby-colossal-squid-captured-on-video-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)</a> or crewed submersibles adds many thousands more. 



Hardware built to survive pressures that would crush a car must be rugged and thoroughly tested, which inflates budgets. Not surprisingly, most countries choose to spend limited research funds closer to shore.



A new generation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exo-auvs-searching-for-life-on-alien-ocean-worlds-will-involve-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)</a>, however, is changing the calculus. Backpack-size AUVs now map seabeds, hover over vents, and capture high-definition video for a fraction of the cost of legacy systems. 



Open-source control software and modular sensor bays make these robots easier to maintain far from large laboratories. 



Once such tools move into wider circulation, regions long ignored by oceanographers could come into view.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uneven-map-carved-by-wealth">Uneven map carved by wealth</h2>



History shows how priorities follow money. During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union probed submarine canyons in part to understand undersea warfare. 



Japan’s focus on nearby trenches and volcanic arcs reflects earthquake research. Europe’s dive records cluster along commercial telecommunication cable routes and proposed mining sites. 



All of this skews scientific ideas about what “typical” deep-sea life looks like. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-pigs-unicumbers-strange-stunning-creatures-discovered-abyssal-plains-ccz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abyssal plains</a> - those seemingly flat regions more than 13,000 feet down - cover nearly half of the deep ocean yet remain among the least photographed places on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-closing-the-gap-with-new-tools">Closing the gap with new tools</h2>



“There is so much of our ocean that remains a mystery. Deep-sea exploration led by scientists and local communities is crucial to better understanding the planet’s largest ecosystem," says Dr. Ian Miller of the <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Geographic Society</a>, which helped fund the work. 



"Dr. Bell’s goals to equip global coastal communities with cutting-edge research and technology will ensure a more representative analysis of the deep sea. If we have a better understanding of our ocean, we are better able to conserve and protect it.”



Community-based programs already train researchers from small island nations to operate compact ROVs launched from fishing boats. 



Low-cost cameras pressure-rated to 20,000 feet can be paired with baited frames to document undiscovered species. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-ocean-currents-play-a-huge-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artificial intelligence</a> now sifts thousands of images overnight, flagging potential new organisms for human review.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-earth-s-deep-ocean-floors">Future of Earth's deep ocean floors</h2>



Policymakers face a pivotal choice. They can green-light deep-sea mining concessions and expand distant-water fishing with scant imagery to guide them, or they can invest in the tools that pull back the curtain on the largest habitat on Earth. 



Every pixel gathered from the abyss fills a yawning gap in our knowledge and, perhaps, in our stewardship. 



The deep ocean’s story is still mostly unwritten. With shared technology and broader participation, the next chapter could finally show the full picture rather than a sliver of evidence.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adp8602" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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99.999% of Earth's deep ocean floor has still never been seen by humans

Most of Earth’s surface lies hidden beneath miles of saltwater...

Concept,Nature,Reserve,Conserve,Wildlife,Reserve,Tiger,Deer,Global,Warming

Stand on any hillside on Earth and the view jumps from desert to forest to coast, with each bioregion hosting its own cast of creatures. For decades, naturalists asked why a South American rainforest hosts parrots and jaguars while an African one shelters hornbills and leopards. 



The explanation, many suspected, lies in the deep history of place, not just in climate or chance.



Fresh analysis of records for more than 30,000 species now points to a single thread that stitches those patches together. 



The work hints at clearer forecasts of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-ecosystems-constantly-share-energy-to-achieve-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems will react</a> as the planet warms, dries, and becomes more crowded, and it offers practical clues for anyone trying to keep biodiversity intact.



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



The project came from Rubén Bernardo-Madrid of <a href="https://www.umu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå University</a>, Joaquín Calatayud of <a href="https://en.urjc.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rey Juan Carlos University</a>, and partners in Sweden, Spain, and the United Kingdom. 



They sliced the globe into the well-known biogeographical regions and traced amphibians, birds, dragonflies, mammals, marine rays, reptiles, and trees across them. 



Order appeared where chaos was expected. In every territory, the team found a robust center that shelters the majority of resident species. 



“In every bioregion, there is always a core area where most species live. From that core, species expand into surrounding areas, but only a subset manages to persist," Bernardo-Madrid explains.



"It seems these cores provide optimal conditions for species survival and diversification, acting as a source from which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-leaks-conservation-efforts-may-shift-harm-elsewhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity radiates outward</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seven-zones-per-bioregion">Seven zones per bioregion</h2>



The team then mapped seven nested zones inside each bioregion, each with its own mix of widespread residents and highly local specialists. The central belt holds many species; the outer belts hold fewer but often unique ones.



The rule stayed intact whether the subject crawled, flew, swam, or rooted. Trees and marine rays may live worlds apart, yet their distributions echoed the same lattice from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gold-mining-causes-long-lasting-damage-in-the-amazon-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon Basin</a> to Hudson Bay.



Each bioregion is bounded by barriers that discourage wanderers - an ocean trench, a desert interior, a frosty ridge. Over thousands of generations, those barriers steer evolution down separate paths. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marsupials-are-key-to-healthy-ecosystems-in-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marsupials flourish in Australia</a> because the surrounding sea keeps placental mammals at bay. Likewise, venomous vipers fill Central America but fade near the Andean wall.



Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace drew the first <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-wallace-line-a-natural-border-that-no-species-crosses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broad outlines of these divisions</a> in the 1800s, yet their maps were blunt instruments. 



Modern databases, satellite imagery, and museum collections now let researchers slice the globe with much finer resolution, revealing hidden borders such as Wallace’s Line between Borneo and Sulawesi, where Asian and Australasian fauna still collide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-bioregion-cores-stay-rich">How bioregion cores stay rich</h2>



Central zones usually enjoy milder temperatures, steadier rains, and larger habitat blocks - conditions that cushion populations against droughts, fires, or disease. Over time, those safe harbors spark new species, so the core doubles as nursery and archive.



Farther out, tougher climates and sharper competition thin the roster. The survivors often evolve in isolation, explaining why a corner of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mouse-lemurs-of-madagascar-are-threatened-with-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madagascar</a> or a Panamanian ridge can host creatures found nowhere else.



Environmental filtering, long a core idea in ecology, emerged as the engine behind the seven-zone scheme. 



If an organism cannot cope with a site’s heat, salt, or altitude, it fails to gain a foothold. Global evidence for that rule had been patchy until now.



Calatayud notes, “The predictability of the pattern and its association with environmental filters can help us better understand how biodiversity may respond to global change.” 



In practice, that insight lets conservation planners model vulnerability without guessing region by region.



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



Budgets for conservation are finite, and field crews often face tough choices on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beehive-fences-keep-elephants-from-raiding-farms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">where to place fences</a> or patrols. Knowing that a region’s biological bank lies in its core offers a clear target. 



Guarding that nucleus secures most species, while a few carefully placed reserves at the fringes hold the irreplaceable endemics that give every landscape its distinct feel.



The Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution paper highlights how a rainforest refuge the size of a county, or a string of barrier islands, can buoy entire landscapes. Protect those pockets from mining or ill-planned sprawl, and the wider biome stands a better chance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-bioregions-and-the-future">Humans, bioregions, and the future</h2>



The new rule surfaces as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-humans-are-warming-the-planet-faster-than-ever-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans alter habitats</a> faster than many species can adjust, while warming nudges climatic bands roughly 12 miles north each decade. 



With a consistent framework, researchers can forecast which cores may shrink or shift and where fresh refuges might form. 



Some centers may have to leap uphill or poleward to survive, dragging dependent species along a gauntlet of highways, farms, and cities.



More data will sharpen those forecasts, yet the message is already clear. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biodiversity is not random</a>; it follows a sturdy, planet-wide logic. 



By working with that logic, communities can steer scarce resources toward the spots that quietly keep life thriving - and in turn secure our own future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02724-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Scientists discover one simple rule that explains all life on Earth

Stand on any hillside on Earth and the view jumps...

Plant DNA has become a frontier for artificial intelligence, with large language models turning genetic sequences into interpretable content for researchers. These tools treat bases like words, revealing hidden patterns that once eluded traditional methods.



A study published by Dr. Meiling Zou from <a href="https://en.hainanu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hainan University</a> describes how language-based models interpret extensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-dna-repair-prevents-harmful-genetic-intrusion-in-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> genomes with remarkable precision. 



The team analyzed annotated data to show that these approaches can uncover functions and regulatory elements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-plant-dna-like-a-language">Deciphering plant DNA like a language</h2>



“By leveraging the structural parallels between genomic sequences and natural language, these AI-driven models can decode complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-fixes-may-save-crops-from-climate-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic</a> information, offering unprecedented insights into plant biology,” stated Dr. Zou. 



Experts see parallels between DNA and written language that guide better interpretation of complex sequences. 



<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167779921001979" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> of crops and their wild relatives illustrate that these models handle massive datasets faster than old-style algorithms.



They also need fewer manual labels, allowing scientists to study non-model plants with fewer resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-dna-is-hard-to-read">Plant DNA is hard to read</h2>



Plants often carry repeated segments and large amounts of non-coding DNA. This complexity means tools must handle billions of bases without ignoring long-distance interactions that can influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-use-dna-duplication-to-increase-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traits</a>.



Older methods relied on narrow slices of data, which could miss important signals. Language-based models link far-flung areas of the genome, revealing how certain genes combine to shape adaptation and growth.



Researchers now look at tropical species that thrive in hot and humid zones. These plants may have genes that bolster stress tolerance, so analyzing their DNA could spark agricultural strategies worldwide.



“This advancement holds promise for accelerating crop improvement, enhancing biodiversity conservation, and bolstering food security in the face of global challenges,” said Dr. Zou. 



Researchers now see potential in harnessing those genes for better yields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-and-real-world-plant-breeding">AI and real-world plant breeding</h2>



Several large language models first gained traction in human and animal genetics, but the door is now open for plant-based adaptations. By<a href="https://papers.nips.cc/paper_files/paper/2017/file/3f5ee243547dee91fbd053c1c4a845aa-Paper.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> pre-training</a> on broad genomic datasets, these systems are flexible enough to manage crop-specific tasks.



They can predict promoter strength and identify regulatory elements tied to critical traits. Scientists believe such approaches will cut costs and time when breeding cultivars for disease resistance.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/plant-dna-decoded_ai-ml-model_graphic_credit-Hainan-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/plant-dna-decoded_ai-ml-model_graphic_credit-Hainan-University_1s.webp" alt="Similarity between genome sequence and language sequence. The genome size data is derived from the NCBI genome database. Credit: Hainan University" class="wp-image-1972576"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Similarity between genome sequence and language sequence. The genome size data is derived from the NCBI genome database. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Hainan University</figcaption></figure>



Plant genomics is often paired with <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8473418/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proteomics</a>, <a href="https://www.phgfoundation.org/publications/explainers/what-is-transcriptomics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transcriptomics</a>, and other data streams. Language models integrate these diverse inputs, spotting relationships that older methods might overlook.



Improving gene annotations and cleaning up reference assemblies will keep boosting predictive accuracy. Shared protocols help unify datasets, laying a foundation for multi-omics analysis at scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-access-through-open-databases">Expanding access through open databases</h2>



The growing availability of open-access plant genome databases is helping researchers train models on a wider range of species. 



Resources like <a href="https://phytozome-next.jgi.doe.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phytozome</a>, <a href="https://www.gramene.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gramene</a>, and <a href="https://www.arabidopsis.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TAIR</a> include genomic data from hundreds of plants, including algae, rice, cotton, and Arabidopsis.



These platforms offer a mix of sequence data and phenotype records, giving language models more context to work with. Combined with transfer learning, this allows models to adapt quickly, even when labeled examples are scarce.



Non-model plants, like cassava or passion fruit, often lack extensive labeled genomic data. However, large language models trained on related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-technology-will-accelerate-the-pace-of-plant-species-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> can still provide accurate predictions through transfer learning.



By adapting to genomic patterns shared across families, these models help uncover traits tied to drought tolerance, flowering time, or pest resistance. This makes them a strong fit for understudied crops important to tropical agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-sequences-in-focus">Longer sequences in focus</h2>



The short context limits of many architectures can hinder detection of distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-dna-repair-prevents-harmful-genetic-intrusion-in-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regulatory elements</a> in plant DNA. Since crucial markers might lie tens of thousands of bases apart, new solutions are emerging.



Some frameworks extend input lengths while preserving single-base resolution. That <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-sophisticated-strategies-to-balance-defense-and-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">balance is key</a> for catching hidden interactions that shape plant traits over vast genomic regions.



Complexities remain, but each step refines our ability to map genetic functions. By embracing open-source plant databases and multi-omics data, developers can train better models on underrepresented species.



Many scientists now push for more transparent benchmarks and shared test sets. They also encourage more cross-talk between AI experts and botanists to speed improvements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-dna-data-could-feed-the-world">Plant DNA data could feed the world</h2>



Applications go beyond breeding. Conservationists see value in predicting gene flow or identifying critical variations that keep rare species viable.



Such insights guide protective measures and might even uncover new resources in plants once dismissed as minor. Insights from language models help reveal structural secrets that shape <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-fern-contains-50-times-more-dna-than-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unique adaptations</a>.



Researchers anticipate using these models in real-world trials, from disease monitoring to efficient gene-editing. With minimal labeled data, labs can quickly adapt pre-trained models to different crops.



These feats hint at a future where AI tools clarify the hidden instructions within plant genomes. That clarity might address emerging demands for global sustainability, resource security, and agricultural productivity.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/tp-0025-0008" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tropical Plants</a>.



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AI deciphers plant DNA - a breakthrough that will transform agriculture

Plant DNA has become a frontier for artificial intelligence, with...

Fenugreek, known scientifically as Trigonella foenum-graecum, has long been valued for its dense nutritional content. 



It contains a notable amount of protein, fiber, and magnesium that can help meet daily needs without complicated meal planning. Many traditions have used these seeds for their subtle taste and nourishing properties.



<a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8976-5004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muhammad H. Alu’datt</a>, lead author of a recent study on fenugreek and its impact on human health, noted that fenugreek offers a unique combination of macronutrients and minerals that support daily health. 



The researchers highlighted that the seeds are especially rich in protein, magnesium, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-chia-seed-packs-a-powerful-nutrient-punch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soluble fiber</a>, which can aid in muscle maintenance, blood sugar control, and digestion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-uses-of-fenugreek-seeds">Early uses of fenugreek seeds</h2>



Fenugreek’s history crosses <a href="https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/trigonella-foenum-graecum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiple cultures</a>. Some groups enjoy it as a cooking spice, while others appreciate its practical uses in daily life. 



Today, its popularity is growing because newer <a href="https://www.foodandnutritionjournal.org/volume12number1/glycemic-index-lowering-effects-of-defatted-fenugreek-seed-flakes-fenuflakestm-on-some-indian-food-preparations-a-randomized-controlled-clinical-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> suggest these seeds might promote healthy muscle upkeep. One reason is the protein content, which helps maintain tissues vital for movement or exercise recovery.



A steady <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnesium</a> intake is just as important for anyone trying to stay active. Fenugreek seeds offer this mineral in amounts that make it easier to reach the recommended daily target. 



Researchers have associated magnesium with basic metabolic reactions and muscle relaxation. This connection means that those who include fenugreek in their diets might notice fewer nagging muscle strains during busy weeks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fenugreek-packs-a-nutritional-punch">Fenugreek packs a nutritional punch </h2>



Fenugreek has more than protein and magnesium. The first mention of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/galactomannan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactomannan</a> in fenugreek highlights the presence of a type of soluble fiber. 



This component seems to support a balanced digestive system by regulating intestinal movement.



Experts say the seeds also provide additional minerals, like iron and potassium, though <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magnesium-threonate-is-best-supplement-for-improving-brain-health-says-neurologist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnesium</a> often takes the spotlight for its role in muscle control.



Some find fenugreek seeds a bit chewy and slightly aromatic, especially when lightly crushed. Toasting them in a dry pan helps soften their sharper notes. 



People who prefer milder textures can soak them overnight and blend them into dips for an easy way to boost daily protein.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-muscle-support-and-normal-digestion">Muscle support and normal digestion</h2>



A balanced diet with plenty of protein often supports muscle tissue. Fenugreek participates as an excellent plant-based source that contains amino acids, which may aid in muscle repair. 



Those dealing with a hectic schedule can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hemp-seeds-could-be-a-game-changer-as-an-alternative-protein-source/">toss </a>these seeds into rice dishes or soups. Substituting other condiments with crushed fenugreek seeds may enhance taste and add a nutrient advantage.



Fiber in fenugreek seeds also promotes satiety, which can help manage portion sizes. Combined with water, certain components in these seeds expand and encourage a feeling of comfortable fullness. 



A calmer digestive experience often follows, because fiber is <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2022.906690/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">linked</a> to a steady glycemic response as well.



The result is more stable energy, which comes in handy for maintaining an active routine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everyday-pointers-for-using-fenugreek">Everyday pointers for using fenugreek</h2>



Ground fenugreek powder goes well with marinades or rubs on lean meat. It can also flavor vegetarian stews, giving them a subtle, savory edge. 



Some prefer a cooled fenugreek “<a href="https://fullleafteacompany.com/pages/what-is-fenugreek-tea-history-benefits-more?srsltid=AfmBOopmdXsVkS1d6fw4b7tTWDF-z15ud4uWYDuOdHXPFxNPH_ZWKWgt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tea</a>,” steeped briefly to highlight its mild, nutty essence. Others go for fenugreek sprouts in salads or sandwiches, which add an extra crunch packed with vitamins.



Alu’datt and colleagues emphasized that moderate daily intake of fenugreek can contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/klotho-s-kl-protein-discovered-boosts-lifespan-muscle-brain-power-with-one-dose/">muscle</a> support and digestion. 



They recommended consistent use in small amounts, but cautioned that guidance from a health professional is essential before introducing new ingredients into a regular diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nursing-mothers-and-fenugreek-seeds">Nursing mothers and fenugreek seeds</h2>



Fenugreek may also help women during breastfeeding. In a clinical trial with 78 nursing mothers, those who consumed fenugreek seed tea reported increased milk supply. 



Babies in that group showed improved growth in weight, length, and head circumference compared to those in the control group.



This seed may also play a role in blood sugar balance. Another recent <a href="https://www.foodandnutritionjournal.org/volume12number1/glycemic-index-lowering-effects-of-defatted-fenugreek-seed-flakes-fenuflakestm-on-some-indian-food-preparations-a-randomized-controlled-clinical-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> involving 62 people with type 2 diabetes showed that taking fenugreek powder twice daily for two months led to reduced blood glucose and body mass index. 



Researchers believe this effect comes from the seed’s high <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002136.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soluble fiber</a>, which can slow sugar absorption and blunt post-meal spikes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improves-well-being">Improves well-being</h2>



Frequent bloating or other digestive troubles motivate many individuals to look for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-foods-promote-weight-loss-regardless-of-processing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant foods</a> that are less burdensome. Fenugreek’s soluble fiber might soothe common issues. 



It can support the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/87559120600586315" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiota</a> that line the gut, which may encourage both nutrient absorption and comfort after meals.



Many simply appreciate how fenugreek offers variety in the kitchen. Livening up everyday staples with an extra layer of flavor encourages healthy eating. 



The seeds might also suit those exploring legume-based diets, since fenugreek belongs to the same family as lentils and beans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensible-measures-and-professional-advice">Sensible measures and professional advice</h2>



Healthy adults often do well with moderate amounts of fenugreek, but cautious steps are wise for some. If individuals have special conditions, it’s good to speak with a dietitian or physician before altering meals. 



Most find no problems when integrating fenugreek into a varied diet. A steady intake of these seeds can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/archaeologists-find-hallucinogenic-seeds-in-ancient-bones-black-henbane/">complement</a> a plan that includes quality proteins, vegetables, and fruits.



Athletes and those who train regularly sometimes find fenugreek beneficial due to its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-high-protein-fruit-prunes-strengthens-muscles-and-bones-in-people-over-45/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high protein</a> content. It’s considered a simple way to refuel muscles without an abrupt shift in meal routines. 



Adding water-rich vegetables with fenugreek seeds can also enhance hydration, which is valuable during intense exercise.



The study is published in the <a href="https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1750-3841.16970" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Food Science</a>.



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This seed is rich in protein, magnesium, and helps grow muscle mass

Fenugreek, known scientifically as Trigonella foenum-graecum, has long been valued...

Over the past few decades, a section of the Amazon rainforest has experienced conditions far drier than usual. Scientists launched a project to understand how reduced rainfall might change this green stronghold.



Lucy Rowland, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, is part of the team that has monitored this forest region for more than 20 years. The efforts are closely tied to an international collaboration aimed at <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02702-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">documenting</a> the rainforest’s response to stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-amazon-stores-carbon">How the Amazon stores carbon </h2>



Much of the Amazon serves as a critical buffer against rising <a href="https://www.climate.gov/ghg/what-are-greenhouse-gases-and-why-do-they-matter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a>. This status is due to the enormous amount of carbon dioxide the rainforest can hold, as supported by prior <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1164033" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> on tree mortality patterns. 



The forests soak up carbon and help regulate global temperatures. For years, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traditional-forest-farming-is-an-overlooked-climate-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> researchers have wondered what prolonged dryness might mean for this natural reservoir. 



In previous studies, experts at NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-led-project-tracking-changes-to-water-ecosystems-land-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> used satellites to track vegetation and water content. Together, the data provides a clearer picture of the interplay between ground-level forest conditions and broader atmospheric cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drought-changed-the-forest-canopy">Drought changed the forest canopy</h2>



The <a href="https://www.esecaflor.ufpa.br/index_eng.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Esecaflor project</a>, located in the Caxiuana National Forest, set out to examine how lower soil moisture affects tree growth and overall forest vitality. 



To make sense of long-term trends, instruments were placed on living trunks, in the soil, and on tall metal towers overlooking the canopy. Regular measurements helped gauge tree health by tracking sap flow, leaf water status, and other key markers.



“We saw a really big decline in biomass, big losses and mortality of the largest trees,” said Professor Rowland.



Early observations showed that mature <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protecting-forests-helps-birds-and-humans-in-many-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> could keep growing, but many eventually showed signs of water stress. Their absence made light and heat more noticeable in spots that had once been shaded by leafy crowns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-amazon-balanced-its-carbon-role">How the Amazon balanced its carbon role</h2>



Over time, the thinning canopy led to new conditions for surviving vegetation. Younger stands, with different rooting strategies, began to flourish. 



The researchers discovered that when big, older trunks no longer competed for water, the rest of the forest slowly reached a new balance.



To interpret these patterns, investigators gathered data on how much water remained in the top layers of soil. Seasonal rainfall could not keep moisture levels high enough for every plant, but it proved sufficient for those that adapted to drier conditions. 



Eventually, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-carbon-credits-are-failing-so-what-needs-to-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> patch held a steady balance instead of losing more vegetation - indicating a move toward stability.



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



“The forest has already adapted. Now we want to understand what happens next,” said meteorologist João de Athaydes, study co-author and professor at the <a href="https://ufpa.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal University of Para</a>. 



“The idea is to see whether the forest can regenerate and return to the baseline from when we started the project.”



Many plastic covers were pulled from the ground to see how the site responds when rain returns to typical levels.



Teams are watching the root growth beneath the soil, the air’s temperature, and the steady change in soil moisture. Researchers hope to learn if the forest can regain enough dense foliage to restart substantial carbon uptake. 



An even bigger question is whether the site might reach a state similar to its early days before rainfall was reduced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-amazon-carbon-loss-matters">Why Amazon carbon loss matters</h2>



Environmental scientists worry about widespread drought events in the Amazon. Extended dryness, triggered by El Niño patterns, has been documented over many years. 



The implications include stress on wildlife, changes in local climates, and potential spikes in greenhouse gases if too many large trees succumb.



The Esecaflor experiment highlights how a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> ecosystem might transform under drier circumstances. Though parts of this tract survived with reduced canopy cover, that survival came with lower capacity to store carbon. 



If the broader Amazon faces similarly harsh conditions, the global climate picture could shift considerably.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-amazon-has-its-carbon-limits">The Amazon has its carbon limits</h2>



The findings from this <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02702-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">project</a> suggest that some resilience remains in tropical rainforests. Yet, the results serve as a reminder that even these robust ecosystems have limits when faced with less rainfall. 



The years of dryness in this experiment did not convert the area into grassland, which offers a sign of hope.



Scientists involved in this research will continue to share data with policymakers and other academic institutions. Discussions at international gatherings demonstrate the urgency of protecting vital carbon sinks and reinforcing conservation efforts. 



In places like the Amazon, practical measures that support forest health can be pivotal in stabilizing our changing climate.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02702-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Dry spells weaken the Amazon's ability to store carbon

Over the past few decades, a section of the Amazon...

World Seaweed Day, celebrated on June 4, shines a spotlight on a vital yet often overlooked marine plant. Seaweed plays a key role in ocean ecosystems, supports diverse marine life, and benefits a wide range of human industries - from nutrition and agriculture to scientific research and climate solutions.



The day aims to boost awareness and inspire greater investment in this valuable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-farming-could-boost-food-security-slow-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resource</a>. As seaweed farming expands, so too does global interest in its wide-ranging potential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-seaweed-day-needs-global-attention">World Seaweed Day needs global attention</h2>



Seaweed forms the base of many <a href="https://www.seaweed.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal ecosystems</a>. One of the most important types is kelp - a large brown seaweed that grows in cold, nutrient-rich waters. It attaches to rocks on the seafloor and rises toward the surface, forming thick underwater forests.



Kelp forests support high biodiversity. Fish, crabs, sea urchins, and sea otters all live, hunt, or breed among the kelp. Juvenile fish use the dense fronds as shelter from predators. Many invertebrates feed directly on the kelp or on the microorganisms living on its surface.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kelp-forests-in-crisis-how-toxic-turf-algae-are-taking-over/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kelp</a> grows quickly - some species grow up to half a meter per day. As it grows, kelp absorbs carbon dioxide from seawater and produces oxygen. This helps reduce local ocean acidification. Kelp also slows water movement, which protects shorelines from erosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indicators-of-ocean-health">Indicators of ocean health</h2>



In regions like California, Tasmania, and British Columbia, kelp forests are key parts of the coastal food web. They also support commercial fisheries and ecotourism. 



When kelp declines due to warming waters or sea urchin overgrazing, the entire ecosystem feels the impact. That’s why scientists monitor kelp closely as an indicator of ocean health.



Seaweed also protects coasts. It stabilizes sediment and slows wave action. These functions reduce coastal erosion. Seaweed adapts better than coral to temperature shifts and acidic waters. That makes it a useful tool in marine conservation.



Researchers continue to study how seaweed interacts with other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sargassum-seaweed-a-growing-problem-could-become-a-sustainable-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> and how it might reduce ocean acidification.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-traditional-and-modern-food">A traditional and modern food</h2>



In many countries, people have eaten seaweed for centuries. It is part of everyday diets in Japan, Korea, China, and parts of India. It offers key nutrients such as iodine, calcium, iron, and vitamin K. It also adds natural flavor, especially umami.



Now, global markets are adopting seaweed as a food product. It appears in snacks, sauces, and health supplements. It is low in calories and high in fiber. It also suits vegan and gluten-free diets.



Seaweed farming does not use soil or fresh water, which makes it more sustainable than many land crops. As global food systems face pressure, seaweed provides an efficient and low-impact option.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seaweed-farming-and-local-economies">Seaweed farming and local economies</h2>



Seaweed farming is simple and low-cost. Farmers tie seaweed to ropes and let it grow in coastal waters. In countries like Indonesia, India, and the Philippines, these farms create jobs, often for women.



Besides supporting income, seaweed farms improve the environment. Seaweed absorbs excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients cause algae blooms in polluted waters. Seaweed helps reduce that risk and restore balance.



Governments and NGOs are working to scale seaweed production. The goal is to improve both rural incomes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-evolutionary-adaptations-of-seagrasses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-seaweed-day-and-climate-action">World Seaweed Day and climate action</h2>



Seaweed absorbs carbon while growing. Some researchers suggest that large-scale seaweed farms could help remove carbon from the atmosphere. This process is still being studied. One idea involves sinking harvested seaweed deep into the ocean to store carbon long-term.



Another tested solution involves livestock. Adding small amounts of red seaweed to cattle feed reduces their methane emissions. Trials show up to 80 percent reduction in some cases.



Seaweed will not solve climate change alone. But it can support broader strategies through carbon capture and reduced agricultural emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-industrial-uses-and-new-research">Industrial uses and new research</h2>



Seaweed has applications far beyond food. It appears in cosmetics, fertilizers, packaging, and pharmaceuticals. Extracts from seaweed act as thickeners, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents.



Researchers also study seaweed-based materials for biodegradable plastics and fabric. In construction, seaweed-derived products may improve insulation. Interest is growing because seaweed is renewable, versatile, and relatively easy to grow.



Innovation in this field depends on research funding, fair supply chains, and environmental monitoring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-seaweed-farming">Challenges of seaweed farming</h2>



Despite its benefits, seaweed farming still faces challenges. Many farmers lack secure access to coastal waters. In some regions, laws are unclear or missing. Infrastructure is often weak, and small producers have limited market access.



Uncontrolled harvesting also poses a threat. Some regions cut seaweed from wild stocks without considering long-term impact. Poor practices can damage ecosystems.



To avoid these risks, governments must support training, regulations, and monitoring. A balance is needed between industry growth and environmental protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-action-on-world-seaweed-day">Take action on World Seaweed Day </h2>



Taking action on World Seaweed Day can start with something as simple as learning more about the role seaweed plays in ocean health and climate solutions. 



You can support sustainable seaweed products by choosing foods, cosmetics, or packaging made with responsibly harvested or farmed seaweed. 



Sharing what you learn on social media or with friends helps spread awareness and encourage others to take interest. 



If you live near a coast, you might look into local seaweed farming initiatives or marine conservation programs to volunteer with or support. 



Even small actions like asking for more seaweed-based options at your grocery store can help drive change. You can also donate to organizations that support seaweed and ocean sustainability, such as the <a href="https://www.kelpforestfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kelp Forest Foundation</a>.



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World Seaweed Day 2025: Saving the ocean’s sustainable powerhouse

World Seaweed Day, celebrated on June 4, shines a spotlight...

<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.

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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.



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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

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" 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 Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

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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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" 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 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

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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