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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

Fairy,Circle

Namibia’s fairy circles have drawn curious visitors for a long time. These round patches appear across dry grasslands near the Namib Desert’s edge, leaving odd, bare patterns that spark questions. 



They stand out in a rugged environment known for extremes, puzzling observers while sparking debate and wonder.



The conversation took a new turn with research published in the journal Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics. 



The work looked at what actually happens to young grass in these circles, and it's starting to change the way people think about these patches. 



Scientists from Göttingen University’s <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/102170.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecosystem Modelling Department</a> and <a href="https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ben Gurion University</a> in Israel were part of the team examining these unusual grass rings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-study-fairy-circles">How to study fairy circles</h2>



The study analyzed 500 individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-desert-plants-are-not-immune-to-crop-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desert grass plants</a> in four different Namib regions. Each plant’s root and leaf length was measured, and photographs recorded subtle differences in survival. 



They also measured soil moisture closely in the 2023 and 2024 rainy seasons. The scientists found that the top 4 to 5 inches of soil inside these circles became far too dry for new grass.



This area quickly turned into what the team called a death zone. Within just 10 to 20 days after rainfall, the tiny plants withered away.



The researchers pointed to a serious lack of soil water as the key reason the freshly sprouted grass died, not termites. That earlier theory had been popular, but it did not hold up when tested against the data. 



The team found that the moist soil deeper below the surface, at around 8 to 12 inches, gave <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-desert-plants-are-not-immune-to-climate-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">established grasses</a> outside the circles a distinct edge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-water-in-unexpected-places">Finding water in unexpected places</h2>



The older grass clumps near these circles reached water in deeper layers. Their roots extended about 8 to 12 inches below the surface. By tapping into these reserves, they held a lasting advantage after rainfall. 



“With their well-developed root system, these clumps of grass soak up the water particularly well. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desert-grass-survives-by-capturing-moisture-from-fog/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">After the rain</a>, they have a huge competitive advantage over the freshly germinated grasses in the fairy circle," explained Dr. Stephan Getzin from <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Göttingen University</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fairy-circles_namib-desert_aerial-view_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fairy-circles_namib-desert_aerial-view_1s.webp" alt="Namibia’s fairy circles have drawn curious visitors for a long time. They stand out in a rugged environment known for extremes, puzzling observers while sparking debate and wonder." class="wp-image-1953298"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Namibia’s fairy circles have drawn curious visitors for a long time. They stand out in a rugged environment known for extremes, puzzling observers while sparking debate and wonder.</figcaption></figure>



“The new grass only loses a small amount of water via transpiration from its small leaves, resulting in insufficient ‘suction power’ to pull new water from deeper soil layers.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moisture-connection-to-fairy-circles">Moisture connection to fairy circles</h2>



Measurements showed that topsoil moisture dropped quickly right inside the circles. The dryness arrived sooner and lasted longer compared to spots outside these rings. 



“This is the cause of the death of the new grass in the fairy circle. Continuous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-floods-its-not-just-about-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil moisture</a> measurements over several years support this conclusion," Dr. Getzin surmised. 



"This is because the soil water in the fairy circle only decreases noticeably quickly with the strengthening and regrowth of the surrounding grass after rain.”



This research cast doubt on earlier ideas that termites created these circles by eating roots, as the team did not find any solid link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/termites-are-natures-architects-building-well-ventilated-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">termite activity</a> and the fairy circles’ formation. 



This challenged a long-standing explanation and called into question how some earlier studies were interpreted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fairy-circles-water-and-life">Fairy circles, water, and life</h2>



The findings highlight how plants adapt in harsh places. The shape of these fairy circles may help grasses organize themselves to make use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-a-focus-on-prosperity-and-peace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scarce water</a>. 



Such patterns can emerge without a plan, simply because plants react to the environment in ways that benefit their survival. 



The scarcity in these parts of Namibia encourages what the researchers described as swarm intelligence or self-organization, patterns that come about as individual organisms respond to tough conditions.



Deep in these desert grasslands, water is everything. When rain does come, it never stays long at the surface. The older plants have learned to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-rooted-crops-can-significantly-improve-soil-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reach deeper</a> for what they need. 



Fresh seedlings, on the other hand, have short roots and small leaves, never pulling in enough moisture to survive. 



This difference in ability to grab water shapes the look of these circles. It shows how living things respond to stress, forming arrangements that help them make the best of a bad situation.



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



Although this research explained a lot, no single study wraps up every question about these unusual patterns. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saudi-arabia-is-turning-degraded-desert-sand-into-blooming-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deserts have many secrets</a>, and each piece of work offers a snapshot of the hidden strategies that plants use to stay alive. 



The study’s approach to soil moisture measurements and plant growth gave a new perspective on how grass communities manage to get by on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floods-are-becoming-more-deadly-in-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">so little rain</a>.



The findings suggested a world of adaptation where small differences in root length or leaf size make all the difference. 



Over the years, new data may build on this understanding, but for now, this study has helped shape how people see these famous patches. 



It pointed to water scarcity as a major factor, rather than insects, and it revealed how local plants manage to survive by digging in a bit deeper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-meaning-in-the-details">Finding meaning in the details</h2>



In a corner of the world where rain is rare and life can seem unforgiving, each tiny blade of grass tells a story. The fairy circles, stripped of young sprouts, highlight a balance between survival and loss. 



To sum it all up, this research suggested that those bare patches might hold water in ways that give established grasses a quiet advantage. 



Such subtle relationships are easy to miss at first glance, but careful work in the field brought them to light.



Under that hot sun, where every drop of water matters, these patterns show how nature’s living things adjust, survive, and keep going.



The full study was published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1433831924000039?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics</a>.



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"Fairy circles" found in the desert remain a mystery to science

Namibia’s fairy circles have drawn curious visitors for a long...

Dried,Marjoram,Or,Oregano,On,A,Black,Background,,Fresh,Marjoram

Many people experience everyday struggles when they cannot move as easily as they once did. They feel frustrated when their joints start aching and stiffening, and they find that doing even simple daily chores feels like pulling teeth.



They try various options -- exercises, pain relievers, and different foods -- hoping that something will help them feel more like themselves again.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-way-to-think-about-aching-joints">Different way to think about aching joints</h2>



Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of movement. 



It occurs when the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones wears down over time, causing the bones to rub directly against each other. This issue can arise due to aging, previous injuries, or other factors.



According to the <a href="https://rheumatology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American College of Rheumatology</a>, more than 58.5 million American adults have been diagnosed with a rheumatic disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-everyday-choices-with-comfort">Connecting everyday choices with comfort</h2>



For those who suffer from osteoarthritis, diet is a potentially important aspect of the treatment. 



Certain foods can relieve pain; for example, oregano is a herb with anti-inflammatory benefits that can be effective in pain relief.



While many folks already have oregano in the kitchen, they might not realize what this herb brings to the table. It is often used in cooking, but some may never have thought much about its effects on the body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-layers-behind-a-familiar-flavor">Hidden layers behind a familiar flavor</h2>



And the truth is that oregano has a multitude of useful properties and health benefits.



A few years ago, a team of scientists even found that carvacrol, the substance in oregano oil that gives this herb its distinctive warm, aromatic smell and flavor, is effective against norovirus. 



The substance breaks down the virus’s tough outer layer, according to research published in the <a href="https://enviromicro-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jam.12453">Journal of Applied Microbiology.</a>



This kind of information may give people a pause. It shows that something as unassuming as a kitchen spice can have unexpected effects that go beyond adding flavor. 



If a small herb can show such potential in one area, there might be more layers yet to uncover.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-research-from-europe-suggests">What research from Europe suggests</h2>



Among the health benefits of oregano, there is one that has been highlighted by the <a href="https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bonn</a> in Germany and the <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swiss Federal Institute of Technology</a> in Zurich in Switzerland. 



Oregano provides an active ingredient known as beta-caryophyllene (E-BCP) that has a positive impact on reducing joint pain and inflammation, which is why it is highly recommended as a preventative treatment for osteoarthritis.



People who are looking for simple ways to support their joints might want to remember this detail. It suggests that there are options outside of well-known treatments. 



Although oregano alone might not solve everything, knowing it can play a role and may encourage people to see their dietary habits differently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-details-that-matter">Small details that matter</h2>



It also turns out that oregano oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties for toothaches. 



The oil, which can be used inside the mouth, can relieve the symptoms of infections with a few drops on the teeth.



This small detail might not be the first thing someone thinks about when they think of oregano, but it shows how everyday plants may hold surprising benefits. 



The world of natural foods is full of complexity and many layers that modern research is slowly beginning to understand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-picture-beyond-one-spice">Bigger picture beyond one spice</h2>



Many people might think that dealing with osteoarthritis means only focusing on medical interventions. While there are times when more traditional approaches are necessary, everyday foods matter. 



Something as common as oregano might add some comfort, alongside other known strategies. Small changes in daily meals, along with guidance from health professionals, might offer a sense of relief. 



The point here is not to claim oregano is a miracle fix but to remember that many details in what people eat can add up. 



They might consider talking with their doctors, doing their own research, and trying simple steps before giving up hope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-considering-a-gentle-steady-approach">Considering a gentle, steady approach</h2>



The idea that an herb that many people sprinkle on their pizza or pasta could have additional benefits may sound surprising. It might make some rethink their kitchen shelves.



Adjusting habits, paying attention to what is on the plate, and being open to new information might encourage people to view their health through a slightly different lens. 



No one should expect dramatic changes overnight. Instead, they might view healing as a process of learning.



Foods like oregano may bring subtle shifts and, over time, these shifts can matter more than many realize. Even small amounts can play a role, especially when combined with other lifestyle adjustments.



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This herb helps reduce and prevent joint pain from arthritis

Many people experience everyday struggles when they cannot move as...

We are all exposed to glyphosate, a chemical found in many herbicides. Glyphosate is widely used in crop farming to reduce the presence of unwanted weeds. 



Previous research has shown that this toxin can cross into brain tissue, but the effects have not been well studied.



New research on mice has revealed that even minimal levels of glyphosate are associated with cognitive changes in brain function. 



The study sheds light on the potential risks&nbsp;this pervasive chemical&nbsp;may pose&nbsp;to brain health at a time when dementia and Alzheimer's disease are affecting more and more people.



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



Herbicides are chemicals designed to kill weeds and other unwanted plants, making them a staple tool for farmers, gardeners, and landscapers alike. 



There are different types of herbicides, each targeting specific kinds of weeds. Some are broad-spectrum, wiping out a wide range of plants, while others are selective, focusing on particular species without harming the crops. 



This versatility makes herbicides incredibly useful for maintaining gardens and agricultural fields efficiently.



However, herbicides aren’t without their downsides. Overusing or misusing these chemicals can lead to environmental issues, such as harming beneficial insects, contaminating water sources, and reducing biodiversity. 



Additionally, some weeds can develop resistance to herbicides, making them harder to control over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbicides-and-brain-health">Herbicides and brain health</h2>



The research, conducted by <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a> in collaboration with the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen),&nbsp;uncovers some&nbsp;alarming effects of glyphosate on brain health.



Mice that were exposed to the herbicide developed troubling symptoms of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-mild-inflammation-can-majorly-damage-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain inflammation</a>,&nbsp;a condition linked to the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases.



"Our work contributes to the growing literature that highlights the brain's vulnerability to glyphosate,” said Ramon Velasquez, one of the researchers.



The study also revealed that these symptoms and signs of distress persisted long after exposure to the toxin ended, indicating the herbicide’s long-lasting impact on brain health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-prevalence-of-cognitive-decline">Rising prevalence of cognitive decline </h2>



The research team conducted experiments over 13 weeks, followed by a six-month recovery period. 



Even at low doses, close to what is considered acceptable for humans, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glyphosate-disrupts-brood-care-in-bumblebees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glyphosate</a> caused significant harm in mice.



This included a persistent increase in inflammatory markers in the brain and blood, which remained elevated long after the exposure had ceased.



"Our goal is to identify environmental factors that contribute to the rising prevalence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-directly-linked-cognitive-decline-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive decline</a> and neurodegenerative diseases in our society,” explained Velasquez. 



“By unveiling such factors, we can develop strategies to minimize exposures, ultimately improving the quality of life for the growing aging population.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbicide-byproduct-in-brain-tissue">Herbicide byproduct in brain tissue</h2>



Additionally, the researchers found that a glyphosate byproduct, namely aminomethylphosphonic acid, accumulated in brain tissue, further raising concerns about the herbicide’s long-term safety.



Glyphosate exposure in the mice was also&nbsp;associated&nbsp;with&nbsp;premature death, and anxiety-like behaviors, symptoms that were present long after&nbsp;the end of the recovery period.



"Given the increasing incidence of cognitive decline in the aging population, particularly in rural communities where exposure to glyphosate is more common due to large-scale farming, there is an urgent need for more basic research on the effects of this herbicide,” Velasquez emphasized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unseen-battle-in-the-fields">An unseen battle in the fields</h2>



The Centers for Disease Research have emphasized the&nbsp;higher&nbsp;risks&nbsp;of glyphosate exposure associated with agricultural workers, farm laborers, and landscapers.



Apart&nbsp;from&nbsp;occupational exposure, the residues in&nbsp;foods and the widespread environmental presence pose risks to the general population.



"My hope is that our work drives further investigation into the effects of glyphosate exposure, which may lead to a reevaluation of its long-term safety and perhaps spark discussion about other prevalent toxins in our environment that may affect the brain,” said Samantha K. Bartholomew, first author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glyphosate-friend-or-foe">Glyphosate: Friend or foe?</h2>



Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, famous for its role in controlling weeds in agricultural fields, gardens, and even urban areas. 



You might know it by its brand name, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weed-killer-roundup-causes-convulsions-in-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roundup</a>, which farmers and gardeners spray to keep unwanted plants from stealing nutrients and space from their crops. 



Glyphosate works by targeting a specific enzyme that plants need to grow, effectively shutting down their ability to thrive. 



This makes it a go-to solution for many looking to maintain tidy landscapes or boost agricultural productivity without having to manually pull weeds all day.



While it is deemed safe by the <a href="https://www.epa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPA</a>, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified glyphosate as “possibly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-we-breathing-cancer-causing-chemicals-in-our-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carcinogenic</a> to humans.” Studies, including this one, continue to question its overall safety.



Building on prior research, this study strengthens the evidence linking glyphosate exposure to an increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders. 



“These findings highlight that many chemicals we regularly encounter, previously considered safe, may pose potential health risks. However, further research is needed to fully assess the public health impact and identify safer alternatives,” said Patrick Pirrotte, associate professor with TGen and senior author of the paper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reevaluating-herbicides-and-public-health">Reevaluating herbicides and public health</h2>



As glyphosate use continues to grow, particularly in large-scale farming, the study emphasizes the urgent need for stricter monitoring, further research, and potential reevaluation of the herbicide’s long-term safety.



The brain’s ability to heal may be formidable under certain circumstances, but exposure to harmful chemicals like glyphosate reveals vulnerabilities that cannot be ignored.



Addressing these risks proactively could play a critical role in reducing the incidence of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases in future generations. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://jneuroinflammation.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12974-024-03290-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Neuroinflammation</a>.



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Common weed-killing herbicide linked to brain issues and cognitive decline

We are all exposed to glyphosate, a chemical found in...

Scientists have identified a booster gene in a poplar species that can help certain plants grow exponentially taller and produce more plant matter. 



They found this gene after studying trees grown in different environments and noticed big differences in how quickly they sprouted up. 



The gene, which they named Booster, caught their eye with its unusual origins and its direct link to stronger growth and better <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-cells-capable-of-photosynthesis-created-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">use of sunlight</a>.



The gene can boost tree height by about 30% in field conditions and by as much as 200% in a greenhouse setting, which signals a possible route toward healthier, more productive plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-plants-booster-gene">Finding plants' Booster gene</h2>



The study was led in part by Stephen Long at the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois</a> Urbana-Champaign and Jerry Tuskan at <a href="https://www.ornl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oak Ridge National Laboratory</a>.



“This discovery could be a game-changer in terms of a big stimulation of photosynthesis and plant productivity," explained Stephen Long.



They focused on Populus trichocarpa, also known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetically-engineered-wood-poplar-cottonwood-trees-store-more-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black cottonwood</a>, which grows from Baja California up into northern Canada. 



This species is often considered a promising candidate for producing biofuels and other useful materials. 



It was here that the researchers found Booster, a chimeric gene that emerged from several genetic pieces combined into one.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-did-the-booster-gene-come-from">Where did the Booster gene come from?</h2>



Booster developed as a combination of three originally separate genetic sequences. 



One came from a bacterium living in the tree’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-leaves-send-signals-to-their-roots-on-dry-days-telling-them-to-keep-digging-deeper-for-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">root zone</a>, one from an ant associated with a fungus that infects the tree, and one from the large subunit of a protein called Rubisco. 



Rubisco plays a key role in capturing carbon dioxide during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>. When the team encouraged poplar trees to express Booster more strongly, the results were striking. 



The trees showed up to 62% more Rubisco content, about a 25% increase in net leaf carbon dioxide uptake, as much as 37% taller growth in field tests, 88% more stem volume, and, under controlled greenhouse conditions, heights up to 200% taller. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/plants_boost-gene_scientists_Biruk-Feyissa_Wellington-Muchero_ORNL_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/plants_boost-gene_scientists_Biruk-Feyissa_Wellington-Muchero_ORNL_1s.webp" alt="In this photo from July 2024, ORNL’s Biruk Feyissa, left, holds a five-month-old poplar tree expressing high levels of the Booster gene, while then-colleague Wellington Muchero holds a tree of the same age with lower expression of the gene. Credit: Genevieve Martin/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy" class="wp-image-1953077"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In this photo from July 2024, ORNL’s Biruk Feyissa, left, holds a five-month-old poplar tree expressing high levels of the Booster gene, while then-colleague Wellington Muchero holds a tree of the same age with lower expression of the gene. Credit: Genevieve Martin/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy</figcaption></figure>



Testing the same gene in Arabidopsis, a small flowering plant, increased its biomass and improved its seed output by 50%. 



“Conserved chimeric genes such as Booster are often disregarded as non-functional, evolutionary artifacts that no longer influence plant processes. But here we proved just the opposite," explained ORNL’s Biruk Feyissa.



"Our molecular and physiological validation confirmed that Booster <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-photosynthesis-could-transform-power-generation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhances photosynthesis</a> so that plants perform better under steady and fluctuating light conditions.”



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



Both black cottonwood and Arabidopsis belong to a group known as C3 plants. This group includes well-known food crops such as soybeans, rice, wheat, and oats. 



If Booster works similarly in these other plants, then farmers might achieve higher production without needing more land, water, or fertilizer. 



“Growing high-yielding, perennial bioenergy crops on marginal lands unsuitable for conventional agriculture can help us meet rising demand for liquid biofuels for hard-to-electrify sectors like aviation," noted Tuskan.



Scientists are now looking at putting these findings to the test in various places over longer periods. By trying Booster out in different environments, they can see how well it holds up and what kind of results it delivers over the long haul. 



“The discovery opens up a new avenue of scientific thinking. We tend to think of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revealing-the-secrets-of-photosynthesis-through-pep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> as a difficult-to-improve process," Tuskan continued. 



But in fact, the molecular machinery surrounding photosynthesis has continued to evolve as plants adapted to their environment.



In this case, the exchange of DNA with associated organisms changed a biological process in a fundamental way.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-screening-and-genetic-insights">Screening and genetic insights</h2>



For years, scientists at CBI studied <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-we-cut-down-all-the-oak-trees-a-disturbing-discovery-makes-this-question-plausible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poplar trees</a> as a steady source of plant material that does not compete directly with food crops. 



They carried out a genome-wide association study, collecting samples from around 1,500 wild trees and examining their genetic makeup. 



They identified over 28 million single nucleotide polymorphisms to help pinpoint genes related to growth, carbon and nitrogen content, lignin, and more efficient water use. 



From there, they looked for genes involved in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/details-photosynthesis-water-viewed-atomic-level-cryo-microscope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthetic quenching</a>, a key process in handling changes in sunlight. 



Scientists at CABBI tested poplar in trial gardens in Davis, California. Molecular analysis then showed that Booster linked to genes that influence how plants manage energy flow in changing light conditions. 



Researchers used many state-of-the-art technology resources, benefiting from large-scale screening techniques that allowed them to measure physical traits rapidly and accurately.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-booster-and-plant-genes">What's next for Booster and plant genes?</h2>



To sum it all up, this discovery demonstrates how close teamwork across institutions can help uncover useful genetic traits that might have gone unnoticed. 



With ongoing support from the Department of Energy’s Biological and Environmental Research Program, these centers will explore Booster’s potential across a wide range of conditions and plant species. 



There is interest in seeing if similar results appear in other crops important for the economy and energy production.



If efforts continue and produce steady success, Booster could provide a simple way to improve plant growth. 



More productive plants that use resources efficiently would help meet increasing global food demands without straining existing farmland, and that would, quite literally, change everything.



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This work comes from researchers at two Department of Energy Bioenergy Research Centers: the Center for Bioenergy Innovation (<a href="https://cbi.ornl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBI</a>) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (<a href="https://cabbi.bio/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CABBI</a>) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1534580724006671?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Developmental Cell</a>.



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Huge discovery: 'Booster' gene makes plants and trees grows 200 percent taller

Scientists have identified a booster gene in a poplar species...

When you think about tropical landscapes, the first image that springs to mind is probably of picturesque, sun-drenched beaches adorned with coconut palms. 



For centuries, these trees have been interwoven with human lives and cultures across the Pacific Ocean. The coconut palm is commonly referred to as the "Tree of Life."



Recent research, however, has highlighted the profound impact that centuries of colonial plantation farming have had on these iconic trees – transforming them from symbols of life to mere cash crops for the production of coconut oil.



A research team from <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a> and The Nature Conservancy has created the first comprehensive map of the uncharted footprint of coconut palm agriculture, scattered across Pacific atolls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coconut-palms-and-sustainability-challenges">Coconut palms and sustainability challenges </h2>



Michael Burnett, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of the research. "Coconut oil used to be essential to atoll economies, but today most coconut palm plantations are abandoned and overgrown."



The research findings raise urgent concerns: over half of the tree cover on these low islands is now taken up by coconut palms, leaving formerly widespread native broadleaf trees only small portions of their natural range.



The implications of these changes are far-reaching. According to Burnett, the replacement of broadleaf forests with coconut monocrops has been linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater depletion</a>, declining seabird populations, and adverse impacts on adjacent coral reefs.



The research suggests an urgent need to understand and confront the sustainability challenges posed by these monocultures for Pacific atoll communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-rate-of-deforestation">Unprecedented rate of deforestation</h2>



The rate of deforestation linked to coconut palm monocultures surpasses the relative rate associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-islands-can-counteract-biodiversity-loss-in-oil-palm-plantations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oil palm</a> production in other parts of the world.



For instance, while 10.8% of Borneo's land had been converted to oil palm monocrops by 2015, coconut palms now cover a staggering 58.3% of the total forested area of the mapped atolls.



Furthermore, the paper reveals that 51.2% of these coconut canopies are remnants of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-in-oil-palm-plantations-are-key-to-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plantation agriculture</a>, indicative of drastic ecological changes. 



Despite many plantations being abandoned in recent decades, coconut palms still outcompete native broadleaf trees for canopy area.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-opportunity-for-ecosystem-restoration">An opportunity for ecosystem restoration </h2>



Study co-author Alex Wegmann, lead scientist for the Nature Conservancy’s Island Resilience Strategy, noted that this situation presents opportunities.



“As the world comes to terms with tradeoffs associated with converting primary forest to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abandoned-croplands-could-boost-food-security-and-climate-mitigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">croplands</a>, we should not ignore atoll forests and the opportunity to recover these dynamic, resilient systems," said Wegmann.



The paper suggests that coconut plantations could be used for ecosystem restoration while striking the balance between cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. 



Elizabeth Terk is the Micronesia conservation director for The Nature Conservancy. She pointed out that restoring abandoned copra plantations on atolls to native forests offer invaluable ecological benefits, such as biodiversity recovery and climate resilience. 



"Striking a balance between cultural heritage and environmental stewardship is essential for a sustainable future. Mapping the extent of copra plantations on atolls is a crucial step for informed decision-making," said Terk. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-converting-abandoned-coconut-plantations">Converting abandoned coconut plantations </h2>



The paper’s vegetation maps provide a valuable tool for Pacific atoll communities, helping them to visualize the state of their forests. 



Initiatives like converting abandoned coconut plantations to native forests and restoring seabird colonies could be promising ways to confront the accelerating impacts of climate change.



"These maps are part of a growing body of science exploring the numerous opportunities for conservation and resilience on atolls. We hope they will help atoll communities chart their own futures in an era of global change," concluded Burnett. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-communities-and-sustainable-solutions">Local communities and sustainable solutions</h2>



The path to restoring Pacific atoll ecosystems requires the active involvement of local communities. These islands have long-standing cultural and economic ties to coconut palms, making collaboration essential for creating sustainable solutions.



Community-led initiatives, such as agroforestry practices that integrate coconut palms with native species, could provide a balanced approach to land use.



Educational programs can also play a crucial role, helping residents understand the ecological impacts of monocultures and the benefits of restoring native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-in-vegetation-are-a-key-driver-of-global-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a>. 



By involving local leaders and incorporating traditional ecological knowledge, restoration projects can be tailored to align with cultural values while addressing environmental challenges. 



Empowering these communities can lead to solutions that are both practical and enduring, building resilience in the face of global environmental change.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad8c66" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Coconut palms threaten Pacific island ecosystems

When you think about tropical landscapes, the first image that...

The discovery of a unique relationship between insects and plants has solved a longstanding mystery. For over a century, botanists have wondered how the tiny seeds of Balanophora were dispersed, and who the pollinators were - considering their less-than-attractive appearance and yeasty smell.



Researchers at Kobe University have revealed that insect species, such as ants and crickets, can both pollinate and disperse seeds for plants. This highlights the remarkable role that insects play in our ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-balanophora-s-reproduction">Mystery of Balanophora’s reproduction</h2>



Deep within the moist, shaded understories of the subtropical forests of Shimoshima Island in Japan, parasitic plants known as Balanophora thrive. 



These plants, which depend on the roots of other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> for sustenance, have puzzled botanists. Among them, Balanophora subcupularis stands out for its dull colors and yeasty smell, contrasting with its bright red relatives that attract birds and mammals for seed dispersal.



Traditionally, researchers suggested that these plants relied on wind to disperse their seeds. However, the windless nature of these forest understories made this hypothesis unlikely. 



Moreover, the mechanisms of pollination for B. subcupularis remained unclear, as its unremarkable appearance seemed to dissuade typical pollinators like bees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-relying-on-insects-for-pollination">Plants relying on insects for pollination</h2>



<a href="https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe University</a> botanist Suetsugu Kenji, who specializes in understanding the interactions between parasitic plants&nbsp;and their surrounding ecosystems, took on the challenge of uncovering the secrets of B. subcupularis.



Suetsugu and his team dedicated over 100 hours to observing the plants and capturing tens of thousands of automated nighttime photographs during the flowering and fruiting stages. 



These observations were complemented by animal exclusion experiments and seed feeding trials to confirm which animals contributed to pollination and seed dispersal.



The results, published in two consecutive papers in the journal&nbsp;Ecology, revealed a surprising truth: ants and camel crickets are the primary pollinators of B. subcupularis. These insects, drawn by the plant’s pollen and nectar, also consume the fleshy seed-bearing leaves, effectively dispersing its seeds.



"It is well known that many plants rely on insects for pollination, although it’s rare for ants and crickets. Also, many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbicides-are-disrupting-plant-insect-interactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> use birds and mammals to distribute their fruits, and again it’s very unusual that crickets or other tiny arthropods take over this role," noted Suetsugu.



"Even more striking, it is very rare for the same animal to perform both functions, and it is unique that the same invertebrates do so."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insects-dual-role-in-plant-pollination">Insects' dual role in plant pollination</h2>



Suetsugu believes the dual role of ants and crickets is influenced by ecological factors. 



"B. subcupularis blooms late in the year when many typical pollinators, such as bees, are less active. In addition, our study site is a small island at the northern edge of the plant’s distribution, which might contribute to the scarcity of pollinators and seed dispersers," explained Suetsugu.



The insects’ involvement in both pollination and seed dispersal likely evolved due to these environmental constraints, where traditional agents like birds, mammals, and bees are scarce. This rare adaptation underscores the resilience and ingenuity of nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-plant-insect-relationships">Significance of plant-insect relationships</h2>



The findings extend beyond the reproduction of B. subcupularis. 



"This underscores the importance of invertebrates in plant reproduction and encourages us to look deeper into how these relationships evolve and what environmental factors drive such unique adaptations. More practically, our findings also contribute to conservation strategies for rare and endangered plants like Balanophora subcupularis," Suetsugu noted.



"Understanding their reliance on specific invertebrates for both pollination and seed dispersal helps inform habitat preservation efforts and the management of invertebrate populations, which are crucial for these plants’ survival."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-to-preserve-unique-ecosystems">Call to preserve unique ecosystems</h2>



This remarkable research on plant and insect interaction illuminates the intricate and often overlooked roles of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-leaf-eating-insects-have-a-huge-impact-on-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invertebrates in ecosystems</a>.



The study calls for greater attention to the conservation of such species, which play vital roles in maintaining biodiversity. By protecting the habitats and populations of these tiny but significant creatures, we can ensure the survival of plants like B. subcupularis and the ecosystems they support.



The story of ants and crickets aiding Balanophora subcupularis highlights a rare and remarkable partnership, providing a glimpse into nature’s adaptability and interconnectedness. 



As researchers like Suetsugu continue to unveil these secrets, the importance of conserving even the smallest actors in our ecosystems becomes undeniably clear.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.4465" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



Image Credit: Hashiwaki Hiromu



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Parasitic plant has some unlikely allies for pollination and seed dispersal

The discovery of a unique relationship between insects and plants...

Brazilian scientists have made a fascinating discovery about the history of maize, also known as corn. 



They've found traces of this ancient, partially domesticated plant in Brazil, which is farther from the crop's historic point of origin in Mexico than any other similar evidence. But the story doesn’t just end here.



The maize specimens discovered by the scientists were found hidden away in the Peruaçu Valley of Minas Gerais state, and they offer a fresh perspective on our understanding of the plant’s history.



The study was led by a group of dedicated researchers from the <a href="https://www5.usp.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of São Paulo</a> (USP) and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA).



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



According to commonly accepted theory, maize was domesticated in Mexico by early farmers. 



When archeologists from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) conducted initial excavation work in the Peruaçu Valley back in 1994, they discovered maize cobs, straw, and seeds of partially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/maize-plant-genetics-shape-root-health-and-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domesticated maize</a>. They dismissed these as domesticated maize that simply hadn't grown properly, rather than imagining that it was still in the process of domestication.



The current research findings indicate that the crop may have been exported before being fully domesticated, and may actually have undergone the final stages of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/domesticating-plants-permanently-alters-their-microbiome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domestication</a> in South America - far from its Mexican origins.



This controversial idea was first proposed in 2018. Back then, genetic studies on living plants gave a hint that our age-old understanding of maize history might need a revision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-the-dots-with-genetic-evidence">Connecting the dots with genetic evidence</h2>



The magical world of genetics brought these forgotten specimens from 1994 back into the limelight.



A re-examination of the old material revealed traits that tied it to the ancestral plant, Teosinte, which was native to Mexico, and was first domesticated around 9,000 years ago. This ancient plant reportedly arrived in southwestern Amazonia about 6,000 years ago.



The current findings have been published in the journal Science Advances. Study lead author Flaviane Malaquias Costa was part of the research team while she was a PhD candidate and postdoctoral researcher at Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ-USP).



“These samples were initially considered specimens of domesticated maize that had failed to grow sufficiently," said Malaquias Costa.



"However, in light of genetic evidence that the final domestication process may have occurred in South America, we analyzed the material again and found several traits shared with the ancestral plant from which maize originated in Mexico 9,000 years ago and that arrived in southwestern Amazonia 6,000 years ago."



Peruaçu Valley is approximately 4,400 miles (7,150 km) from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-agave-and-bats-face-a-sustainability-crisis-in-mexico/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mexico</a>, and the samples found there exhibit the most primitive characteristics ever discovered at such a distance from maize’s center of origin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timeline-of-maize-arrival-in-brazil">Timeline of maize arrival in Brazil</h2>



Though there were human populations in Peruaçu Valley around 10,000 to 9,000 years ago, maize seems to have arrived in the region relatively late - around 1,500 years ago.



Interestingly, the samples dated back to between 1,010 and 500 years ago, and displayed traits of partial domestication. This time period mostly precedes the arrival of Europeans in South America.



Thus, it seems that the local Indigenous communities completed the domestication of this maize species through their relentless efforts in selecting, managing, and stabilizing traits that eventually formed today’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-use-genomic-testing-to-trace-the-history-of-corn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South American maize</a> varieties.



Courtesy of Fábio de Oliveira Freitas, a researcher at EMBRAPA Genetic Resources and Biotechnology in Brasília, this piece of information becomes another chapter of the maize saga.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-family-ties">Identifying family ties</h2>



Further insights gained from the Peruaçu Valley samples revealed their close relation to the Entrelaçado variety of maize from the Brazilian states of Rondônia and Acre.



According to Elizabeth Ann Veasey, a professor at ESALQ-USP, this variety originated in South America through the selection of various other maize populations.



She extended this point by drawing parallels between the ancient traces and extant varieties discovered during the study in several locations across Brazil and Uruguay.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-from-wild-to-domesticated-maize">The journey from wild to domesticated maize</h2>



The transition from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/billions-of-people-depend-on-wild-plant-and-animal-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild plant</a>, Teosinte, to domesticated maize is marked by certain morphological traits. One such marker is the number of grain rows.



While Teosinte, the wild grass native to Mexico that was first domesticated around 9,000 years ago, typically has fewer than eight rows of seeds per ear (cob), modern South American maize varieties grown in lowland areas have eight to 26 rows.



On the other hand, the ancient samples from Peruaçu Valley showcase between four and six rows per ear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-the-science-the-cultural-impact">Beyond the science: The cultural impact</h2>



Such a monumental discovery not only reshapes our scientific understanding but also holds a significant cultural value. The Peruaçu Valley is home to some of the rarest cave art in the world that features crops.



Besides being depicted on the cave walls, maize was discovered in buried baskets, possibly as offerings for the dead.



Furthermore, there are significant geopolitical implications. If it is established that the final domestication of maize took place in Brazil, these genetic resources can no longer be considered exotic.



This will necessitate conservation efforts and discussions regarding property rights in international treaties.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adn146" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Maize samples found in Brazil may rewrite the crop's history

Brazilian scientists have made a fascinating discovery about the history...

Potatoes could hold the key to addressing the challenges posed by frequent and intense heatwaves, which are becoming more common in different regions of the world. 



These resilient crops are crucial in safeguarding global food supplies as climate change continues to disrupt traditional farming practices.



"We need to produce crops that can withstand more frequent and intense heatwave events if we are going to meet the population’s need for food in regions most at risk from reduced yields due to global warming," said Katherine Meacham-Hensold, scientific manager for the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project at the University of Illinois.



Working under the auspices of this project, the research team has engineered a potato that not only withstands extreme weather conditions but also thrives in them, promising greater food security for many.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-promise-of-a-climate-ready-potato">The promise of a climate-ready potato</h2>



While studying the effects of global warming on crop yields, Meacham-Hensold and her team found that this new breed of potato could yield a 30% increase in tuber mass under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/once-in-a-century-heatwave-may-soon-happen-every-other-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heatwave</a> conditions compared to its conventional counterparts.



"The 30% increase in tuber mass observed in our field trials shows the promise of improving photosynthesis to enable climate-ready crops," she said.



The team operates under the banner of RIPE, an international research project that seeks to address global food scarcity by enhancing the ability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-malnutrition-new-satellite-can-monitor-nutrients-in-crops-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food crops</a> to convert the sun's energy into edible matter.



Since its inception in 2017, RIPE has garnered support from numerous entities such as the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, the Foundation for Food &amp; Agriculture Research, and the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-silent-enemy-photorespiration">The silent enemy: Photorespiration</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-defy-climate-change-through-acclimation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photorespiration</a> is a core issue that reduces crop yields. It refers to an energy-consuming process wherein the plant enzyme Rubisco, which is responsible for fixing carbon dioxide into organic molecules, reacts more readily with oxygen than with carbon dioxide when the ambient temperatures are high. 



This challenge is particularly pronounced in crops like potatoes, where high temperatures can significantly hinder growth and productivity. 



The reaction results in the production of a harmful byproduct called glycolate that, if not dealt with, can severely impair the plant's growth.



"Photorespiration is a large energy cost for the plant," explained Meacham-Hensold. "It takes away from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/local-food-production-is-undervalued-in-the-context-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food production</a> as energy is diverted to metabolizing the toxin. Our goal was to reduce the amount of wasted energy by bypassing the plant’s original photorespiratory pathway.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potatoes-that-can-thrive-in-a-heatwave">Potatoes that can thrive in a heatwave</h2>



By introducing two new genes into the potato's DNA, the team managed to improve photosynthetic efficiency.



These genes, glycolate dehydrogenase and malate synthase, help the plant metabolize the toxin in the chloroplast (the leaf compartment responsible for photosynthesis), eliminating the need for energy-draining transfer of the toxin to other parts of the cell.



This solution led to substantial growth gains in the test crops. The benefits of these modifications were further intensified under heatwave conditions, making these crops more resilient to the changing climate.



On a testing field in the year 2022, during a heatwave that consistently broke over 95°F (35°C), the modified potatoes yielded 30% more tubers than the control group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crops-that-resist-global-warming">Crops that resist global warming</h2>



Notably, the team's genetic engineering did not compromise the nutritional quality of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crop-yields-have-grown-steadily-over-the-last-six-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop yield</a>. 



"Food security is not just about the amount of calories that can be produced but we must also consider the quality of the food,” noted Don Ort, the Robert Emerson Professor of Plant Biology and Crop Sciences, and Deputy Director of the RIPE project.



While further multi-location field trials are needed to confirm the findings, the promising results in potatoes open the possibility of applying similar modifications to other tuber crops. These might include cassava, a staple food in some Sub-Saharan African countries that is expected to be heavily impacted by increasing global temperatures.



In conclusion, the research by scientists from the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois</a> presents a ray of hope in the battle against climate change.



By creating crops that not only resist the impacts of global warming but also thrive under them, we are taking steps toward a future where every table has food, and no one is left hungry.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.17595" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Crops of the future: Potatoes that thrive in heatwaves

Potatoes could hold the key to addressing the challenges posed...

We all rely on agriculture for our food, but the escalating climate crisis is placing increasing stress on the world’s crops.&nbsp;



Modern crop varieties, domesticated to maximize yield and harvest efficiency, lack the genetic flexibility to adapt to the environmental challenges now reshaping our planet.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-climate-resilient-crops-nbsp">Creating climate-resilient crops&nbsp;</h2>



As temperature extremes, erratic rainfall, and other climate-driven stressors reduce output, food supplies dwindle and prices rise. Converting more land to agriculture is unsustainable, so we must instead alter our crops to withstand the conditions we have created.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Agriculture</a> is highly vulnerable to climate change, and the intensity and frequency of extreme events is only going to increase,” said lead author Sergey Shabala, a biologist at the <a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Western Australia.</a> 



“Both sustainable agricultural production and global food security will be critically dependent on our ability to create climate-resilient crops.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interconnected-challenges-for-crops">Interconnected challenges for crops</h2>



The current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-food-system-must-change-if-nations-hope-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global food system</a> relies heavily on monocultures and intensive use of fertilizers. While this has met the world’s food demands for decades, it is now recognized as environmentally harmful. 



Fertilizer production damages ecosystems, and their application on fields leads to runoff that pollutes waterways.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, the climate crisis reduces the yield of key staple crops by exposing them to harsher conditions. If high temperatures do not kill plants, they still lower yields, prompting farmers to rely on irrigation water that often contains more salt than ideal freshwater resources.



This higher salt content in irrigated soils reduces the productivity of most crops. Moreover, flooding caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-tens-of-millions-of-people-love-watching-videos-of-extreme-weather-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a> leaves roots submerged in low-oxygen conditions, further diminishing yields. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achieving-a-sustainable-diet-nbsp">Achieving a sustainable diet&nbsp;</h2>



These interconnected problems underscore the complexity of achieving a sustainable diet in the face of scientific, social, and political challenges.



“The problem of a sustainable diet has scientific, social, and political facets,” said Shabala. “A broader acceptance of novel technologies and a willingness to accept some cultural shifts is needed.”&nbsp;



“A good example may be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-study-reveals-secrets-of-weedy-rice-invasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rice</a>: it is a main staple food for a high percentage of the population, but many parts of the world may become unsuitable for its production. A switch to other, more resilient, crops may be needed, and I am not sure the public is ready to accept it.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-crops-that-can-cope">Creating crops that can cope</h2>



Many wild plants, including the ancestors and relatives of today’s staple crops, are inherently better equipped to handle environmental extremes. To help cultivated plants cope with the climate crisis, we need to bring these resilient traits back into domesticated species.



There are two main approaches to achieve this. The first is to introduce stress-resistance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-inspire-a-safer-method-of-editing-human-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genes</a> from closely related plants or reactivate dormant genes within existing crops. This approach seems straightforward, but transferring multiple traits into a single high-yield crop is challenging. 



The second approach involves domesticating entirely new species that are naturally resilient but produce less food initially. Adapting these wild plants to modern farming demands a careful and possibly lengthy process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertain-paths-and-public-resistance">Uncertain paths and public resistance</h2>



It remains unclear which strategy - gene introduction into established crops or domesticating wild species - will eventually prevail.&nbsp;



However, both approaches share certain requirements: cutting-edge gene-editing and precision breeding methods, backed by accurate cell-based phenotyping and, crucially, public acceptance of new crop varieties.



“One of the current challenges is to match recent scientific advances with public perception of new technologies,” cautioned Shabala.&nbsp;



“The issue is highly politicized and there are significant commercial interests involved. And due to a lack of specific knowledge, the general public cannot distinguish the subtle differences amongst various technologies, and relies on opinions in the media.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-change-for-a-sustainable-future">Embracing change for a sustainable future</h2>



Developing climate-resilient crops involves technological breakthroughs and social willingness to embrace them. Whether by gene-editing existing crops or domesticating new species, our success depends on navigating scientific, regulatory, and cultural hurdles.&nbsp;



The rising global population and the intensifying climate crisis leave us with no choice but to adapt our agriculture to these changing realities.



By investing in research, improving public understanding, and supporting innovation in both plant genetics and farming practices, we can move toward a future where climate-resilient crops ensure not only that we continue to feed everyone, but also that we do so sustainably in the world we have altered.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fsci.2024.1416023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Science</a>.



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Creating resilient crops to cope with the climate crisis

We all rely on agriculture for our food, but the...

We are dependent on oxygen that is generated by miniscule planktonic creatures that live in the oceans. Scientists estimate that over 50% of the Earth's oxygen is produced by these tiny, drifting protists, plants and algae.



It is these microscopic oceanic organisms, even more than the tall tree outside your window, that are the unsung heroes of our planet. Marine plankton drive the Earth's carbon cycle and regulate the climate.



Plankton drifts with the ocean's currents and has a dual role in producing oxygen and storing carbon dioxide (CO2). This makes these organisms indispensable in maintaining the planet’s delicate balance.



A recent discovery has shed light on the intricate relationship between these planktonic life forms and one of the greatest challenges of our time - increasing atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-plankton-and-carbon-storage">Marine plankton and carbon storage </h2>



Buried deep within the ocean's waters resides a near-invisible, yet vital organism - Trilobatus trilobus, a species of plankton that belongs to the group known as the formainifera. 



These tiny heroes sequester and store CO2 in their calcium carbonate shells through a process known as calcification.



This is the process whereby living organisms, like plankton, build hard, shell-like structures using calcium, carbon and oxygen from their surroundings. The protective "suits of armor" are made of a material similar to chalk or limestone.



Once the plankton expire, their shells sink to the seafloor, becoming long-term carbon storage facilities. This means that the huge task of CO2 storage is undertaken partially by these microscopic life forms.



Now, scientists from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> have explored this phenomenon in more detail and uncovered some fascinating insights.



Initially, research focused on how changes in ocean chemistry and acidification influence calcification. However, this study revealed that physical properties of the ocean, such as density, also play a crucial role in this complex process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-artful-adaptations-of-marine-plankton">The artful adaptations of marine plankton </h2>



What makes T. trilobus so remarkable? This planktonic species demonstrates an extraordinary ability to adapt its calcification process in response to environmental fluctuations, particularly to changes in ocean density and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a>.



These survival strategies ensure that the plankton can maintain buoyancy and thrive in varying conditions.



For example, when ocean density decreases due to freshwater influx from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-ice-caps-changing-earths-rotation-need-negative-leap-second/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting ice caps</a>, T. trilobus reduces the calcification rate, thus forming lighter shells that help to keep the individuals buoyant. 



This adjustment not only supports the survival of the microorganisms, but also affects ocean chemistry by leaving surface waters more alkaline. 



The increase in alkalinity enhances the ocean's ability to absorb even more CO2, illustrating the intricate relationship between these microscopic organisms and the planet’s carbon cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-unseen-impact-on-climate-change">The unseen impact on climate change</h2>



The adaptive behavior of T. trilobus has far-reaching implications for climate regulation. 



By modifying calcification in response to environmental changes, these plankton indirectly boost the ocean’s capacity to absorb CO2 and act as a natural mitigator of atmospheric carbon.



This dynamic process highlights the vital role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-stress-causes-undetected-changes-in-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a> in buffering the effects of climate change.



“Our findings demonstrate how planktonic foraminifera adapt their shell architecture to changes in seawater density. This natural adjustment, potentially regulating atmospheric chemistry for millions of years, underscores the complex interplay between marine life and the global climate system,” explained Dr. Stergios Zarkogiannis, the study's lead scientist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-plankton-in-ocean-calcification">The role of plankton in ocean calcification</h2>



Dr. Zarkogiannis and his team explored the intricacies of T. trilobus shells, collected from deep-sea sediments along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.



Using advanced techniques like X-ray microcomputed tomography and shell trace element geochemistry, they linked variations in calcification to environmental changes, including salinity, density, and carbonate chemistry.



Their findings revealed that plankton produce lighter, thinner shells in equatorial waters and thicker, heavier shells in denser subtropical regions, illustrating how these tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-organisms-may-adapt-to-climate-change-but-with-hidden-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organisms adapt</a> to their surroundings.



“Although planktonic organisms may passively float in the water column, they are far from passive participants in the carbon cycle. By actively adjusting their calcification to control buoyancy and ensure survival, these organisms also regulate the ocean’s ability to absorb CO2," said Dr. Zarkogiannis.



This dual role underscores their profound importance in understanding and addressing climate challenges."



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



While this study illuminates the adaptive capabilities of T. trilobus, further research is needed to determine whether buoyancy regulation influences calcification in other marine organisms. 



By continuing to unravel the intricate ways in which plankton interact with their environment, scientists can better understand - and perhaps leverage - their role in mitigating climate change.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240179" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



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Marine plankton are key players in carbon cycle regulation

We are dependent on oxygen that is generated by miniscule...

As climate change accelerates, it poses a serious threat to our global food supply. Scientists are raising alarms about the potentially devastating consequences. 



Without rapid changes to how we develop climate-resilient crops, we could face widespread food shortages, famine, mass migration, and global instability. 



An international team of researchers, as reported in Trends in Plant Science, calls for urgent action to avert this crisis.



"We're in a race against time," said Silvia Restrepo, president of the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) and co-author of the paper.



"The crops we depend on for food are increasingly struggling to survive extreme weather, from heat waves to droughts and floods. Meanwhile, our current approaches to developing tougher, more resilient crops simply aren't moving fast enough."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-impacting-food-supply">Climate change impacting food supply </h2>



The challenges facing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a> are more complex than ever. Crops are not only battling higher temperatures but are also dealing with more frequent pest outbreaks and diseases. 



Even when plants survive these challenges, climate change can reduce their nutritional value. 



The situation is further complicated by agriculture itself contributing to about 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, creating a vicious cycle that accelerates climate change.



The <a href="https://btiscience.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BTI</a> researchers outline five key recommendations to tackle this urgent crisis:



<ol start="1" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Create global research initiatives that unite scientists from developed and developing nations to share resources and expertise. </li>



<li>Study plants in real-world conditions, beyond the confines of controlled laboratory environments. </li>



<li>Forge stronger partnerships between scientists and farmers to ensure practical solutions. </li>



<li>Build public trust in new crop development technologies to increase acceptance. </li>



<li>Streamline regulations&nbsp;to speed up the implementation of innovative agricultural solutions.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-funding-gaps-and-neglected-regions">Funding gaps and neglected regions</h2>



Despite the crucial role agriculture plays in human survival, only about 4% of global climate funding - roughly $35 billion annually - goes toward developing climate-resilient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food systems</a>.



What’s even more alarming is that most of this funding focuses on large-scale farming in developed nations, leaving smaller farms and developing countries behind. 



This imbalance is exacerbating both climate challenges and the global food supply crisis, leaving vulnerable regions at greater risk.



"We need to completely rethink how we approach this challenge," said study co-author Andrew Nelson, an associate professor at BTI.



"Instead of starting in the lab and hoping solutions work in the field, we should begin by understanding farmers' real-world challenges and then work backward to develop practical solutions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-resilience-through-collaboration">Building resilience through collaboration</h2>



Success will demand unprecedented collaboration among scientists, farmers, policymakers, and the public. 



It will also require making new technologies accessible to all regions, particularly in the Global South, where climate impacts are felt most severely.



This global collaboration could help prevent a worsening crisis in agriculture and improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-predict-the-chaotic-response-of-crops-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> security and nutrition worldwide.



The experts emphasize that the time for incremental changes has passed. Rapid and decisive action is required to implement their five recommendations. 



Only by building resilient agricultural systems can we hope to secure our food supply in the face of ongoing climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-summit-on-plant-resilience">International summit on plant resilience</h2>



The group of 21 co-authors from nine countries formed after the First International Summit on Plant Resilience, organized by the Plant Resilience Institute. 



The summit, held earlier this year, featured Michelle Heck as the keynote speaker. Heck, an adjunct professor at BTI and <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> and Research Molecular Biologist at USDA-ARS, spoke about her innovative research on preventing citrus greening disease.



The summit aimed to promote global collaboration by bringing together leading plant scientists from diverse disciplines. The goal? Establishing plant resilience research as a cornerstone of climate change solutions.



Another summit is already planned for 2026, signaling the importance and urgency of continued efforts to fight climate threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-our-food-supply-from-climate-change">Protecting our food supply from climate change</h2>



As climate change continues to accelerate, our food systems face an uncertain future. 



Addressing these issues will require collaboration across borders, new technology, and a fresh perspective on solving real-world agricultural problems.



The five recommendations outlined by the researchers are a roadmap that could lead to a more resilient and secure food system - but only if we act decisively.



The time for half-measures has passed; the world must come together to ensure a stable food supply for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/abstract/S1360-1385(24)00302-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Plant Science</a>.



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We are in a race against time to save our food supply from climate change

As climate change accelerates, it poses a serious threat to...

Every year on December 5, we turn our attention to the soil beneath our feet - the essential foundation of life on our planet. World Soil Day is an international event dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of healthy soils for sustaining life on Earth.&nbsp;



Established by the <a href="https://www.fao.org/home/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization</a> (FAO), this day highlights the role of soil in providing essential ecosystem services, including food production and climate regulation.&nbsp;



World Soil Day also draws attention to the alarming rate of soil degradation caused by human activities.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theme-of-world-soil-day">Theme of World Soil Day</h2>



Each year, World Soil Day revolves around a specific theme to address the biggest soil-related challenges. Past themes have included combating soil salinization, preventing erosion, and promoting soil biodiversity.&nbsp;



The theme for World Soil Day 2024, "Caring for soils: Measure, monitor, manage," is focused on ways to promote soil health.&nbsp;



This theme highlights the vital importance of monitoring soils and collecting accurate data to inform <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-footprint-a-new-frontier-in-sustainable-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable management practices</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-soil-important">Why is soil important?</h2>



Soil is a fundamental resource that supports life on Earth in countless ways. It provides the foundation for nearly all terrestrial ecosystems by acting as the medium for plant growth, supplying nutrients, water, and oxygen essential for vegetation.&nbsp;



This vegetation, in turn, forms the base of food chains and provides resources for humans and animals. Healthy soil is essential for the productivity of crops that feed billions of people worldwide.



Beyond its role in food production, soil acts as a natural water filter, absorbing rainfall and replenishing groundwater while removing contaminants.&nbsp;



Furthermore, soil supports human infrastructure, providing a stable foundation for buildings, roads, and other structures.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-healthy-soil">Benefits of healthy soil</h2>



Healthy soil is the foundation of environmental and human well-being, offering a wide range of benefits. It acts as a natural reservoir of nutrients, supporting the growth of healthy plants.



Through its ability to store and filter water, healthy soil helps maintain water quality and reduces the risk of flooding by preventing surface runoff.&nbsp;



Soil also plays a vital role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-practices-boost-soil-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sequestration</a>, capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, which helps to mitigate climate change.&nbsp;



Furthermore, soil is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-pollution-is-harming-worms-and-bugs-to-an-unknown-degree/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> hotspot. It provides habitats for countless organisms, from microbes to insects, which contribute to nutrient cycling and plant health.&nbsp;



By promoting crop resilience, healthy soil reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Its ability to retain moisture leads to better crop yields - even in periods of drought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-growing-issue-of-soil-degradation-nbsp">The growing issue of soil degradation&nbsp;</h2>



Soil degradation refers to the deterioration of the soil’s quality and health, which can result from a variety of factors such as poor land management, deforestation, overgrazing, urbanization, and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.&nbsp;



This process leads to the loss of essential soil nutrients, reduced water retention, and the breakdown of soil structure.&nbsp;



As a consequence, the land becomes less productive, making it harder to grow crops and sustain plant life. Soil degradation also contributes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-erosion-rates-have-exploded-in-the-midwestern-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erosion</a>, where the topsoil is washed away, leading to further loss of fertile land.



Soil degradation is increasingly recognized as a growing issue across the globe. Over the past century, human activities such as agriculture, deforestation, urbanization, and unsustainable land management practices have significantly accelerated soil degradation.&nbsp;



The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that about one-third of the world’s land is moderately to severely degraded. As the global population continues to rise, the demand for food, water, and land increases, further straining the planet’s soil resources.&nbsp;



In many regions, soil erosion, desertification, and nutrient depletion have become widespread, impacting agricultural productivity and food security.&nbsp;



Climate change exacerbates the problem by altering rainfall patterns and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, which can lead to further soil loss.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-soil-day">World Soil Day</h2>



The idea of dedicating a day to soil was first proposed by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. This idea gained momentum with the support of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who advocated for sustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-soils-produce-a-symphony-of-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil management</a> throughout his reign. 



In 2013, the UN General Assembly officially declared December 5 as World Soil Day to coincide with the king's birthday, honoring his lifelong commitment to soil conservation.



World Soil Day emphasizes that soil is a fragile resource, taking hundreds to thousands of years to regenerate naturally. It reminds us of the need for collective action to preserve soil health - from adopting sustainable agricultural practices to restoring degraded lands.&nbsp;



Through global participation, this occasion seeks to inspire individuals and communities to appreciate the critical role of soil in building a sustainable future.



Ultimately, healthy soil supports the balance of natural ecosystems and directly influences human health, livelihoods, and the planet's capacity to thrive.



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World Soil Day 2024: Protecting our planet's lifeline

Every year on December 5, we turn our attention to...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes a new map of Mars that is providing insight into the planet’s watery past. The map also reveals where future missions could safely land on Mars.&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" 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.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. 



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" 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> some of the most incredible waves in the world, as seen by Landsat satellites.



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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