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>.



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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...

In a rapidly growing and changing world, the need to produce enough food for everyone has become more urgent than ever.&nbsp;



Pesticides have played a significant role in enabling large-scale farming, but they come with harmful side effects on both humans and wildlife, and pests are increasingly developing resistance to them.&nbsp;



To address these challenges and pave the way for sustainable and resilient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a>, a study published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fsci.2024.1407410" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Science</a> explores the potential of induced resistance. 



This technique, similar to a vaccine for plants, activates a plant's immune system so it can respond more effectively to similar stresses in the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaccinating-plants-for-resistance">Vaccinating plants for resistance</h2>



Induced resistance, though studied for decades, is only now beginning to gain traction as a method for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop protection</a>. 



“We argue in favor of a holistic approach to crop protection, which combines multiple strategies to deliver tailored solutions. Induced resistance sits in the heart of such an integrated approach,” said lead author Brigitte Mauch-Mani, a biologist at the <a href="https://www.unine.ch/etudier/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Neuchâtel</a>.



Currently, most crops are protected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-travel-far-and-wide-endangering-aquatic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticides</a> or are bred to have resistance genes. However, pests can out-evolve these solutions over time. 



Induced resistance, by contrast, strengthens a plant’s natural defenses, offering more sustainable, long-lasting protection that could target multiple pests and pathogens simultaneously.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-induced-resistance-works">How induced resistance works</h2>



Induced resistance comes in several forms, one of which includes plants releasing compounds that attract predators of harmful herbivores.&nbsp;



The most well-known and studied form is defense priming. In defense priming, when a part of the plant is exposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-a-secret-weapon-for-surviving-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a>, it partially activates its defense mechanisms. 



When the plant is attacked again, these defenses are fully triggered. This form of resistance can be passed on to the next generation, potentially through epigenetic mechanisms, offering a long-term benefit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-induced-resistance-and-careful-management-nbsp">Induced resistance and careful management&nbsp;</h2>



However, induced resistance doesn’t provide complete protection on its own and must be used alongside other agricultural practices. It also requires careful management to ensure the plant’s growth isn’t compromised by diverting too many resources to defense.



Mauch-Mani explained that induced resistance is the result of a complex network of developmental and environmental pathways in the plant.&nbsp;



“Safe and efficient exploitation of induced resistance is not as straightforward as the introgression of a single gene or spraying a single pesticide.”&nbsp;



The implementation of induced resistance needs to be customized based on specific crops, growing conditions, and agricultural practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaccinating-plants-for-healthier-food">Vaccinating plants for healthier food</h2>



The "vaccinating" effects of induced resistance could offer benefits beyond protecting plants from pests. 



Some of the compounds that plants produce in response to induced resistance are linked to health benefits and improved nutritional quality, which could lead to healthier food.&nbsp;



Additionally, induced resistance can adapt more quickly to changing environmental conditions compared to traditional breeding methods, making it harder for pests to develop resistance.



When combined with integrated pest management, which uses natural enemies of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urgent-need-to-protect-earths-forests-from-non-native-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pests</a> as part of crop protection, induced resistance has the potential to significantly reduce the reliance on pesticides.



This could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices and longer-lasting crop protection. Further research into the epigenetic transmission of defense priming could enhance these benefits for future generations of crops.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-induced-resistance-a-reality">Making induced resistance a reality</h2>



To make induced resistance a viable option for farmers and food scientists, more research is urgently needed. 



This research should focus on understanding how induced resistance works in real-world conditions, outside of controlled environments, and on developing methods that can be scaled up for use in field trials and full-scale agriculture. 



The researchers also called for legislative support to establish quality standards that would protect both producers and consumers.



“We strongly believe that fundamental research into induced resistance will be critical for the transition towards a truly sustainable food supply,” said Mauch-Mani.&nbsp;



However, she emphasized the need for improved communication between researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to turn scientific discoveries into practical solutions.



“Governments need to create a research environment and funding climate that allows for more efficient knowledge exchange between scientists, policymakers, and industry. Like the biology underpinning it, successful exploitation of induced resistance relies on a multifaceted effort,” she concluded.



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‘Vaccinating’ plants could boost global food security

In a rapidly growing and changing world, the need to...

Hunger is a word that resonates with an unfortunate 733 million humans across the globe daily. Food, or the lack of it, is a poignant issue in today's world. In an era where we've got plenty of food to feed every soul on Earth, it seems paradoxical that so many still don't get their share.



How is it possible that despite producing all the food, many cultivators are still left desperate for a meal? We have landed on the moon, yet we can't ensure our fellow humans have a meal on their table. 



This is a grim picture of economic disparity and social inequality that transcends borders and nations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-just-food-but-foods">Not just food, but FOODS</h2>



Three <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">simple things</a> we need to survive - air, water, and food. However, the narrative has shifted towards celebrating FOODS, and not merely food on World Food Day. 



The extra "S" stands for so much more - diversity, nutrition, affordability, accessibility, and safety. 



It is a resounding call to action, urging us all to ensure our plates resemble a vibrant rainbow of nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-food-snapshot">Global food snapshot</h2>



To put it bluntly, a distressing 2.8 billion people worldwide cannot afford a wholesome diet. Unhealthy diets are now a harbinger of malnutrition in all forms – from undernutrition to obesity.&nbsp;



This isn't something relegated to a specific demographic or geographic region; the problem is widespread and carries significant socioeconomic and environmental implications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leading-the-fight-against-hunger">Leading the fight against hunger</h2>



Our current agrifood systems are trapped in a vicious cycle. While they're severely threatened by disasters and crises, they also contribute directly to them.&nbsp;



Agricultural activities lead to pollution, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. What's needed is a transformation - an essential shift to tackle climate change and build resilience.



One such organization leading this fight against hunger is the Food and Agriculture Organization (<a href="https://www.fao.org/home/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FAO</a>). In 2023 alone, their initiatives provided crucial agricultural support to an astounding 57 million people.



From influencing policies and legislation to reshaping agrifood systems in developing nations, FAO has been at the frontlines of this battle.



Achieving a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/futuristic-food-supply-transforming-co2-into-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food-secure world</a> is no small task. It calls for a mammoth effort, and for us, the consumers, to step up. We can contribute by urging actions from our government, making healthier food choices, reducing food waste, and safeguarding our environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-healthy-food-habits">Rethinking healthy food habits</h2>



Healthy diets go beyond just eating. They require balance, variety, and moderation in our dietary habits. It's about time our agrifood systems paved the way for everyone to access such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a>, promising a healthier humanity and a sustainable planet.



In 2024, we commemorate the 20th anniversary of a significant milestone that has guided governments worldwide – “Voluntary Guidelines to Support the Progressive Realization of the Right to Adequate Food in the Context of National Food Security.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovations-in-agritech">Innovations in agritech</h2>



The advancement in agritech presents a beacon of hope, promising transformative changes in traditional agricultural practices. 



Cutting-edge technologies such as precision farming, genetic engineering, and smart irrigation systems are revolutionizing how we cultivate crops and manage resources. By utilizing data analytics and remote sensing, precision farming allows farmers to optimize yields and reduce waste. 



Genetic engineering offers the potential to develop crop varieties that are resistant to diseases and better adapted to climate fluctuations. Smart irrigation systems, powered by IoT devices, ensure efficient water use, crucial for areas facing water scarcity. 



The integration of technology in agriculture is crucial for fostering a sustainable future, addressing food security, and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-and-empowerment">Education and empowerment</h2>



Education emerges as a powerful catalyst for driving sustainable change in global food security. By equipping individuals, particularly women and youth, with knowledge and resources, communities can strengthen their resilience against food insecurity.&nbsp;



Educational programs focused on nutrition, sustainable farming practices, and business skills empower people to make informed decisions that enhance systems.&nbsp;



Furthermore, collaborations between governments, educational institutions, and NGOs can amplify the impact, ensuring that education leads to tangible improvements in reducing hunger and promoting a thriving global society.



As we navigate these critical times, what we need is unity of purpose. Our collective steps and voices can make a difference. Let's work together to ensure no one goes hungry, today or tomorrow. 



Let's celebrate FOODS, in all its diversity and goodness. We must remember that it's not just about food - it's about FOODS.



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World Food Day 2024: Fighting global hunger

Hunger is a word that resonates with an unfortunate 733...

In the face of relentless environmental shifts, seven of the most prevalent forest trees in Europe have proven their tenacity. They've managed to keep their genetic diversity intact, even as their ranges shrunk and tree numbers plummeted during the ice age cycles. 



This resilience was highlighted in a recent study conducted by a multidisciplinary European consortium. Pascal Milesi is an associate professor of plant ecology and evolution at <a href="https://www.uu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uppsala University</a> and the study's lead author.



"“From a biodiversity perspective, this is very positive because these trees are keystone species on which many other species depend,” said Professor Milesi. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-diversity-of-trees">Genetic diversity of trees</h2>



The research team set out to explore the impact of fierce ice age cycles on the genetic diversity of tree species. Throughout the ages, trees have endured alternating warm and cold periods. 



During the last ice age, around 10,000 years ago, the tree populations were significantly constrained, leading scientists to predict a loss of genetic diversity. 



Yet, surprising as it may be, these species demonstrated immense genetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-darkspots-need-urgent-attention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>, indicating a resilient response to their rapidly evolving habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-their-secret">What's their secret?</h2>



"We believe the reason for this high genetic diversity is related to the way these tree species survived through the ice ages and to fact that tree pollen can travel thousands of kilometres, bringing together trees that grow far apart," said Professor Milesi. 



"This is a welcome sign. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-in-dry-landscapes-have-surprising-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary processes</a> that were at play in the past may also be useful to cope with today’s rapid climate change."



Joining forces with researchers from 22 other European institutions, Professor Milesi examined seven species of forest trees ubiquitous in Europe. 



The team gathered needles and leaves from approximately 3,500 trees from 164 different populations scattered across Europe and proceeded to extract and analyze the DNA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-age-cycles-and-tree-diversity">Ice age cycles and tree diversity</h2>



“Contrary to what was long thought, the ice age cycles had little impact on the genetic diversity of these seven key species. This is mainly explained by a combination of unique characteristics, namely long generation time and the ability of their pollen to spread thousands of kilometers,” said Milesi.



This trait enables <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-shaped-plant-biodiversity-for-thousands-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> separated by vast distances to exchange genetic material, ensuring a broader and more diverse gene pool. As a result, these species can better adapt to changing environmental conditions, maintaining their resilience over centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spotlight-on-sweden">Spotlight on Sweden</h2>



Turning the spotlight on Sweden, the researchers zeroed in on the Norway spruce, Scots pine, and silver birch. Together, these species make up the majority of the Swedish forest, serving as a lifeline for other species. 



They are also a significant contributor to the Swedish economy and society, accounting for the vast majority of timber used in Swedish forestry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrating-the-diversity-of-trees">Celebrating the diversity of trees</h2>



“Due to the sixth mass extinction event and the ongoing biodiversity crisis, people can easily get the feeling that it is too late and be ready to give up," said Professor Milesi. 



"This study sends a positive signal about our forest and provides important information to help manage forest biodiversity in the face of climate change."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-future-trends">Predicting future trends</h2>



The future of European forests amid the climate crisis shows promise due to the resilience of key tree species. 



Research highlights that strong genetic diversity can help these trees cope with environmental challenges, but rapid adaptation to changing climates is vital. 



Ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts to preserve genetic diversity are essential for maintaining forest health and supporting both ecosystems and human communities that rely on them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mighty-seven-tree-species">Mighty seven tree species </h2>



The species under study were the European beech (Fagus sylvatica), Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), Sessile oak (Quercus petraea), Silver birch (Betula pendula), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Norway spruce (Picea abies), and Black poplar (Populus nigra).



As we reflect on these findings, we are reminded of the remarkable resilience of nature and the urgent need to respect and protect it. The future of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-rich-tree-diversity-adapt-better-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> hinges on how well we respond to the ongoing challenges.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52612-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Can trees protect their genetic diversity for millions of years?

In the face of relentless environmental shifts, seven of the...

A recent study sheds light on the potential destabilizing effects of climate change on mutualistic relationships between insects and plants. Mutualism, the cooperative interaction where both species benefit, is fundamental to healthy ecosystems. 



The research suggests that increasing urbanization and rising temperatures could be disrupting these relationships, with potential consequences for global biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-ant-plant-mutualism">Investigating ant-plant mutualism</h2>



Led by <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a>, the study focused on the mutualistic relationship between specific ant species and the tropical shrub Cordia nodosa, which provides ants with shelter in exchange for protection from herbivores. 



The researchers compared how these relationships function in five urban sites and five protected forest areas in South America.&nbsp;



A key aim was to determine how the species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutionary-deja-vu-the-symbiotic-relationships-of-trees-and-ants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a> inhabiting the plants in urban environments differed from those in forest areas, particularly in terms of their ability to tolerate heat - a defining feature of cities.



The researchers discovered that urban plants housed mostly opportunistic ants, which did not specialize in protecting Cordia nodosa. These urban ants, while more heat-tolerant, were not effective in defending the plants.&nbsp;



In contrast, specialized mutualistic ants, which form strong protective partnerships with the shrubs, were still commonly found in forest areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-of-ant-protection-in-urban-areas">Decline of ant protection in urban areas</h2>



One of the study’s most striking findings was that urban ants, living in Cordia nodosa plants, generally failed to defend the plants from threats.&nbsp;



The researchers simulated attacks by flicking the plants, only to find that opportunistic urban ants did little to respond, living up to their name. In forest areas, however, the mutualistic ants were 13 times more likely to spring into action to protect the plants.



Surprisingly, despite the lack of defense from urban ants, plants in cities were not as severely affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-biodiversity-benefits-from-large-herbivores-like-elephants-and-moose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbivores</a> as expected. Herbivory, or damage caused by plant-eating insects, was relatively low in these areas. 



“I think that probably the herbivores themselves are not doing great in the city, whether it's because of habitat fragmentation, the temperature or whatever's keeping those specialist ants out may also be keeping the herbivores out,” said Elsa Youngsteadt, an associate professor of applied ecology at NC State.&nbsp;



Professor Youngsteadt also noted the possibility that urban plants have developed alternative defenses to compensate for the lack of ant protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urbanization-and-ant-plant-relationships">Urbanization and ant-plant relationships</h2>



In contrast to urban environments, forest plants without their protective ants showed higher rates of herbivory, which was more in line with the expected outcome.&nbsp;



The research also confirmed a distinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/as-urban-heat-continues-to-rise-birds-are-moving-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban heat</a> island effect, with urban areas being approximately 1.6°C warmer than forest areas. 



This increase in temperature correlated with the heat tolerance of the ants, as urban ants were better adapted to warmer conditions than their forest counterparts.



However, the long-term implications of these changes remain uncertain. “While this study provides a small snapshot of what we may be able to expect in the future with global change, there remain many unanswered questions,” said study co-author Professor Sara Prado. 



The research raises concerns about how these changes might affect ecosystems on a larger scale if similar patterns begin to emerge in forest environments.



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



The findings from this study highlight the vulnerability of specialized mutualistic relationships in the face of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-social-nature-of-ants-will-them-tolerate-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. 



If urban environments can no longer support the mutualistic ants that protect Cordia nodosa and other plants, we may see a shift in the composition of insect-plant relationships.&nbsp;



“If these changes also play out in forests in the future, we may see more examples of specialized mutualistic interactions changing or disappearing altogether,” said Professor Prado.



Furthermore, if urban plants no longer need ants to protect them, researchers are left wondering about the long-term consequences of being colonized by opportunistic ants.&nbsp;



The impact on herbivores is another area of concern. If herbivores are also being kept out by the same factors affecting specialized ants, it suggests a profound shift in how urban ecosystems function.



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



This study offers a glimpse into how climate change and urbanization might disrupt critical symbiotic relationships that form the foundation of many ecosystems.&nbsp;



The findings emphasize the importance of continued investigation into how these changes affect not only the individual species involved but the broader ecological networks they support.



As the planet continues to warm and urban areas expand, the consequences for specialized insect-plant relationships remain unclear.&nbsp;



However, this research serves as a warning of the potential fracturing of mutualistic interactions that are vital for maintaining biodiversity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-plays-critical-role-ecosystem-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem health</a>. 



The study highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts to protect these relationships in a changing world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4449" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



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Climate change is destabilizing ant-plant relationships

A recent study sheds light on the potential destabilizing effects...

One of the most dramatic environmental cautionary tales from the 1980s centers on the cloud forests of the Centinela range in coastal Ecuador.&nbsp;



Reports indicated that approximately 90 species of plants, many unknown to science and found nowhere else on Earth, were wiped out when the forests were cleared for agriculture.&nbsp;



This event has since fueled campaigns for rainforest conservation. However, a recent study reveals that the alleged mass extinction may never have occurred.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-challenges-extinction-claims">Research challenges extinction claims</h2>



A team of international botanists has found that the plants once thought extinct in Centinela are, in fact, still thriving in fragments of Ecuador's forests. Dawson White, a postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>, explained the surprising findings.&nbsp;



“It’s a miracle. Many of Centinela’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-plants-on-earth-could-be-saved-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> are still on the brink of extinction, but fortunately the reports of their demise were exaggerated. There’s still time to save them and turn this story around.”&nbsp;



The researchers found no solid proof of any extinctions but ample evidence that many of the species presumed lost still exist in the remaining patches of the region’s forest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-were-earlier-estimates-wrong">Why were earlier estimates wrong?</h2>



Earlier researchers overestimated the extinction threat due to limited data. They collected numerous new species with little understanding of the global distribution of plant life in the world’s most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-rich-tree-diversity-adapt-better-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse forests</a>.&nbsp;



In the decades since those initial collections, more than 50 new species have been identified, and many plants presumed extinct at Centinela have been found elsewhere in South America.&nbsp;



Of the original 90 species thought to have disappeared, only one has not yet been rediscovered.



“Understanding which plants are growing in a given Andean cloud forest is a monumental task because you will undoubtedly find new species,” White explained.&nbsp;



“What our investigation highlights is that it takes decades of work from taxonomic experts to describe new species in such forests.”&nbsp;



“And only once we have names for these species that are then noted in our scientific networks can we begin to understand where else these plants grow and their risk of extinction.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-herbaria-in-conservation">The role of herbaria in conservation</h2>



Ecuador’s extreme biodiversity, including over 20,000 plant species - 4,000 of which are endemic - makes it particularly challenging to monitor and conserve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-ecosystems-at-risk-the-critical-role-of-aquatic-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical ecosystems</a>. The study emphasizes the critical role of herbaria in identifying and conserving plant species.&nbsp;



Juan Guevara from <a href="https://www.udla.edu.ec/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidad de Las Américas</a> in Quito commented on their importance: “Herbaria give us the fundamental ‘what’ and ‘where’ of plant biodiversity. They’re the basis of everything we know about which plants are threatened with extinction.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rediscovering-centinela-s-resilient-ecosystem">Rediscovering Centinela’s resilient ecosystem</h2>



In addition to revising the extinction story, the study revealed that Centinela’s forests are more resilient than originally thought.&nbsp;



Tiny fragments of the original forest, previously overlooked, have been found to harbor species believed extinct, including Gasteranthus extinctus, a wildflower rediscovered in 2021.&nbsp;



These fragments are often less than an acre in size but are home to rare and astonishing plant life.



“They’re tiny islands lost in a sea of plantations, but they’re still full of astonishing plants,” said co-author Andrea Fernández, a botanist at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> and the <a href="https://www.chicagobotanic.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago Botanic Garden</a>.&nbsp;



The team even discovered eight new species, including a rare canopy tree in the Cotton family, which faces immediate threats from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainforests-replanted-seedlings-after-logging-do-not-recover-well/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">logging</a>. Efforts are underway to preserve this tree by collecting its seeds and growing them in botanic gardens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-centinela-s-future-a-hub-for-conservation-efforts">Centinela’s future: A hub for conservation efforts</h2>



Once seen as a symbol of environmental loss, Centinela is now becoming a center of scientific research and conservation.&nbsp;



Local and international efforts are focused on protecting the remaining forest fragments, collecting seeds for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-is-important-but-reforestation-can-help-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reforestation</a>, and mapping long-term strategies to safeguard this precious biodiversity.&nbsp;



Globally, Centinela’s story has inspired new conservation initiatives, including the use of satellite imagery by Planet Labs to aid in forest protection.



While this study offers hope for Centinela, the global biodiversity crisis remains critical. According to the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN Red List</a>, over 45,000 species are threatened with extinction, including nearly half of amphibians and a quarter of all mammals.&nbsp;



“Plants in coastal Ecuador and a lot of other hard-hit places in the tropics are finding a way to hang on,” said co-author Nigel Pitman, a scientist at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a>. “We’ve still got time to act before they’re gone forever.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41477-024-01832-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Plants</a>.



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Did the Centinela mass extinction really happen?

One of the most dramatic environmental cautionary tales from the...

Seed dispersers are becoming a scarce resource in Europe. A new study reveals that nearly one third of the region's plant species faces an unsettling future due to the decreasing numbers of these essential creatures.



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uc.pt/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Coimbra</a>, <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>, and the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> teamed up to explore the world of plant propagation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dwindling-numbers-of-seed-dispersers">Dwindling numbers of seed dispersers</h2>



Many plants depend on animals - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-increase-forest-recovery-by-dispersing-seeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>, mammals, reptiles, or insects - to carry their seeds across the landscape, helping them reduce competition and expand their territory.



However, a notable decline in the number of common seed dispersers has raised the question: what impact might this have on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plants-disperse-their-seeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> that rely on them? 



The experts have unearthed some alarming information. Published in the journal Science, the findings present a daunting outlook for European plant species.



By establishing a comprehensive seed dispersal network spread across Europe, and comparing it with the population numbers of dispersers, the researchers were able to identify major challenges that European plant life is presently confronting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbiotic-relationships-between-plants-and-animals">Symbiotic relationships between plants and animals </h2>



The team dug deep into extensive literature, searching for instances of interactions between plants and their European <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-it-comes-to-seed-survival-trees-have-friends-and-enemies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal dispersers</a>. 



This process led them to identify an astonishing 592 species of plants native to Europe, all of which appear to have evolved alongside their designated seed dispersed. 



Further investigation revealed a list of 398 animals known to disperse seeds, many of whom do so for more than one plant type. 



To add perspective to their findings, the experts compiled over 5,000 pairings of plants and their respective dispersers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-threatened-seed-dispersers">Impact of threatened seed dispersers </h2>



Moving on to the animals, the study made another chilling revelation. Roughly one third of the dispersers identified were classified as threatened or dwindling.



And, as anticipated, the researchers concluded that the same proportion of plant species in Europe could also be experiencing similar declines or even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-extinction-threatens-the-future-of-medicine-and-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">face extinction</a>.



Looking forward, there is a dire need to observe and research changes in ecosystems across Europe, especially transformations already occurring due to the shortages of dispersed. 



Furthermore, in-depth exploration of plant and disperser pairs, particularly involving rare species, remains crucial not just in Europe, but in other regions worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-seed-disperser-decline">Consequences of seed disperser decline</h2>



The decline in seed dispersers doesn’t only affect the plants that rely on them - it has ripple effects across entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-loss-can-lead-to-total-ecosystem-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>.



As plants struggle to reproduce, other creatures - from herbivores and pollinators to predators - could face shortages of food and habitat.



This cascading effect could disrupt delicate ecological balances, leading to a decline in biodiversity that extends far beyond plants and seed dispersers alone.



The researchers warn that the loss of plant diversity can result in the degradation of soil quality and reduced resilience against climate change.



Plants are essential for capturing carbon, regulating water, and stabilizing soil. If they decline, it could worsen the environmental challenges that Europe and the world are already facing.



Recognizing these ripple effects highlights just how urgent it is to focus conservation efforts on protecting seed dispersers and the plants that depend on them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reversing-the-trend">Reversing the trend</h2>



In light of these findings, conservationists are emphasizing the need for targeted action. Protecting existing habitats and restoring areas where seed dispersers thrive are key strategies to halt the decline.



Governments and environmental organizations are called upon to implement policies that preserve biodiversity and promote the recovery of endangered disperser species. 



This may involve creating wildlife corridors, reducing habitat fragmentation, and regulating land use to minimize the impact on critical ecosystems.



Public awareness and community involvement are also important. Engaging local communities in conservation efforts and educating them on the importance of seed dispersers can build strong community backing for biodiversity protection.



Reversing the trend will require collaboration across borders, as well as a renewed commitment to safeguarding the intricate relationships that allow Europe’s plant life to flourish.



By investing in these efforts, Europe can help ensure a future where both its plants and the creatures that sustain them thrive together.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado1464" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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One third of Europe's plants at risk due to decline in seed dispersers

Seed dispersers are becoming a scarce resource in Europe. A...

Let's talk about caffeine, that wonderful elixir we clutch onto dearly from our morning coffee cup, afternoon tea break, or even that comforting mug of hot chocolate in the winter. Caffeine consumption is apparently doing more than just keeping our eyes peeled open, it's also improving heart health.



Recent findings published in Rheumatology by Oxford University Press show that this familiar friend might actually be doing our hearts a favor by improving vascular and heart health. Here's the scoop on this refreshing revelation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-disease-and-caffeine">Heart disease and caffeine</h2>



Vascular disease, or the harming of our blood vessels, and its grim companions -- heart attacks and strokes -- rank high on the mortality chart for the global population.



For those battling inflammatory rheumatic diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, the stakes are even higher. 



Their diseases, coupled with certain treatments like cortisone derivatives, make them vulnerable to aggravated vascular risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-doctor-recommendations">Doctor recommendations</h2>



Until now, doctors often advised patients to evade these vascular and heart health risks by essentially shunning risk factors, such as caffeine intake.



This meant dialing down inflammation, reducing cortisone medications, and adhering to the age-old healthy lifestyle mantras -- no smoking, less cholesterol, and keeping high blood pressure in check.



But here's the exciting part. Scientists from <a href="https://www.uniroma1.it/en/pagina-strutturale/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sapienza University of Rome</a>, Italy, believe they've stumbled onto something truly unique. 



How about improving your vascular health with something enjoyable, something as simple as sipping on your favorite cup of joe?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caffeine-and-vascular-growth">Caffeine and vascular growth</h2>



The research team led by Fulvia Ceccarelli found that caffeine, a key component in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caffeine-has-a-protective-effect-on-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a>, tea, and cocoa, plays an active role in boosting endothelial progenitor cells. 



These cells are the good guys, regenerating the lining of our blood vessels, and taking part in vascular growth.



We're all pretty tuned into caffeine's stimulant prowess. But it turns out, it's been holding out on us. 



Caffeine also flexes its muscles in the anti-inflammatory department, thanks to its knack for bonding with receptors on the surface of immune cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lupus-patients">Lupus patients</h2>



To substantiate this hypothesis, the researchers conducted a study involving 31 lupus patients, all devoid of traditional cardiovascular risks. 



Across a span of a week, the investigators gauged their food intake using a questionnaire. Post this, they proceeded to examine the patient's blood to evaluate their vascular health.



So, what did they find? 



Patients who had consumed caffeine exhibited improved vascular health. This was measured via the endothelial cells, the vital inner layer of blood vessels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caffeine-and-heart-health-research">Caffeine and heart health research</h2>



“The present study is an attempt to provide patients with information on the possible role of diet in controlling the disease,” said the paper’s lead author, Fulvia Ceccarelli. 



“It will be necessary to confirm the results through a longitudinal study, aimed at assessing the real impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caffeine-consumption-may-lower-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee consumption</a> on the disease course.”



However, there's more to this story that needs uncovering. A longitudinal study is necessary to validate these findings and assess the actual impact of coffee consumption on the course of the disease.



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



For individuals suffering from rheumatic diseases, this caffeine connection could herald a transformative shift in daily management strategies. 



While avoiding known vascular risk factors remains crucial, adding caffeine into the mix provides a potentially natural and enjoyable way to fortify vascular health. 



This discovery calls for a reassessment of dietary guidelines, encouraging patients and healthcare providers to consider how integrating caffeine could complement existing treatment protocols. 



However, as promising as these findings are, patients should consult with their healthcare providers before making any significant lifestyle changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-impact-on-public-health">Broader impact on public health</h2>



Beyond the immediate circle of those with rheumatic conditions, the broader implications of this study invite us to rethink our societal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-coffee-good-for-you-it-may-depend-on-your-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relationship with caffeine</a>. 



A staple in global cultures, from bustling urban coffee shops to tranquil tea ceremonies, caffeine emerges as more than a simple daily ritual. 



Its potential role in promoting cardiovascular health could thereby influence public health policies, inspiring further research into dietary components that foster well-being. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caffeine-beyond-vascular-and-heart-health">Caffeine beyond vascular and heart health</h2>



As scientific investigation continues to uncover the myriad effects of diet on health, caffeine stands out as a compelling candidate for further exploration, promoting a vision of everyday choices that significantly enhance life quality.



While the quest for understanding caffeine's impact on cardiovascular health has encountered mixed results thus far, this new piece of the puzzle surely gives us food for thought. 



So, the next time you're enjoying a steaming cup of coffee, give a nod to those endothelial progenitor cells it might be helping out.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/rheumatology/keae453/7814667?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rheumatology</a>.



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Caffeine is proven to boost heart health in many people

Let's talk about caffeine, that wonderful elixir we clutch onto...

Most flowering plants rely on animals for pollination, and in tropical regions, over 90% of plant species are pollinated by animals. 



On the Caribbean island of Dominica, researchers have discovered a specific mutualistic relationship between two species of heliconia plants (Heliconia bihai and H. caribaea) and their primary hummingbird pollinator, the purple-throated carib (Eulampis jugularis).&nbsp;



This relationship is so specialized that it has been frequently cited in scientific literature as an example of plant-pollinator co-dependence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-hurricane-maria-nbsp">Impacts of Hurricane Maria&nbsp;</h2>



When Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 storm with sustained winds exceeding 250 kilometers per hour, devastated the region in 2017, it wiped out 75% of the entire E. jugularis population. 



This led scientists to fear that the two heliconia species might face extinction due to the loss of their primary pollinator.



However, a recent paper published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/nph.19938" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a> reveals that other birds have stepped in to pollinate these heliconia plants. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-a-resilient-ecosystem-nbsp">Evidence of a resilient ecosystem&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Fernando Gonçalves is an expert at the <a href="https://www.cbioclima.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change</a> and a postdoctoral researcher affiliated with Jordi Bascompte’s laboratory at the <a href="https://www.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a> (UZH) in Switzerland.



“In 2022 we studied the region in great detail, analyzing bird-heliconia visitation types and rates, as well as pollen deposition and transportation patterns,” said Gonçalves.



“Our findings pointed to drastic changes: other hummingbird species and also the Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) had begun to visit and pollinate heliconia flowers at similar rates to E. jugularis or even higher.”



According to Gonçalves, the analysis suggested that the decline in the population of E. jugularis resulted in a breakdown of the competitive exclusion of other species and allowed other birds to become effective pollinators.&nbsp;



“We concluded that specialized pollination systems can become generalized after natural disturbances such as hurricanes, showing that the ecosystem was resilient.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-hummingbird-pollination">Monitoring hummingbird pollination</h2>



The researchers used mist nets to capture birds near the heliconia <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-that-90-of-flowering-plant-species-rely-on-animal-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> and sampled pollen from their beaks and feathers using a special jelly. 



They also set up cameras to monitor the birds visiting the plants and inspected flower stigmas to measure pollen deposition after visits.



“E. jugularis is highly territorial and aggressive. When the population was large, no other bird species could get near the heliconias, but once the population had been reduced to only a quarter of its original size, there weren’t enough individuals to keep other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-have-an-amazing-sense-of-touch-for-precise-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbird</a> species and the Bananaquit away from the plants,” explained Gonçalves.



“These new pollinators are generalists. They collect pollen from several plant species. And the Bananaquit feeds on fruit.”



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



This discovery is significant for two main reasons. First, it had been thought that only E. jugularis could pollinate H. bihai and H. caribaea because the shape of their flowers fits the size and curvature of the hummingbird’s beak.&nbsp;



Female E. jugularis, with their long, curved beaks, are the primary pollinators of H. bihai, while both male and female birds pollinate H. caribaea, despite males having shorter and straighter beaks.



Second, the findings demonstrate that species extinction and ecosystem dynamics are more complex than often assumed. 



The destruction caused by Hurricane Maria disrupted the long-standing co-adaptation between the heliconias and their hummingbird pollinators, allowing other birds to take over.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-insights-into-resilient-ecosystems">Crucial insights into resilient ecosystems</h2>



This suggests that evolutionary processes may not always follow a strict, linear path and can shift in unpredictable ways, especially in the context of the current climate crisis, where extreme events such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-causes-the-rapid-intensification-of-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>, droughts, and floods are becoming more frequent, and species are at greater risk of extinction.



“If no other mass destructions occur on Dominica, we believe the two species of heliconia and E. jugularis may reestablish their exclusive mutualism in 15 to 20 years or so. The population of E. jugularis will have grown again, and there will be plenty of individuals defending their territory,” Gonçalves said.&nbsp;



His team is continuing to conduct research in the area to test this hypothesis and assess how natural events affect evolutionary behaviors in other species. “We’re on the lookout for hurricanes in the region so we can go back there and investigate the consequences.”



This study provides crucial insights into the resilience and adaptability of ecosystems following natural disasters and raises new questions about how species interactions evolve in response to environmental changes.



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Ecosystems are more resilient than expected after natural disasters 

Most flowering plants rely on animals for pollination, and in...

Picture this: An organism without a brain, making decisions. Sounds impossible? Scientists have proven that this is not some science-fiction fantasy, but a reality. They've been examining the fascinating world of fungi and their uncanny ability to display basal cognition, even without having a brain. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-intelligence-of-fungi">Unseen intelligence of fungi</h2>



How does an organism without a brain exhibit signs of intelligence? The answer lies in their intricate network of mycelium - long, spidery threads that fungi use to grow. 



Most people only see the tiny mushrooms sprouting above the ground and are oblivious to the extensive network that lies beneath. 



"You'd be surprised at just <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-fusion-turning-food-waste-into-culinary-delights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how much fungi are capable of</a>," said Yu Fukasawa of Tohoku University. "They have memories, they learn, and they can make decisions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-knew-fungi-have-memories">Who knew? Fungi have memories</h2>



Believe it or not, fungi have memories. They learn and make critical decisions. They're out here solving problems in ways that are so unique, it boggles the mind. 



"Quite frankly, the differences in how they solve problems compared to humans is mind-blowing," said Fukasawa. It's almost like they're playing a game of chess against nature, and they're winning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decision-making-in-fungi">Decision-making in fungi</h2>



The researchers engaged in a curious experiment. They wanted to see how a wood-decaying mycelial network would respond to two different scenarios: wood blocks placed in a circle versus a cross arrangement. The question was simple - How would the fungi <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behave</a>?



In the cross arrangement, the outermost four blocks were the most populated. The researchers believe this is because the fungi see these outer blocks as outposts, helping the mycelial network branch out into further areas. Hence, denser connections were noticed here.



When it came to the circle arrangement, there was equal connection at all blocks, but the center remained untouched. The fungi did not see a benefit in extending its network into an area that already had plenty of company.



These actions suggest that fungi communicate information across the entire mycelial network, adjusting their growth direction depending on their surrounding shape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enigmatic-world-of-fungi">Enigmatic world of fungi</h2>



Our understanding of fungi pales in comparison to our knowledge about plants and animals. These underground organisms, with their intricate neural-like networks, are a mystery waiting to be solved. 



Their behavior paints a tantalizing picture of how different types of cognition evolved in organisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-and-resource-optimization">Fungi and resource optimization</h2>



Fungi exhibit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-all-fungi-matter-not-just-mushrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remarkable efficiency</a> when it comes to resource optimization, a skill essential for their survival and growth. 



This ability to allocate resources is a result of intricate feedback mechanisms and environmental assessments conducted by the mycelial network. 



Researchers assert that fungi prioritize areas with abundant resources, indicating an advanced understanding of their surroundings. In resource-rich zones, mycelium growth accelerates, capturing nutrients and storing them for future use. 



This practice not only ensures the fungi thrive in fluctuating environments but also highlights their ecological significance as decomposers and nutrient recyclers.



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



The unique problem-solving abilities and efficient networking strategies of fungi have inspired innovations in human technology. Scientists are exploring mycelial algorithms to develop more efficient networks, such as urban planning and telecommunications systems.



The fungi’s extraordinary capacity to communicate and coordinate across their networks offers insights into creating sustainable and resilient systems. 



By mimicking their resource allocation methods, researchers aim to devise solutions that enhance human infrastructure, leading to smarter and more adaptive frameworks.



This merging of biology and technology highlights the untapped potential within <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/intro-to-the-fungi-life-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature's vast repository of knowledge</a>.



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



The findings from this research fill a significant gap in our understanding of biotic ecosystems and how they function. They open up a whole new world of possibilities for us to explore.



Who would have thought that these small, often overlooked organisms could teach us so much? It's a testament to the wonders of nature and how much more we've got to learn.



So the next time you see a mushroom growing in your garden, remember there's a lot more than meets the eye. These tiny organisms are making decisions, sharing information and solving problems - all without a brain.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1754504824000588?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fungal Ecology</a>.



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Fungi can think and make smart decisions without a brain

Picture this: An organism without a brain, making decisions. Sounds...

Researchers have recently unlocked new insights into how the red milkweed beetle thrives on toxic plants, shedding light on the ecological, evolutionary, and potential economic impacts of insect-plant interactions.&nbsp;



While the relationship between the red milkweed beetle and milkweed plants has been studied for nearly 150 years, scientists have now taken a major step forward by sequencing the beetle’s genome and examining genes tied to plant-feeding and other biological traits.



The research was conducted by Rich Adams from the <a href="https://aaes.uada.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station</a>, in collaboration with colleagues from the <a href="https://www.memphis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Memphis</a> and the <a href="https://www.uwosh.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin Oshkosh</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-milkweed-beetle-genome">Red milkweed beetle genome</h2>



The researchers set out to sequence and assemble the entire genome of the red milkweed beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus), a host-specialist.&nbsp;



The research allowed them to compare the genome of this beetle with that of the Asian long-horned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), a host-generalist and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-threat-of-invasive-species-requires-immediate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a> that feeds on a variety of important trees.



“From a biological standpoint, there is a lot of correspondence that suggests that longstanding interactions between milkweed beetles and their toxic milkweed hosts should influence the biology of both interacting partners,” explained Adams.&nbsp;



“But, to date, no one has assembled a milkweed beetle genome, which opens the door for targeting a lot of interesting questions at the interface between insect and plant.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co-evolution-of-plants-and-insects">Co-evolution of plants and insects</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milkweed-gardens-are-needed-to-save-monarch-butterflies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milkweeds</a> and milkweed beetles have long been valuable models for studying ecology, evolution, developmental biology, and the biochemistry of toxins. They have also provided compelling evidence of co-evolution between insect and plant species. 



The timing of their evolutionary histories aligns, meaning that milkweed plants and their beetle counterparts evolved in tandem.



In their research, the team found that the red milkweed beetle has an expansion of genes from the ABC transport family, which may allow the beetles to feed on the toxic milkweed and sequester the plant's toxins within their tissues.&nbsp;



Milkweed plants are well-known for producing toxic latex cocktails that affect the balance of sodium, calcium, and potassium necessary for heart function.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safe-interactions-with-a-toxic-plant">Safe interactions with a toxic plant</h2>



Adams emphasized that the genome analysis offers important insights into how the beetle has evolved to safely interact with its toxic host plants.



“Milkweeds produce a particularly nasty type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monarch-caterpillars-turn-milkweed-toxin-into-a-survival-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxin</a> called cardiac glycosides alongside other types of toxins that come with it,” Adams said. 



“For many insects that eat it, the toxin will block their sodium-potassium pumps. But this beetle developed a way to not only resist the toxin, but also sequester it, hold on to it, to keep the beetles themselves safe from would-be predators.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specialized-diet-of-milkweed-beetles">Specialized diet of milkweed beetles</h2>



The experts also discovered variations in genes responsible for the beetle's sense of smell, taste, and the metabolic enzymes needed to break down plant cell walls.&nbsp;



This new understanding provides a fresh perspective for studying how beetles, particularly long-horned beetles and other plant-eating insects, have specialized their diets over time.



The findings could have significant applications in agriculture and forestry, particularly for managing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urgent-need-to-protect-earths-forests-from-non-native-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pests</a>. 



By identifying the genetic factors that allow agricultural and forestry pests to successfully feed on plants and evade control measures, researchers can develop better pest management strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-new-insights">Valuable new insights</h2>



Most animals capable of digesting woody plant material rely on gut microbes to help break down plant cell walls. However, many plant-eating beetles do not need these microbes.&nbsp;



Instead, they have evolved their own mechanisms, often acquiring the ability to break down plant material through horizontal gene transfers from microbes.



Adams pointed out that examining the diversity of proteins encoded within beetle genomes can provide valuable insights into the genomic basis of beetle biology, evolution, and interactions with plants.&nbsp;



“Nature has made an incredible diversity of genes and genomes already out there that we have not yet deciphered,” said Adams.&nbsp;



“Understanding this diversity holds great promise for informing agriculture, forestry, and human health. Herbivorous beetles would have a difficult time feeding on plants without their metabolic enzymes, because they can’t eat effectively without them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-milkweed-beetles-sense-their-environment">How milkweed beetles sense their environment </h2>



In addition to studying the beetle’s genomic DNA, the team collected RNA from both male and female beetle antennae to explore how the beetles use chemosensation - the ability to detect chemical signals in their environment - to find mates and food.



“Learning more about chemosensory biology - how an organism senses its environment, like sensing a host plant or reproductive partner - has broad relevance for understanding insect-plant interactions, which is intensively relevant to agriculture and forestry,” Adams explained.



The team’s RNA profiling provided the first transcriptomic resource for Tetraopes, offering new insights into the genes that are expressed in specific tissues or cells.&nbsp;



As Adams noted, while DNA provides the gene sequence, RNA allows researchers to gain a clearer picture of how genes are expressed and how often a particular gene is activated.



This research opens new doors to understanding specialized plant-feeding in beetles and could eventually help in developing pest control strategies to protect crops and forests from invasive species.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jhered/esae049" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Heredity</a>.



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How does the milkweed beetle safely feed on a toxic plant?

Researchers have recently unlocked new insights into how the red...

Rapid warming has so profoundly impacted northern ecosystems that scientists are increasingly concerned about the region's ability to recover from climate shocks, according to a new study focused on Arctic plant resilience.&nbsp;



The researchers found that frequent disturbances like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fear-and-anxiety-the-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>, drought, and deforestation have diminished the resilience of many plant communities in the southern boreal forests. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-resilience-and-carbon-storage">Plant resilience and carbon storage</h2>



This decline in resilience - meaning the plants’ ability to bounce back after environmental stressors - could have serious implications for the Arctic’s role in absorbing carbon dioxide, potentially transforming the region from a carbon sink into a carbon source in the near future.



This shift is particularly troubling because the Arctic and boreal regions have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-humans-are-warming-the-planet-faster-than-ever-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmed</a> several times faster than other parts of the world, and continued warming is expected. 



Yue Zhang is the study’s lead author and a graduate student in earth sciences at the <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a>. 



“When we talk about the response of forests to climate change, most of the time we’re thinking about the tropical rainforest,” explained Zhang.&nbsp;



“But remote boreal forests are really important in terms of their vast extent, large carbon storage and potential to mitigate climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varying-levels-of-plant-resilience-nbsp">Varying levels of plant resilience&nbsp;</h2>



Based on historical data from NASA’s <a href="https://above.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE)</a> program, the researchers utilized remote sensing technology to track subtle changes in vegetation greenness in Alaska and western Canada between 2000 and 2019. 



The goal was to estimate how quickly vegetation recovered from both small-scale fluctuations and large losses, even in areas where significant damage had not yet occurred.



The results showed that while plant resilience in southern boreal forests had decreased over time, resilience appeared to increase in most of the Arctic tundra, despite areas of greening.&nbsp;



Fires, drought, and heat likely contributed to the declining resilience in the southern regions, while shifts in nutrient availability may have helped vegetation thrive in other parts of the Arctic.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertainty-of-plant-carbon-storage">Uncertainty of plant carbon storage</h2>



However, even though the release of nutrients could benefit plant growth, rising temperatures threaten to accelerate permafrost melting.&nbsp;



The permafrost stores vast amounts of carbon, and its thawing could release carbon emissions equivalent to those produced by 35 million cars annually, hastening the arrival of climate tipping points.



Zhang emphasized the uncertainty about how much of this carbon will be absorbed by plants versus how much will contribute to further <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-permafrost-melt-devastating-role-accelerating-global-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a>. 



“That’s pretty concerning, because while greening may indicate that productivity and carbon uptake in these regions is increasing now, resilience decline indicates that it may not be sustainable in the longer term.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-entire-ecosystem-at-risk">An entire ecosystem at risk</h2>



The study’s findings indicate that the entire ecosystem is at risk, as large portions of the southern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boreal forests</a> are losing stability. This could lead to widespread forest loss and biome shifts in the future. 



Greening regions that simultaneously experience a decline in resilience may be showing signs of distress, suggesting that the ecosystem is struggling to survive before it experiences significant forest loss.&nbsp;



“This is a hot spot of vegetation change where studying it can tell us about the ecosystem stability and what it’s capable of tolerating before it transitions into an alternative state through pervasive forest loss,” warned study senior author Professor Yanlan Liu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-plant-resilience-nbsp">Predicting plant resilience&nbsp;</h2>



The experts also found that regions at higher elevations with warm, dry conditions and dense vegetation cover were among the most vulnerable to declining resilience.&nbsp;



Yet, there is still a lack of consensus in current climate models regarding how vegetation change and carbon dynamics interact. The team’s work will help to refine these models by providing information about where vegetation shifts are most likely to occur.



Ultimately, Zhang noted that the research has uncovered more subtle changes in the health of the region’s vegetation than previously reported <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-is-greening-at-an-unprecedented-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greening</a> and browning trends. Their methodology also offers a new tool for identifying potential vegetation loss in other regions over the coming decades. 



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



The team plans to continue improving their predictions of ecosystem changes and advocate for more fieldwork to verify their remote sensing data.



“Scientists need to learn to quantify climate-induced risks through diverse lenses,” Liu said. “On top of satellite remote sensing, we need more ground observations to help us identify ways to leverage these findings to inform future resources and risk management strategies.”



As the Arctic and boreal regions warm at alarming rates, this study sheds light on the fragility of these ecosystems and the need for urgent strategies to preserve their resilience amid rapid climate change.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02551-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>. 



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Arctic ecosystem stability threatened by declining plant resilience 

Rapid warming has so profoundly impacted northern ecosystems that scientists...

Plants often struggle to grow when they are dealing with stress from environmental changes, such as the unpredictable climate shifts we are now experiencing, and this affects our food supply.



But a recent study has revealed a surprising twist - plants are not just surviving; they are finding ways to thrive. The research highlights how plants make a special anti-stress compound that helps them withstand harsh conditions.



In a big step forward, researchers from University of East Anglia (<a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UEA</a>) have pinpointed the genes that enable plants to produce this compound, known as dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP).



This discovery opens up exciting possibilities for creating crops that can better handle the stresses of a changing world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-anti-stress-molecule">Plants' anti-stress molecule</h2>



Interestingly, though most plants produce DMSP, those with high-level DMSP production demonstrate an extraordinary capacity to thrive even in challenging environments, like coastal areas with high salt content. 



In addition, the study shows that plants can be grown in other stressful conditions, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a>, by supplementing them with DMSP or engineering plants that can produce their own DMSP.



This approach could prove especially helpful in improving agricultural productivity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-variants-help-plants-adapt-to-nitrogen-deficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen-deficient soils</a>.



“Excitingly, our study shows that most plants make the anti-stress compound DMSP, but that the saltmarsh grass Spartina is special due to the high levels it accumulates," said Professor Jon Todd, a faculty member in UEA’s School of Biological Sciences.



"This is important because Spartina <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mangroves-and-saltmarshes-are-much-better-at-storing-carbon-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saltmarshes</a> are global hotspots for DMSP production and for generation of the climate-cooling gas dimethylsulfide through the action of microbes that breakdown DMSP.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-avenues-for-plants-stress-tolerance">New avenues for plants stress tolerance</h2>



“This discovery provides fundamental understanding about how plants tolerate stress and offers promising avenues for improving the tolerance of crops to salinity and drought, which is important for enhancing agricultural sustainability in the face of global climate change,” said study lead author Dr. Ben Miller.



The research team included scientists not only from UEA’s School of Chemistry, Pharmacy, and Pharmacology, as well as experts from the Ocean University of China.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-thriving-in-challenging-conditions">Plants thriving in challenging conditions </h2>



The team studied Spartina anglica, a species of saltmarsh cordgrass known for its highlevel of DMSP production.



They compared its genes with those of other plants that also produce DMSP, albeit mainly at low concentrations. Barley and wheat, staple crops that cover vast tracts in the UK, belong to this category.



This comprehensive comparison led the researchers to identify three enzymes crucial for the high-level production of DMSP in Spartina anglica. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-of-sustainable-agriculture">New era of sustainable agriculture </h2>



In addition to stress protection, DMSP plays critical roles in global carbon and sulfur cycling, as well as the production of climate-active gases.



In a world grappling with climate change and its ramifications, these findings offer a glimmer of hope. 



By harnessing the power of DMSP and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-genes-identified-to-protect-crops-from-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant genes</a> that produce it, we can usher in a new era of sustainable agriculture that not only survives but thrives under challenging conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-stress-resilient-agriculture">Future of stress-resilient agriculture</h2>



This breakthrough in our understanding of the relationship between plants and DMSP unfolds a new world of fascinating potentials for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-footprint-a-new-frontier-in-sustainable-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farming</a>, especially in light of the ever-increasing stress presented by climate change.



Picture cultivating crops that not only withstand harsh conditions but bloom in them. These fresh perspectives may enable scientists to guide plants in managing arid soil conditions or drought, without the necessity for excessive water or fertilisers.



The researchers at UEA will continue to examine how we could increase DMSP production in various plant species and exploring the implications for global food cultivation.



If successful, we could witness not only a spike in farm productivity but also a leap towards more environmentally-friendly farming practices. 



Moreover, given that DMSP is associated with climate-active gases, this study could provide innovative solutions to pressing climate-change issues.



As this pivotal research continues, we can envision a future where our plants are equipped to stand resilient against any stressors that nature might throw at them, ensuring a secure food supply in an ever-rapidly evolving world.



The study is published in the journal Nature Communications.



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Plants have a secret weapon for surviving stress

Plants often struggle to grow when they are dealing with...

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



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



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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...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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