High in the Dolomites of northern Italy, a quiet forest of spruce trees witnessed a cosmic event. As the moon began its slow passage across the face of the sun, these trees did something extraordinary. They didn’t just react to the solar eclipse - they prepared for it. 



Hours before the eclipse unfolded, the inner signals of the trees began to shift in synchrony, echoing across the forest like an invisible wave.



What if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-losing-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> could think? What if they didn’t just survive but sensed, remembered, and collectively adapted? These questions are no longer the domain of poetic speculation. A new international study has brought scientific weight to these ideas, revealing a forest’s capacity for anticipation and communication.



Led by Professor Alessandro Chiolerio of the Italian Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.iit.it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IIT</a>) and the University of the West of England (<a href="https://www.uwe.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UWE</a>), and Professor Monica Gagliano of <a href="https://www.scu.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Cross University</a>, the research shows how spruce trees behave not just as individuals but as members of a responsive, interconnected ecosystem.



The trees began altering their bioelectrical rhythms well before the eclipse. This wasn’t passive reaction - it was a coordinated prelude.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-older-trees-sense-eclipse-first">Older trees sense eclipse first</h2>



The researchers placed specialized sensors on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-new-trees-brings-hope-for-healthier-babies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> ranging from decades-old elders to young saplings. The trees’ bioelectrical signals - minute voltage changes across their tissues - began shifting as early as 14 hours before the solar eclipse occurred.



Remarkably, older trees were the first to display these changes. They exhibited increased entropy and bioelectrical complexity long before the event, suggesting deep memory rooted in past experiences. 



These ancient trees acted as environmental archives, holding clues from previous eclipses and perhaps other rare events that have repeated over their long lives.



“The fact that older trees respond first - potentially guiding the collective response of the forest - speaks volumes about their role as memory banks of past environmental events,” said Professor Gagliano.



This age-based hierarchy of response shows that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-trees-are-reaching-new-heights-in-the-mountains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> are not just passive organisms. Instead, they may actively use memory to shape real-time responses to future events. The old trees don’t simply endure - they teach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-signals-sync-before-an-eclipse">Tree signals sync before an eclipse</h2>



Custom-built CyberTree sensors recorded data from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-and-steady-tree-growth-wins-the-race-for-carbon-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> at four distinct forest sites. Trees of different ages and light exposure were included. Some trees were healthy and tall, others young and shaded, and several were even stumps from felled trees.



In one 20-year-old tree, researchers noticed sharp, square-wave-like bioelectrical spikes hours before the eclipse. These signals vanished immediately after the event, creating a clear boundary in the data. 



Older trees showed broader but more persistent fluctuations. During the eclipse itself, bioelectrical activity became less chaotic and more ordered.



“This study illustrates the anticipatory and synchronized responses we observed are key to understanding how forests communicate and adapt, revealing a new layer of complexity in plant behavior,” explained Professor Gagliano.



This coordination wasn’t superficial. It ran deep through the trees’ vascular systems - through xylem and phloem - recorded using electrodes both within trunks and around their circumference. The result was a living, electrical map of the forest’s inner state.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whole-forest-acts-as-one-system">Whole forest acts as one system</h2>



The synchrony wasn’t limited to isolated trees. Researchers applied cross-correlation analysis to examine relationships among signals from different trees. What they found was striking. As the eclipse approached, trees didn’t just change individually. They aligned with each other.



Compared to normal days, during the eclipse the trees exhibited larger deviations in signal symmetry. This meant the forest wasn’t operating randomly. Each tree’s electrical behavior influenced - and was influenced by - others. These shifts showed signs of communication and responsiveness beyond traditional ecological models.



“We now see the forest not as a mere collection of individuals, but as an orchestra of phase correlated plants,” said Professor Chiolerio.



Especially strong synchrony occurred between the oldest trees, suggesting that longevity also brings a central role in networked behaviors. Their signals moved together like synchronized swimmers, responding as one to the cosmic shift overhead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-trees-align-their-behavior">How trees align their behavior</h2>



To make sense of this synchrony, the team turned to an unlikely ally - quantum field theory (QFT). Trees, they argued, are open, dissipative systems. They constantly exchange energy with their environment, and classical physics falls short in describing their complex coordination.



By using thermal QFT models, the researchers could describe the trees' behavior at both molecular and systemic levels. They showed how microscopic structures like ion channels and water molecules aligned their activity, giving rise to coherent macroscopic behavior.



In this framework, the forest’s response becomes a form of spontaneous symmetry breaking. That is, a small environmental trigger - in this case, the eclipse - produces a large-scale shift in system organization.



During the eclipse, the system’s entropy dropped, coherence increased, and the forest appeared to enter a new state - like an orchestra locking into tempo after tuning their instruments. The forest was not only alive. It was aware.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravity-may-cue-the-response">Gravity may cue the response</h2>



A mystery remained: how could trees begin responding before the eclipse even started? The usual suspects - light, temperature, and humidity - couldn’t explain it. Trees began shifting their signals when it was still daylight and warm, and the Moon was far from their sky.



The authors propose another trigger: gravimetric tides. These are subtle shifts in Earth’s gravitational field caused by the alignment of the Moon and Sun. During a solar eclipse, especially one aligned with a Saros cycle, these tides peak.



Such gravimetric cues are hard for humans to detect, but not for trees. Their deep-rooted structure and fluid dynamics make them excellent sensors. Older trees, which have lived through several Saros cycles, may recognize this pattern and respond early.



“This discovery underscores the critical importance of protecting older forests, which serve as pillars of ecosystem resilience by preserving and transmitting invaluable ecological knowledge,” said Professor Gagliano.



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



This research expands our understanding of what a forest is. No longer can we see it as a collection of competing individuals. The trees synchronize their internal processes, align responses to stimuli, and likely share information across time and space.



This makes old-growth forests irreplaceable. Logging them erases not just biomass, but knowledge - decades or centuries of stored information that newer trees have not yet acquired.



From the lens of ecological stability, these forests act like community elders. They modulate, anticipate, and respond, ensuring the forest survives sudden changes. Protecting them becomes not only an act of conservation, but an act of safeguarding planetary memory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hidden-intelligence-of-forests">The hidden intelligence of forests</h2>



To share this finding with a wider audience, the research team collaborated on a documentary. Il Codice del Bosco (The Forest Code) is scheduled for release in Italy in May 2025. It brings the forest’s hidden world to life, showing trees as responsive and intelligent beings.



“Basically, we are watching the famous ‘wood wide web’ in action!” said Professor Gagliano.



The documentary will visualize the forest’s electrical signals, offering viewers a glimpse into a world usually invisible. It represents a step toward redefining how we relate to nature - not as masters, but as fellow participants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-remember-eclipses-and-adapt">Trees remember eclipses and adapt</h2>



The study of spruce trees during a solar eclipse has revealed something profound. Trees do not simply endure. They anticipate, adapt, and align with each other through non-verbal, bioelectrical communication. They exhibit behaviors long thought reserved for animals - coordination, memory, and possibly a form of decision-making.



As we understand this hidden intelligence, our approach to ecology must evolve. Forests are not just lungs of the planet. They are its silent minds - thinking slowly, speaking in signals, and remembering events we cannot see.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241786" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Trees sync up their communication signals before a solar eclipse

High in the Dolomites of northern Italy, a quiet forest of spruce trees witnessed a cosmic event. As the moon began its slow passage across the face of the sun, these trees did something extraordinary. They didn’t just react to the solar eclipse - they prepared for it. Hours before the eclipse unfolded, the inner signals of the trees began to shift in synchrony, echoing across the forest like an invisible wave. What if forests could think? What if they didn’t just survive but sensed, remembered, and...

We often hear about the insidious creep of climate change and the warming that's altering landscapes around the world. Well, the Arctic and its plants aren't immune to this silent invasion.



New evidence suggests that it's not just the temperature change we should be monitoring, but also our hoofed friends out on the tundra. Arctic greening, as it is often called, might be more about caribou and muskoxen than we ever realized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greening-of-the-arctic-landscape">Greening of the Arctic landscape </h2>



Research released from the University of California, Davis (<a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/academics/graduate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a>) indicates that the large grazers of the Arctic landscape - the caribou and muskoxen - have a direct effect on the timing and abundance of Arctic plants.



This correlation reveals significant implications for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-planting-trees-in-the-arctic-is-not-a-good-climate-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overall Arctic ecosystem</a>. 



The findings were recently detailed in a study published in the journal PNAS Nexus and illuminate the vital role that these large herbivores play in our understanding of the Arctic ecosystem.



The focus of the narrative so far has been climate change and the increasing temperatures, but there seems to be more to it than that.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-emerging-in-the-arctic">Plants emerging in the Arctic</h2>



To fully appreciate the impact of this discovery, it's essential that we first understand phenology- the study of timing and patterns in nature.



It's what alerts us when birds are migrating, or when a plant first bursts to life or bursts into bloom. Within the context of a rapidly warming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-melting-arctic-sea-ice-could-disrupt-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a>, understanding these patterns becomes critical.



“Caribou and muskoxen play a key role in how soon plants emerge and this translates to how abundant they become,” said lead author Eric Post, a professor and arctic ecologist in the UC Davis Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology. 



“This is an important, and overlooked, factor we need to consider as we seek to more fully understand climate change impacts on tundra vegetation in the Arctic.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbivores-and-plant-growth">Herbivores and plant growth </h2>



The research that led to these insights was conducted over a period of 22 years near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Here, Post and his team designed an exclusion experiment to understand the effect of herbivores on the timing of plant growth and abundance.



The researchers compared the timing of spring green-up of nine plant species with and without the grazing animals, from 2009 to 2017.



The overall conclusion was that plants where caribou or muskoxen were present underwent earlier green-up and enjoyed greater abundance later into the growing season.



However, not all plants responded equally to the grazing. While about two-thirds of plants greened up earlier, and three-quarters thrived more effectively later in the season with grazing animals present, some species such as dwarf birch and harebell emerged later when grazers were present.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-herbivore-grazing">Impact of herbivore grazing</h2>



While it's still unclear why Arctic plants respond this way to the presence of grazers, what is clear is that there is a connection.



“We’re used to thinking of the timing of plant availability as impacting the productivity of grazing animals, but not the reverse,” Post said. “The absence or presence of herbivores can also impact the timing of plant growth and their productivity.”



This understanding becomes increasingly important in light of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ocean-warming-four-times-faster-than-global-average/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">current decline</a> of many caribou populations in the Arctic. According to the IUCN Red List, migratory tundra caribou are now considered vulnerable, having lost more than half of their total abundance since the 1990s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planting-trees-in-the-arctic">Planting trees in the Arctic</h2>



In a related study, Post suggested that supporting sustainable populations of herbivores in the Arctic could be a more effective nature-based solution to climate change in the region than planting trees there. The findings of the PNAS Nexus study lend credence to this suggestion.



We now have a better understanding of the crucial role our hoofed friends play in the Arctic ecosystem, but it is clear that more research is needed.



The challenge is enormous, yet with every bit of new knowledge, we get one step closer to a comprehensive understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-alters-the-atmosphere-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic ecosystem</a> and how we can best protect it against the backdrop of climate change.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/PNASNEXUS-2024-00279RR" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Arctic grazers secretly shape plant growth and survival

We often hear about the insidious creep of climate change...

Psilocybin, a compound at the forefront of psychedelic research, has sparked new hope in the perennial quest for an effective cure for psychiatric ailments, particularly anorexia nervosa. 



A clinical trial conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) highlights how this compound could potentially revolutionize treatment methods and result in improved clinical outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psilocybin-s-effect-on-anorexia-patients">Psilocybin’s effect on anorexia patients</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-disorders-can-be-contagious-among-teens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anorexia nervosa</a> is a psychiatric disorder that has resisted conventional treatments and currently has no effective medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is also the psychiatric illness that holds the record for having the highest mortality rate.



The <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSD</a> research explores the effect of psilocybin treatment on this condition and provides a first-hand account of its consequences.



“Our findings suggest that psilocybin may be helpful in supporting meaningful psychological change in a subset of people with anorexia nervosa," explained Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck, lead author of the study.



"What's particularly interesting is that 60% of participants reported a reduction in the importance of physical appearance, while 70% noted quality-of-life improvements and shifts in personal identity."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psilocybin-treatment-outcomes">Psilocybin treatment outcomes </h2>



The clinical trial revealed some fascinating outcomes. An overwhelming 90% of participants described their psilocybin session as one of the top five most meaningful experiences of their lives.



Additionally, 40% of the subjects showed clinically significant reductions in eating disorder psychopathology.



However, despite these positive results, the study notes that improvements in psychological outlook did not necessarily translate to weight restoration. 



Furthermore, psilocybin treatment appeared to work very effectively for some individuals while others showed minimal improvements. 



These discrepancies highlight the need for further research, particularly into how genetic variations in serotonin receptors might influence treatment outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformative-experience-for-some-patients">Transformative experience for some patients </h2>



The impact of this treatment transcends the scientific data and filters into the personal lives of the subjects. 



As one participant shared: “You are able to act in a way that maybe had felt unachievable before, if you set the right intention.”



Another participant echoed similar sentiments, stating: “Things might not look that different from the outside, but they feel completely different from the inside.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



The study employed a single 25mg dose of psilocybin alongside specialized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overweight-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychological</a> support before, during, and after administration. 



Despite showcasing potential, the results also highlight the intricacy of treating anorexia nervosa and suggest a synergistic approach might be the most effective.



Dr. Walter H. Kaye, the study's senior author and UCSD Eating Disorders Treatment Center director, maintains that while the findings are promising, they need to be backed by larger, well-controlled studies. 



This includes the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-imaging-method-will-unravel-mysteries-of-neural-processes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain imaging</a> and genetic analysis to ascertain who might benefit most from this innovative treatment approach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-medicine-for-eating-disorders">Personalized medicine for eating disorders </h2>



The fascinating findings of the clinical trial initiated new trajectories for personalized medicine for eating disorders. 



However, it also sparked a flurry of questions around optimizing therapeutic protocols for this vulnerable demographic. 



Surely, it's a profound addition to the current discourse around non-traditional treatment methods.



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



The promise of psilocybin as a treatment for anorexia nervosa comes with its share of challenges. One major concern is ensuring that the therapy takes place in a safe, supportive environment. 



Psychedelic experiences can be intense and unpredictable, making it crucial to have professional guidance in place to support patients before, during, and after treatment.



This guidance helps maximize the benefits while minimizing any potential risks or adverse reactions.



There are also questions about how psilocybin therapy could fit into existing treatment plans. Researchers are looking at how it might complement traditional methods like <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=cognitive-behavioral%20therapy&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive-behavioral therapy</a> to boost long-term recovery. 



As more studies are conducted, it will be vital to address these challenges and questions. Only then can psilocybin potentially become a reliable, safe, and effective treatment option for those battling the complexities of anorexia nervosa.



The journey forward is one of thorough research, careful observation, and continued exploration to bring the best possible outcome to patients who need it most.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10427429/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Psilocybin shows promise for treating anorexia

Psilocybin, a compound at the forefront of psychedelic research, has...

Researchers have discovered that mangrove forests - a shield against destructive storms across many coastlines - are now suffocating underwater in the Maldives.



The data shows that the combination of an escalating sea level and a shift in Indian Ocean conditions has caused some Maldivian islands to lose more than half of their mangrove <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mangroves-and-saltmarshes-are-much-better-at-storing-carbon-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cover</a> since 2020.



The researchers, led by Lucy Carruthers and Dr. Vasile Ersek of Northumbria University, noted that this isn't a singular incident affecting only the Maldives. 



The experts said that extreme climate events represent an emerging threat to mangroves and coastal ecosystems worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slowly-deteriorating-mangroves">Slowly deteriorating mangroves</h2>



In 2020, the mangroves on more than a quarter of the Maldives islands started showing signs of slow deterioration, sliding into a state known as dieback, before bidding the world adieu. 



The intensity of this mangrove loss phenomenon was captured by satellite imagery. The experts found that some islands had lost more than half of their mangrove cover.



For their investigation of mangrove dieback, the researchers combined evidence from sea level, climate data, and remote sensing. Field observations of sediment geochemistry and dendrology were also taken into consideration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-salinity-stress-in-mangroves">Signs of salinity stress in mangroves </h2>



According to the results, the dead trees exhibited increased signs of salinity stress when compared to their living counterparts.



This stress gives us a clue that the tree roots were having a tough time dealing with the heightened salt levels, which played a key role in their demise.



The scientists concluded that sea levels around the Maldives had risen at an escalated rate of over 30mm per year from 2017 to 2020. 



Adding fuel to the fire, there was a particularly intense shift in the Indian Ocean Dipole during this period. This brought along warmer sea surface temperatures and a sea-level increase in the Western Indian Ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limited-tidal-movement">Limited tidal movement </h2>



While mangroves do have a way to cope with slow and steady rising seas by building up sediment, they found the pace of sea level rise over the past few years too fast to keep up with. 



Due to limited tidal movements in the basin areas where many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mangroves-and-saltmarshes-are-much-better-at-storing-carbon-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mangrove forests</a> grow, the rising sea levels essentially drowned them. 



The lack of tidal movement and the consequent flooding obstructed the mangroves from building the sediment they needed to stay above water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-magnitude-of-forest-dieback">Extreme magnitude of forest dieback</h2>



Dr. Vasile Ersek is an associate professor in Northumbria University’s <a href="https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/academic-departments/geography-and-environmental-sciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences</a>.



"Dieback was first observed in the center of low-lying basin areas before gradually spreading outwards," said Dr. Ersek.



"As these basin areas have something we call limited tidal flushing we saw evidence of the rising sea level inundating the forests with seawater. This prolonged exposure created higher concentrations of salt."



“As the mangroves’ build-up of sediment slowed down due to the pace of the rising sea level, the soil salinity increased beyond what even these salt-tolerant trees could handle. Essentially, the mangroves were drowning."



Dr. Ersek noted that the extreme magnitude of dieback seen in the Maldives is a vivid illustration of how climate change may push natural systems past their limits, with cascading consequences for both nature and people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-mangroves-in-a-warning-climate">Future of mangroves in a warning climate</h2>



Lucy Carruthers, the study's lead author, is now a postdoctoral scholar in <a href="https://coastal.ecu.edu/faculty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Carolina University’s Department of Coastal Studies</a>.



“Sea level in the region reached its highest point on tide gauge records when the dieback occurred in 2020. This coincided with an intense positive phase in the Indian Ocean Dipole which can induce climate extremes for countries within the Indian Ocean," said Carruthers. 



“As our planet continues to warm, we can expect to see the Indian Ocean Dipole occurring more frequently and at higher magnitude, meaning events like this mangrove die-off may become more common."



“These remarkable forests have thrived at the interface of land and sea for many centuries. Whether they can survive the rapid changes of the coming decades will depend largely on our actions in managing the climate crisis today.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-73776-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Drowning mangroves: Climate change is pushing nature past its limits

Researchers have discovered that mangrove forests - a shield against...

Incredibly, trees have their own savvy ways of handling destructive winds during storms and cyclones. But, how do they do it? 



This was the driving question behind a recent study conducted by an international team of researchers from Japan, Germany, and France. The experts explored the fascinating swaying behaviors of Cryptomeria japonica, also known as the Japanese Cedar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-and-wind-stress">Forests and wind stress</h2>



Let's face it - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather conditions</a>, which include tropical and extratropical cyclones and tornadoes, are no less than calamities. 



They damage our forests, leading to environmental and financial losses. Fallen trees can disrupt entire ecosystems, and cleaning up the mess is not exactly cheap.



In addition, with climate change on the rise, we can expect increasingly severe storms in the future. With this in mind, it is important that we understand how forests respond to wind stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-trees-react-to-wind">How trees react to wind</h2>



This is not the first time scientists have examined the resilience of trees. However, previous studies have not given us a clear understanding of how trees react to wind across different forest configurations and weather conditions.



Recognizing this knowledge gap, the team embarked on a mission to unravel the mysteries of tree movements and wind resistance.



The research team was led by Professor Kana Kamimura, an expert in the School of Science and Technology at <a href="https://www.shinshu-u.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shinshu University</a>, Japan.



Other team members included Kazuki Nanko, Asako Matsumoto, and Saneyoshi Ueno from the <a href="https://www.ffpri.affrc.go.jp/ffpri/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute</a> in Japan, and Barry Gardiner from the <a href="https://uni-freiburg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Freiburg</a> in Germany and the Institut Européen de la Forêt Cultivée- <a href="https://www.plantedforests.org/fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IEFC</a>, France.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-in-various-wind-conditions">Trees in various wind conditions</h2>



"Several techniques have been developed to predict wind damage. However, they largely depend on empirical data and parameters, and overlook how wind damage occurs," noted Professor Kamimura.



"Our research aims to shed light on how winds directly impact trees and how trees reduce the stress from winds to survive."



For the investigation, the researchers monitored the behavior of trees during various wind conditions.



Their laboratory was the great outdoors, where they set up two Cryptomeria japonica plots in November 2017 in Kasumigaura City, Japan. 



The experts paid special attention to how these trees managed to dodge strong winds, gathering data over two years, including during multiple typhoons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-secret-defense-strategy">Trees' secret defense strategy</h2>



The results of the study were remarkable. The researchers found that cedar trees have two distinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-trees-protect-their-genetic-diversity-for-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival modes</a>, depending on wind speed.



With lighter winds, the trees swayed at around 2-2.3 cycles per second, with their branches absorbing much of the wind energy. But when the winds got rough, the resilient trees switched to a slower swaying pattern, moving together as one unit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wind-speed-vs-tree-density">Wind speed vs. tree density</h2>



The transition between the two swaying modes was found to depend on the wind speed and also on the forest density. 



The densely populated P-100 plot made the shift at wind speeds between 1.79 and 7.44 meters per second. On the other hand, the transition happened at slightly lower wind speeds in the less dense P-50 plot.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-case-of-typhoon-trami">Case of typhoon Trami</h2>



Typhoon Trami, in 2018, offered the team a real-world scenario to test their theories. They found that the thinned P-50 plot, despite its 48% resistance, suffered significant damage. 



“The 52% difference between actual and expected resistance values was likely due to the roots weakening because of strong winds, even before the winds became more severe," noted Professor Kamimura.



"This root fatigue occurred because the trees moved more due to less support from nearby trees and more wind penetrating the plot." 



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



The insights drawn from this study are indeed valuable. They have revealed the crucial balance between thinning practices and wind resistance in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-one-third-of-the-worlds-trees-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest management</a>. 



Thinning, although helpful in promoting tree growth, can make forests more vulnerable to storms, especially soon after the thinning process.



"With more frequent storms in a changing climate, forest management practices must adapt to maintain resilience," concluded Professor Kamimura.



So, as we face a future with more storms, let's stand together, just like our trees, ready to sway but not break in the face of adversity. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378112724005358?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Ecology and Management</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Trees cleverly adapt to withstand storms and high winds

Incredibly, trees have their own savvy ways of handling destructive...

It's known as the "boring billion," a murky period in Earth's history between 1.8 billion and 800 million years ago, when life's complexity didn't extend much beyond single-celled organisms.



Apart from the occasional multicellular life form, most of the living species during that time period were simple, unicellular organisms that had minimal requirements for life. 



But don't mistake "boring" for insignificant. This epoch of evolution laid the foundation for the drama of complex multicellularity that would eventually lead to us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-fuel-for-evolution">Energy: Fuel for evolution</h2>



The boring billion period appears to mark a time when the evolution of complex life was delayed and conditions were so stable as to border on stagnant. 



Scientists state that oxygen levels at this time were drastically decreased and conditions were fairly harsh for most forms of life.



A new study by Michael Lynch of <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a> has revealed that the transition from unicellular to multicellular life forms would have come at a cost.



Using the water flea, Daphnia, as a <a href="https://phys.org/tags/model+organism/">model organism</a>, the study shows that multicellular organisms require more than a tenfold increase in energy compared with the simpler, unicellular organisms characteristic of the boring billion period. 



"No one doubts that multicellularity can bring substantial advantages to the table, but the privilege of attaining such benefits comes at a steep investment cost," said Lynch, who directs the <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fbiodesign.asu.edu%2Fmechanisms-of-evolution%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution</a> at ASU.



The study emphasizes the importance of respiration and other metabolic processes in navigating the transition to more complex life forms. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cost-of-complexity">Cost of complexity </h2>



Every organism, from the smallest bacterium to a human, is driven by energy. Having an entire body made of only one cell reduces the need for energy and nutrients to grow and reproduce. 



But multicellular organisms, like plants, animals, and fungi, have to maintain a multitude of cells in complex tissues, organs and structures. And this places a far higher energy demand on the organism.



As the cell count increases in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-life-and-environment-co-evolved-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular organism</a>, so does the demand on ATP synthase, the molecular machinery in cells that manufactures ATP, the universal energy currency. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/multicelled-organisms_metazoan-daphnia_credit-Marek-Mis_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/multicelled-organisms_metazoan-daphnia_credit-Marek-Mis_1s.webp" alt="A new study shows that multicelled organisms like the metazoan daphnia (pictured) require a tenfold increase in energy compared with protists for their growth, maintenance and survival. The high cost of multicellular existence is offset by the many evolutionary advantages afforded to advanced organisms, from simpler forms like daphnia all the way up to vertebrate species, including humans. Credit: Marek Miś" class="wp-image-1950209"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A new study shows that multicelled organisms like the metazoan daphnia (pictured) require a tenfold increase in energy compared with protists for their growth, maintenance and survival. The high cost of multicellular existence is offset by the many evolutionary advantages afforded to advanced organisms, from simpler forms like daphnia all the way up to vertebrate species, including humans. Credit: Marek Miś</figcaption></figure>



Each new cell in a multicellular body is another mouth to feed in terms of energy, and the cost increases with the number of cells.



The findings of the Daphnia study show that metazoans - the group that includes multicellular creatures - need a lot more ATP synthase complexes in each cell than their simpler, unicellular counterparts.



In fact, for every increment in body mass, these organisms require 30 to 50 times more oxygen than simpler, unicellular creatures. This additional oxygen supports the complex needs for metabolism, cellular communication, and tissue maintenance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size-comes-at-a-price">Size comes at a price</h2>



Growth isn't cheap, particularly for multicellular organisms. 



While larger, unicellular organisms, like some amoebas, become more efficient as they grow, multicellular organisms face unique challenges that require extra energy to sustain their larger sizes and more complex structures.



Given this steep energy price, why did multicellularity evolve at all? 



The answer seems to be that multicellular life offers evolutionary advantages, such as being able to consume unicellular organisms en masse, evade predators, and live in various environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-energy-barriers">Overcoming energy barriers</h2>



To surmount the energetic challenges presented by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-snowball-earth-conditions-drove-evolution-complex-multicellular-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellularity</a>, organisms have developed remarkable adaptations to utilize their resources efficiently. 



One key adaptation is the division of labor between specialized cells, tissues, and organs; this specialization allows for optimized energy usage where cells perform distinct functions more efficiently than they would if they had to carry out all the different life activities.



For example, mitochondria within eukaryotic cells have evolved highly efficient pathways to generate ATP, thus maximizing the energy harvested from different substrates.



Furthermore, the development of vascular systems in plants and circulatory systems in animals allows for the effective distribution of energy resources, and ensures that all cells have access to the oxygen and nutrients necessary to produce energy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-the-boring-billion">Implications of the "boring billion"</h2>



Understanding the evolutionary narrative of the "boring billion" holds powerful implications for modern scientific research. 



This era not only reflects the energy-centric challenges of the past but also informs the fields of synthetic biology, evolutionary biology, and bioengineering.



By studying the metabolic pathways and energy efficiencies developed during this period, researchers can potentially design bio-inspired systems and organisms with enhanced functionalities and sustainability.



Furthermore, insights gained from this epoch's evolutionary innovations could pioneer future advancements in medical therapies, agriculture, and ecosystem management. 



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



This study primarily focuses on aerobic, animal-like organisms. But there's a vast and varied spectrum of life out there, including plants and fungi, and the researchers plan to extend their investigations to these life forms. 



Future insights could shed light on why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biggest-known-space-cloud-of-life-building-complex-chemicals-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular life forms</a> took a considerable time to appear and diversify on our planet.



Multicellular life has high energy demands and this study suggests that the constraints of bioenergy could be a universal phenomenon that is applicable to any carbon-based, oxygen-breathing life, no matter where it exists in the universe.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2414742121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

'Boring billion' wasn’t a dull period, it fueled a shift to complex life

It's known as the "boring billion," a murky period in...

Plants captivate us as they grow not only upward but also in width, expanding their girth. Imagine a pencil-thin tree growing taller without becoming sturdy - hardly stable, right?



Our perception of plants reveals a simple truth: they must grow outwards as well as upwards. Yet, most research focuses on the tips of shoots, where a plant's height increases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-plants-grow-stronger">How plants grow stronger</h2>



"Plants can’t grow endlessly in height. They also need to grow in thickness, or they would simply fall over," noted biologist Kirsten Ten Tusscher from <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a>.



So, while examining the increase in a tree’s height makes sense, understanding how they get "broader" is just as crucial.



We've all marveled at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/older-trees-help-the-endangered-wolf-lichen-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older trees</a> growing visibly thicker and more robust over time. This outward growth, especially in trees, is necessary for structural strength.



What's the key to this increase in width over time? It's all in the cambium layer's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plant-stem-cells-could-support-human-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stem cells</a>.



These crucial cells are the ones calling the shots, producing wood to support the tree's structure as it grows. However, until now, the genetic mechanisms behind the activation of these stem cells has remained a mystery.



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



In collaboration with colleagues from the University of Helsinki, Durham University, and the University of California, Ten Tusscher and her team set out to solve this mystery. The researchers designed and developed a computer model that played a central role in the study.



The model provided invaluable insights and made significant predictions while supporting the laboratory results of the team members.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-replicating-the-magic">Replicating the magic</h2>



Where the scientific community had studied <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aspen-trees-change-their-genetic-structure-to-adapt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genes</a> for growth in height before, increase in width was uncharted territory. Until now, it was unclear which genes enable these cambium&nbsp;<a href="https://phys.org/tags/stem+cells/">stem cells</a>&nbsp;to become active and how this is controlled.



Ten Tusscher's model tackled the genes controlling thickness growth and shed light on the activation processes. The model's results were astonishing.



The output from the model indicated that growth in thickness is controlled by specific chemical signals within the cambium layer. Gradients in these chemical signals intersect to form a precise zone where stem cells are "switched on."



This subsequently guides the cells to produce woody tissue, thereby ensuring the continuous formation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetically-engineered-wood-poplar-cottonwood-trees-store-more-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wood</a> throughout the plant’s life. The steady process guarantees the strength and stability a plant needs in order to support its upwards growth.



The model centered on the small plant, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-adjust-roots-to-reach-their-preferred-form-of-nitrogen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arabidopsis</a>, a popular choice with biologists worldwide who study plant growth.



It demonstrated how cambium stem cells are activated and sustained, facilitating continuous thickness growth throughout a plant's life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-scientific-triumphs">Beyond scientific triumphs</h2>



Unraveling the mystery of growth in thickness isn't just a scientific triumph; it has practical implications in forestry and climate action.



"If you fully understand plant growth, and develop a tree that grows twice as fast in thickness, it's a great benefit for more sustainable timber industry," noted Ten Tusscher.



"It's also advantageous for climate efforts, as faster-growing trees can store more CO₂. Perhaps, it could even help researchers tune thickness growth in crops for better agricultural yield." 



This study, therefore, not only quenches a scientific curiosity but could also lead to a greener, healthier planet. Furthermore, it has profound implications for our environment and economy. 



Plants' hidden growth secret, it turns out, is a secret no more!



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



With climate change at the forefront of global challenges, the knowledge gained from this study could transform approaches to reforestation and sustainable timber production in future.



Enhanced growth in tree thickness means greater carbon storage capacity, which plays a critical role in carbon sequestration efforts.



Moreover, unlocking the secrets of cambium-driven growth can guide innovations in crop breeding to optimize plants that produce higher yields and withstand environmental stresses.



By harnessing this newfound understanding, scientists can develop plants that not only meet timber and agricultural demands but also contribute to climate resilience.



The findings of the study pave the way for practical applications that could lead to a greener, more sustainable future, where plants not only reach sky-high but also play an even larger role in supporting life on Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adj8752" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Scientists uncover how plants grow wider, not just taller

Plants captivate us as they grow not only upward but...

Dementia research is entering a new era as more focus and resources are directed toward finding the right treatments to combat this complex condition.



While much of this search revolves around cutting-edge drugs, it is fascinating to see that potential solutions might be hidden within traditional medicine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dementia-not-just-a-test-of-time">Dementia: Not just a test of time</h2>



Dementia, a debilitating condition that impacts both cognitive and motor functions, is primarily associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-older-americans-have-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older adults</a> and is often viewed as an inevitable consequence of aging. 



However, it's not merely the passing of time that triggers its onset, but rather a multitude of complex factors such as genetics, environmental influences, and lifestyle.



There is an urgent need for a therapeutic breakthrough to prevent or at least <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/having-a-pet-leads-to-a-much-slower-rate-of-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">slow down dementia’s progression</a>, especially as populations worldwide continue to age rapidly.



On the brighter side, a dedicated group of researchers in the Graduate School of Medicine at <a href="https://www.omu.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osaka Metropolitan University</a> is making promising strides in the search for new solutions.



The research dives into the realms of traditional Chinese medicine, an area rich with ancient knowledge and healing practices. 



Their findings are quite encouraging, to say the least, and may hold the key to a revolutionary approach to dementia prevention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbal-medicine-and-dementia-treatment">Herbal medicine and dementia treatment </h2>



The researchers focused on the dried seeds of Ziziphus jujuba Miller var. spinosa, a type of jujube that is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine.



The team administered hot water extracts of the dried seeds to mice with various diseases -- including Alzheimer's, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies.



Remarkably, the researchers discovered that the treatments resulted in significant restoration of cognitive and motor functions.



Even more intriguing was when these seeds were crushed into a powder form and given to the model mice. The cognitive function of these mice improved to a level exceeding that of the control group. 



The effects didn't stop there. The powders also seemed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consistent-sleep-slows-down-aging-at-a-cellular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suppress cellular aging</a> in older mice and boosted their cognitive functions to match those of their younger counterparts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-ziziphus-jujuba-miller-var-spinosa">What is Ziziphus jujuba Miller var. spinosa?</h2>



Often called sour jujube or spindle jujube, Ziziphus jujuba Miller var. spinosa is a tree that originally hails from East Asia, especially China. 



What makes it stand out are its thorny branches and the small, oval fruits that shift from green to a rich reddish-brown as they ripen. 



This tree does really well in dry and semi-dry areas and can handle different types of soil and climates, making it super resilient even in tough conditions. Its ability to survive droughts is a big reason why it's grown in so many different places around the world.



People have been loving Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa for centuries because it's so versatile in both cooking and medicine. 



The fruits are pretty sour on their own, but when dried, they're fantastic in teas, desserts, and traditional dishes, adding a unique kick to all sorts of recipes. 



Plus, the fruits and other parts of the tree are a staple in traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbal-supplements-often-contain-hidden-ingredients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese medicine</a>. They’re believed to help improve sleep, boost the immune system, and provide antioxidants, making them a go-to ingredient for herbal remedies that promote overall health and well-being.



Growing Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa comes with a bunch of perks, both economically and environmentally. 



Farmers love that it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance and can still produce fruit even when conditions aren’t perfect, ensuring a reliable harvest. 



On top of that, the tree helps prevent soil erosion and improves soil quality thanks to its extensive root system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-world-of-traditional-medicine">The world of traditional medicine </h2>



This was not the research team's first successful venture into the world of traditional medicine. 



They had previously noted memory and motor function improvements in dementia mice models when using the Hawaiian herb mamaki and the Chinese herb Acorus gramineus.



"The results of our research will hopefully make it possible to develop dementia prevention products that middle-aged and elderly people can take at their own discretion," said Professor Takami Tomiyama of Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Medicine.



Published for review in the journal eLife, the findings mark a substantial leap toward developing vital dementia drugs, drawing from the vast knowledge of traditional herbal medicine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-practices-and-modern-science">Ancient practices and modern science</h2>



As researchers investigate traditional Chinese medicine, a promising new frontier is emerging at the intersection of age-old wisdom and cutting-edge science. 



Unlike synthetic drugs, which often target specific molecular pathways, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbal-supplements-often-contain-hidden-ingredients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbal</a> remedies typically involve a complex mixture of active compounds that can influence multiple systems within the body. 



This complexity poses a challenge for scientific analysis but also offers an opportunity to explore treatments that work in harmony with natural biological processes.



In the case of Ziziphus jujuba seeds, for example, the potential to improve cognitive function without significant side effects has sparked interest beyond academia. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dementia-prevention-with-herbal-medicine">Dementia prevention with herbal medicine</h2>



Researchers are increasingly interested in whether these herbal treatments could evolve into widely accessible, over-the-counter supplements for dementia prevention.



If successful, these innovations could provide more affordable, preventive care options to populations at risk of dementia. This could transform the landscape of brain health and aging.



This study from Osaka Metropolitan University represents a pivotal step in that direction, encouraging more scientists to investigate ancient practices that may hold solutions for modern health challenges.



By validating the efficacy of traditional herbs through rigorous testing, researchers are paving the way for a new wave of dementia therapies that bridge the best of both worlds: the depth of traditional knowledge and the precision of modern science.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://elifesciences.org/reviewed-preprints/100737v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Herbal medicine shows great potential in treating and preventing dementia

Dementia research is entering a new era as more focus...

Experts at the University of Sydney have identified a cannabis compound called cannabinol (CBN) that appears to significantly enhance sleep quality, marking an important breakthrough in the search for natural sleep aids.&nbsp;



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41386-024-02018-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neuropsychopharmacology</a>, the study provides objective evidence that CBN improves sleep by altering sleep architecture, the structure of sleep phases over the night. 



Conducted by scientists at the University of Sydney's<a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/lambert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics</a>, the research shows CBN’s potential to offer a non-intoxicating sleep aid, similar to yet distinct from conventional sleep medications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-enhancing-effects-of-cannabinol">Sleep-enhancing effects of cannabinol</h2>



“For decades, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-users-seem-to-sleep-better-than-most-other-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> folklore has suggested that aged cannabis makes consumers sleepy via the buildup of CBN, but there was no convincing evidence for this,” explained lead author Jonathon Arnold, the Director of Preclinical Research at the Lambert Initiative. 



“Our study provides the first objective evidence that CBN increases <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/getting-high-quality-sleep-helps-prevent-depression-and-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>, at least in rats, by modifying the architecture of sleep in a beneficial way.”



Cannabinol forms as the primary intoxicating compound in cannabis, delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), breaks down over time.&nbsp;



As cannabis ages, THC gradually converts to CBN, which means older cannabis typically contains higher levels of this compound. Some cannabis users have noted that older cannabis seems to produce a sleepier “high,” which has led to CBN products being marketed as sleep aids.&nbsp;



In the U.S., highly purified cannabinol products are increasingly available as natural sleep aids, though scientific research on their effectiveness has been limited until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabinol-compared-to-traditional-sleep-aids">Cannabinol compared to traditional sleep aids</h2>



The study compared CBN’s effects on sleep with those of zolpidem, a widely used sleep drug, by measuring sleep patterns in rats.&nbsp;



Using high-tech monitoring, the researchers observed significant improvements in sleep architecture with CBN, including increases in both non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.&nbsp;



NREM sleep is known to promote physical recovery and memory consolidation, while REM sleep is associated with processing emotions and dreaming.



The findings show that CBN improved total sleep time in a way comparable to zolpidem, suggesting that CBN may have similar efficacy to traditional sleep aids.&nbsp;



“CBN was found to increase both NREM and REM sleep, leading to increased total sleep time, with a comparable effect to the known sleep drug zolpidem,” Arnold said.&nbsp;



These results may point to CBN as a viable natural alternative for those seeking sleep enhancement without the side effects that can accompany standard sleep medications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-a-broader-range-of-users">Potential for a broader range of users</h2>



CBN also appears to offer sleep benefits without the intoxicating effects commonly associated with THC. While THC binds strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain, leading to its psychoactive effects, CBN does so only weakly, which likely accounts for its minimal intoxicating impact.&nbsp;



To the researchers' surprise, they found that a metabolite of CBN, called 11-OH CBN, had more substantial effects on CB1 receptors and seemed to impact sleep architecture. This insight suggests that CBN’s breakdown products might play an important role in its overall sleep-enhancing properties.



“This provides the first evidence that CBN indeed increases sleep using objective sleep measures,” Arnold said.&nbsp;



“It was a surprise that CBN metabolism in the body can yield a much greater effect on cannabinoid CB1 receptors than the parent molecule CBN, which has much more limited activity.”&nbsp;



He notes that while these findings are promising, further studies in humans are necessary to confirm whether the benefits observed in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rats-have-a-very-complex-social-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rats</a> will translate to human sleep patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-human-trials-show-promise">Early human trials show promise</h2>



Building on these findings, a parallel human trial was conducted by Iain McGregor, Director of Clinical Research at the Lambert Initiative, with insomnia patients.&nbsp;



Led by PhD student Isobel Lavender and renowned sleep researcher Camilla Hoyos from the <a href="https://www.woolcock.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woolcock Institute of Medical Research</a>, the human study was structured as a placebo-controlled randomized trial, revealing promising preliminary results that were presented at recent scientific conferences.



“Our research encourages further basic and clinical research on CBN as a new treatment strategy for sleep disorders, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-link-between-insomnia-and-hypertension-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insomnia</a>,” McGregor said. 



“Our clinical study only administered CBN on a single occasion. A trial on a larger scale, with repeated dosing, is the logical next step.”&nbsp;



Larger studies over extended periods may reveal even more about CBN’s effects, helping researchers understand its role as a possible long-term solution for sleep issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-cannabinol-research">Next steps in cannabinol research</h2>



Professor Arnold and his team are now exploring ways to amplify CBN’s sleep-promoting effects, including combining it with other compounds found in cannabis or with conventional sleep aids such as melatonin.&nbsp;



“The team has now commenced a preclinical drug discovery program around CBN, as well as observing whether the pro-sleep effects of CBN can be further amplified by other molecules found in cannabis, or by conventional sleep aids, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melatonin-receptor-is-a-new-target-for-treating-sleep-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melatonin</a>,” Arnold said.



Given the study's promising findings, future research could open up a new realm of sleep therapeutics that leverage non-intoxicating cannabinoids for improved sleep quality.&nbsp;



With sleep disorders impacting millions worldwide, a natural, non-addictive option like CBN could offer an alternative to those seeking help for sleep disturbances without the potential drawbacks of traditional medications.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Nature's sleep aid: Cannabinol shows promise as a safe sedative

Experts at the University of Sydney have identified a cannabis...

The corpse flower is infamous for its rare blooms and its signature odor, which mimics the stench of rotting flesh, drawing crowds to greenhouses worldwide. The plant’s blooms are infrequent and short-lived, making it difficult for scientists to study.&nbsp;



Alongside its unusual scent, the corpse flower, or titan arum, possesses a rare ability among plants: it heats itself up just before blooming, a process called thermogenesis.&nbsp;



Now, a study led by <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth College</a> delves into the molecular workings behind the corpse flower’s odor and heat production.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-source-of-the-corpse-flower-s-odor">Source of the corpse flower’s odor</h2>



The study, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae492" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>, was led by G. Eric Schaller, a Dartmouth professor specializing in plant biology, who, with his team, used blooms from Morphy, a 21-year-old corpse flower at Dartmouth’s Life Sciences Greenhouse, to analyze the plant’s unique biological processes.&nbsp;



This study not only revealed how the plant warms itself but also uncovered a new component of its distinctive odor: putrescine, a compound often found in decaying animal tissue.



“The blooms are rare and also short-lived, so we only get a small window to study these phenomena,” Schaller said, explaining the challenges of studying such an elusive plant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-and-blooming-cycle-nbsp">Structure and blooming cycle&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-corpse-flower-smelliest-flower-on-earth-is-at-grave-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">titan arum</a> bloom structure isn’t a single flower but a cluster of small flowers hidden within a massive spadix - the central spike-like structure that can grow up to 12 feet tall. 



The spathe, a frilly petal-like layer at the base of the spadix, unfurls to reveal a deep red interior. As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blooming</a> begins, the spadix heats up significantly, sometimes reaching up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above the surrounding temperature, while releasing its pungent scent.&nbsp;



This unique “carrion cologne” attracts pollinators like flies and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-impact-the-beetles-that-protect-our-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beetles</a>, which are drawn to the sulfur-based compounds emitted by the spadix.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-pathways-of-the-corpse-flower-nbsp">Genetic pathways of the corpse flower&nbsp;</h2>



To investigate how the titan arum generates both heat and odor, the research team collected tissue samples from Morphy during a 2016 bloom, focusing on various areas of the spathe and spadix over three nights.&nbsp;



By extracting high-quality RNA from the tissues, exchange scholar Alveena Zulfiqar enabled the team to analyze RNA sequences and determine which genes were active during the plant’s heating phase.



“This helps us see what genes are being expressed and to see which ones are specifically active when the appendix heats up and sends out odor,” Schaller explained.&nbsp;



The RNA analysis revealed that genes linked to sulfur transport, metabolism, and a plant protein known as alternative oxidase - essential to heat production - were especially active in the appendix area during flowering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-amino-acids">The role of amino acids</h2>



The team turned to mass spectrometry to measure different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amino acids</a> within the plant’s tissues, working with collaborators from the <a href="https://missouri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Missouri</a>.&nbsp;



The analysis confirmed high levels of methionine, a sulfur-based amino acid, in tissues collected as flowering began.&nbsp;



Methionine, known for vaporizing when heated, contributes to the corpse flower’s sulfurous smell. Levels of methionine dropped quickly in tissues collected just hours later, supporting its role in the plant’s initial odor production.



Unexpectedly, the researchers also detected elevated levels of another amino acid in the spathe tissues: a precursor for putrescine, a compound common in decaying animals.&nbsp;



What came as a surprise, Schaller noted, was finding putrescine - which adds an authentic element to the corpse flower’s cadaver-like scent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thermogenesis-in-plants">Thermogenesis in plants</h2>



Thermogenesis, or heat production, is common in animals but rare among plants. In animals, this process involves uncoupling proteins that release energy as heat instead of storing it.&nbsp;



In the titan arum, the plant counterparts of these proteins - alternative oxidases - play a similar role in heating. By examining the unique ways these proteins function in the corpse flower, the researchers shed light on the mechanisms plants can use to generate heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unanswered-questions-about-the-corpse-flower-nbsp">Unanswered questions about the corpse flower&nbsp;</h2>



While the team’s findings reveal much about the corpse flower’s odor and heat production, Schaller and his colleagues are still investigating other mysteries.&nbsp;



One area of interest is understanding the triggers that prompt flowering and exploring whether multiple corpse flowers could synchronize their blooms.&nbsp;



Schaller suggests that synchronized blooming could amplify the plant’s scent, potentially increasing the attraction of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a>.



With this study, scientists have taken a significant step in understanding the molecular processes behind the corpse flower’s unique traits.&nbsp;



Future research may further reveal how these mechanisms contribute to the plant’s survival and its interactions with the environment, providing valuable insights into the unusual adaptations of this giant, mysterious bloom.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Why does the corpse flower smell like rotting flesh?

The corpse flower is infamous for its rare blooms and...

Plants, just like us, want to grow big and strong. But they're constantly under attack by pathogens - tiny organisms that have the power to weaken or even kill plants. This is where the plants' secret agents - "defense genes" - enter the picture.



These genes arm plants with defenses against harmful pathogens. However, this defense network comes at a cost - it saps away the resources the plant could otherwise use for growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-defense-genes-of-plants">Defense genes of plants</h2>



A recent study on defense genes was led by postdoctoral researcher Michael Giolai and Professor Anna-Liisa Laine from the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a>.



The team analyzed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-absorb-31-more-co2-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> defense genes and growth traits across 184 plant species - a feat made possible by the power of open databases.



The researchers found a direct correlation between a plant's investment in defense genes and its ability to grow.



They discovered a broad range of plant defense strategies, from asparagus with just 72 resistance genes to a chili variety with 1,095 of them. 



However, the more of a plant's genome that is devoted to defense, the less it grows.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-defense-in-cultivated-plants">Defense in cultivated plants</h2>



Think of the trade-off business like this - every plant has a limited pool of resources (like energy and nutrients) to carry out activities.



The more it dips into this pool to fuel its defense system, the less it has left to spur its growth. But why don't plants just expand their resource pool and do both? Well, that's the revelation - they can't.



However, the researchers found a catch. Cultivated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-shaped-plant-biodiversity-for-thousands-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants that we humans have bred</a> for specific traits in agriculture did not show this correlation between defense and growth.



The experts suspect this might be due to the breeding process, which has reduced natural variation in the genomes of these crop plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bigger-picture">The bigger picture</h2>



But it's not just about a single plant or its struggles. The findings shed light on how allocation costs - the costs associated with this balancing act - play a crucial role in shaping and maintaining biodiversity.



Essentially, these findings help us understand why plants are the way they are and how they have adapted to their environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-of-plant-defenses">Complexity of plant defenses</h2>



In exploring these phenomena further, Giolai and Laine highlight the intricate dance between genetic inheritance and environmental demands. 



They found that some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaccinating-plants-could-boost-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> exhibit sophisticated strategies to balance their defense and growth, flaunting their evolutionary prowess. 



For instance, plants native to harsh or unpredictable environments tend to boast a diverse genetic toolkit, allowing them to switch on specific defense genes only when under threat. This inducible defense strategy ensures they can conserve resources when conditions favor growth. 



This adaptive flexibility highlights the evolutionary trade-offs that have fine-tuned plant species to their specific niches, reinforcing the role of natural selection in shaping plant biodiversity.



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



The insights gained from this study offer vital implications for agriculture, particularly in breeding new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant varieties</a>. By understanding the dynamic between defense investment and growth potential, scientists can aim to optimize crop yields while maintaining sufficient resistance to pathogens.



Looking ahead, Giolai and Laine advocate for more studies utilizing large-scale, open-access databases to deepen our understanding of genetic trade-offs in plants further. 



They emphasize the need for an interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from genomics, ecology, and evolutionary biology to gain a holistic view of plant adaptations. 



Such efforts could pave the way for sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to global food security in an ever-changing climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-open-science">Power of open science</h2>



This research on plants defense genes wouldn't have been possible without open science. Sequencing hundreds of plant genomes and collecting extensive growth data just isn't feasible for a single team.



Open access to such data is enabling scientists to dig deeper into interspecies variations, opening up entirely new levels of inquiry.



"If we want to understand the mechanisms that maintain interspecies trait variation, a multi-species approach like this is essential," noted Professor Laine. 



"The increasing availability of open data enables entirely new levels of investigation into these questions."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn2779" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Plants have sophisticated strategies to balance defense and growth

Plants, just like us, want to grow big and strong....

Closeup,Woman's,Hands,Cutting,Philodendron,White,Wizard,Plant,Stem,For

Have you ever talked or sang to a plant or a tree? Or maybe walked through a garden and wondered if the flowers were trying to tell you something? Fascinating new research suggests that plants seem to be emitting sounds and engaging in unheard conversations, especially when they're stressed.



Lilach Hadany, an evolutionary biologist and theoretician, led a team that uncovered this surprising phenomenon. 



They found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomatoes-acylsugars-parallel-universe-plant-kingdom-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants like tomatoes</a> and tobacco emit sounds when they're stressed, such as when they're dehydrated or their stems are cut.



"Even in a quiet field, there are actually sounds that we don't hear, and those sounds carry information," says Hadany. 



"There are animals that can hear these sounds, so there is the possibility that a lot of acoustic interaction is occurring."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-emit-sounds-when-they-re-stressed">Plants emit sounds when they're stressed</h2>



Using sensitive microphones, the researchers at <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tel Aviv University</a> recorded these plants in both soundproof chambers and noisier greenhouses. 



They discovered that stressed plants emit sounds resembling pops or clicks -- imagine the sound of bubble wrap being popped. 



In fact, a single <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-respond-to-specific-stress-situations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stressed plant</a> can produce about 30 to 50 of these clicks every hour.



"When tomatoes are not stressed at all, they are very quiet," Hadany notes. What's fascinating is that these sounds are at frequencies too high for human ears to detect. 



However, they are comparable in volume to normal human conversation and could potentially be heard by insects, mammals, and perhaps <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">even other plants</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-hear-sounds-from-plants">How to hear sounds from plants</h2>



To delve deeper, the team trained a machine-learning algorithm to differentiate between the sounds of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sensors-that-detect-plant-stress-could-revolutionize-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unstressed plants</a>, thirsty plants, and those that had been cut. 



They found that not only do <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-a-secret-weapon-for-surviving-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stressed plants</a> emit more sounds, but the types of sounds also vary depending on the kind of stress.



Water-deprived plants began making noises even before showing visible signs of dehydration. 



The frequency of their sounds peaked after five days without water and then decreased as the plants <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomato-plants-use-their-roots-to-ration-water-during-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dried up completely</a>.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="sBuOk5UI4R-4000606-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-there-a-universal-plant-language">Is there a universal plant language?</h2>



While the study focused on tomatoes and tobacco due to their ease of cultivation, the team didn't stop there.



"We found that many plants -- corn, wheat, grape, and cactus plants, for example -- emit sounds when they are stressed," says Hadany.



This raises the possibility that emitting sounds under stress might be a common trait among plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-this-happen">How does this happen?</h2>



The exact reason plants produce these noises is still a mystery. One theory is that the sounds result from cavitation -- the formation and bursting of air bubbles in the plant's vascular system.



But are plants <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-emit-faint-glow-sif-when-flash-droughts-imminent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intentionally communicating</a> with these sounds?



"It's possible that other organisms could have evolved to hear and respond to these sounds," Hadany suggests. 



"For example, a moth that intends to lay eggs on a plant or an animal that intends to eat a plant could use the sounds to help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-make-life-and-death-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">guide their decision</a>."



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



If insects or other animals can detect these sounds, it could have significant ecological implications. Other plants might also be listening in.



"If other plants have information about stress before it actually occurs, they could prepare," says Hadany.



Previous studies have shown that plants can respond to sounds and vibrations. For instance, some plants increase the sugar concentration in their nectar when they "hear" the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stressed-out-bees-get-depressed-and-make-bad-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buzz of pollinators</a>.



Yossi Yovel, a neuro-ecologist at Tel Aviv University and co-senior author of the study, is excited about the potential applications of this discovery.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/plants-make-sounds_stress_screams_credit-Tel-Aviv-Uni_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/plants-make-sounds_stress_screams_credit-Tel-Aviv-Uni_1s.webp" alt="Plants heard making &quot;screaming&quot; sounds, likely from stress, for the first time ever. Credit: Tel Aviv University" class="wp-image-1950033"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Plants heard making "screaming" sounds, likely from stress, for the first time ever. This photo shows the recording equipment used in the experiment. Credit: Tel Aviv University</figcaption></figure>



"We know that there's a lot of ultrasound out there -- every time you use a microphone, you find that a lot of stuff produces sounds that we humans cannot hear -- but the fact that plants are making these sounds opens a whole new avenue of opportunities for communication, eavesdropping, and exploitation of these sounds," Yovel explains.



Understanding these plant sounds could revolutionize how we approach agriculture. Farmers might one day use sound recordings to monitor crop hydration and stress levels, leading to more efficient water use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-plant-sound-research">Next steps in plant sound research</h2>



"So now that we know that plants do emit sounds, the next question is -- 'who might be listening?'" says Hadany. 



"We are currently investigating the responses of other organisms, both animals and plants, to these sounds, and we're also exploring our ability to identify and interpret the sounds in completely natural environments," Hadany concluded.



To sum it all up, by discovering that stressed plants emit sounds, researchers like Lilach Hadany and Yossi Yovel have unveiled a hidden layer of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-rhythms-inspire-a-new-approach-to-energy-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication in nature</a>. 



These ultrasonic clicks and pops, though inaudible to us, could be influencing how insects, animals, and even other plants interact with their environment.



This finding change our understanding of plant behavior while opening practical applications in agriculture. 



By listening to these silent signals, farmers could monitor crop stress levels and optimize watering, leading to more efficient farming practices. 



As we continue to explore this unseen world of plant acoustics, we're reminded of how much there is still to learn about the silent conversations happening all around us.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0092867423002623" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>.



Video Credit: Tel-Aviv University



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Plants heard making 'screaming' sounds for the first time ever

Have you ever talked or sang to a plant or...

When you think of a brainy creature, a bumblebee probably isn't the first thing that pops into your mind. But did you know that these small wonders are actually quite adept learners? Surprisingly, bees have incredible cognitive abilities.



Felicity Muth, an assistant professor in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior at UC Davis, has dedicated her research to understanding the cognitive capacities of these tiny powerhouses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-performing-cognitive-tasks">Bees performing cognitive tasks</h2>



Bumblebees, despite having brains smaller than a sesame seed, can outperform many vertebrates when it comes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-build-symmetrical-nests-not-for-beauty-but-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive tasks</a>, as Professor Muth's research has shown.



She initially explored the behavior of birds, but her curiosity led her to investigate the thought processes of bumblebees. Muth's research looks into how bumblebees learn, choose flowers to visit, and what motivates them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-caffeine-and-mind-games">Bees, caffeine, and mind games</h2>



Professor Muth's studies go beyond the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> and examine the fascinating dynamics that unfold between bumblebees and the plants they frequent.



It's a known fact that plants reward bees with nectar rich in sugar to encourage them to visit more flowers of the same type, helping in pollination. But plants also use some cunning tricks to garner the attention of these buzzing visitors.



Many plants infuse their nectars with caffeine and other chemicals like octopamine and tyramin, which function as hormones and neurotransmitters in brains of bees. 



Muth meticulously studies these interactions in the lab by filling artificial flowers with nectar concoctions. "The plants are actually manipulating the insects," noted Professor Muth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-consuming-caffeine">Bees consuming caffeine</h2>



The research sheds light on the intriguing effects these chemical-imbued nectars have on bees.



When bees consume nectar laced with caffeine, they behave as if it is sweeter than it actually is, thus making them more inclined to remember and revisit those flowers. 



The caffeine also amps up their flower-visiting rate. However, when the nectar contains octopamine and tyramine, it nullifies the effect of caffeine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-of-being-a-bumblebee">Challenge of being a bumblebee</h2>



Professor Muth and her students spend much of the summer outdoors, particularly in California's Sierra Nevada.



The team catches wild-foraging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-bee-day-2024-bee-engaged-with-youth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebees</a> in nets and test their learning and memory capacities. They employ colored tabs soaked in sugar water or plain water to examine the bees' ability to associate specific colors with food.



In a 2021 study by Professor Muth and her former postdoc mentor, Anne Leonard of the <a href="https://www.unr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nevada</a>, it was found that both female worker bees and male drones learned equally well, albeit the males were slower to make decisions.



The real revelation came from the queen bumblebees they tested, which turned out to be significantly faster learners than the other bees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-abilities-of-queen-bees">Learning abilities of queen bees </h2>



"Queens are much more elusive than workers. They are much less studied, and that's what drew me to them," said Professor Muth.



The fact that they have only a limited period to forage adds more pressure on them to be quick and efficient.



The need to forage, find mates, and choose nesting sites likely leads to cognitive specialization in queen bees. Research suggests that caffeine in nectar may further enhance these bees' learning and memory, aiding them in these crucial tasks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neural-mechanisms-of-learning">Neural mechanisms of learning</h2>



Going deeper into the intellectual wonders of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-do-not-learn-to-be-cooperative-it-is-in-their-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebees</a>, Muth's research progresses into the neural pathways that govern learning and memory in these insects. 



Utilizing advanced imaging techniques, her team maps the neural circuitries involved in processing sensory inputs and forming associative memories. 



Through controlled experiments, they seek to uncover the neural basis for the bees' ability to learn from their environment, adapt to new situations, and make choices benefiting their survival. 



Understanding these processes not only enriches our knowledge of caffeine's effects on bee cognition but also provides insights into the complex neural architectures shared across animal species.



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



The explorations into bumblebee cognition have far-reaching implications for biodiversity and conservation efforts. Given their pivotal role in pollination, understanding the subtleties of their behavior and learning can aid in crafting effective conservation strategies.



Professor Muth advocates for preserving natural habitats and reducing pesticide use, strategies that are essential for fostering healthy bee populations.



By drawing correlations between cognitive science and environmental impact, her research serves as a foundation for interdisciplinary approaches to safeguarding the myriad of ecological roles bumblebees fulfill.



The interplay between research and conservation efforts highlights the urgency of protecting these "brainy" bees to maintain ecosystem balance and agricultural productivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-bees-and-caffeine">Birds, bees, and caffeine</h2>



The ultimate goal of Muth's research is to understand how the challenges faced by different animals shape their specific cognitive traits.



This understanding could illuminate how intelligence evolved in animals, even extending to birds, mammals, and humans. If we can comprehend this, Muth added, we could understand ourselves better.



As our journey into the microscopic world of bumblebees comes to a close, we are left with a rekindled fascination for these small creatures. 



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Flowers use caffeine to 'trick' bees into coming back to them

When you think of a brainy creature, a bumblebee probably...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



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)



---



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



---



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

News coming your way