Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality across the globe and Nigeria is no exception: Breast, cervical, prostate, and liver malignancies are climbing steadily despite wider access to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted drugs. 



For many patients, however, modern treatment is difficult to afford. This has sparked renewed interest in a largely untapped yet promising resource: Nigeria’s indigenous food plants.



These plants - including their leaves, seeds, tubers, and fruits - are loaded with bioactive compounds. Laboratory studies show that many of these natural substances have the potential to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-plant-species-show-great-promise-in-fight-against-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">slow or even halt</a> tumor growth. 



A growing body of evidence suggests that these plants, long consumed as part of the traditional diet, could be developed as low-cost, complementary tools in the nation’s fight against cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-that-prevent-or-halt-cancer">Plants that prevent or halt cancer</h2>



Researchers have catalogued dozens of edible Nigerian species with measurable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-cancer activity</a>, but nine stand out for the breadth of experimental data already available.



Spondias mombin (hog plum) contains the flavonoid quercetin along with carotenoids that trigger apoptosis - the “self-destruct” program in malignant cells - while simultaneously tamping down inflammation.



Xanthosoma sagittifolium, a cocoyam cultivated widely in the humid south, produces tannins and other phenolics that cause leukemia cells to stall in the cell-cycle, blocking proliferation and reducing the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need in order to expand.



Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is often maligned for ecological reasons, yet its vitamin-E–rich tocotrienols are potent antioxidants; in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diet-improves-health-in-women-with-breast-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breast cancer</a> models they lower cell viability and force cells into arrest, nudging them toward death.



Irvingia gabonensis, the African bush mango, supplies gallotannins that regulate metabolic pathways linked to tumorigenesis and stimulate immune surveillance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-cancer-fighting-plant-compounds">Powerful cancer-fighting plant compounds </h2>



Allium cepa, the humble onion, is packed with organosulphur compounds as well as flavonoids that up-regulate detoxification enzymes, mop up DNA-damaging free radicals and may even help reverse multidrug resistance.



Blighia sapida (ackee) fruit, famous for its culinary role in Caribbean cuisine, also grows in Nigeria; laboratory work shows its flavonoids can hamper the ERK5 pathway, a key driver of aggressive breast cancer.



Dioscorea dumetorum, a wild yam, synthesizes diosgenin - long prized in the pharmaceutical industry as a raw material for steroid hormones - which shuts off the pro-survival NF-κB and MAPK cascades in cancer cells.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/plants_anti-cancer-properties_nigeria_credit-google-photos_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/plants_anti-cancer-properties_nigeria_credit-google-photos_1s.webp" alt="Selected edible Nigerian plants with anti-cancer properties. (a) Spondias mombin; (b) Xanthosoma sagittifolium; (c) Elaeis guineensis; (d) Irvingia gabonensis; (e) Blighia sapida; (f) Launaea taraxacifolia; (g) Tetracarpidium conophorum; (h) Chrysophyllum albidum; (i) Solanum macrocarpon; (j) Dioscorea dumetorum; (k) Talinum triangulare; (l) Psidium guajava; (m) Allium cepa L. Photo credit: google photo." class="wp-image-1967580"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Selected edible Nigerian plants with anti-cancer properties. (a) Spondias mombin; (b) Xanthosoma sagittifolium; (c) Elaeis guineensis; (d) Irvingia gabonensis; (e) Blighia sapida; (f) Launaea taraxacifolia; (g) Tetracarpidium conophorum; (h) Chrysophyllum albidum; (i) Solanum macrocarpon; (j) Dioscorea dumetorum; (k) Talinum triangulare; (l) Psidium guajava; (m) Allium cepa L. Click image to enlarge. Photo credit: FIM/Google photo.</figcaption></figure>



Psidium guajava (guava) leaves have been used for generations to treat diarrhea; now their tannins and phenolic acids are recognized for inducing apoptosis and shielding DNA from oxidative injury.



Finally, Talinum triangulare, the protein-rich “waterleaf,” contains quercetin and other antioxidants that bolster immune responses and hinder tumor growth in vitro.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-plants-with-similar-strategies">Diverse plants with similar strategies </h2>



Despite their botanical diversity, these species rely on a handful of overlapping biochemical strategies. 



First and foremost is apoptosis induction: they activate pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bax while down-regulating anti-apoptotic factors like Bcl-2, tipping the balance toward cell death.



Many extracts also impose cell-cycle arrest at the G1/S or G2/M checkpoints by interfering with cyclin-dependent kinases; deprived of the green light to divide, cancer cells accumulate DNA damage and succumb. Angiogenesis - the sprouting of new blood vessels that feed a tumor - is another frequent target. 



Compounds from cocoyam, yam and hog plum have been shown to lower levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and related signals, choking off the nutrient supply to nascent tumors. 



Inflammatory enzymes (COX-2, iNOS) and reactive oxygen species are suppressed as well, reducing the chronic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-helps-the-body-fight-inflammation-and-chronic-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflammation</a> and oxidative stress that often initiate or accelerate malignancy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-tradition-and-modern-oncology"><a></a>Bridging tradition and modern oncology</h2>



While pre-clinical data are encouraging, several hurdles must be cleared before Nigerian food plants can take their place beside paclitaxel or cisplatin. 



Bioactive composition varies by soil type, rainfall pattern and harvest time; rigorous agronomic studies are needed to standardize cultivation and extraction.



Dosage, toxicity and potential interactions with conventional drugs remain largely untested in humans. Well-designed clinical trials - randomized, placebo-controlled and sufficiently powered - are essential if these botanicals are to earn a formal role in oncology clinics. 



Another challenge is the disconnect between traditional knowledge holders and laboratory scientists.



Ethnobotanical surveys can help bridge that gap, ensuring that leads chosen for development reflect community practices and dietary realities. 



Public-health campaigns, meanwhile, could educate physicians, pharmacists, and patients about the evidence base for plant-derived adjuncts, avoiding unsubstantiated claims while highlighting genuine benefits such as reduced side-effects or improved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/active-aging-physical-activity-has-a-direct-impact-on-life-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality of life</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cost-effective-renewable-treatments">Cost-effective, renewable treatments</h2>



If these hurdles are overcome, the payoff could be substantial. Many of the plants grow wild or are already farmed for food, implying a local, renewable supply chain. 



Extracts could be formulated as teas, capsules or functional foods, lowering barriers to access in rural areas where oncology centers are scarce.



Combining plant-based agents with lower doses of chemotherapy or radiation might retain efficacy while mitigating nausea, hair loss, and myelosuppression - side-effects that often deter patients from completing treatment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-cancer-with-plants-future-research">Fighting cancer with plants: Future research</h2>



Future research should prioritize mapping the full chemoprofile of each candidate plant. This should also include identifying synergistic combinations and unravelling pharmacokinetics in vivo. 



Genomic and metabolomic tools can accelerate the discovery of lead molecules, while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-nanotechnology-is-fighting-microplastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanotechnology</a> may enhance their bioavailability. Collaboration between Nigerian universities, pharmaceutical firms, and international cancer institutes will be vital to secure funding and regulatory approval.



Ultimately, Nigeria’s indigenous food plants harbor a rich arsenal of anticancer phytochemicals that attack tumours through multiple, complementary pathways. 



Integrated with evidence-based medicine, these botanicals could broaden the therapeutic arsenal, reduce treatment costs and bring culturally familiar options to patients. Harnessing the plants may demand careful science, but the potential rewards will justify the effort.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2835-6357/FIM-2024-00042" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Future Integrative Medicine</a>.



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These food plants demonstrated natural anti-cancer properties in a recent study

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality across the globe and Nigeria is no exception: Breast, cervical, prostate, and liver malignancies are climbing steadily despite wider access to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted drugs. For many patients, however, modern treatment is difficult to afford. This has sparked renewed interest in a largely untapped yet promising resource: Nigeria’s indigenous food plants. These plants - including their leaves, seeds, tubers, and fruits - are loaded with bioactive compounds. Laboratory studies show that many of these natural substances have the potential...

When people think about glowing mushrooms, like the newly discovered species Mycena crocata, they often imagine tropical rainforests where such exotic wonders may be more commonly found. 



However, bioluminescent fungi are not limited to tropical regions - they also live in unexpected places.



In Zurich, artists Heidy Baggenstos and Andreas Rudolf have dedicated more than ten years to studying and showcasing these glowing organisms. 



Their work highlights the beauty and presence of bioluminescent fungi close to home, and proves that extraordinary natural phenomena can be found even in familiar surroundings.



"We want to show that these bioluminescent mushrooms are present in Swiss forests and that we do not have to travel far to find them," said Baggenstos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mycena-crocata-glowing-mushrooms">Mycena crocata - glowing mushrooms</h2>



One evening, while exploring a forest in Zurich’s Albisrieden neighborhood, the duo spotted green light through their camera. 



"Nowadays we always have our mobile phones or a flashlight, but to see bioluminescence in the forest, it has to be pitch black," Rudolf explained.



Initially, they believed the glowing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> to be Mycena haematopus. Upon closer investigation in their studio, however, they identified it as Mycena crocata, the saffron drop bonnet mushroom. 



This species, known for its saffron-colored milk, had never been described as bioluminescent before.



The artists documented their findings with photographs and light measurements, uncovering this hidden brilliance. 



In darkness, the mycelium - the underground network of the mushroom - emits a green glow that even causes decaying wood to light up.



Under ideal conditions, their cultivated mycelia glowed for 164 days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crossing-art-and-science">Crossing art and science</h2>



Collaborating with mycologist Renate Heinzelmann from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (<a href="https://www.wsl.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WSL</a>), the artists published their discovery in&nbsp;Mycoscience. 



"Most of the experiments were conducted by the artists. They collected the samples, took the photographs, and made the light measurements," Heinzelmann said, praising their dedication.



Through their research, the artists discovered that the fruiting body (the mushroom itself) of Mycena crocata emits little to no light. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/glowing-mushroom-species_Mycena-crocata_bioluminescence_credit-Baggenstos-Rudolf_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/glowing-mushroom-species_Mycena-crocata_bioluminescence_credit-Baggenstos-Rudolf_1s.webp" alt="Mycena crocata in the light (left) and in darkness (right). The bioluminescence from the mycelium makes the wood glow. Credit: Baggenstos/Rudolf" class="wp-image-1956533"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mycena crocata in the light (left) and in darkness (right). The bioluminescence from the mycelium makes the wood glow. Credit: Baggenstos/Rudolf</figcaption></figure>



Instead, the underground mycelium - the root-like network of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-all-fungi-matter-not-just-mushrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungus</a> - is the primary source of its bioluminescence.



This glowing mycelium is capable of lighting up the decaying wood it grows on. When the wood is split open in the dark, it emits a green glow, which can last for up to four hours before gradually fading as the wood dries. 



This fascinating discovery highlights how the less-visible parts of fungi can hold some of their most extraordinary features.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-glowing-fungi">Mystery of glowing fungi</h2>



Bioluminescence in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-and-fungi-communicate-using-a-silent-language/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> happens because of a chemical reaction. A substance called&nbsp;luciferin&nbsp;reacts with an enzyme called&nbsp;luciferase. 



This reaction creates an unstable product that gives off energy as light, allowing the fungi to glow. Unlike other glowing effects like fluorescence, this process doesn’t need light or energy from outside sources; it happens naturally within the fungi.



Although scientists know how this reaction works, they are still unsure why fungi glow. One idea is that the light attracts insects, which might help spread the fungal spores.



However, this doesn’t fully explain the glow of the mycelium, which is hidden underground and doesn’t interact with insects. This mystery suggests there might be another, as yet unknown reason for fungal bioluminescence.



"It seems that bioluminescence has been maintained for a long time, so we assume it has some function," Heinzelmann says. "But it's still a mystery."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mycena-crocata-and-swiss-forests">Mycena crocata and Swiss forests</h2>



The discovery of&nbsp;Mycena crocata&nbsp;as a glowing, bioluminescent fungus highlights how much we still don’t know about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural world</a> around us. Local ecosystems hold countless secrets waiting to be explored. 



Bioluminescent fungi, for instance, have fascinated humans for thousands of years. Aristotle described their glow as a “cold fire” over 2,000 years ago, and even now, their mysteries continue to intrigue scientists.



According to mycologist <a href="https://www.wsl.ch/en/staff/heinzelm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Renate Heinzelmann</a>, the field of bioluminescence is still in its early stages. She believes that as more people study fungi, more glowing species will be uncovered. "Bioluminescence is under-researched, and the more people look, the more they will find," she states.



The collaborative work of artists Heidy Baggenstos and Andreas Rudolf with scientists demonstrates how blending art and science can reveal nature’s hidden marvels. 



Their discovery serves as a powerful reminder that extraordinary phenomena aren’t always far away - they might be right in our local forests, waiting for someone curious enough to notice them.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/mycosci/65/4/65_MYC633/_article" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mycoscience</a>.



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New species of glowing mushrooms discovered

When people think about glowing mushrooms, like the newly discovered...

Polyphenols are natural compounds found abundantly in fruits, vegetables, tea, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adding-coffee-grounds-during-the-construction-process-could-reinforce-buildings/">coffee</a>, and other plant-based foods. They have gained increased recognition in the recent past for their potential health benefits.&nbsp;



These vibrant plant chemicals are thought to support heart health, enhance metabolism, and sharpen cognitive function, making them an intriguing area of research for those seeking ways to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/morning-coffee-drinkers-have-a-lower-risk-of-heart-disease-and-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintain overall wellness</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broad-range-of-benefits-from-polyphenols">Broad range of benefits from polyphenols</h2>



Polyphenols have been explored for their potential to enhance health in numerous ways, yet much about them remains to be discovered. “Green tea and its bioactive components, especially polyphenols, possess many health-promoting and disease-preventing benefits … [but] have not been well studied,” as one <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8234133/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> noted. 



Despite these gaps in understanding, researchers are increasingly intrigued by their possibilities. Studies suggest that polyphenols could play a role in supporting healthy blood pressure, improving skin health, and even aiding in waist size management.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/f.amati" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Federica Amati</a> from the School of Public Health at <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/school-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a>, these compounds go beyond traditional nutrients like fiber and vitamins, and offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex chemistry of the plants we eat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-and-tastes">Colors and tastes</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/">Plant foods</a> vary in appearance. Some have bright or deep pigments, while others boast a bitter flavor or a peppery kick. That color or pungent quality sometimes indicates a higher presence of polyphenols.&nbsp;



Black olives, deep purple eggplants, and richly colored spinach are believed to contain helpful substances. Tea, coffee, and dark chocolate are also recognized for contributing certain polyphenols, though they shouldn’t be seen as cure-alls.



Polyphenols are a subset of <a href="https://www.nal.usda.gov/human-nutrition-and-food-safety/food-composition/phytonutrients#:~:text=What%20are%20Phytonutrients%3F,other%20types%20of%20phytonutrients%20below." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytonutrients</a>. This wide-ranging family of molecules includes flavonoids, flavanones, lignans, and more. 



Some research highlights the potential of specific varieties, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-every-day-proven-to-delay-biological-aging-in-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green tea</a> polyphenols, resveratrol in red wine, catechins in tea, and ellagic acid in walnuts. Scientists are still mapping how each type interacts with the body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metabolic-and-heart-support">Metabolic and heart support</h2>



Several studies have examined whether consuming more polyphenols aligns with measurements tied to heart wellness, weight control, and broader metabolic function.&nbsp;



One <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8401650/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">review</a> found that foods containing green tea polyphenols might help sustain immune function and manage inflammatory activity. Such findings have led many people to embrace green tea in their daily routine.



Although caution is wise, especially when interpreting any single study, experts agree on the value of a balanced approach. 



The array of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-found-in-cannabis-plants-can-actually-reduce-cannabis-induced-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant chemicals</a> in items like blackberries, apples, walnuts, and spinach appears to do more than deliver vitamins or fiber. 



There’s an ongoing conversation about how these interactions may help with general health maintenance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polyphenols-skin-and-healthy-aging">Polyphenols, skin and healthy aging</h2>



The possibility of smooth, glowing skin catches everyone’s attention. Polyphenols have drawn the attention of the anti-aging research community over the past decade. 



The science behind this is still emerging, but one <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3583891/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> suggested that these compounds may support the body’s natural defense processes in response to everyday stressors that contribute to aging.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthier-chocolate-created-by-using-the-entire-cocoa-fruit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dark chocolate</a>, green tea, and certain berries might be especially appealing in this regard. Each offers unique polyphenols that researchers are eager to examine further. 



Daily habits matter, of course, so variety in your diet helps spread out the range of phytonutrients you take in.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-gut-connection">The gut connection</h2>



<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8747136/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> often connect polyphenols with gut microbes. Plant molecules can get modified in the intestines, which may amplify or change their effects. 



Some speculate that the interplay between these molecules and our gut environment could be a big factor in everything from mental clarity to how we break down food.



Experts stress that we’re just beginning to understand how these compounds work once they’re exposed to digestive juices and gut bacteria. 



The best advice? Enjoy a diverse menu full of colorful produce, herbs, spices, nuts, and seeds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensible-approaches-to-daily-life">Sensible approaches to daily life</h2>



Again, many professionals suggest that variety is key. People who regularly reach for a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes stand to reap wider benefits from the synergy of different nutrients. Relying on any one food is not recommended.



Lifestyle factors like moderate exercise, stress management, and avoiding excessive processed fare remain fundamental. It’s no secret that good health often hinges on consistent, balanced efforts rather than any one miracle source.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foods-that-contain-polyphenols">Foods that contain polyphenols</h2>



Deeply hued fruits like blackberries, blueberries, and plums are believed to hold an array of plant compounds. 



Dark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/keeping-leafy-green-vegetables-safe-until-ready-to-eat/">green vegetables</a> and legumes bring color and variety to the plate. Spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and oregano are often praised for their robust polyphenol content. Dark chocolate and coffee remain popular picks, but they should be enjoyed in moderation.



Anyone concerned about medical conditions should consult a qualified practitioner before adjusting their diet. If you get the green light, sprinkling extra herbs on your soup or adding a handful of bright vegetables to your lunch bowl may be a simple start.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polyphenols-and-human-health">Polyphenols and human health</h2>



Polyphenols offer a fresh perspective on why color, aroma, and taste in nature’s foods might matter more than we ever realized. 



From green tea to bright spices, there is a growing curiosity about how these substances could contribute to long-term well-being. 



A plate that’s bursting with color might not just be pleasing to the eye - it might be quietly working to support overall health, one forkful at a time.



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How polyphenols promote heart health, youthful skin and a healthy waistline

Polyphenols are natural compounds found abundantly in fruits, vegetables, tea,...

Scientists have unearthed a remarkable ancient forest preserved under ice on the Beartooth Plateau, providing a rare look into how warming climates could reshape alpine ecosystems. 



The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (<a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2412162121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS</a>), analyzes the remnants of a mature whitebark pine forest that once thrived at an elevation of 10,000 feet during a period of warmer temperatures roughly 6,000 years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-exposed-by-melting-ice">Ancient forest exposed by melting ice</h2>



The forest, which endured for centuries before cooling temperatures forced it to retreat downslope, was sealed under ice approximately 5,500 years ago due to a shift in summer solar radiation and subsequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-cooling-not-warming-caused-a-major-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic cooling</a>.&nbsp;



“This is pretty dramatic evidence of ecosystem change due to temperature warming. It's an amazing story of how dynamic these systems are,” said David McWethy, one of the study’s authors and an associate professor in Michigan State University (<a href="https://www.montana.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MSU</a>’s) Department of Earth Sciences.



Unlike glaciers, ice patches do not flow and instead preserve deposited materials such as pollen, charcoal, and macrofossils in their frozen layers. 



These conditions allowed the forest to remain intact until recent warming caused the ice to melt, exposing the ancient remnants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-climate-history">Decoding climate history</h2>



The idea to explore the Beartooth Plateau for ancient climate clues stemmed from earlier discoveries by Craig Lee, now an assistant professor at MSU. 



In 2007, Lee uncovered a 10,300-year-old atlatl fragment in the region, suggesting that layers of ice held vast records of cultural and environmental history.



“Most of our best long-term climate records come from Greenland and Antarctica. It's not a small thing to find ice patches that persisted for that long a time period at lower latitudes in the interior continent,” McWethy noted.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/fossilized-frozen-forest_whitebark-pine_yellowstone_alpine_credit-Daniel-Stahle_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/fossilized-frozen-forest_whitebark-pine_yellowstone_alpine_credit-Daniel-Stahle_1s.webp" alt="A whitebark pine subfossil revealed beneath a melting ice patch in the Yellowstone region indicates that a mature forest grew above current tree line about 6,000 years ago, when the temperatures were similar to 20th century conditions and cooler than present. Credit: Daniel Stahle" class="wp-image-1956500"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A whitebark pine subfossil revealed beneath a melting ice patch in the Yellowstone region indicates that a mature forest grew above current tree line about 6,000 years ago, when the temperatures were similar to 20th century conditions and cooler than present. Credit: Daniel Stahle</figcaption></figure>



Building on this discovery, McWethy, Lee, and Greg Pederson, a paleoclimatologist with the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey</a>, began investigating the ice patches in 2016. By 2018, their team expanded the project to study additional alpine ice patches in the region.&nbsp;



This collaborative effort involved tribes, federal agencies, and multiple universities and focused on reconstructing the area’s long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-temperature-has-changed-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate history</a> and its influence on Indigenous peoples.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reconstructing-the-ancient-alpine-ecosystem">Reconstructing the ancient alpine ecosystem</h2>



To piece together the story of the forest, the team examined multiple elements of this alpine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-ecosystems-are-thrown-off-balance-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a>. Using ice cores, they analyzed water isotopes and organic material, while Pederson harvested cross-sections of ancient wood for radiocarbon dating.&nbsp;



The findings confirmed that during a period of moderate and moist climate, tree lines shifted upward, allowing whitebark pine forests to thrive for 500 years.



“The plateau seems to have been the perfect place to allow for ice patches to establish and persist for thousands of years, recording important information on past climate, human activity and environmental change,” Pederson said.



The study suggests that as today’s climate warms, tree lines could rise again, transforming areas of alpine tundra into forest. 



However, Pederson cautioned that factors such as precipitation, wind, and snowpack would influence the density, distribution, and composition of these potential new forests. 



“Growing season temperatures are the primary control on tree line elevation and latitude, but other factors such as moisture, wind, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-driven-climate-change-is-to-blame-for-sharp-snowpack-declines-since-1980/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowpack</a> and human disturbance may play an important role in dictating forest structure and elevational limits,” he explained.



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



The researchers warn that these changes could have profound impacts on the region’s ecosystem and resources. 



Rising tree lines might alter high-altitude snowpack, which serves as a critical water source for irrigation and hydroelectric power. 



Additionally, if forests encroach on tundra areas, they could increase the risk of wildfires due to changing fuel conditions.



Cathy Whitlock, a climate expert and MSU Regents Professor Emerita, emphasized the broader implications. 



She noted that reduced snowpack could strain water supplies, while McWethy added that the establishment of forests in tundra areas might fundamentally alter the region’s fire dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-the-past-to-predict-the-future">Learning from the past to predict the future</h2>



The study emphasizes the importance of understanding past ecological changes to prepare for future challenges.&nbsp;



“That’s the reason why studies of past ecological change are more than interesting pieces of science. They have much larger implications for the resources we all depend on,” Pederson said.



As climate change accelerates, the Beartooth Plateau’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient forest</a> serves as both a stark reminder of the Earth’s dynamic ecosystems and a window into the potential future of high-altitude environments.



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Fossilized frozen forest discovery in the US reveals ancient alpine ecosystem

Scientists have unearthed a remarkable ancient forest preserved under ice...

It is now common knowledge that drinking tea offers many health benefits. Now, research has shown that the daily habit of drinking tea could also be delaying your biological aging.



Scientists embarked on an in-depth exploration of how our beloved brew might contribute to a longer, healthier life. 



The concept that tea, something as familiar and everyday, could hold such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-plenty-of-tea-reduces-the-risk-of-type-2-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">profound health benefits</a> is truly fascinating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-drinking-tea-on-human-aging">Impact of drinking tea on human aging</h2>



The research team behind this study is based at <a href="https://en.scu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sichuan University</a> in Chengdu, China. They mined data from a sizable sample of 5,998 British participants aged between 37 to 73, and 7,931 Chinese individuals aged 30 to 79. 



Participants opened up about their tea-drinking habits, shedding light on the type of tea they savored -- whether green, black, yellow, or oolong, and their daily consumption levels.



Published in The Lancet Regional Health journal, the study’s findings are eye-opening. Regular tea drinkers appear to flaunt signs of slower biological aging. 



The magic number seems to be around three cups or six to eight grams of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-microbes-in-tea-roots-grow-tastier-healthier-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tea leaves</a> each day, offering the most clear cut <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-essential-8-may-slow-biological-aging-by-six-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-aging benefits</a>.



However, there’s a catch. If you have stopped drinking tea, your biological aging might be accelerating faster. It seems that keeping up with your tea drinking habit regularly is the key to harness its benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secret-behind-the-brew">Secret behind the brew</h2>



So, what makes tea such a secret weapon against aging? The scientists believe it's the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-buckthorn-berries-have-untapped-potential-as-a-superfood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polyphenols</a> -- the primary bioactive substances in tea. 



These play a crucial role in influencing the gut microbiota, affecting age-related changes related to immunity, metabolism, and even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matcha-tea-relieves-symptoms-of-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive function</a>.



Regardless of whether it was a cup of UK black tea or Chinese green tea, the study didn’t find any significant differences in the anti-aging effects. 



The temperature at which the tea was consumed also didn’t impact the outcomes.



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



Beyond making your meals tastier, polyphenols are packed with antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Think of free radicals as tiny troublemakers that can contribute to aging and various diseases. 



By neutralizing these bad actors, polyphenols play a key role in keeping your body healthy and functioning smoothly. Incorporating polyphenol-rich foods into your diet is a simple way to boost your overall health. 



Studies suggest that these compounds can reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and even lower the risk of certain cancers. Plus, there is evidence that they enhance brain function and help keep your memory sharp as you age. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-world-of-tea-and-aging">The world of tea and aging</h2>



Tea isn't a one-size-fits-all beverage. There are different types, each offering unique health benefits through their individual processing methods.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-tea-the-antioxidant-powerhouse">Green tea: The antioxidant powerhouse</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-tea-and-coffee-lower-the-risk-of-fatal-cardiovascular-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Green tea</a> is known for its high antioxidant content and polyphenols. Regular consumption has been linked to improved heart health, weight loss assistance, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-tea-the-robust-heart-health-enhancer">Black tea: The robust heart-health enhancer</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-black-tea-lowers-mortality-risk-from-all-causes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black tea</a> is not only flavorful but also packed with flavonoids that enhance heart health. It’s linked to lowering stroke risk, decreasing blood pressure, and reducing LDL cholesterol levels.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-tea-the-gentle-guardian">White tea: The gentle guardian</h3>



White tea, derived from the young leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant, is praised for its antioxidant properties. It's known for enhancing skin health, supporting weight loss efforts, and containing less caffeine.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oolong-tea-the-metabolism-booster">Oolong tea: The metabolism booster</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oolong-tea-burns-fat-while-you-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oolong tea</a> sits in between green and black tea in terms of oxidation. Celebrated for its diverse flavors, it’s also recognized for boosting metabolism and weight management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-tea-slows-aging">How tea slows aging</h2>



Further to the potential slowing of aging, tea is also linked with enhanced mental alertness, thanks to its caffeine content. 



Tea's unique blend of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine prompts enhanced attention, better memory, and faster reaction times, leading to improved mental performance.



Notably, tea, particularly green tea, also supports dental health. Filled with fluoride, it strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the risk of tooth decay. 



The polyphenols and catechins found in tea also combat bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proceed-with-a-pinch-of-caution">Proceed with a pinch of caution</h2>



While the study provides promising insights, its limitations can’t be ignored. 



The size of the tea cups was not accounted for, and the findings, being observational, can't definitively conclude that tea drinking directly slows biological aging.



The UK, known for its firm tea-drinking tradition, has witnessed a decline in its younger population's demand for tea. 



But perhaps, understanding these potential health benefits may reignite the interest in the humble cup.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-should-you-join-the-tea-club">Should you join the tea club?</h2>



If you’re a tea lover, this research validates your indulgence. If you’re not, it might be time to consider embracing this simple pleasure for the potential significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/true-biological-age-hidden-blood-markers-newly-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefits to your health</a>. 



The key appears to be moderation, with around three cups of tea a day offering the most evident anti-aging benefits.



Whether green, black, white, or oolong is your cup of tea, each brew offers an enjoyable way to potentially support your well-being. 



So, as you settle down with your next cup of tea, take a moment to savor not only the taste but also the potential health benefits that might be steeping within.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(23)00273-0/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Regional Health</a>.



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Drinking tea every day is proven to delay biological aging in humans

It is now common knowledge that drinking tea offers many...

In a significant breakthrough, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered where an essential photoreceptor, cryptochrome-1 (CRY1), operates within plant seedling stems.



This finding could have profound implications for improving crop resilience and yield, especially for vital crops like soybeans.



The discovery sheds new light on how plant seedlings interact with their environment, detect sunlight, and decide their growth strategies. 



For farmers and researchers alike, understanding these processes during the vulnerable early stages of a plant's life could be key to promoting stronger, healthier crops.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-photoreceptors-influence-plant-seedlings">How photoreceptors influence plant seedlings</h2>



Photoreceptors are proteins that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-soil-day-2024-protecting-our-planets-lifeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> use to sense light and make growth-related decisions. They play a pivotal role in determining when a seedling should stop elongating, begin photosynthesis, and channel energy into survival and development. 



Until now, scientists understood these broad functions but lacked clarity about where in the seedling the photoreceptors acted.



“For the first time, we realized that the effect of these photoreceptors is not everywhere along the stem and that different photoreceptors control different regions of the stem,” explained Edgar Spalding, professor emeritus of botany at <a href="https://www.wisc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UW–Madison</a>.



To unravel this mystery, Spalding, doctoral student Julian Bustamante, and data scientist Nathan Miller used a combination of techniques including genetic manipulation, high-resolution imaging, and machine learning.



The team photographed the growth of tiny seedlings with highly sensitive cameras and analyzed the data using UW–Madison’s advanced computing resources. This approach allowed them to pinpoint how specific photoreceptors influence distinct parts of the plant stem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-detection-and-plant-survival">Light detection and plant survival</h2>



One of the most fascinating discoveries from this research is the critical role of the photoreceptor CRY1 in helping seedlings survive environmental challenges.



When a seedling first emerges from the soil, it uses stored energy to elongate its stem and reach sunlight, where it can begin photosynthesis. 



However, sometimes seedlings are covered again by soil due to wind, animals, or other environmental factors. Without sunlight, they can no longer produce energy through photosynthesis.



CRY1 acts as a kind of survival mechanism. Initially, it prevents the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/booster-plant-gene-discovery-amplifies-plant-growth-up-to-200-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> from overextending its stem, conserving energy and leaving some growth potential in reserve. If the seedling gets buried again, CRY1 signals the plant to elongate further until it breaks through the soil and reaches sunlight once more.



This discovery is particularly significant for "stand establishment" - the phase when seedlings take root and begin to grow. Stand establishment is a critical determinant of crop success, and understanding how CRY1 functions during this period could help farmers enhance the resilience of their plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crops-of-the-future">Crops of the future</h2>



The implications of this research extend beyond academic curiosity. By genetically enhancing the role of CRY1 in seeds, researchers could develop crops better equipped to handle environmental setbacks.



This innovation could prove invaluable for farmers, particularly in regions where soil conditions or weather events make early seedling survival more challenging.



“By isolating the effects of specific photoreceptors like CRY1, we’re able to focus on ways to create <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-how-climate-change-will-alter-plant-growth-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> that are more adaptable to their environment,” noted Spalding.



“This research not only improves our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-soil-esoil-boosts-crop-production-by-50-in-just-15-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> biology but also opens the door to practical applications that could benefit agriculture worldwide.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-efficient-and-resilient-farming-methods">Efficient and resilient farming methods</h2>



As the world’s population grows, the need for more efficient and resilient farming methods becomes critical. This study on plants photoreceptors and their influence on seedling growth offers insights that could transform agriculture by enabling the creation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-sophisticated-strategies-to-balance-defense-and-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a> better suited to handle environmental challenges.



By enhancing photoreceptor functions, particularly CRY1, scientists could engineer seeds that help plants recover from obstacles like being buried under soil. This innovation has the potential to increase yields, reduce crop losses, and provide a stable food supply, benefiting both farmers and consumers.



The research demonstrates the power of combining advanced genetic editing, machine learning, and traditional plant biology. It showcases how understanding plant-environment interactions can help develop crops that not only survive but thrive under adverse conditions.



The findings could pave the way for a future where agriculture is more sustainable, adaptable, and capable of meeting global food demands.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)01562-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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New understanding of light detection in plants may revolutionize farming

In a significant breakthrough, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison...

NASA is examining ways to ensure explorers have nourishing produce, including fresh plants, on future space missions to the Moon and Mars. While sealed food packets get the job done, they can lose flavor and vitamins over time.



Cultivating leafy greens and vegetables on the space station could address this problem and give crews a happier mental state. 



Efforts to grow plants such as lettuce, peppers, radishes, and tomatoes in microgravity have been underway, revealing new insights into how spaceflight influences plant genetics, water use, and flavor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-are-key-to-space-exploration">Plants are key to space exploration</h2>



This work is being guided by <a href="https://npp.orau.org/experiences/gioia-massa.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gioia Massa</a> from NASA. Her background involves studying plant behavior in space to help boost the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-astronauts-meals-lose-flavor-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">variety and taste</a> of fresh crops.&nbsp;



As NASA paves the path toward deeper space travel, her team has focused on how <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/for-kids-and-students/what-is-microgravity-grades-5-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microgravity</a> and factors like humidity and light control affect plant shape, nutrient quality, and yield. 



By examining bacteria that live alongside the plants, they also track whether these microorganisms remain safe and beneficial for human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-crops-in-microgravity">Growing crops in microgravity</h2>



One key study, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=9195" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant Habitat-07</a>, looks at how lettuce tolerates different moisture conditions in microgravity. 



Although water is crucial for plant cells, too much can restrict oxygen at the roots, and too little can cause wilting.&nbsp;



This investigation uses four moisture scenarios in a specialized growth chamber to see how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-tomatoes-are-ready-for-an-unprecedented-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> adjust nutrient production. 



Researchers check yield, overall plant health, and whether bacterial populations on the leaves pose any risk. Early data point to the importance of balancing water to maintain robust leaves that still taste good.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-space-grown-veggies-tastier">Making space-grown veggies tastier</h2>



NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=7896" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Veg-04A</a> and <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=7895" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Veg-04B</a> explorations spotlighted how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electro-agriculture-grows-food-in-the-dark-with-94-less-land-required/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light quality</a> and fertilizer affect lettuce and leafy greens on station. 



Studies found that switching red and blue LEDs, or adjusting nutrient formulas, changes how the leaves look, taste, and grow.&nbsp;



These investigations guided more recent plantings of other crops, such as tomatoes. Crew members gave feedback on freshness and flavor, which could inform future seed selection for diverse salads during long-duration spaceflights.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/space-garden_plants_Mizuna-mustard-greens_ISS_Nick-Hague_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/space-garden_plants_Mizuna-mustard-greens_ISS_Nick-Hague_NASA_1s.webp" alt="NASA astronaut Nick Hague harvests Mizuna mustard greens for VEG-04 onboard the International Space Station. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1956364"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NASA astronaut Nick Hague harvests Mizuna mustard greens for VEG-04 onboard the International Space Station. Credit: NASA</figcaption></figure>



A <a href="https://biologydirect.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13062-024-00476-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> on Arabidopsis thaliana (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene?cmd=DetailsSearch&amp;term=AT1G19968" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thale cress</a>) showed that low gravity changes gene expression and how plants regulate key chemical markers. Researchers tracked DNA methylation—a process that can switch genes on or off. 



Their discoveries open new avenues for customizing plant genes to handle the difficulties of space, like unusual water movement or limited floor space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hormones-and-movement">Hormones and movement</h2>



Scientists have <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=1730" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">explored</a> how plant hormones guide growth in microgravity. One series of tests examined <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34396657/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">auxins</a>, natural signals that steer root and shoot direction.&nbsp;



Some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grow-plants-on-moon-by-2026-nasa-artemis-iii-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> species had lower auxin levels when floating in microgravity, which curbed their normal pattern of upward stem development. 



Others had higher levels, suggesting that the exact outcome varies by species. This subtle shift in plant chemistry helps NASA design growth chambers that best support each crop’s needs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engineering-plants-to-handle-space">Engineering plants to handle space</h2>



Roots and shoots in microgravity can develop weaker supportive tissues or, in some cases, produce thicker walls for unknown reasons. 



An <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41526-023-00312-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigation</a> used a suite of lab tools to identify changes in molecules that build plant cell walls, especially those providing mechanical strength.&nbsp;



Although some species quickly adapt and form healthy walls, others remain frail. NASA’s next step is to refine which varieties flourish with minimal gravity or to tweak conditions so roots are less prone to bending or thinning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sterols-and-space-based-flowering">Sterols and space-based flowering</h2>



Researchers on the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/first-contracted-spacex-resupply-mission-launches-with-nasa-cargo-to-space-station/">Resist Tubule</a> mission <a href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bss/38/0/38_18/_article">uncovered</a> that arabidopsis plants grown in microgravity sometimes see reduced sterol levels.&nbsp;



Sterols help keep cell membranes stable and support a range of growth responses, including when and how a plant transitions to flowering. 



The drop in sterols in microgravity can slow certain steps in development. By noting which genes control those sterols, scientists may spot ways to keep plants on schedule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-space-missions-with-plants">Preparing for space missions with plants</h2>



Having tasty salad greens aboard the station is only the first step. NASA’s focus is on sustaining crews through missions lasting many months. 



The progress so far is encouraging: fresh produce is feasible in orbit, and each new finding helps refine the process.&nbsp;



As more crops are tested for flavor, nutrition, and shelf life, humans gain the ability to grow food far from our planet. 



With input from experts like Gioia Massa, the future of in-space agriculture looks promising for both nourishment and crew satisfaction.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17429145.2023.2292220#abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Plant Interactions</a>.



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Space lettuce: NASA's plans to grow nutritious plants on Mars

NASA is examining ways to ensure explorers have nourishing produce,...

Pawpaws, the largest native fruit in North America, have become a favorite among foragers and food enthusiasts. 



Found in their characteristic dense patches, they are known for their creamy, custard-like texture and sweet flavor - described as a mix of mango and banana - and offer a unique culinary experience.



However, the ecological impact of pawpaws extends far beyond their popularity as a delicious treat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pawpaw-patches-take-over-the-forest">Pawpaw patches take over the forest</h2>



Pawpaws, the state fruit tree of Missouri, naturally grow in groups called patches. These patches form because pawpaw trees can reproduce clonally, meaning they spread through their roots.



New stems grow from these roots, close to the original tree, in a way similar to how aspen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-darkspots-need-urgent-attention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> create groves. This process allows a single pawpaw tree to establish a larger group of genetically identical trees, which is why these patches are often celebrated in American folk songs.



However, these patches don’t just grow - they take over. Pawpaw trees spread quickly, creating dense clusters that dominate the forest understory.



Their thick growth and clonal expansion leave little space or resources for other plants to thrive, effectively reducing plant diversity and altering the local ecosystem. While these patches are great for pawpaws, they can significantly limit the growth of other species around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pawpaws-effect-on-plant-diversity">Pawpaws’ effect on plant diversity</h2>



New research from <a href="https://washu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University</a> in St. Louis highlights how pawpaw patches influence biodiversity.



“Pawpaws create a habitat where the rules of competition are more random than when they’re absent,” noted Anna Wassel, a graduate student and lead author of the study.



The researchers found that pawpaw patches have a significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-diverse-crops-traps-carbon-and-boosts-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact on plant diversity</a> within their boundaries. Specifically, the variety of herbaceous plants, which include smaller, non-woody species like grasses and wildflowers, was 49% lower inside pawpaw patches compared to areas outside.



This indicates that nearly half of the usual types of these plants struggle to survive in the environment created by pawpaw trees. The dense shade and competitive conditions within the patches make it difficult for many plant species to thrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pawpaw-patches-decrease-plant-density">Pawpaw patches decrease plant density</h2>



In addition to reduced diversity, the total density of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-shaped-plant-biodiversity-for-thousands-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> - combining both woody species like shrubs and herbaceous species - was found to be 29% lower inside pawpaw patches.



This means not only are there fewer types of plants, but also fewer individual plants overall. The dominance of pawpaw trees and their resource consumption leave less room and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plant-diversity-can-help-combat-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fewer resources for other plants to grow</a>.



The study also revealed that pawpaw patches increase the randomness of which plants survive, particularly at larger scales. 



In typical forest ecosystems, plants compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients in predictable ways, with certain species better adapted to the conditions prevailing. However, inside pawpaw patches, these usual rules of competition break down. 



The survival of plants becomes more random, disrupting the natural balance of the ecosystem. This unpredictability makes it harder for a stable and diverse plant community to form within pawpaw-dominated areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-pawpaw-patches-ruin-other-plants">Why pawpaw patches ruin other plants</h2>



Pawpaw trees have a strong ability to outcompete other plants, thanks to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-in-dry-landscapes-have-surprising-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">several factors</a>. 



Their large, tropical-looking leaves create dense shade, blocking sunlight that many smaller plants need to grow. Without enough light, these plants struggle to survive and thrive under the pawpaw canopy.



Additionally, pawpaw trees spread through underground roots and produce multiple stems in one area. This high stem density increases competition for soil nutrients and water, leaving fewer resources for other plants in the vicinity.



Another factor is that deer tend to avoid eating pawpaw trees. Instead, they graze on other plants nearby, further reducing the variety of plant species in and around pawpaw patches. 



This combination of shading, resource competition, and selective deer browsing makes pawpaw patches a tough environment for other plants to grow - significantly lowering local biodiversity.



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



The study’s findings offer important lessons for managing forest ecosystems. 



“If you are monitoring a plot of land with the aim to encourage the growth of understory species, unfortunately, pawpaws are not your friends,” Wassel noted. 



The dominance and unpredictability of pawpaw patches make them a challenge for land managers focused on promoting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/islands-are-home-to-one-third-of-all-known-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant diversity</a>.



However, for those interested in harvesting pawpaw fruit, the approach is different. To ensure cross-pollination and healthy fruit production, managers should encourage as many genetically distinct patches as possible.



“The presence of pawpaws is never inherently good or bad, it’s just natural. Nature’s goals are never as linear as ours,” noted Wassel.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.70115" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecosphere</a>.



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Pawpaw trees form dense patches that outcompete other plants

Pawpaws, the largest native fruit in North America, have become...

A study from Chapman University provides the first comprehensive global estimates of water storage in Earth’s vegetation and the time it takes for that water to flow through plants. The research fills a critical gap in our understanding of the global water cycle and its sensitivity to climate and land-use changes.



Published in the journal Nature Water, the study reveals that Earth's vegetation holds about 786 km³ of water, a mere 0.002% of Earth’s total freshwater.



However, the significance lies in the rapid movement of water through plants. This transit time, from absorption to release into the atmosphere, is among the fastest in the water cycle - ranging from five days in croplands to 18 days in evergreen needleleaf forests.



For perspective, water in lakes takes around 17 years to cycle, and in glaciers, the process spans 1,600 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuous-loop-of-earth-s-water-cycle">Continuous loop of Earth's water cycle</h2>



Earth's water cycle, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrological cycle</a>, is the continuous movement of water through the environment. It begins with evaporation, where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-are-wreaking-havoc-on-the-global-water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sun heats water</a> from oceans, lakes, and rivers, turning it into vapor.



This vapor rises into the atmosphere and cools, leading to&nbsp;condensation, which forms clouds. When the clouds become heavy, water returns to Earth as&nbsp;precipitation&nbsp;in the form of rain, snow, or hail. 



Once on the ground, water either flows over the surface into rivers and lakes (runoff) or seeps into the soil (infiltration). 



Plants also play a role by releasing water vapor into the air through&nbsp;transpiration. Together, these processes recycle water, connecting oceans, land, and the atmosphere in a continuous loop.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-forgotten-element-of-the-water-cycle">A forgotten element of the water cycle</h2>



“Plants are the forgotten part of the global water cycle,” noted Dr. Andrew Felton, lead author and professor at <a href="https://www.montana.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montana State University</a>. Despite their critical role in returning water from the ground to the atmosphere, plants are often excluded from water cycle diagrams.



“Our results show that the transit of water through plants occurs on the order of days, rather than months, years, or centuries, as it does in other parts of the water cycle,” said Dr. Felton.



By combining plant water transit estimates with those for the atmosphere (8–10 days) and soil (60–90 days), researchers can now approximate the total time a drop of water spends in the terrestrial cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intensification-of-the-water-cycle">Intensification of the water cycle</h2>



One striking finding is the rapid transit of water through croplands. During peak growing seasons, water cycles through crops in less than a day. This speed, consistent across global croplands, hints at a broader environmental implication.



“Land use change may be homogenizing the global water cycle and contributing to its intensification by more rapidly recycling water back to the atmosphere where it can turn into heavy rain events,” explained <a href="https://www.chapman.edu/our-faculty/greg-goldsmith" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Gregory Goldsmith</a>, senior author and associate professor at Chapman University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-dynamics-in-earth-s-vegetation">Water dynamics in Earth's vegetation</h2>



The research team utilized data from NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive Mission (<a href="https://smap.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SMAP</a>), a satellite program designed to measure soil moisture across Earth’s surface.



SMAP data accounted for vegetation interference, which the satellite originally treated as noise to correct soil moisture readings. However, the researchers discovered that these corrections held important information about the amount of water stored in plants.



By analyzing this overlooked data and combining it with advanced measurements of how quickly water exits plants, the team developed detailed estimates. 



These included five years of monthly data on plant water storage and the time water takes to move through vegetation, calculated with a spatial resolution of&nbsp;9 square kilometers (approximately 3.5 square miles). 



This high-resolution analysis provided a remarkable understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distress-signals-earths-water-cycle-is-becoming-more-erratic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water dynamics within Earth's vegetation</a>.



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



The study highlights the sensitivity of plant water transit times to environmental events like deforestation, drought, and wildfires. 



“The results suggest that the transit time of water through plants is likely to be very sensitive to events such as deforestation, drought and wildfire, which will fundamentally change the time it takes for water to flow through the water cycle,” said Felton.



By shedding light on the dynamic role of vegetation, this research highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the urgent need to understand how land-use changes influence the global water cycle.



As the planet faces intensifying climate challenges, studies like this pave the way for more informed strategies to manage water resources and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sci-fi-inspired-scenarios-illustrate-our-impact-on-earths-water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predict environmental shifts</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44221-024-00365-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Water</a>.



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Water moves through plants and back into the atmosphere with unexpected speed

A study from Chapman University provides the first comprehensive global...

Every day, countless cups of coffee leave behind piles of waste and grounds that often end up in landfills. People around the globe are seeking ways to reduce this organic trash, and construction researchers have identified a method that may give old coffee grounds a second life.



By finding innovative solutions, they are turning waste into a tool for advancing sustainability across industries, addressing the issue of waste management, and offering benefits to industries beyond the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-production-threatened-by-loss-of-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee sector</a>.



By reimagining a common byproduct, scientists are opening doors to more sustainable and practical applications for organic waste, thereby transforming a problem into a valuable resource, which could redefine how organic waste is utilized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-coffee-grounds-into-stronger-concrete">Turning coffee grounds into stronger concrete</h2>



RMIT University engineer <a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/profiles/r/rajeev-roychand" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Rajeev Roychand</a> and his colleagues have demonstrated that processing leftover coffee grounds can make concrete significantly stronger.&nbsp;



To unlock these benefits, researchers placed coffee waste in a low-oxygen environment and heated it to over 350 °F (about 660 °F). This heating method, called pyrolysis, changes the grounds into a carbon-rich material.



The treatment alters the coffee grounds at a molecular level, transforming them into a material that integrates well with concrete. More importantly, it enables the production of stronger concrete with reduced environmental impacts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-pyrolysis-is-key">Why pyrolysis is key</h2>



Pyrolysis involves heating organic matter in the absence of oxygen. When coffee waste is treated with this process at 350 °C, it transforms into a substance known as biochar, which carries the advantage of being able to bond effectively with cement.



In general, the construction industry has long faced challenges with resource consumption, particularly related to sand extraction. 



Using biochar derived from coffee can replace a portion of the sand that goes into concrete, thus lowering demand for natural sand.



This process not only lessens dependency on finite resources but also aligns with the growing push for sustainable construction practices. 



The pyrolyzed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-flavor-can-be-improved-with-a-simple-trick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a> biochar creates a porous structure that improves the way concrete holds together under stress. 



This method provides a dual benefit: finding a productive use for waste while simultaneously addressing the ecological impacts of sand extraction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-organic-waste-and-emissions">Reducing organic waste and emissions</h2>



Experts <a href="https://ico.org/resources/trade-statistics-tables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimate</a> that global coffee consumption generates around 10 billion kilograms (22 billion pounds) of spent grounds each year. Much of this waste takes up precious space in landfills, while also releasing methane and carbon dioxide.&nbsp;



Methane is considered to be a more harmful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Hence, diverting this waste toward sustainable uses could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 



Ultimately, with coffee consumption so widespread, even small changes in recycling practices could have far-reaching effects on the environment.



“The disposal of organic waste poses an environmental challenge as it emits large amounts of greenhouse gases,” said <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652623023636" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roychand</a>. By recycling coffee grounds, researchers hope to mitigate these environmental impacts while improving concrete’s quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indigenous-perspective-on-sustainability">Indigenous perspective on sustainability</h2>



“Inspiration for my research, from an Indigenous perspective, involves Caring for Country,” said RMIT engineer and co-researcher <a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/all-news/2022/august/indigenous-researcher-ppe-innovation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch</a>.



Sustainable practices that keep organic waste from landfills can protect ecosystems, minimize pollution, and preserve natural resources. 



This philosophy integrates cultural respect for the environment with cutting-edge engineering techniques. Using coffee biochar in construction aligns with this idea of managing resources more responsibly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-will-this-really-work">Will this really work?</h2>



The coffee-biochar blend requires further testing to confirm its performance over extended periods. Scientists want to know how it stands up to water exposure, freeze-and-thaw cycles, and constant use.



These durability tests will help determine whether biochar-infused <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recycled-cement-is-an-absolute-miracle-to-lower-concrete-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concrete</a> can meet the rigorous demands of modern infrastructure projects.



They are also planning to work with different types of organic waste (like wood scraps, food leftovers, and agricultural byproducts) to see if these can also be converted into materials that improve concrete’s structural properties.



These assessments are critical for determining whether the material can be used in large-scale construction projects. 



The research team is committed to exploring the practicality of biochar-based concrete under real-world conditions to ensure its reliability and safety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-coffee-grounds-and-concrete">Future of coffee grounds and concrete</h2>



As buildings rise and infrastructure expands, the search for more sustainable practices will become even more urgent. This approach of adding coffee biochar to concrete could contribute to the circular economy.



Transforming a problematic waste into a valuable input, is the first push of many required to reduce reliance on raw materials such as natural sand. 



The example of this approach sets the stage for industries to adopt similar methods, encouraging broader adoption of waste-to-resource strategies.



Such actions promise to lessen the environmental strain while boosting the long-term resilience of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ancient-romans-made-such-incredibly-durable-concrete-is-no-longer-a-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">construction methods</a>.



Through continued collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and businesses, innovations like this have the potential to reshape the way we think about resources. 



By connecting waste management to infrastructure, this research could redefine sustainability in the modern era.



The research findings were published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652623023636" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Cleaner Production</a>.



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Adding coffee grounds during the construction process could reinforce buildings

Every day, countless cups of coffee leave behind piles of...

We’ve all seen houseplants tucked in corners far from windows or lush greenery growing under dense tree canopies. Yet, these plants manage to grow and thrive in shade without direct sunlight. How do they do it?



New research reveals that shaded plants capture more light than previously believed. Scientists from Utrecht University and Wageningen University &amp; Research (WUR) found that these plants effectively use light beyond the visible spectrum. 



Published in the journal Plant Cell &amp; Environment, the findings could transform photosynthesis research and greenhouse horticulture practices.



“When you have a better understanding of how different colors of light affect photosynthesis and plant growth, you can help growers develop smart ways to supplement natural sunlight with colored light,” noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaded-plants-capture-far-red-light">Shaded plants capture far-red light </h2>



Shaded plants benefit from light that filters through the leaves of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-uncover-how-plants-grow-wider-not-just-taller/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> above them. When sunlight hits the upper plant leaves, they absorb most of the light for photosynthesis but allow some light to pass through. 



This unabsorbed light primarily consists of green and far-red wavelengths, which are less useful to the upper plants but become crucial for the plants below.



Far-red light, in particular, falls within the 700–750 nm range of the light spectrum. Unlike visible light, which plants predominantly use for photosynthesis, far-red light was previously thought to have little impact. 



However, the study reveals that shaded plants have adapted to use far-red light effectively for photosynthesis, allowing them to survive and grow even in low-light environments. This ability is vital for plants in dense forests or closely planted crops, where direct sunlight is scarce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photosynthesis-in-shaded-plants">Photosynthesis in shaded plants</h2>



“Until now, researchers have seldom considered the possibility that plants utilize far-red light for photosynthesis,” said WUR PhD candidate <a href="https://research.wur.nl/en/persons/tinko-jans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tinko Jans</a>.



Conventional experiments suggested that photosynthesis relied mainly on visible wavelengths (400–700 nm). 



However, this study reveals that far-red light significantly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/booster-plant-gene-discovery-amplifies-plant-growth-up-to-200-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boosts photosynthesis</a> when combined with small amounts of visible light. The team developed a new method to measure and model this contribution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-grow-taller-using-far-red-light">Plants grow taller using far-red light</h2>



Far-red light also affects plant behavior, triggering a “shade avoidance response.” “Many plants react to a relative increase in far-red light by growing straight up, to win the competition for light,” Jans explained.



This response benefits horticulturists, allowing plants to grow closer together in limited spaces.



Recent advances in LED technology have enabled researchers to study far-red light more effectively. 



“In earlier experiments, we showed that shade <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-grow-more-branches-and-become-bushy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants grow faster</a> when supplemented with far-red light from LEDs,” noted Utrecht University environmental scientist <a href="https://www.uu.nl/staff/HJdeBoer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hugo de Boer</a>, who initiated the study.



The findings highlight how controlled light environments can optimize plant growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-considering-the-full-light-spectrum">Considering the full light spectrum </h2>



The scientists faced challenges in studying the role of far-red light in photosynthesis because existing models only considered visible light (400–700 nm) as the primary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-soil-day-2024-protecting-our-planets-lifeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contributor to plant growth</a>.



Far-red light was largely overlooked in traditional research and calculations.



“It turned out to be much more difficult to quantify the color effect on photosynthesis,” explained Hugo de Boer, as earlier models and measurement methods were not designed to account for the influence of far-red light.



To overcome this, the researchers adapted widely used photosynthesis models to include far-red light. They combined measurements of photosynthesis with data from the full spectrum of light reaching plant leaves. 



This updated approach allowed them to accurately demonstrate how far-red light, when integrated with visible light, significantly enhances photosynthesis and supports plant growth. 



This breakthrough highlights the importance of considering the full light spectrum in both research and agricultural practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-crop-cultivation">Greenhouse crop cultivation</h2>



The research highlights a previously underestimated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-how-climate-change-will-alter-plant-growth-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">factor in plant growth</a>: the role of far-red light in photosynthesis.



Far-red light was once thought to contribute little to photosynthesis. However, the study demonstrates that plants can effectively use this light, especially when combined with visible light, to enhance their growth.



The findings hold significant potential for greenhouse horticulture. By integrating far-red light into lighting strategies, growers can optimize plant growth even in shaded or crowded environments where sunlight is limited.



This approach could improve crop yields while reducing the energy and space required for cultivation.



Leveraging far-red light offers a smarter, more sustainable method of farming, allowing plants to thrive in conditions that were previously considered suboptimal. This advancement could transform modern agriculture, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pce.15340" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant Cell &amp; Environment</a>.



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Plants living in the shade get much more light than previously believed

We’ve all seen houseplants tucked in corners far from windows...

The humble carrot may be more powerful than we realized. Beyond its culinary versatility, this nutrient-rich root vegetable is gaining attention for its potential health benefits. Recent research suggests that carrots could play a significant role in the fight against type 2 diabetes.



The study was conducted by a team of experts from the <a href="https://www.sdu.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern Denmark</a> (SDU), Odense University Hospital, and the University of Copenhagen. 



The researchers found that carrots boost the body's regulation of blood sugar levels and have a beneficial influence on gut bacteria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-type-2-diabetes">What is type 2 diabetes?</h2>



Type 2 diabetes is a widespread and growing public health concern, impacting millions of people worldwide. 



Characterized by the body’s inability to effectively use insulin, this chronic condition can lead to serious complications including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve issues, and vision loss.



The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been steadily rising, fueled by factors such as sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and increasing rates of obesity. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-a-snack-food">More than just a snack food </h2>



According to the World Health Organization, the number of people living with diabetes has nearly quadrupled over the past few decades - highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention, management, and treatment strategies.



Current treatments for type 2 diabetes involve dietary changes and drugs, which can be quite irritating. 



The researchers propose that carrots, which are rich in bioactive compounds, may offer a natural way to complement existing treatments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bioactive-compounds-in-carrots">Bioactive compounds in carrots </h2>



To test their theory, the scientists placed laboratory mice with type 2 diabetes in two groups for a period of 16 weeks.



One group was fed a high fat diet that was supplemented with 10% freeze-dried powder of carrots, while the other group did not receive carrots in their diets.



The team found that mice on the carrot-enriched diet developed better regulation of blood sugar and a healthier gut microbiome.



The experts concluded that it was the bioactive compounds in carrots, such as short-chain fatty acid-promoting agents, which led to these improvements.



"Carrots altered the composition of the gut microbiome - the billions of microorganisms living in the gut that play a crucial role in digestion and health. Mice consuming carrots exhibited a healthier balance of gut bacteria," noted Morten Kobæk Larsen, who coordinated the research project.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carrots-and-gut-bacteria">Carrots and gut bacteria</h2>



The mice that were fed carrots had more bacteria that ferment short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are small molecules produced when bacterial populations ferment dietary fibers.



These molecules are crucial for regulating energy metabolism and blood sugar. They play a crucial role in helping maintain homeostasis of the gut microbiota and reducing inflammation.



"Everything we eat affects the composition of gut bacteria. Consuming carrots shifts the gut bacteria towards a healthier balance, benefiting mice with type 2 diabetes," explained Larsen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dietary-strategies-for-type-2-diabetes">Dietary strategies for type 2 diabetes</h2>



Carrots contain bioactive substances derived from unsaturated fatty acids that enhance cells' ability to absorb sugar, aiding in blood sugar regulation and overall metabolic health. 



Other vegetables such as parsley, celery, and parsnips contain similar compounds.



"We see carrots as a potential component of future dietary strategies for type 2 diabetes. Other vegetables in the carrot family might have similar properties," said Lars Porskjær Christensen, a professor of analytical chemistry and natural product chemistry at SDU.



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



While the research is promising, it has not been directly applied to humans. The experts believe the next step is to conduct human clinical trials.



"Such studies are costly, and we are working to secure external funding to conduct a smaller clinical trial with carrots containing relatively high amounts of bioactive compounds," said Christensen.



The researchers hope that this could pave the way for larger clinical studies to help provide preventative measures against type 2 diabetes.



Of course, preparation does play a part in retaining the health-promoting substances found in carrots.



"Even with prolonged frying or boiling, some bioactive compounds remain. However, raw or lightly cooked carrots seem to be the best option to retain as many beneficial compounds as possible," concluded Christensen.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://ascpt.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cts.70090" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clinical and Translational Science</a>.



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Carrots may help manage diabetes by improving gut health

The humble carrot may be more powerful than we realized....

Picture a charming blueberry farm, where vibrant bushes brim with richly colored fruit and sunlit leaves shimmer in the light. Yet, a change is on the horizon.



Blueberry plants are now under threat, with their vibrant appearance dulled and growth stunted by a powdery white substance. 



The culprit is a fungus called Erysiphe vaccinii, which is responsible for the disease known as powdery mildew.



A recent study from North Carolina State University reveals the alarming global spread of&nbsp;Erysiphe vaccinii in blueberries. 



Powdery mildew reduces yield and increases fungicide reliance. It is currently impacting blueberry production on multiple continents. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-spread-of-fungal-blueberry-disease">Global spread of fungal blueberry disease </h2>



According to the study, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-fungus-found-in-garden-soils-across-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungus</a> has spread globally over the past 12 years, after originating in the eastern United States. 



"We’re watching this global spread happen right now, in real time," said Michael Bradshaw, assistant professor of plant pathology at <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NC State</a>.



The fungus responsible for powdery mildew creates a white, powdery layer on the surface of infected plants. 



This coating not only disrupts the plant’s ability to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis but also steals essential nutrients from the plant’s tissues.



As a result, the plant’s growth is stunted, and its overall health declines - making it weaker and less productive.



"There are other closely related powdery mildews that affect plants like wild berries or eucalyptus, but these are genetically different from the ones spreading across the world on blueberries," noted Bradshaw.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-spread-of-powdery-mildew">Tracking the spread of powdery mildew </h2>



The researchers examined 173 samples of infected blueberry leaves to study the spread of powdery mildew disease. These samples included both historic specimens from herbariums (some collected over 150 years ago) and more recent samples from various countries.



Through genetic testing, the team discovered that the strains causing the current outbreaks are entirely new and different from those found in the older specimens. They identified two distinct introductions of the fungus into the global blueberry-growing regions.



One strain spread to China, Mexico, and California and the other strain was found in Morocco, Peru, and Portugal.



Bradshaw suggested that humans likely played a major role in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diseases-flourish-in-city-landscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spread of the fungus</a> by transporting infected nursery plants across borders.



“If you’re sending plant material across the world, you’re likely spreading this fungus with it,” he stated. This highlights how the global plant trade can inadvertently introduce harmful pathogens to new regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-the-disease-on-blueberries">Impact of the disease on blueberries</h2>



Powdery mildew has a significant economic impact on the blueberry industry, costing between $47 million and $530 million every year. 



These costs stem primarily from the increased use of fungicides needed to prevent or manage the disease, as well as from potential losses in crop yield.



The study also identifies regions like the U.S. Pacific Northwest as being particularly vulnerable to future outbreaks. This area has environmental conditions that are ideal for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease</a> to thrive, such as the right combination of temperature and humidity, yet the fungus has not yet been reported there.



Proactive monitoring and management are urgently needed to prevent the disease from taking hold in such high-risk regions.



Bradshaw noted that agricultural practices could influence disease severity. "Some areas that grow blueberries in tunnels, or enclosed areas, seem to have worse disease outcomes than areas that grow blueberries outdoors without any covering, like in North Carolina," he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-farmers-manage-powdery-mildew">Helping farmers manage powdery mildew </h2>



To help farmers manage powdery mildew more effectively, the researchers developed a public database designed to identify different strains of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungus</a>. Growers can use this tool to input data about the fungus affecting their crops and determine which specific strain is present in their fields. 



This information is crucial because it helps farmers understand the characteristics of the strain they are dealing with, including its level of virulence (how damaging it can be) and whether it is resistant to commonly used fungicides. 



By knowing these details, farmers can make more informed decisions about how to control the disease and protect their crops.



“Understanding the genetics can warn farmers about which strain they have, whether it is resistant to fungicides, and how the disease is spreading,” Bradshaw explained.



This research highlights the urgent need to address powdery mildew’s global spread. By improving monitoring and control strategies, the study offers hope for safeguarding the blueberry industry from this emerging disease.



The research was supported by the National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>) and <a href="https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novo Nordisk Foundation</a>.



The findings are published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/nph.20351" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



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Disease attacking blueberry plants is spreading around the world

Picture a charming blueberry farm, where vibrant bushes brim with...

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[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"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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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.

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



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.

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" 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> describes a new map of Mars that is providing insight into the planet’s watery past. The map also reveals where future missions could safely land on Mars.&nbsp;



The map has been created over the last decade using observations of water-rich rocks and mineral deposits. The images were captured by ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.



"A big surprise is the prevalence of these minerals, with the map revealing hundreds of thousands of water-affected locations in the oldest parts of the planet," says ESA. "The new data will help answer exciting questions about Mars’ climate history, whether water was globally persistent or confined to short, intense episodes, and whether the conditions were ever suitable for life."



"Specifically, the map shows the locations and abundances of aqueous minerals. These are from rocks that have been chemically altered by the action of water in the past, and have typically been transformed into clays and salts."



According to John Carter of the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), our collective understanding of Mars has been oversimplified. He explained that planetary scientists have tended to think that only a few types of clay minerals on Mars were created during its wet period, then as the water gradually dried up, salts were produced across the planet.



The new map shows that the composition of Mars is much more complicated than what we thought. For example, while many salts formed after Martian clays, there are some salts that are presumed to be older than some of the clays.&nbsp;



“The evolution from lots of water to no water is not as clear cut as we thought, the water didn’t just stop overnight. We see a huge diversity of geological contexts, so that no one process or simple timeline can explain the evolution of the mineralogy of Mars. That’s the first result of our study. The second is that if you exclude life processes on Earth, Mars exhibits a diversity of mineralogy in geological settings just as Earth does,” said Carter.



Video 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 history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. 



The experts found that the muscle metabolism of cavefish has been genetically reprogrammed over time. As a result, the animals have experienced major changes in their morphology and behavior. Despite these changes, however, the cavefish remain healthy and fit.



The research may provide new clues about the evolutionary consequences of prolonged physical inactivity in humans.&nbsp;



“It’s no surprise that people are moving less and less as technology has advanced,” said Rohner. “With cavefish, we have a unique system where we can study what might happen if people remained couch potatoes over very, very long periods of time.”



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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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.

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> some of the most incredible waves in the world, as seen by Landsat satellites.



"With more than 370,000 miles of coastline on Earth, there are plenty of places where epic waves build up, curl over, and hurtle toward the shore.- much to the thrill of surfers," says NASA. "There are some places where these waves are so magnificent that they can be seen from space."



"With the broad perspective of satellites, we can see how these iconic waves develop into the world’s tallest, longest, fastest, and heaviest."



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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