The genome of life is vanishing faster than we can understand it. Species are going extinct, ecosystems are breaking down, and climate change is making everything more unstable. 



At the same time, science is finally catching up with a bold idea: if we can read the DNA of life - every plant, animal, fungus, and more - we can help protect it. 



That’s the massive mission behind the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterfly-genome-has-barely-changed-after-250-million-years-of-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth BioGenome Project</a> (EBP), a global effort to sequence the DNA of every known eukaryotic species on the planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-reference-for-life-itself">A reference for life itself</h2>



In simple terms, eukaryotes are the organisms that have complex cells, like humans, trees, and mushrooms. 



There are about 1.67 million named species, and EBP wants to map the genome of each one. That means building a massive, digital <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cracking-the-code-of-life-the-secret-language-of-dna/">DNA</a> library - a reference for life itself. 



This isn’t just for the sake of curiosity. Knowing the genetic makeup of different species can help with medicine, food security, environmental protection, and even pandemic prevention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powering-up-the-genome-project">Powering up the genome project</h2>



The EBP started sequencing genomes in 2020. Since then, it’s picked up speed. Today, the project is moving 10 times faster than when it began, thanks to better technology and new tools like portable “pop-up” labs that can work even in remote regions.



“As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/">biodiversity</a> loss gathers pace, so must our work,” said Professor Harris Lewin at <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a>. “Our growing digital ‘genome ark’ is shifting what’s possible in genomics from isolated, expensive sequencing efforts to a global, scalable, and inclusive enterprise.”



The project isn’t just about science - it’s also about making sure the work benefits everyone, especially communities in biodiversity-rich but often overlooked areas, like parts of South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. 



That includes giving local and Indigenous researchers the tools they need to do world-class genomic science right where they live.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-digital-tree-of-life">Building a digital tree of life</h2>



By the end of 2024, researchers in the network had published 1,667 genomes, representing over 500 eukaryotic families. Another 1,798 genomes were submitted that meet EBP’s standards. That brings the total to 3,465 species already sequenced and cataloged.



These genomes have helped explain how some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genomics-can-help-farm-animals-adapt-to-climate-change/">animals adapt</a> to extreme environments, like the Svalbard reindeer in the Arctic. They’ve also shown how chromosomes have changed over time in butterflies and moths. 



Furthermore, the genomes are helping to improve tools like environmental DNA, or eDNA, which can identify species just from the traces they leave behind in water, soil, or air.



“We have laid the roots to build our digital ‘tree of life’ - and our early outputs are already reshaping what we know about evolution, ecosystem function, and biodiversity,” said Professor Mark Blaxter at the UK’s Wellcome Sanger Institute.



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



Now, EBP is entering the second of three phases. Phase II is much more ambitious. The goal is to sequence 150,000 species over the next four years. That’s half of all known genera. 



The focus of this phase will be on species that matter most for ecosystems, food, disease prevention, and cultural and community needs.



That also means collecting 300,000 biological samples. To hit these targets, the project will need to sequence 3,000 genomes a month. That’s more than 10 times the current rate. But the tech is getting better - and cheaper. Genome sequencing costs have dropped eightfold in just a few years.



“It’s a biological moonshot in terms of the scale of ambition. As species vanish and ecosystems degrade, we aim to capture and preserve the biological blueprint of life on Earth for future generations,” said Professor Blaxter. 



“Understanding the origins and evolution of life on Earth is a human pursuit equivalent to understanding the origins and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-not-as-random-as-we-thought/">evolution</a> of the universe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genome-labs-in-a-box">Genome labs in a box</h2>



One of the biggest challenges is getting high-quality samples from hard-to-reach places. The EBP wants to solve that with a simple idea: genome labs in a box. 



These pop-up sequencing labs, called gBoxes, fit inside shipping containers and can go almost anywhere. Once there, they give local scientists the power to process and analyze DNA on site - without having to ship samples around the world.



“Chile is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots with many endemic species, but these are under threat,” said Professor Juliana Vianna from the <a href="https://www.internationalgenome.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1,000 Genomes Project</a>. 



“In addition, our species are often studied only after samples are exported. With gBoxes, we can change that. Local teams can generate the data here, in context, and immediately connect it to the conservation and sustainable management challenges we face on the ground.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developing-novel-solutions">Developing novel solutions</h2>



“Biodiversity scientists in low and lower middle-income countries confront daily the great irony of our species and our planet: that the lion’s share of funding and infrastructure for genomics is located at higher latitudes while the great bulk of biodiversity is found in the tropics,” said Dr. Andrew J Crawford from Universidad de los Andes in Colombia. 



He noted that the gBox would allow any nation on the globe to make its own choices, empower the next generation of researchers in biotech and computational biology, and impact national economies by asking novel questions and developing creative solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-huge-genome-project-mission">A huge genome project mission</h2>



Since it started, EBP has built a strong foundation. It created international standards, set up a network of affiliated projects, and reached many of its Phase I goals. Now it’s aiming even higher.



The price tag for Phase II is $1.1 billion. That includes $0.5 billion for a Foundational Impact Fund to support training, infrastructure, and applied research in the Global South.



Sequencing the full 1.67 million named eukaryotic species over 10 years would cost around $4.42 billion. For perspective, that’s less than what it cost to sequence the first human genome or to build the James Webb Space Telescope.



The scientists behind the project say that’s a fair price for what it could deliver - a complete digital record of Earth’s genetic diversity.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/science/articles/10.3389/fsci.2025.1514835/full">Frontiers in Science</a>.



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Preserving Earth’s genetic future before it’s too late

The genome of life is vanishing faster than we can understand it. Species are going extinct, ecosystems are breaking down, and climate change is making everything more unstable. At the same time, science is finally catching up with a bold idea: if we can read the DNA of life - every plant, animal, fungus, and more - we can help protect it. That’s the massive mission behind the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP), a global effort to sequence the DNA of every known eukaryotic species on the planet....

Peering over the forest-draped ridges of southwestern China, a scar nearly half a mile wide across yawns open, so sheer that light seems to drain straight into the earth. Xiaozhai Tiankeng, also known as the "Heavenly Pit," is the world's largest sinkhole.



 Locals have spoken of Xiaozhai Tiankeng for centuries, yet it was only “discovered” by the wider world in 1994 when a team of British cavers stumbled on its hidden maw.



Measured from rim to floor, the Xiaozhai Heavenly Pit plunges about 2,172 feet - deeper than a stack of six Statues of Liberty - and encloses roughly 4.2 billion cubic feet of space. 



Those numbers secure its place as the planet’s deepest and largest known sinkhole, a title it wears with quiet, vertigo-inducing confidence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-xiaozhai-tiankeng-a-hidden-giant">Xiaozhai Tiankeng - a hidden giant</h2>



Geologists now read the sinkhole’s striped limestone walls like pages in an epic timeline. Rainwater, slightly acidic after mingling with soil carbon dioxide, seeped through fractures in Triassic-age rock for some 128,000 years. 



Bit by bit, it hollowed out caverns below <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fengjie_County" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fengjie County</a>, until the ceiling finally collapsed and birthed the chasm seen today.



Because the limestone lies high above sea level and is free of clay impurities, water could tunnel unimpeded, carving passages that still channel underground streams. 



The Xiaozhai Tiankeng stands as the textbook example of karst topography - what happens when karst processes are given perfect working conditions - and plenty of monsoon rain.



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



<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589471424000202" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karst topography</a> forms when water slowly eats away at soft, soluble rocks like limestone, dolomite, or gypsum. As rainwater seeps into the ground, it picks up carbon dioxide and turns slightly acidic. That weak acid reacts with the rock, gradually wearing it down.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sinkholes_karst-topography_diagram-illustration_annotated_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sinkholes_karst-topography_diagram-illustration_annotated_1s.webp" alt="Water shapes karst landscapes by slowly dissolving soft, soluble rocks like limestone. Over time, this natural process carves out striking features - think sinkholes, hidden caves, and winding underground rivers. You’ll often find these dramatic terrains in rainy regions rich in carbonate rock. Click image to enlarge." class="wp-image-1970449"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Water shapes karst landscapes by slowly dissolving soft, soluble rocks like limestone. Over time, this natural process carves out striking features - think sinkholes, hidden caves, and winding underground rivers. You’ll often find these dramatic terrains in rainy regions rich in carbonate rock. Click image to enlarge.</figcaption></figure>



Over time, the land above starts to sag and collapse, creating sinkholes, disappearing streams, and vast cave systems below the surface. It’s a quiet, powerful transformation that reshapes the landscape from the inside out.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-xiaozhai-tiankeng-got-its-name">How Xiaozhai Tiankeng got its name</h2>



Chinese researchers classify this colossus as a tiankeng, a term reserved for sinkholes at least 328 feet deep and wide, each harboring a river at its base. 



The word translates variously as “heavenly pit” or “sky hole,” both fitting nods to the feeling one gets while peering over the edge. Of the 75 such features documented worldwide, about 50 cluster inside China’s humid karst belts.



The Xiaozhai example dwarfs its peers: it stretches roughly 1,676 to 2,054 feet long and 984 to 1,762 feet across, dimensions that defy easy comparison yet satisfy every benchmark geologists set for these rare landforms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-layered-steep-descent">Long, layered, steep descent</h2>



Two enormous “bowls” stack inside the chasm, each dropping more than 984 feet before giving way to the next terrace. 



After heavy summer storms, a temporary waterfall pours over the rim and ribbons down the vertical walls, then vanishes into the stone. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sinkhole_worlds-largest_Xiaozai-Tiankang_bottom-view_Credit-Research-Gate_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sinkhole_worlds-largest_Xiaozai-Tiankang_bottom-view_Credit-Research-Gate_1s.webp" alt="View along the floor of the Qinlong Tiankeng, towards the natural bridge at its western end, in the Wulong Sanqiao Park. Credit: ResearchGate" class="wp-image-1970451"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">View along the floor of the Qinlong Tiankeng, towards the natural bridge at its western end, in the Wulong Sanqiao Park. Click image to enlarge. Credit: ResearchGate</figcaption></figure>



Where the stream briefly reappears, it leaps in a single 151-foot plunge that echoes through the darkness below.



Scrambling down is a workout: concrete stairways cling to corners of the cliff, but many scientists still rope in, carrying sensors and sampling kits on their harnesses. 



The sense of scale - walls so high the sky shrinks to a blue rectangle - never quite fades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-inside-xiaozhai-tiankeng">Life inside Xiaozhai Tiankeng</h2>



Sunlight weakens but never disappears, nurturing a green haze of ferns, mosses, and towering ginkgo biloba trees. 



Biologists have counted 1,285 plant and animal species in this natural greenhouse, including the elusive clouded leopard, whose total wild population is thought to number fewer than 10,000. 



Dense humidity and steady temperatures create a pocket climate unlike anything on the surrounding plateau.



Winged insects flit among orchids; amphibians breed in clear pools; vines cling to walls slick with mist. 



Each tier supports its own community, separated by the same height difference that splits mountain life into bands. To ecologists, the pit is a ready-made laboratory for studying evolution in vertical space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-river-runs-through-it">A river runs through it</h2>



Near the foot of the second bowl, the Difeng cave yawns open, swallowing a crystal stream that has already traveled 5.3 miles underground. 



The water’s final above-ground act is that 151-foot curtain, after which it threads the darkness beneath the sinkhole and resurfaces downstream at the cliffs of the Migong River. 



Flow-rate monitors reveal seasonal surges that match regional rainfall, tying surface weather to hidden hydrology.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sinkhole_worlds-largest_Xiaozai-Tiankang_Credit-Research-Gate_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sinkhole_worlds-largest_Xiaozai-Tiankang_Credit-Research-Gate_1s.webp" alt="Xiaozhai Tiankeng seen from the southern rim; the path down the stone steps is obscured by trees and shrubs-it curves round to the right and descends the steep debris fan inside the lower pit. Credit: ResearchGate" class="wp-image-1970447"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Xiaozhai Tiankeng seen from the southern rim; the path down the stone steps is obscured by trees and shrubs-it curves round to the right and descends the steep debris fan inside the lower pit. Click image to enlarge. Credit: ResearchGate</figcaption></figure>



Mapping that labyrinth has never been easy. Speleologists tried five times in a decade to trace the torrent from end to end; each expedition turned back amid roar and spray, equipment battered by sudden rises in water level. 



The cave remains one of China’s least charted river systems, a reminder that even in the GPS era some coordinates resist tidy lines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-karst-topography-and-xiaozhai-tiankeng">Karst topography and Xiaozhai Tiankeng</h2>



Field teams from Chongqing’s Institute of Karst Geology, often joined by overseas colleagues, now lower radar probes, deploy microclimate loggers, and sample sediments for isotopic clocks that refine the sinkhole’s birth date. 



Their findings feed global climate models and offer clues to safeguarding groundwater in limestone regions where pollution can spread in hours.



Yet the pit keeps its mystique. Nearby villagers swap tales of dragons curling inside the void or celestial doors hidden behind the waterfall. 



Trekkers on the steep trail say the silence at the bottom feels otherworldly, broken only by dripping water and the occasional flap of a bat. 



Maybe that mix of hard data and lingering legend is why the Xiaozhai Tiankeng continues to draw scientists, adventurers, and curious travelers alike - each hoping to understand, if only for a moment, how water, rock, and time conspired to open a doorway straight through the Earth’s surface.



This story was adapted from a report by the BBC, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0crc7bb/china-s-huge-and-mysterious-xiaozhai-tiankeng-sinkhole" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">which you can watch here…</a>



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World’s largest sinkhole showcases the power and beauty of nature

Peering over the forest-draped ridges of southwestern China, a scar...

Wine has long been regarded as a mirror of its environment. From the high slopes of Mendoza to the gentle hills of Tuscany, each bottle reflects not just grape variety and tradition, but also the subtle influence of climate, soil, and season.



For centuries, these factors combined to shape what is known as terroir - the distinctive character of a wine shaped by its natural surroundings.



But today, the climate that supports winegrowing is no longer stable. Global warming is not just nudging temperatures upward - it is altering the rhythm of growth, the timing of harvest, and even the places where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healing-chronic-wounds-with-gold-and-red-wine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wine</a> can be grown. 



A sweeping new study led by E.M. Wolkovich at the <a href="https://www.ubc.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of British Columbia</a> provides a much-needed global lens into these transformations. The research reveals a world where climate change has reached into every winegrowing region - but in dramatically different ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wine-industry-faces-climate-extremes">Wine industry faces climate extremes</h2>



Winegrapes are one of the world’s most sensitive perennial crops. They grow year after year, rooted in specific microclimates. 



Unlike annual crops that can be replanted in new locations, vineyards represent long-term investments that depend on stable conditions. As a result, winegrapes are especially sensitive to climate extremes.



Warmer temperatures push the limits of ripening. Grapes mature faster, resulting in more sugar and alcohol, but often less acidity and complexity. This alters not only taste but also market value. 



Meanwhile, regions that once hovered at the cooler edges of climate suitability are becoming new centers of production, with parts of the UK and Tasmania emerging as rising players in the global wine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moderate-wine-consumption-reduces-cardiovascular-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scene</a>.



Despite a growing body of regional studies, no prior research had taken a comprehensive view. Wolkovich’s team aimed to understand how climate change has affected winegrowing across continents, across seasons, and across grape varieties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wine-and-climate-trends-across-regions">Wine and climate trends across regions</h2>



The researchers analyzed more than 500 winegrape varieties grown across 620 regions worldwide.



They looked at ten critical climate metrics that influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-grapes-every-day-can-transform-your-muscles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grape development</a>, from temperatures during winter dormancy and budburst, to extreme heat during the growing season, and rainfall just before harvest.



Rather than rely on a single dataset, the experts drew from multiple sources, including the Berkeley Earth Surface Temperature dataset and the INRAE Domaine de Vassal collection, which has maintained decades of records on grape phenology.



The team created detailed models that could estimate changes both with and without considering the diversity of grape varieties planted in each region.



The research spans every stage of the grape’s annual cycle and covers a global map of winegrowing zones. The study paints a complex picture. Climate change is not a uniform force - it is reshaping winegrowing differently in Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and beyond.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-europe-faces-the-most-intense-heat">Europe faces the most intense heat</h2>



The most dramatic changes were observed in Europe. Here, temperatures during the growing season have soared. 



The researchers found increases of over 2°C (3.6°F) in maximum temperatures, and a surge in the number of days exceeding 35°C (95°F). These shifts represent standard deviation jumps of 4 to 6 in Eastern and Western Europe - a statistical signal of extreme change.



Such conditions challenge the very definition of classic European terroirs. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-alcohol-in-moderation-does-not-prolong-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wines</a> from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley may now ripen too quickly. Sugar levels spike while acidity drops, altering the flavor balance.



“I was very surprised by the level of warming across the globe, but especially in Europe, where our results show clearly just how much the growing season has warmed with human-caused climate change,” said Dr. Wolkovich.



“As someone who has visited Europe for over 15 years, I have witnessed the increasing heat waves, but seeing the data - and how much change growers are facing - was sobering and even higher than I expected.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-regions-face-different-realities">Other regions face different realities</h2>



In contrast to Europe, North America and South America showed smaller average shifts, though still notable. 



For example, mean growing season temperatures increased by 1.3 standard deviations globally. Yet the types of stress varied. While Europe faced surging heat extremes, North American vineyards experienced more modest rises in both minimum and maximum temperatures.



Regions like Northern Africa and Western Asia, already at the warm end of the spectrum, saw smaller relative increases in high temperatures. But even small gains in such climates could have severe effects. These include greater wildfire risk, vine stress, and potential reductions in yield or quality.



The experts found that precipitation changes were minor on average. However, even slight reductions during harvest in places like Eastern/Southern Africa could impact grape development and disease pressure. The effects of these changes, though subtle, may accumulate over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-affects-wine-more-than-cold">Heat affects wine more than cold</h2>



One of the most striking findings in the study was that extreme heat - not minimum cold temperatures - has changed the most. This runs counter to many expectations.



“The fact that the biggest shifts were in heat extremes and metrics related to total heat was also surprising as we tend to expect climate change to warm minimum temperatures more - so I expected metrics like cold temperatures around the time of budburst and harvest to change the most - but it was often the metrics related to higher temperatures,” said Dr. Wolkovich.



This has major implications. Growers often prepare for spring frosts or winter chills, but now they must deal with searing summer heat and accelerated grape maturation. Such conditions could lead to berry shriveling, changes in tannin structure, or even crop loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-influence-of-grape-variety">The influence of grape variety </h2>



To test whether the mix of grape varieties in each region influenced climate metrics, the team modeled two scenarios. One assumed every region grew only Pinot noir, an early-ripening red grape. The other used detailed data on which varieties are actually planted in each area.



Surprisingly, the results showed only minor differences in most climate metrics between the two approaches. That’s because most regions plant a small set of popular varieties. Only Europe, with its rich mix of late-ripening cultivars, showed measurable shifts based on variety.



Still, the researchers note that this could change. As warming intensifies, regions may be forced to switch to more resilient, late-maturing varieties.



Dr. Wolkovich’s team modeled over 500 cultivars, but even this impressive effort covers less than half of all varieties grown globally. The data gap reflects how much more needs to be done.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stages-in-wine-and-climate-cycles">Stages in wine and climate cycles</h2>



Most climate models focus on the start (budburst) and end (harvest) of the growing season. But this overlooks critical mid-season events like flowering and veraison - the moment when grapes begin to change color and soften.



These stages are especially sensitive to temperature and water stress. Yet they are often excluded from global models because of a lack of data. 



The study calls for more research into how these mid-season processes are shifting, and how different grape types respond under stress.



Understanding these details could guide smarter planting decisions and improve predictions about wine quality under future climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-solutions-need-global-awareness">Local solutions need global awareness</h2>



One of the core messages of the study is that winegrowers cannot think in isolation. The effects of climate change are deeply local, but learning from other regions can provide key insights.



Dr. Wolkovich noted that the study was a major interdisciplinary and international undertaking, requiring expertise from climatologists, crop modelers, macroecologists, and winegrape genetics experts from France, Spain, the US and Canada. 



"It also relied on extensive data resources, and would not have been possible without the records of the <a href="https://eng-vassal.montpellier.hub.inrae.fr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INRAE</a> experimental unit Domaine de Vassal, which has collected data on winegrapes for decades."



Europe's experience with heat waves may inform future strategies in cooler regions. Australia’s innovations to handle wildfire smoke have already been adopted in parts of California. 



As the research notes, global comparisons can reveal both absolute extremes and relative rates of change - each of which matters for long-term adaptation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wine-s-future-in-a-changing-climate">Wine's future in a changing climate </h2>



Climate change is not only about average temperatures. It is about the shifting tempo of seasons, the rise of extreme events, and the fragility of systems once thought stable. Winegrowing, with its deep ties to place and tradition, now faces a reckoning.



This global study does more than document change - it invites a broader rethinking of how we grow, manage, and protect one of the world’s most culturally and economically significant crops. 



By blending regional expertise with a planetary perspective, it offers a path forward: one that honors tradition while preparing for transformation.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000539" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Climate</a>.



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Wines may develop new tastes as climate patterns change

Wine has long been regarded as a mirror of its...

Somewhere, right now, a bee pollinates a flower. A bird builds a nest from twigs. A fungus helps a tree breathe. Most of us don’t notice these moments - but life depends on them. That's why the International Day for Biological Diversity was established.



Each year, May 22 reminds us of something deep and often forgotten. We are not separate from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-pressure-is-changing-biodiversity-faster-than-we-realize/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a>. We are part of it. Cities may rise, and technologies may evolve, but the soil beneath our feet and the forests in the distance sustain all life.



The International Day for Biological Diversity is more than a date. It’s a wake-up call. The campaign urges us to protect the rich web of life on Earth - before it unravels.



This year's theme, “Harmony with nature and sustainable development,” captures the need for balance. It’s about shifting from dominance to coexistence. As we race toward growth and innovation, we must also pause and ask - what are we leaving behind?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-biological-diversity-really-means">What biological diversity really means</h2>



Biodiversity means variety - not just of animals, but of plants, microorganisms, and entire ecosystems. It covers coral reefs, mountain ranges, lakes, deserts, grasslands, and even urban green spaces.



Biodiversity also includes the genetic differences between species - like the many kinds of rice we eat or the thousands of breeds of livestock around the world.



Every part of biodiversity plays a role. Forests purify air. Wetlands filter water. Bees pollinate crops. Microorganisms maintain soil fertility. These functions keep our planet alive. 



Losing biodiversity isn’t just about losing animals. It’s about weakening the entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-calls-for-global-change-to-stop-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">system</a> we depend on every day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-diversity-supports-life">Biological diversity supports life </h2>



We often forget how much our lives depend on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-light-sustains-biodiversity-over-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>. Over 80% of the human diet comes from plants. Fish provide protein for about 3 billion people. 



Plant-based medicines are still the first line of healthcare for 80% of people in rural areas of developing countries.



Biodiversity also influences weather patterns, regulates disease, and supports mental well-being. Time spent in biodiverse environments - forests, gardens, mountains - reduces stress and improves health. 



The natural world is not a luxury. It is the foundation of everything we know.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-damage-we-have-done">The damage we have done</h2>



Despite its importance, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> is under severe threat. Human actions have changed three-quarters of land-based environments. Two-thirds of marine environments are also affected. One million animal and plant species are now at risk of extinction.



Pollution, deforestation, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change are driving this crisis. Many species are vanishing before we even discover them. 



We lose potential medicines, crop varieties, and ecosystem functions every time a species disappears. This is not just a nature problem. It’s a human survival problem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-biological-diversity">Protecting biological diversity</h2>



In December 2022, countries around the world agreed on a new plan - the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 



This plan sets 23 targets for 2030 and five overarching goals for 2050. Among them: restore 20% of degraded ecosystems and cut the spread of invasive species by 50%.



The framework connects biodiversity with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For example, preserving forests helps fight poverty, ensures clean water, and mitigates climate change. Healthy ecosystems are essential to reaching nearly every SDG.



The message is clear: biodiversity and development must progress together.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-is-running-out">Time is running out</h2>



The urgency is real. We have less than five years until 2030 targets become unreachable. Delaying action could push us past ecological tipping points. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-in-earths-biodiversity-can-be-tracked-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">damage</a> will be irreversible. Species don’t come back. Forests don’t regrow overnight. Oceans don’t heal in a year.



Education, innovation, and collaboration are vital. Governments must invest in conservation. Businesses must reduce waste and rethink supply chains. 



Communities must protect local biodiversity. Individuals must reconsider consumption habits. Every decision - big or small - carries weight in this global effort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domino-effect-of-biodiversity-loss">Domino effect of biodiversity loss</h2>



Biodiversity loss triggers a chain reaction. When insects vanish, pollination falters. Without pollination, crops fail. Without crops, food security crumbles. That’s how delicate the balance is. One missing piece causes others to fall.



This phenomenon affects climate systems, migration patterns, disease outbreaks, and even global economics. 



For instance, as habitats shrink, animals move closer to human settlements. This increases the risk of zoonotic diseases - like COVID-19. Maintaining biodiversity isn’t just an environmental goal. It’s a health safeguard.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raising-awareness-about-biodiversity">Raising awareness about biodiversity</h2>



Living in harmony with nature means respecting limits. It means learning from ecosystems, not conquering them. Indigenous communities worldwide have practiced this for centuries. Their wisdom is now more relevant than ever.



Urban areas can embrace biodiversity too. Green rooftops, urban forests, and restored wetlands show how modern development can align with nature. 



Schools can teach biodiversity from early years. Films, books, and games can spread awareness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrate-with-purpose">Celebrate with purpose</h2>



The International Day for Biological Diversity is not just symbolic. It’s a chance to learn, share, and commit. The <a href="https://www.un.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN</a> offers free online biodiversity courses through the Learning for Nature platform. 



The courses teach skills like green entrepreneurship, conservation storytelling, and data use in policy-making.



Across social media, artists and creators share biodiversity-themed content. Local organizations hold cleanups and workshops. Every conversation sparked today can ripple into real change tomorrow. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-what-protects-us">Protecting what protects us</h2>



We stand at a crossroads. One path leads to more loss, more imbalance, and more suffering. The other offers hope, health, and harmony. The choice is ours.



This International Day for Biological Diversity, let’s remember that the Earth doesn’t need saving from us - it needs saving with us. When we protect biodiversity, we protect ourselves. 



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International Day for Biological Diversity 2025: Bonding with nature

Somewhere, right now, a bee pollinates a flower. A bird...

Fertilizer is often viewed as a tool to enhance plant growth under ideal conditions. But new research suggests it may have an unexpected power: helping plants survive during drought.



A global study involving 26 grassland sites across 9 countries - including the work of faculty at Binghamton University, State University of New York (<a href="https://www.suny.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SUNY</a>) - has found that fertilizer can reduce or even cancel out the damage drought does to plant growth. 



In a world increasingly impacted by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate stress</a>, this insight could be significant for agriculture and food systems everywhere.



“Resources such as nutrients and water have been fundamentally altered by humans on a global scale, and this can disrupt how plants grow,” said Amber Churchill, assistant professor of ecosystem science at <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> and co-author of the study. 



“Extreme changes in these resources are therefore predicted to have an even larger potential impact, with implications for a range of economic sectors.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-fertilizer-help-plants-survive-drought">Can fertilizer help plants survive drought?</h2>



To explore how grasslands might cope with drought and changing resource levels, scientists set up a large-scale field experiment - something rarely done at this scope. 



The project looked at how adding nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium influenced plant resilience under severe drought conditions.



“It took what are often very site-specific methodologies, where we're interested in the impacts of nutrients or the impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> and water availability, and it scaled a single site experiment up to something at a much larger spatial scale,” said Churchill.



The novelty here wasn’t just the size of the study. It was the ability to look at interactions - not just what drought or fertilizer does individually, but how they affect one another when applied together.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fertilizer-reduces-drought-damage">Fertilizer reduces drought damage</h2>



The researchers discovered that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distress-signals-earths-water-cycle-is-becoming-more-erratic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> alone cut plant growth by 19%. Fertilizer alone boosted it by 24%. But combining both? Surprisingly, it resulted in almost no net loss of growth. 



This means that plants - particularly grasses - managed to maintain growth levels even in dry conditions, thanks to the added nutrients.



“The really big takeaway is that adding nutrients can offset the impact of drought, and this is really true in areas that are already pretty dry,” Churchill said.



This finding goes against a long-held assumption: that in arid environments, water limits plant growth so strongly that extra nutrients wouldn't matter. But the study showed otherwise. Plants in drier locations actually responded better to added nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-collection-to-new-experiments">Data collection to new experiments</h2>



Churchill was hands-on at two of the global sites. At the Yarramundi site in Australia, she recorded plant presence and abundance. At Minnesota’s Cedar Creek site, she cleaned and organized massive amounts of data for the broader research network.



“In terms of drought, we get less growth; we add fertilizer, we get more growth,” Churchill explained. "Traditionally, we might hypothesize that if plants are already limited by water at, say, an arid site, plants may not be able to respond to adding nitrogen. But we actually found the opposite of that.”



Churchill is now bringing this research home. She will implement similar treatments at Binghamton University’s Nuthatch Hollow - a 75-acre open-air lab - as part of a new project called the Pasture and Lawn Enhanced Diversity Global-change Experiment (PLEDGE).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-solutions-need-biodiversity">Long-term solutions need biodiversity</h2>



While the idea of fertilizer as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resilient-trees-can-help-safeguard-cities-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> buffer is exciting, it’s not a silver bullet.



“In a forage production system where you need to offset the effects of drought, adding fertilizer will remove that effective drought,” Churchill said. “That's a great benefit, but that costs a lot of money. So there's a tradeoff there.”



There’s also the question of how ecosystems respond over longer timeframes. One factor that might prove just as important as nutrients is biodiversity. A more diverse plant community might be more resilient to environmental stress.



“We have a prediction that as you have more species, one of those species is more likely to withstand the drought,” Churchill said. “And so the idea is you'll have more stable biomass over the long term if you have more species present.”



The research will be published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02705-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>&nbsp;under the title:&nbsp;“Aridity modulates grassland biomass responses to combined drought and nutrient addition.”



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Fertilizer reduces plant damage caused by droughts

Fertilizer is often viewed as a tool to enhance plant...

Nature’s seasonal cycle offers countless marvels, and the shape and descent of leaves are among them. The way <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-finally-learn-what-makes-plants-roots-grow-faster-and-stronger-autophagy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leaves</a> flutter down might appear random, but new findings suggest a more structured pattern than previously thought.



Matthew Dominic Biviano and Kaare Hartvig Jensen from the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a> set out to investigate whether leaf geometry somehow reduces the loss of valuable nutrients.



After examining this process in detail, the team discovered that shape plays a noticeable role. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-falling-leaves-deliver-nutrients">How falling leaves deliver nutrients</h2>



Leaves come in an impressive range of sizes and outlines. Some have smooth edges, others have deep lobes, but all serve as living solar panels through <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/photosynthesis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>, which is the process by which plants use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars that fuel growth.



Beyond gathering sunlight, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-trees-decide-between-growing-and-breathing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leaves</a> also supply valuable carbon when they fall. <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-27373-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> suggest that about 40% of a tree’s captured carbon is stored in leaves before they drop.



A leaf that falls straight down likely lands closer to the tree that produced it. This matters because decaying leaf litter sends carbon and minerals into the soil, which can then feed the parent plant and its surrounding community.



If a leaf drifts too far, however, that resource might not be returned to the same tree. Trees can end up missing out on a chunk of the nutrients they originally invested in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-wetlands-are-turning-into-mercury-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leaf</a> growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leaf-shape-and-descent-speed">Leaf shape and descent speed</h2>



The two physicists designed an apparatus to release 100 artificial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-finally-understand-why-rose-petals-have-pointed-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leaves</a> inside a tank of water. This slower water environment allowed them to observe how shape and symmetry affect sinking behavior without the rapid variables of air currents.



Through repeated trials, the team found patterns in how leaves fell. Some shapes plummeted down briskly, while others seemed to twist or spin, adding extra distance in their underwater journey.



Data from this experiment indicated that symmetrical forms dropped more swiftly. Leaves with simpler outlines moved less erratically, suggesting that these shapes limit how far they can drift.



Asymmetrical or heavily lobed leaves, on the other hand, displayed a slower descent. Their uneven outlines created more swirling movement in the water, a motion that may also occur in air and increase the travel distance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leaf-shapes-and-nutrient-recycling">Leaf shapes and nutrient recycling</h2>



One interpretation of these findings is that certain trees evolved leaf shapes that descend faster, leading to less wandering. That means most nutrients stay within easy reach of the parent tree’s roots.



In contrast, leaves with dramatic lobes or irregular shapes might inadvertently end up far away. This could hold advantages in other contexts, but it may offer fewer benefits for reusing nutrients.



Scientists have long pondered the variety of leaf designs in nature. Many are symmetrical in a left-right sense, which might be due to simple genetic or developmental rules.



This study suggests a functional angle as well. A faster drop rate might be one reason so many trees produce leaves with balanced shapes and fewer pronounced lobes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leaf-shape-affects-nutrient-spread">Leaf shape affects nutrient spread</h2>



Every leaf is a balancing act of multiple needs. Photosynthesis efficiency, water collection, temperature control, and aerodynamic or <a href="https://ugc.berkeley.edu/background-content/sedimentation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sedimentation</a> behavior can all influence how leaves end up looking.



A species might sacrifice faster drop rates if a particular shape offers a better solution for life in its habitat. What works best in one environment may not work in another.



The distance leaves travel also shapes ecological interactions. Fallen leaves add vital nutrients for fungi, microbes, and insects in the soil, which support overall forest health.



If those resources end up scattered, they can still help neighboring plants, but the original tree may gain fewer rewards for its investment. The new insights from the water-tank trials could prompt deeper studies into how leaf forms differ across various climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-falling-leaves-affect-forest-health">How falling leaves affect forest health</h2>



Some researchers aim to probe more tree types, possibly working in wind tunnels or actual forest settings. Others might apply these principles to other plant organs that detach and disperse.



By uncovering the role of leaf shape, scientists add a new twist to our understanding of forest cycles. The research highlights how small changes can ripple through the life of an ecosystem.



Walking through a forest, people often notice an abundance of fallen leaves close to the trunk. These findings add context to that sight, suggesting a quiet biological strategy at play.



When leaves don’t stray far, the tree’s nutrients remain close, fueling new growth in the seasons ahead. This hidden process may help ensure forests remain robust and self-sustaining.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-fallen-leaves-in-nature">Observing fallen leaves in nature</h2>



Not every tree follows the same patterns. Tropical species with huge leaves might face different conditions, while ornamental breeds in gardens could show unique traits.



Curious observers might find it interesting to look at fallen leaves and ponder their shape and destination on the ground. Sometimes, that simple act of watching can reveal how nature finds ways to keep cycles intact.



The research from Denmark connects a leaf’s geometry with its journey back to the soil beneath its parent tree. This link highlights nature’s subtle interdependencies and the practical ways that form relates to function.



The study is published in the <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2024.0654" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of The Royal Society Interface</a>.



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Leaf shape is a tree's secret weapon to reclaim nutrients

Nature’s seasonal cycle offers countless marvels, and the shape and...

Plants in the Alps are now springing to life sooner than they did just a few decades ago. A new study shows that over the past 25 years, vegetation in mountain regions has begun growing about six days earlier on average after snowmelt than it used to.



The research, led by Michael Zehnder of the <a href="https://www.slf.ch/en/%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF</a>, points to a clear driver: rapid warming following the disappearance of seasonal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-droughts-could-quadruple-by-2100-harming-water-supplies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-speeds-up-alpine-spring">Warming speeds up alpine spring</h2>



“On average, as a result of climate change, the ambient temperature is almost two degrees Celsius warmer after the disappearance of snow cover than it was 25 years ago,” Zehnder said. 



The warmth accelerates growth, quickly turning snow-covered slopes into green alpine meadows. While that might seem like a small shift in timing, it marks a substantial change in the rhythm of alpine life. 



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-spring-flowers-can-save-bees-and-boost-pollination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> is reshaping mountain ecosystems,” Zehnder said. From flowers to farming, the pace of spring is picking up across elevations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alpine-life-feels-the-change">Alpine life feels the change</h2>



The changes in plant timing go beyond scientific curiosity. They touch various aspects of daily life in alpine regions.



For instance, “alpine farming might also start earlier in the future,” Zehnder noted, suggesting that warmer, greener pastures could prompt earlier seasonal grazing. 



Hikers and tourists may also experience spring in the alpine region earlier than in past decades, potentially altering the timing of peak visitation.



But perhaps most consequential is what this shift could mean for alpine biodiversity. Some plants quickly respond to warm temperatures. Others rely on internal clocks or light levels, waiting for longer days before growing.



Some plants don’t begin growing right after the snow disappears. Some species wait for longer daylight, while others sprout quickly in response to rising temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-clocks-at-different-heights">Different clocks at different heights</h2>



The study uncovered important variation across elevations. Near the treeline, around 2,000 meters above sea level, vegetation required more cumulative warmth to begin growing when snowmelt came early. 



In other words, the earlier the snow disappeared, the more warming days plants seemed to need before responding.



But higher up the slopes, plant communities showed more consistency. Even when snowmelt occurred early, these high-altitude plants appeared to rely on a fixed number of warm days before growth kicked in.



These subtle differences could have long-term consequences for how mountain vegetation evolves. 



Species that respond quickly to warmth may expand their range or outcompete those tied more rigidly to other cues. Over time, that could change not only which plants dominate specific locations but also the entire structure of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-ecosystems-are-thrown-off-balance-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alpine ecosystems</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-the-mountain-spring">Monitoring the mountain spring</h2>



To measure these changes, Zehnder analyzed data from 40 stations that are part of the <a href="https://www.sensalpin.ch/en/measuring-networks/imis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intercantonal Measurement and Information System</a> (IMIS), a Swiss weather and snow-monitoring network. Each station includes an ultrasonic sensor that tracks snow depth throughout the year.



“This way we receive data without having to be in the field ourselves,” Zehnder explained. Because those sensors work in summer, they detect subtle ground cover changes as snow melts and vegetation appears.



Zehnder used machine learning to train a model that distinguishes snow-covered ground from plant-covered ground using sensor data. With this model, he was able to pinpoint when each location made the transition from winter white to spring green over a 25-year period, from 1998 to 2023.



Still, to know which species were growing at the monitored sites, Zehnder had to go into the field himself. That meant trekking to remote IMIS stations at altitudes ranging from 1,700 to 2,700 meters above sea level. 



“Researchers cannot tell from the IMIS station data which plants are growing under the sensors,” he noted, so direct observation was essential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-picks-the-favorite-plants">Climate picks the favorite plants</h2>



Zehnder emphasized that not all Alpine plant species will benefit equally from earlier snowmelt and rising temperatures. 



“It’s important, though, to understand how different plant communities will have different responses to even earlier snowmelt in the future and who the winners and losers will be,” Zehnder said.



The shift in timing is likely to favor species that respond directly to warmth over those that wait for longer days. As these dynamics play out, the makeup of alpine meadows may transform, potentially reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-pressure-has-a-hidden-impact-on-plant-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant diversity</a> in some locations.



Combining environmental data, fieldwork, and machine learning, the study reveals how climate change is shifting alpine life’s timing. With snow melting earlier and spring arriving sooner, the alpine region - like many of the world’s mountain ranges - are on the move.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70195" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Alpine spring begins earlier, speeding up plant growth

Plants in the Alps are now springing to life sooner...

Plants can’t move, but they constantly adjust to survive. They reach for light, dig their roots deeper, and seek out water when drought strikes. A new study by researchers at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (<a href="https://ist.ac.at/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISTA</a>) and <a href="https://en.nwsuaf.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwest A&amp;F University</a> in China explores how plants manage this search for water. 



When water becomes scarce, plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-finally-learn-what-makes-plants-roots-grow-faster-and-stronger-autophagy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roots</a> alter their usual course. They ignore gravity, turning instead toward moisture. This shift, driven by a protein called MIZ1, could be crucial for creating drought-resistant crops in the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-roots-usually-grow-downward">Why roots usually grow downward</h2>



Gravity directs plant roots downward, anchoring them in the soil. This process, called gravitropism, ensures roots grow deep enough to absorb nutrients. 



However, when water becomes scarce, plants must switch strategies. Rather than pushing down, roots start bending toward moisture. This behavior, hydrotropism, keeps plants hydrated in dry conditions.



Despite its importance, hydrotropism remains less studied than gravitropism. Scientists have long focused on how plants respond to light and gravity. But understanding how they track water could transform crop management in a warming world. 



"By eliminating gravity, we see that the hydrotropism becomes much stronger," said Professor Jiří Friml. "Under normal conditions with sufficient water, gravitropism usually prevails. However, when you switch off gravitropism, the effects of hydrotropism become evident."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravity-loss-and-root-responses">Gravity loss and root responses</h2>



To study how plants prioritize water over gravity, researchers needed to eliminate gravity’s pull. Rather than sending plants to space, they used a rotating platform. This setup constantly changed the direction of gravity, confusing the roots and effectively “turning off” their gravity response.



In this gravity-free <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-trees-decide-between-growing-and-breathing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>, roots bent more sharply toward water. The experiment showed that without gravity’s interference, plants shifted to hydrotropism. 



But how do they make this shift in real-world conditions where gravity still exists? The answer lies in a small but powerful protein: MIZ1.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-protein-that-redirects-roots">The protein that redirects roots</h2>



MIZ1 isn’t new. Scientists first identified it decades ago in Japan. It has since emerged as a master regulator of hydrotropism. MIZ1 helps plants override gravitropism when water is scarce, allowing them to seek out moisture instead.



In the recent study, researchers compared mutant plants lacking MIZ1 with normal Arabidopsis plants. The difference was striking. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-plants-are-not-safe-from-rapid-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants</a> without MIZ1 continued to grow downward, even in dry conditions. They couldn’t override their gravity response, failing to search for water.



"In essence, without MIZ1, plants struggle to search for water, as MIZ1 helps attenuate root gravitropism," explained Ph.D. student Adrijana Smoljan. The findings highlight how crucial MIZ1 is for managing root direction during drought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-scarcity-and-root-direction">Water scarcity and root direction</h2>



To simulate drought, researchers applied sorbitol to the roots. Sorbitol mimics dry soil conditions by reducing water availability. In response, wild-type Arabidopsis plants suppressed their gravitropic response, redirecting roots toward moisture.



However, mutant plants without MIZ1 couldn’t adjust. They kept growing downward, ignoring moisture pockets. The absence of MIZ1 prevented them from suppressing gravitropism. 



This failure to redirect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-could-soon-talk-to-farmers-and-listen-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">root</a> growth under drought conditions underscores the importance of MIZ1 in managing root direction during water scarcity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-roots-bend-toward-water">Plant roots bend toward water</h2>



MIZ1 doesn’t just affect root direction. It also interacts with a group of proteins called PINs, which control the flow of auxin, a key growth hormone. Under normal conditions, PIN proteins maintain a specific polarity, directing auxin downward to promote root anchoring.



But drought changes everything. When water is scarce, MIZ1 disrupts PIN polarity, causing auxin to redistribute unevenly. This shift weakens the gravity response, making it easier for roots to bend toward moisture.



Without MIZ1, this adjustment doesn’t happen. PIN proteins remain polarized, and auxin continues to flow downward. The result? Roots miss out on moisture, growing straight down instead of curving toward water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-root-responses-to-drought">Root responses to drought</h2>



Researchers also tested how plants responded to moisture gradients using a split-agar system. This setup created wet and dry zones, allowing them to track root growth direction under simulated drought conditions.



Wild-type plants with functional MIZ1 curved toward the wet zone, displaying strong hydrotropic growth. MIZ1 mutants, however, remained vertically oriented, unable to adjust to the moisture gradient.



PIN mutants also showed distinct responses. Plants lacking PIN2 and PIN3 displayed exaggerated hydrotropism, curving sharply toward moisture. 



This finding suggests that while MIZ1 regulates hydrotropism, PIN proteins act as secondary controllers, fine-tuning the root response under drought stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guiding-plant-roots-toward-water">Guiding plant roots toward water</h2>



PIN proteins don’t just direct auxin flow. They also control how auxin is distributed in different root regions. Under drought conditions, MIZ1 alters PIN2 and PIN3 polarity, reducing auxin flow and weakening gravitropism.



However, without MIZ1, PIN proteins keep auxin flowing downward, making roots less sensitive to moisture gradients. This rigid auxin flow prevents roots from adjusting to dry conditions, leaving them unable to seek out water.



Interestingly, plants with PIN mutations showed extreme hydrotropism. The absence of PIN2 and PIN3 allowed roots to bend sharply toward moisture, bypassing the typical gravity response. 



This exaggerated hydrotropism underscores the balancing act between MIZ1 and PIN proteins in regulating root direction under stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-this-mean-for-agriculture">What does this mean for agriculture?</h2>



Understanding how plants prioritize water over gravity could revolutionize drought-resistant crop development. The recent findings suggest that targeting MIZ1 and PIN proteins could enhance hydrotropism in key crops, helping them locate water in dry soil.



"By identifying corn or wheat variants with highly active MIZ1 protein, these can be introduced into the high-yield variants," said Friml. "Theoretically, you could end up with more hydrotropic plants, which may improve their water uptake during droughts."



Such modifications could prove invaluable as climate change intensifies droughts worldwide. By enhancing root sensitivity to moisture, crops could maintain growth even in water-scarce regions, reducing the risk of yield losses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-how-plants-seek-water">Understanding how plants seek water</h2>



While the study sheds light on how MIZ1 helps plants seek water, questions remain. How does MIZ1 detect moisture at the cellular level? Do other proteins interact with MIZ1 to regulate hydrotropism?



The role of other hormones, such as abscisic acid and cytokinin, also requires further exploration. These hormones are known to influence root growth under stress, but how they interact with MIZ1 remains unclear.



Additionally, while the study focused on Arabidopsis, extending the findings to crops like wheat and maize could reveal practical applications for agriculture. Testing whether MIZ1-modified crops perform better under drought conditions will be a key next step.



In a world increasingly defined by unpredictable weather patterns, understanding how plants adapt to water scarcity is more important than ever. 



The MIZ1 protein and its interaction with PIN proteins offer a promising pathway for enhancing root hydrotropism, potentially transforming how crops cope with drought.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2427315122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Plant roots defy gravity when water is scarce

Plants can’t move, but they constantly adjust to survive. They...

Every seed begins life with a simple aim: to reach water, collect nutrients, and stay upright. Beneath the surface, root tips probe the soil and spread into branches that keep the plant alive.



Getting those branches to appear at just the right spot and moment matters even more now that weather swings between long dry spells and sudden cloudbursts.



Researchers have traced that timing to autophagy, the recycling pathway many people associate with health benefits from fasting.



By following a shape‑shifting protein through Arabidopsis roots, the team uncovered how brief clean‑up pulses let new branches form and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/symbiotic-relationship-plant-roots-underground-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">help crops cope</a> with tougher conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-roots-cellular-clean-up-crew">Plant roots' cellular clean‑up crew</h2>



Scientists at the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> mapped the pathway in living seedlings. They watched the transcription factor ARF7 vanish and return in predictable waves, each tied to a jump in the growth hormone auxin. 



“Fasting has become popular as it seems to have a range of health‑promoting effects in humans, as periods without food cause the body to activate clean‑up processes to dispose of various waste products in cells," explains Assistant Professor Eleazar Rodriguez from the Department of Biology, who led the study.



"We have proven that the same mechanism, which also exists in the plant kingdom, plays a vital role in the ability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/measuring-plant-root-health-scanning-leaves-xray-device/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant roots to grow</a> and absorb water and nutrients for the rest of the plant.” 



The process relies on NBR1, a tag that guides used proteins toward a vacuole for breakdown. Each removal of ARF7 resets the signaling circuit so it can fire again a few hours later. 



When autophagy slows, ARF7 accumulates, messages run long, and the root loses its usual rhythm.



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



Side branches normally form with steady precision. Roughly every four to six hours, auxin peaks at the root tip and switches on genes that mark a patch of tissue for future branching. 



“The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/maize-plant-genetics-shape-root-health-and-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">movement of a root</a> is almost like watching a snake slithering forward in search of water and nourishment in the soil. And we can see that the heartbeat is strongest every time the root meanders forth,” says Rodriguez.



Using a luminescent reporter, the team confirmed that ARF7 cycles in step with those hormone pulses. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/autophagy_Arabidopsis-plant_ezyme-study_credit-UCopenhagen_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/autophagy_Arabidopsis-plant_ezyme-study_credit-UCopenhagen_1s.jpg" alt="To investigate the significance of autophagy, the researchers developed a mutant Arabidopsis (thale cress) plant in which its autophagy was disabled which is shown on the right. With an enzyme from fire flies the researchers made it possible to distinguish the normal plant from the plant with its autophagy function disabled. The plant to the right has fewer light areas and thereby fewer potential places to grow new roots with it's autophagy function turned off. Credit: Eleazar Rodriguez, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen." class="wp-image-1969564"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">To investigate the significance of autophagy, the researchers developed a mutant Arabidopsis (thale cress) plant in which its autophagy was disabled which is shown on the right. With an enzyme from fire flies the researchers made it possible to distinguish the normal plant from the plant with its autophagy function disabled. The plant to the right has fewer light areas and thereby fewer potential places to grow new roots with it's autophagy function turned off. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Eleazar Rodriguez, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen. </figcaption></figure>



The pattern resembles the circadian rhythms that guide leaf opening, yet it runs on its own schedule and focuses solely on building the hidden half of the plant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-autophagy-stalls">When autophagy stalls</h2>



The group then disabled key autophagy genes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-change-their-roots-to-survive-harsh-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test the pathway’s limits</a>. Mutant seedlings produced fewer lateral roots and soaked up less water. 



“When we disrupted the plant's autophagy, there was waste everywhere, and we were able to detect the ARF7 protein among the waste,” says Rodriguez.



Microscopy revealed swollen vacuoles packed with debris. Growth zones that once cleared their protein stockpile before each auxin wave now stayed loaded, leaving no room for a fresh signal. The result was a sparse, inefficient root system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Because the recycling toolkit is shared across flowering plants, the findings open new options for breeders and for companies developing microbial soil additives. 



Numerous methods to change the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomato-plants-use-their-roots-to-ration-water-during-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic characteristics of plants</a> are available today. These can be used to get plants to develop longer roots, faster, and in doing so, become more resistant to droughts or floods. 



"One of the methods enlists the help of bacteria that live in symbiosis with the plant and can cause the plant to change its growth pattern. Several companies in Denmark are working on this right now,” explains Ph.D. student Jeppe Ansbøl, who co‑authored the study.



Tuning autophagy or adjusting NBR1 tags could let roots chase moisture deeper in the soil and capture stray fertilizer before it washes away, improving harvests without extra inputs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autophagy-makes-stronger-roots">Autophagy makes stronger roots</h2>



“The more roots the plants have, the more water and nutrients they can take up, so the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-microbes-in-tea-roots-grow-tastier-healthier-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants grow better, faster</a>," Rodriquez summarized.



"We're heavily dependent on plants because they feed us, extract CO2 from the atmosphere and produce the oxygen we breathe. As such, it is extremely important to understand them fully, to which end we have just taken a big step forward."



Pilot plots in Denmark are already testing these ideas under shifting rain patterns. Early observations hint that crops with tweaked recycling bounce back more quickly after both saturation and dry spells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-next-for-crops-and-autophagy">What next for crops and autophagy?</h2>



Upcoming work will examine whether other auxin response factors move through the same recycling pathway and how changes in light, temperature, or soil chemistry adjust the schedule. 



Studies in mosses and liverworts, which split from flowering plants roughly 400 million years ago, may reveal how old the link between autophagy and development really is.



For farmers, a timely cellular tidy‑up could translate into sturdier yields. By keeping root cells clear of clutter, plants gain the freedom to build the networks they need to thrive in a climate that rarely sits still.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44319-024-00142-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EMBO Reports</a>.



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Scientists finally learn what makes plants grow faster and stronger

Every seed begins life with a simple aim: to reach...

Around six hundred million years ago, our planet almost lost the invisible shield that keeps its surface hospitable. Earth's magnetic field, generated by whirling molten iron deep below our feet, faded until it was so weak it was barely detectable.



At the same moment, oxygen flooded the oceans and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nitrogen-was-plentiful-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmosphere</a>, and curious soft-bodied creatures began sliding across the seafloor. The coincidence has fascinated geologists and biologists for decades.



Fresh measurements from ancient crystals now reveal just how close Earth came to a magnetic stall. They also strengthen the suspicion that a waning field set the stage for the rise of complex life. 



The new data trace a dramatic drop in magnetic intensity and help explain why the field later rebounded, saving Earth from becoming a dry, radiation-blasted rock like Mars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-ancient-magnetic-field">Earth's ancient magnetic field</h2>



To read the planet’s magnetic diary, researchers collected grains of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-mantle-may-contain-a-wealth-of-green-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pyroxenite and gabbro</a> from South Africa, Brazil, and Canada.



Each mineral contains microscopic iron needles that froze in alignment with the ambient field when the rocks cooled. 



By reheating single crystals in a carefully shielded furnace, the team coaxed out tiny magnetic signals that record field strength at the time of eruption.



After analyzing hundreds of crystals, <a href="https://www.rochester.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester</a> geophysicist John Tarduno and colleagues saw a clear pattern. 



“In general, the field is protective. If we had not had a field early in Earth history, water would have been stripped from the planet by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silent-storms-experts-identify-the-mysterious-source-of-solar-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a> (a stream of energized particles flowing from the Sun toward Earth),” Tarduno explained.



“But in the Ediacaran, we had a fascinating period in the development of the deep Earth when processes creating the magnetic field … had become so inefficient after billions of years that the field almost completely collapsed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-very-weak-magnetic-field">Very weak magnetic field</h2>



Crystals dated to 591 million years ago indicate a magnetic field about 30 times weaker than today - the most feeble long-term value ever measured. 



Follow-up samples show the enfeebled state persisted for at least 26 million years.



Before and after that window, rocks more than 2 billion years old and younger than 565 million years record a field as sturdy as the modern one, revealing just how exceptional the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystem-behavior-earth-first-sea-creatures-stirring-water-drove-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ediacaran lull</a> was.



During the low-field stretch, solar wind could punch far deeper into the atmosphere. Charged particles stripped away lightweight hydrogen, a process that left relatively heavy oxygen behind. 



The timing lines up with multiple geochemical markers that show a sharp increase in oxygen levels, supporting the idea that the weakened shield helped push Earth past a threshold needed for the development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">large, mobile animals</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thinner-armor-richer-air">Thinner armor, richer air</h2>



The atmospheric link also finds support from geobiologist Shuhai Xiao of <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a>. 



“The <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetosphere shields the Earth</a> from solar wind, thus holding the atmosphere to the Earth. Thus, a weaker magnetosphere means that lighter gases such as hydrogen would be lost from the Earth’s atmosphere,” Xiao explained to CNN.



As hydrogen escaped, oxygen concentrations rose, allowing metabolism-hungry organisms to branch out.



Tarduno agrees that other processes - such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-oxygen-discovery-deep-ocean-no-photosynthesis-baffles-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthetic microbes</a> - were certainly at work.



“We do not challenge that one or more of these processes were happening concurrently. But the weak field may have allowed oxygenation to cross a threshold, aiding animal radiation (evolution),” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-field-and-earth-s-core">Magnetic field and Earth's core</h2>



Rock records also solve a puzzle about when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-is-not-solid-it-is-shape-shifting-time-for-textbooks-to-be-rewritten/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s inner core</a> began to form. Once field strength hit its nadir, it bounced back quickly.



“The observations appear to support the claim that the inner core first nucleated soon after this time, pushing the geodynamo (the mechanism that creates the magnetic field) from a weak, unstable state into a strong, stable dipolar field,” noted Peter Driscoll of the <a href="https://carnegiescience.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carnegie Institution for Science</a>. 



A solid seed at the center released extra heat, turbocharging convection in the outer core and restoring the magnetic screen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strange-seafloor-pioneers">Strange seafloor pioneers</h2>



While the field flickered, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-first-animals-were-very-picky-about-where-they-lived/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ediacaran seas</a> hosted life forms unlike anything alive today.



Disk-shaped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rewrite-the-textbooks-life-on-earth-did-not-arise-due-to-increased-oxygen-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dickinsonia</a> spread as wide as 4.6 feet (1.4 meters) across the mud; quilted fronds waved gently in the currents; and slug-like Kimberella scraped microbial mats for food.



These pioneers vanished before the Cambrian period began, around 539 million years ago, but their brief reign proved that multicellular bodies could flourish once oxygen climbed to breathable levels.



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



Not every expert is convinced the magnetic dip directly influenced the course of evolution.



“It is hard for me to evaluate the veracity of this claim because the influence that planetary magnetic fields might have on climate is not very well understood,” Driscoll cautioned. 



Untangling all the variables - solar activity, mantle chemistry, biological innovation - will take years of careful detective work.



For now, the crystal record points to a simple narrative: Earth’s shield weakened, gases escaped, oxygen levels increased, and life took a bold new turn.



By tracing that chain of events, scientists gain insight into how planets and biospheres interact, a lesson that will guide the search for living worlds far beyond our own.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01360-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications, Earth and Environment</a>.



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Complex life emerged on Earth 591 million years ago, scientists think they finally know how and why

Around six hundred million years ago, our planet almost lost...

Forests are not just a bunch of trees standing together. Beneath the ground, roots and fungi connect to share nutrients. This partnership, called symbiosis, helps trees survive in poor soils and tough conditions.



Some trees take this connection further. They link up with two different types of fungi at the same time. 



Researchers at the University of Zurich (<a href="https://www.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UZH</a>) and Agroscope studied this strategy. They found that trees with dual fungal partners handle climate change better and spread into new areas more easily.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-fungi-are-better-than-one">Two fungi are better than one</h2>



Some trees go beyond the usual single-fungus alliance. They partner with not one but two different types of mycorrhizal fungi. Why? It turns out that dual symbiosis means survival.



“Some woody plants form an alliance with two fungus types simultaneously,” noted study lead author Ido Rog from the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at UZH.



The researchers analyzed over 400 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-sync-up-their-communication-signals-before-a-solar-eclipse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a>. They discovered that trees with two fungal partners could handle drought and nutrient scarcity better than those with just one. It’s like having two water wells instead of one - a backup when things get tough.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-help-trees-spread">Fungi help trees spread</h2>



Rog calls it “bigamy,” and it’s a winning strategy. Trees with dual fungi reach farther and wider, colonizing places where other trees fail. Their expanded root systems access more nutrients and water, giving them a competitive edge.



“They thus are able to colonize a much larger territory than tree species that form a symbiosis with only one fungus type can,” said Rog.



The strategy works regardless of evolutionary history. It’s not about being a certain type of tree. Instead, it is about being adaptable. Trees that partner with two fungi create a safety net, thriving where single-fungus trees struggle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-significance-of-dual-fungi">The significance of dual fungi</h2>



Imagine a landscape dominated by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> and soil cracks, where trees struggle to stay hydrated. But trees with dual fungal partners are better prepared. Their roots extend deeper, reaching untapped water reserves. They also access nutrients from diverse soil layers, widening their survival range.



“Our findings indicate that polygamy with two fungus varieties served as a strategy enabling trees to adapt to rougher environmental conditions,” noted study co-author Professor Marcel van der Heijden.



Trees with dual fungi grow where others can’t, thriving in rocky, nutrient-poor soil. This strategy doesn’t just keep them alive - it allows them to flourish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-that-beat-the-heat">Trees that beat the heat</h2>



Climate change is turning once-lush forests into dry, barren landscapes. Trees that can handle drought and nutrient scarcity may become the new standard in reforestation projects.



“In forestry, this knowledge could be helpful in the future for selecting tree species specialized in dual fungal associations,” explained Professor van der Heijden.



The idea is simple: choose trees that can do more with less. Trees that work with two fungi can stretch resources, endure droughts, and claim more territory. It’s not just survival - but dominance in a world where resources are shrinking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-tree-fungi-partnerships">Understanding tree-fungi partnerships </h2>



There is more to this story than individual tree survival. Trees that form dual partnerships with fungi also impact entire ecosystems.



They stabilize the soil, prevent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fighting-coastal-erosion-electricity-turns-sand-into-a-sea-wall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erosion</a>, and create habitats for other organisms. These trees shape the landscape, turning barren ground into thriving ecosystems.



Trees with dual fungi don’t just survive. They change the game, creating new habitats and pushing ecological boundaries. 



The implications are profound. As forests face increasing stress, understanding these fungal alliances could hold the key to saving them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-network-of-connections">Dynamic network of connections </h2>



The study raises new questions. How many other tree species use dual partnerships with fungi? Could this strategy be applied to agricultural crops? And how do these fungi respond to extreme weather events?



Researchers are just beginning to unravel the complexities of these underground alliances. The answers could redefine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/success-story-reforestation-has-helped-keep-the-eastern-us-relatively-cool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reforestation</a> strategies, climate resilience plans, and agricultural practices.



The forest floor may look silent, but beneath the surface, a dynamic network of connections is at work that could hold the secret to thriving in a changing world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ele.70132" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology Letters</a>.



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Trees have unique fungi partnerships that help them survive

Forests are not just a bunch of trees standing together....

Seagrass meadows are a hidden treasure of Florida’s coastal beauty, often overlooked in favor of beaches and mangroves. Yet beneath the surface, these underwater fields quietly support marine life, stabilize shores, and protect coastal communities. 



Along Florida’s Nature Coast, seagrass meadows are not just surviving - they’re thriving. A recent study reveals that seagrass ecosystems in this region have remained remarkably healthy and undisturbed for thousands of years - and this resilience is rare.



Globally, seagrass meadows are in trouble. Since 1879, nearly 30% have vanished. Between 1990 and 2009 alone, seagrass beds declined by an estimated 7% each year. Unlike many regions where seagrass meadow loss is the norm, Florida’s Nature Coast has become a rare refuge for these vital ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-past-seagrass-meadows">Lessons from past seagrass meadows</h2>



Researchers from the Florida Museum of Natural History at the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a> set out to understand how these meadows have endured. The common problem they faced is that we don’t really know what an untouched ecosystem looks like anymore.



“Nothing is really pristine today, because humans have altered all of Earth’s environments, but this is about as good as it gets,” said Michal Kowalewski, senior author of the study.



One major hurdle is the lack of long-term environmental data. “Most of the contemporary biological data we have postdates the Industrial Revolution,” Kowalewski explained. 



“If you think about any type of real-time instrumentation that collects physical and chemical information about an environment, or if you think about the rigorous bio-inventory surveys, all of those things are from the last 50 to 100 years at most.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-clues-beneath-seagrass-meadows">Fossil clues beneath seagrass meadows</h2>



In other words, humanity has been altering nature far longer than we've been systematically observing it. Luckily, Earth itself keeps a record - in the form of fossils.



This is where conservation paleobiology steps in. Scientists use the recent fossil record to reconstruct past ecosystems. 



Seagrasses, unfortunately, don’t leave fossils. Their soft tissues decompose quickly. But the animals living in seagrass meadows - especially shell-bearing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mollusks-evolution-shishania-aculeata-spiny-armor-no-shells-500-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mollusks</a> - do leave lasting traces.



Kowalewski and his team have shown that mollusk fossils are reliable indicators of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-plays-critical-role-ecosystem-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem health</a>. When mollusks thrive, it’s a good sign that the surrounding environment is in good shape, too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-florida-s-nature-coast">Studying Florida's Nature Coast</h2>



For their study, the team sampled 21 sites across six estuaries along the Nature Coast. Using PVC hoses, they collected sediment from the seafloor, sifting through centuries of accumulated material.



“We collect sediment samples while scuba diving, and then we sieve those samples and extract all that we find in it,” Kowalewski said. “The samples are dominated by dead material, because it has accumulated there over many centuries. Typically, for every live bivalve or snail, we find thousands of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-meadows-are-very-reliable-fishing-grounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dead specimens</a>.”



Identifying and cataloging these specimens took years. But when the data was analyzed, the results were clear: mollusk diversity had barely changed in millennia. This suggests that the seagrass meadows they inhabit have remained stable, too.



“Only rarely do we find historical evidence that can make us optimistic about the current state of a local ecosystem,” Kowalewski said. 



“Most conservation paleobiology studies tell depressing stories about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-heat-shrinking-habitats-insects-face-hidden-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shrinking habitats</a>, declining biodiversity and diminishing ecosystem services. For once, at least, this is not the case. What’s thrilling to me is we can show this system is still in very good condition, which makes it even more important to protect it.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-model-for-seagrass-restoration">A model for seagrass restoration</h2>



This discovery is more than just a pleasant surprise. It provides a valuable reference point for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/without-tackling-climate-change-coral-restoration-efforts-are-insufficient/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoration efforts</a> elsewhere. Healthy seagrass meadows are disappearing, but Florida's Nature Coast shows us what these ecosystems should look like.



Elsewhere in Florida, seagrass has not been so fortunate. In Tampa Bay, nearly half of the seagrass was lost between 1950 and 1980 due to urban growth and pollution. 



Although restoration efforts brought some recovery by 2018, recent declines have been noted again. On the state’s east coast, surveys show that up to 60% of seagrass has vanished in parts of the Indian River Lagoon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-nutrient-pollution">Hidden nutrient pollution</h2>



Most of these losses stem from nutrient pollution. Runoff from farms and cities feeds algae and bacteria, creating dense blooms that cloud the water. This “marine cloud” blocks sunlight from reaching the seagrass below, starving them of the light they need to survive.



The Nature Coast has so far escaped this fate. In 2020, it was designated an aquatic preserve, helping protect its relatively undeveloped watersheds.



Study co-author Thomas Frazer is a dean at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science.



“There’s not a lot of development in those watersheds, particularly from the area around Weeki Wachee all the way up into the Panhandle, so the effects of excess nutrient delivery are not as pronounced as is in other places that have suffered as a consequence,” said Frazer.



However, this does not mean the threat has passed. <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1969992&amp;action=edit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Algal blooms</a> are now an annual event in many parts of Florida. Even Nature Coast seagrasses may be affected if water quality declines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-moving-species">Climate change and moving species</h2>



Climate change adds another layer of complexity. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-and-extreme-rainfall-study-reveals-a-missing-link/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rising temperatures</a> are pushing temperate and subtropical species northward. Florida’s Gulf Coast, backed against the Panhandle, offers little room for further migration.



“There’s nowhere for them to go,” Frazer said. As marine life shifts, seagrass ecosystems may face new challenges. 



A single blade of seagrass is home to countless organisms - hydroids, bryozoans, sea squirts, bacteria, and algae. 



Normally, grazing fish and invertebrates keep these communities balanced. But if these grazers disappear or new species disrupt the balance, the health of the meadow could suffer.



“We’re already seeing range extensions of mobile fauna,” Frazer added. “A number of fishes, for example, are moving up north along the Gulf Coast, and they may either eat seagrass or consume grazers that help keep seagrasses clean of organisms that live on them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-seagrasses-matter-so-much">Why seagrasses matter so much</h2>



Seagrasses are ancient. They’ve been around longer than the dinosaurs and their benefits to both marine and human life are immense. Rachel Carson captured their importance in her 1955 book The Edge of the Sea. 



“Thrusting their roots into the sand and shifting coral debris, the seagrasses achieve a firmer attachment than the rootless algae do; where they grow thickly, they help to secure the offshore sands against the currents, as on the land the dune grasses hold the dry sands against the winds," she wrote.



Seagrasses stabilize the seabed, prevent erosion, and are vital for marine biodiversity. Despite covering just 0.2% of the ocean floor, they are responsible for 50% of marine carbon burial. They provide food for sea turtles, manatees, and fish. For countless species, seagrass meadows are essential nurseries.



“They provide very important nursery habitat,” Frazer said. “In Florida alone, more than 80% of the fish caught by commercial fisherman and recreational anglers spend some part of their life history in those seagrass beds.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-seagrass-meadows">Protecting seagrass meadows</h2>



Frazer noted that seagrasses serve as a front line for storm protection. Their dense underwater meadows reduce wave energy by up to 40% in shallow waters, acting as natural storm barriers.



Florida’s Nature Coast now holds the largest seagrass meadows bed in the Gulf of Mexico. With careful management and ongoing conservation, it has the potential to stay that way.



While much of the world races to restore what’s been lost, the Nature Coast reminds us of a simple truth: sometimes, the best thing we can do is protect what we already have.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v760/p71-86/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Ecology Progress Series</a>.



Image Credit: Ben Jones / Ocean Image Bank



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Seagrass meadows still thrive on Florida's Nature Coast

Seagrass meadows are a hidden treasure of Florida’s coastal beauty,...

When was the last time you sat quietly in a garden, and let your eyes wander without a goal? Observation gardens are built for moments like these. They give people space to simply look, breathe, and feel present.



But beyond offering a peaceful break, these green spaces may do something even more valuable - they could help us manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-gardens-are-more-relaxing">Some gardens are more relaxing </h2>



A group of scientists recently explored why some gardens are more calming and relaxing than others. The research was focused on Kyoto’s Murin-an garden, a famous example of Japanese design, and compared it to a less carefully maintained university garden.



The team’s findings reveal why these special <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-spaces-near-homes-reduce-emotional-problems-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green spaces</a> soothe the mind. The study was a joint effort by <a href="https://en.nagasaki-u.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nagasaki University</a> and the University of Pittsburgh. 



"Unlike most gardens where a visitor is expected to move through its space and appreciate its elements from many different visual perspectives, an observation garden is designed to be viewed while seated at a single vantage point," noted the researchers.



"Indeed, the location of this vantage point is a critical design feature that is carefully chosen to maximize the impact of the visual scene."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-calming-effect-of-gardens">Studying the calming effect of gardens</h2>



The research team set out to investigate how the design of a garden affects our stress levels.



The scientists brought 16 students to two different gardens in Kyoto. One was Murin-an, known for its meticulous design and care. The other was a university garden that was more ordinary and less groomed.



Each participant spent seven minutes in each setting, observing the scenery. During this time, researchers tracked their eye movements and heart rates. The experts also asked the students about their mood before and after each visit.



“Well-designed Japanese gardens have evocative and abstract sceneries designed in great detail. These sceneries encourage the viewer to observe longer to understand the composition and meaning of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunsets-have-a-wow-factor-that-adds-value-to-landscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scenery</a>, while the gaze wanders more and faster,” said Professor Seiko Goto of Nagasaki University, who specializes in landscape architecture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gaze-patterns-that-ease-the-mind">Gaze patterns that ease the mind</h2>



The results showed clear differences. In the Murin-an garden, people’s eyes moved more quickly across the scene. Their gazes shifted from one detail to another, covering a wider area. This was not the case in the university garden, where people mostly stared at the central features.



“We found a correlation of rapid gaze shifts and a reduction in heart rate and improved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-timing-has-a-powerful-effect-on-our-mood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mood</a>. The reduction in stress experienced by viewers of a well-crafted Japanese garden is largely due to the design features that lead the viewer to engage in frequent, rapid horizontal shifts in gaze,” explained Professor Karl Herrup, a neurobiologist at the University of Pittsburgh.



Maintenance also played a key role. A clean, well-pruned space invites the eye to keep moving. 



“To induce such close attention of the viewer, not only quality of design but also quality of the maintenance is important,” said Professor Goto. “Viewers’ gaze keeps moving to seek more fascination on the well pruned trees and speckless ground.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gardens-as-everyday-therapy">Gardens as everyday therapy</h2>



Beyond visual tracking, participants reported feeling more relaxed in the Murin-an garden. They liked it more, felt calmer, and expressed a stronger desire to return. Their heart rates also slowed, hinting at a true physiological response.



Interestingly, both gardens had similar features: water elements, stones, trees, and a bridge. But the way these elements were arranged made all the difference. In Murin-an, the design leads the eyes sideways, flowing with the layout. The university garden, by contrast, drew attention to one central spot.



“The Murin-an garden was designed as a viewing garden that should be appreciated from a specific vantage point relative to the design elements,” said Herrup. “It is this attention to detail that coaxes the eyes into the patterns that relieve stress.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-simple-pleasure-with-big-potential">A simple pleasure with big potential</h2>



The researchers acknowledge some limitations of their study. They had a short window of access to the gardens, and all of the participants were university students. 



Yet, previous research suggests that the calming effects of gardens apply across different ages, backgrounds, and even cognitive conditions. The experts also see potential for these findings to support people with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-grounds-could-help-prevent-neurodegenerative-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurodegenerative diseases</a>.



“Gardens are generally seen as a hobby for the wealthy, but if appreciating Japanese gardens can induce a relaxing effect, which intuitively everyone feels, it could be used as a form of therapy in hospitals and welfare facilities,” Goto concluded. 



“I think it would be good if Japanese gardens are built not just as a luxury but as a means of mental care in our aging society.”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2025.1581080/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Neuroscience</a>.



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Why some gardens are more calming than others

When was the last time you sat quietly in a...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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...

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