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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

Trees sync up their communication signals before a solar eclipse

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

A global team of scientists, led by researchers from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has launched an ambitious project aimed at illuminating the planet’s plant diversity “darkspots."



These are regions that are rich in biodiversity, but where geographic and taxonomic data remain incomplete, leaving scientists with limited understanding of the plant diversity that exists within them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-diversity-darkspots-around-the-world">Plant diversity darkspots around the world </h2>



The experts identified 33 such darkspots around the globe, with 14 (or 44%) of these located in tropical Asia.



According to the State of the World’s Plants and Fungi 2023 report, 75% of the world’s yet-to-be-described plant species already facing the threat of extinction. 



This new research offers a valuable tool for identifying where to prioritize plant collection and conservation efforts in this critical decade for halting biodiversity loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unnamed and unmapped plant species</h2>



The research team focused on predicting the number of plant species that remain unnamed and unmapped in various “botanical countries” - regions or countries that are used as reference units for botanical research.&nbsp;



The experts then compared the locations of these darkspots with the 36 globally recognized “biodiversity hotspots,” which are areas of rich and unique flora that are also under threat.&nbsp;



Additionally, the study considered how socio-political and environmental factors could influence botanical expeditions and guide future efforts to fill the gaps in taxonomic knowledge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Documentation of global plant diversity</h2>



“Resources to undertake new botanical expeditions or to digitize existing collections are limited, so prioritizing collecting efforts is vital,” said co-author Samuel Pironon, a lecturer in conservation biology at <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a> and an honorary research associate at RBG Kew. 



“Our study provides a flexible framework to help accelerate the documentation of global plant diversity to inform conservation actions. Knowing where there are most species remaining unnamed and unmapped, of which many are likely to be threatened, is necessary for us to meet the <a href="https://www.cbd.int/gbf/targets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2030 targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Global distribution of plant diversity darkspots</h2>



The research revealed the existence of 33 darkspots worldwide. Of these, 14 were found in tropical Asia, eight in South America, eight in the Asia-Temperate region, two in Africa, and one in North America.&nbsp;



Globally, the areas with the greatest combined data shortfalls were Colombia, New Guinea, and South-Central China, in decreasing order. On a continental scale,&nbsp;



New Caledonia had the greatest shortfall for the Pacific region, Western Australia for Australasia, New Guinea for tropical Asia, China South-Central for temperate Asia, Madagascar for Africa, Albania for Europe, Southwest Mexico for North America, and Colombia for South America.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Crucial areas for collection efforts&nbsp;</h2>



When factoring in different environmental and socio-economic scenarios, six botanical countries consistently emerged as priority areas for targeted collection efforts: Colombia, Myanmar, New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, and Turkey.&nbsp;



These regions were flagged as crucial zones for scientific research and plant collection to uncover the extent of their biodiversity and better inform conservation strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unexpected biodiversity hotspot in New Guinea&nbsp;</h2>



One surprising finding was that New Guinea was the only darkspot identified that did not overlap with one of the world’s recognized biodiversity hotspots.&nbsp;



However, the researchers noted that New Guinea’s exceptional biodiversity is likely to become even more apparent as the gaps in knowledge are filled.&nbsp;



Nevertheless, the region is already facing significant threats from species overexploitation and the expansion of agricultural land, which could endanger its biodiversity before it is fully understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Global efforts to maintain plant diversity&nbsp;</h2>



Study lead author Ian Ondo is a senior data analyst at RBG Kew and program officer at the <a href="https://www.unep-wcmc.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Environment Program World Conservation Monitoring Center</a> (UNEP-WCMC).



“Recognizing and accounting for plant diversity darkspots is essential to achieving comprehensive conservation priorities. It ensures that critical areas are inclusive of underrepresented biodiversity and receive attention and protection, ultimately enhancing global efforts to maintain biodiversity,” said Ondo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The role of Indigenous communities</h2>



Kiran Dhanjal-Adams, a future leader fellow at RBG Kew, highlighted another key aspect of the study: the role of Indigenous and local communities in understanding plant diversity.&nbsp;



“Many species that are not yet described by science are, in fact, well known by Indigenous and local communities,” she explained.&nbsp;



The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework emphasizes the importance of including Indigenous and local communities in conservation efforts.&nbsp;



Strengthening partnerships with these communities could not only lead to the discovery of new species but also help raise conservation interest and funds that directly support these communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five key commitments&nbsp;</h2>



The study aligns with the broader goals of a global call to action, formalized in the “<a href="https://www.kew.org/science/state-of-the-worlds-plants-and-fungi/2030-declaration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2030 Declaration on Scientific Plant and Fungal Collecting</a>,” which was co-led by RBG Kew and the <a href="https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Missouri Botanical Garden</a>. 



Arising from discussions held at Kew’s 2023 State of the World’s Plants &amp; Fungi Symposium, the declaration outlines five key commitments aimed at closing the gaps in knowledge about plant and fungal diversity.&nbsp;



These commitments include adopting evidence-based collection strategies, strengthening local research capacities, fostering collaboration across disciplines, collecting specimens with future research in mind, and sharing the benefits of these collections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coordinating scientific collection efforts</h2>



Biological specimens collected from the wild remain a fundamental component of natural sciences. Researchers continue to collect and preserve samples to support conservation actions, advance scientific research, and uncover potential benefits such as new medicines or fuels.&nbsp;



The process of collecting these specimens is governed by strict regulations, including national and international laws regarding access and benefit sharing. 



Yet there is still much to learn - particularly about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>, with over 90% of the estimated 2.5 million fungal species remaining undescribed by science.



The 2030 Declaration, co-authored by contributors from 22 countries and signed by over 800 individuals and organizations from 85 nations, represents a major step forward in coordinating scientific collection efforts.&nbsp;



The declaration will remain open for additional signatories until the end of this year. By encouraging conversations at international, regional, national, and local levels during botanical and mycological congresses, RBG Kew hopes to foster more decentralized and complementary efforts to fill the knowledge gaps that still exist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Protecting Earth’s diverse ecosystems</h2>



Senior author Alexandre Antonelli, the director of science at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew emphasized the importance of these coordinated efforts.&nbsp;



“As we head to CBD COP16 in Colombia, governments will be under scrutiny to determine what progress has been achieved towards the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 2030 targets, what challenges remain, and how they can be overcome.”&nbsp;



“Comprehensive data on plants and fungi are an integral part of the solution, and filling knowledge gaps in darkspots represents a cost-effective way forward. If countries come together and implement these declaration commitments, we will be better able to address the grand challenges of biodiversity loss, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, and food security.”



This study and the ongoing efforts to map the world’s plant diversity darkspots mark a significant step toward understanding and protecting Earth’s rich and diverse ecosystems.&nbsp;



By prioritizing efforts in these crucial regions, the global scientific community aims to safeguard biodiversity for future generations, while also supporting the well-being of local and Indigenous communities who depend on these ecosystems for their survival.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.20024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Plant diversity 'darkspots' need urgent attention

A global team of scientists, led by researchers from the...

Scientists recently used paramotoring to uncover new plant species and support desert conservation.



We've all heard about scientists exploring the ocean's depths and mountain heights. But have you ever heard of paramotorists, airborne in the sky, teaming up with scientists to explore the rich biodiversity of Peru's desert ecosystems? 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paramotoring-to-discover-plants">Paramotoring to discover plants</h2>



Historically, off-road vehicles have been the go-to mode of transportation for researchers conducting fieldwork in challenging terrains. 



However, with our planet's health in dire straits, the need for more sustainable methods has become a pressing concern. Enter paramotoring - a faster, less intrusive, and more environmentally-friendly alternative.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peru-s-fog-oasis-desert">Peru’s fog oasis desert</h2>



What does a desert, a paramotor, and a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-make-life-and-death-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a>-loving scientist have in common? The thrilling, unique expedition to the fog oasis desert of Peru. 



Here, the fusion of cutting-edge technology and traditional botanical research led to the discovery of unique plant species, enriching our understanding of this fragile ecosystem's biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planting-seeds-for-a-greener-future">Planting seeds for a greener future</h2>



Partnerships often breed success, and the joint efforts of renowned scientists from RBG Kew and local Peruvian organization Huarango Nature resoundingly prove this. Their tireless efforts resulted in the declaration of a conservation reserve in Peru. 



"Plants are often ignored or outright taken for granted when we think about wildlife conservation, which is unfortunate as every single aspect of our lives depends on them," said Oliver Whaley, Honorary Research Associate at RBG Kew.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiring-people-to-take-action">Inspiring people to take action</h2>



"The planet is in serious trouble and with botanical sciences facing a precipitous decline just when we need it most, we have to think of new ways in which we can inspire people to take action."



"Our study shows that through an exciting and multidisciplinary collaboration, today's extreme sports enthusiasts can work alongside scientists to help monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-fairy-lantern-plant-thismia-malayana-fungus-parasite/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>, and with some basic training, gather crucial environmental data, protect species and aid conservation efforts. 



"By engaging local and international adventurers in our scientific work, we're not only empowering them to take nature-positive action, but helping to safeguard our amazing planet - our Pachamama!"



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="rjHWXssJ8r-3884348-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-plants-from-the-air">Exploring plants from the air</h2>



Dr Justin Moat, senior research leader at <a href="https://www.kew.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RBG Kew</a> and <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/national-geographic-explorers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Geographic Explorer</a> said this study was a unique and exciting experience for everyone involved.



"For many years we have attempted to reach some suspected large areas of endemic vegetation in the Peruvian desert, but found it very difficult to access without major damage to the desert surface using 4x4s, due to the harsh desert conditions and soft shifting sands," said Dr. Moat.



"To overcome this challenge, we would have had to mount a major expedition, probably lasting weeks. Meanwhile, the paramotorists had flown great distances and returned with plant specimens and aerial photographic evidence of the vegetation within the space of two hours."



Bringing in the muscle for this innovative conservation effort was Forest Air, an international non-profit organization. Their sturdy paramotor pilots volunteered their skills and time for the challenging, yet rewarding, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-ancient-plant-farming-found-in-east-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation projects</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-botanical-science-and-plant-conservation">Botanical science and plant conservation </h2>



The experts hope that their innovative approach will ignite interest in botanical science and conservation efforts. Now, here's a thought - what can we do as individuals to contribute to these efforts too?



As the saying goes, 'Change starts at home.' So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work. Your own backyard might be the starting point of the next big plant discovery or conservation effort. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessing-remote-areas">Accessing remote areas </h2>



Understanding the mechanics behind paramotoring is essential to grasp its role in conservation efforts. A paramotor, often tethered to a pilot's back, combines a paraglider wing with a lightweight motor, granting the capacity to soar effortlessly and silently above diverse landscapes. 



This ingenious technology, leveraging simplicity and efficiency, allows scientists and conservationists intimate access to otherwise unreachable terrains without disturbing the delicate ecosystems below. 



Its low fuel consumption not only epitomizes sustainability but also reveals a fascinating convergence of aerodynamics and ecological science creatively applied to field research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paramotoring-for-plant-conservation">Paramotoring for plant conservation </h2>



The success of this research project paves the way for future advancements in plant exploration and conservation. By integrating cutting-edge technology like paramotoring with robust scientific inquiry, the horizon promises groundbreaking discoveries, crucial for protecting our plant biodiversity.



The constant evolution of tools and methods highlights the adaptability of scientific fields in response to ever-present <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-pandemic-looms-as-pathogens-move-from-wild-plants-to-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental challenges</a>. 



Already, these efforts hint at a paradigm shift where traditional fieldwork methods are paired with innovative technology.



As academic interest and public support grow, such dynamic projects will likely become cornerstones of sustainability endeavors worldwide.



The research is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ppp3.10571" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants, People, Planet</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Extreme botany: How paramotoring assists in plant conservation

Scientists recently used paramotoring to uncover new plant species and...

In our modern world, the sight of forest fires, and their devastating impacts, is becoming all too common, a stark contrast to the past. We're not just talking about an uptick in the number and frequency of these occurrences, but also their intensity and the severity of the burn. 



There's been a significant upward trend, particularly in places like the western United States and the eastern side of Spain, where fire events have come close to doubling or tripling in size in the recent past.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-forest-fires-leave-behind">What do forest fires leave behind?</h2>



We know how damaging forest fires can be, their effects aren't just limited to the destroyed vegetation and the loss of habitats. 



Our focus here, however, is on a specific aftermath that has received lesser attention -- the increased exposure of land brought upon by these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-fires-diminish-forests-carbon-storage-ability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires</a>. But what does this exposure mean for our planet’s climate?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-data-and-forest-fires">Satellite data and forest fires</h2>



Chao Yue, along with his team of dedicated researchers, decided to tackle this question by analyzing satellite data. 



They took a deep dive into more than a decade worth of data (from 2003 to 2016) involving wildfire events across northern temperate and boreal forests (from 40° N to 70° N). 



What they discovered has implications for how we view the link between forest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-threaten-the-recovery-of-the-ozone-layer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires</a> and global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-impact-of-forest-fires">Unseen impact of forest fires</h2>



After a year following a fire event, the surface starts to warm up, a finding consistent with previous research. 



However, Yue and his team went a step further and developed a mathematical model to show fire sizes successfully amplified surface warming in North America and eastern boreal Asia. 



This discovery was a game-changer, unearthing an aspect of surface warming that had previously been hiding in plain sight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reflectivity-and-evapotranspiration">Reflectivity and evapotranspiration</h2>



The team found decreased evapotranspiration and surface reflectivity a year after the fires, with larger fires leading to greater decreases. 



This means, the surface, now devoid of much of its vegetation and exposed to incoming radiation, was <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-season-of-2023-redefined-what-is-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">getting warmer</a>, making the planet a tad hotter than before. 



However, this was not the case in certain regions, like western, central, and southeastern Siberia and eastern Europe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciduous-broadleaf-trees">Deciduous broadleaf trees</h2>



There's a reason why these regions weren't experiencing the same surface warming effects. They predominantly house mixed forests or forests filled with deciduous broadleaf trees. 



These trees, the authors speculate, may be moderating fire vulnerability, and could be pivotal in our future fire mitigation strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-solution-a-leafier-future">Potential solution: A leafier future?</h2>



Could planting more broadleaf trees be the answer to combating post-fire surface warming? The concept does offer a potential solution. 



Yet, it's not without its challenges and needs more research to determine just how effective broadleaf trees might be in suppressing surface warming in forests across Eurasia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-dynamics-and-forest-fires">Carbon dynamics and forest fires</h2>



The relationship between forest fires and carbon dynamics presents another intricate layer of their impact on climate. 



As forests burn, they release vast amounts of stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating greenhouse gas concentrations and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-attribute-extreme-heat-and-wildfires-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contributing to global warming</a>. 



However, the role of regrowth in carbon sequestration following a fire is equally significant.



When forests regenerate, they can reabsorb some of the carbon released during the burning, potentially mitigating these emissions over time. 



Yet, the pattern of regrowth is highly variable and depends on factors like fire intensity, frequency, and forest type.



Understanding this balance is crucial, as future forest management and reforestation strategies could greatly benefit from insights into optimizing carbon recapture capabilities of post-fire landscapes.



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



The findings of Chao Yue and his research team open up a myriad of opportunities for further exploration and the refinement of strategies to combat climate change. 



Future research could delve deeper into the efficacy of increasing broadleaf tree populations, assessing their true potential in mitigating post-fire surface warming. 



Simultaneously, policy-makers are being urged to consider these insights as they formulate wildfire management strategies and climate action plans.



Integrating this knowledge into environmental policies could not only help in reducing the adverse impacts of forest fires but also enhance our approach to sustainable forestry and land management. 



Moreover, it underscores the importance of developing international collaborations to address this global challenge, ensuring the deployment of informed and effective solutions on a larger scale.



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



The relationship between forest fires and climate change is complex and multifaceted. As we unravel more about this interplay, we're left with more questions than answers. 



Fire mitigation measures and future climate projections need to take into account these newly discovered dynamics. 



If there’s a lesson to be learnt here, it’s that the after-effects of forest fires can be as significant as the fires themselves. This becomes not just an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-forests-2024-new-solutions-for-a-better-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental issue</a> but a global one that affects us all.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07918-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Intense forest fires leave scorched earth, heating the planet faster

In our modern world, the sight of forest fires, and...

Drones are transforming our understanding of biodiversity by exploring the treetops of rainforests, where much life has remained hidden. 



These high, dense canopies are home to countless organisms, yet they have been difficult to study due to their inaccessibility. 



For years, researchers have known that the branches and leaves are teeming with life, but uncovering it has posed a significant challenge.



Now, drones equipped with innovative technology offer a non-invasive way to collect environmental DNA (eDNA) from the treetops, providing crucial insights into the species that live there. 



This breakthrough marks a pivotal moment in rainforest research, allowing scientists to decode the biodiversity of these towering ecosystems without disturbing them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eavesdroppers-at-high-elevations">Eavesdroppers at high elevations</h2>



In the past, these tiny organisms were virtually invisible to the human eye, their existence revealed only through the minute traces they left behind - DNA on the leaves and branches of the rainforest.



Today, however, a team of pioneers has unlocked a groundbreaking approach to uncovering this life. The experts have developed a unique adaptation to familiar technology: a drone equipped with a specialized fabric probe.



The drone soars above the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainforest</a>, gently brushing leaves and branches to collect DNA, revealing uncharted life in the canopy.



"If we want people to protect nature, we need to tell them what we are actually protecting - with our solution, we hope to better understand the life in the canopy," explained study lead author Steffen Kirchgeorg.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-research-and-drone-technology">Biodiversity research and drone technology</h2>



The introduction of drone-based DNA collection is not just a technological breakthrough - it is reshaping the way scientists conduct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> research.



Traditionally, studying life in the rainforest canopies required invasive and labor-intensive methods, such as physically climbing trees or setting up elaborate sampling systems. 



With drones, this process becomes more efficient and less disruptive, allowing for repeated sampling over vast areas in a fraction of the time. This innovation opens up new possibilities for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. 



By gathering more comprehensive data on species diversity in these remote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koalas-face-critical-threats-from-disease-and-habitat-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitats</a>, researchers can better understand how ecosystems function and respond to environmental changes. The technology also helps identify species that may be at risk, guiding targeted conservation actions before it's too late.



Drones also allow for global collaboration, with scientists worldwide able to adopt this technology to explore previously inaccessible ecosystems, creating a unified strategy for biodiversity preservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-drone-process-works">How the drone process works</h2>



The researchers designed a highly specialized drone system to collect eDNA without disturbing the environment. 



The process begins with the drone flying high above the canopy, remotely guided to position itself over the targeted tree branches. Once in place, the drone lowers a fleece-like fabric probe via a pulley system. 



The probe, reinforced with strips of fiberglass for added structure, brushes gently against the branches and leaves. This allows it to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-collect-human-dna-from-water-air-and-basically-everywhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collect DNA</a> left behind by organisms in the form of mucus, feces, or dead skin cells.



To ensure smooth operation, the drone is equipped with a sensor that detects any impact with branches. If the probe gets too close to obstacles, the drone adjusts its position to avoid entanglement. 



After the collection is complete, the probe is retrieved by the drone and brought back to the research team for analysis. 



In a successful field test conducted in a Southeast Asian rainforest, the collected samples revealed a variety of species, including spiders, ants, long-tailed macaques, and a species of fly known as the gall midge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-frontier-for-conservation">A new frontier for conservation</h2>



This pioneering study not only demonstrates the remarkable potential of drones in biodiversity research but also highlights the critical importance of understanding these remote and often overlooked ecosystems.



The ability to gather crucial data with minimal disturbance ensures that these fragile environments can be better protected, preserved, and restored for future generations.



As conservationists and researchers continue to explore innovative ways of monitoring and safeguarding biodiversity, drone technology will undoubtedly play a central and transformative role in unlocking the hidden secrets of the natural world, starting with the uncharted life thriving in the rainforest canopies.



The research is published in the ACS journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/journal/esthag" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Drones reveal hidden biodiversity in rainforest canopies

Drones are transforming our understanding of biodiversity by exploring the...

Forests are at the forefront of climate change research, where new discoveries continually challenge established views. 



As vital ecosystems that regulate carbon levels, water cycles, and biodiversity, forests have long been considered highly vulnerable to the effects of rising global temperatures and pollution.



However, recent scientific findings have brought a new perspective to this issue. Researchers have uncovered data suggesting that the risks posed to forests by climate change and human pollution may not be as dire as previously thought. 



These results offer hope that forests, with their complex plant-soil interactions, may possess greater resilience in the face of environmental stressors than initially anticipated.



This breakthrough comes from an innovative study led by researchers from the <a href="https://www.unh.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New Hampshire</a> (UNH).



The research marks the first time the combined impact of rising temperatures and increased nitrogen levels - driven by climate change and fossil fuel emissions - has been thoroughly examined.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-fighting-back">Forests fighting back?</h2>



Study lead author Melissa Knorr is a lab research supervisor in the UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture.



"What is most exciting about this study is that it's one of the longest-running experiments to look at two global change pressures instead of just focusing on one. This is particularly important to study in the Northeast, where the region has experienced greater nitrogen deposition historically, and now faster <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a> than in other parts of the country," explained Knorr.



The study was focused on data gathered over 16 years at the Harvard Forest Long-Term Ecological Research site in Massachusetts. At this site, researchers continuously exposed the soil to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-alter-photosynthesis-and-plant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">higher temperatures</a> and nitrogen fertilization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-dynamics-in-detail">Carbon dynamics in detail</h2>



The previously existing belief about the impact of climate change on forests was that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-soils-release-more-carbon-than-plants-can-replace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming soil</a> led to significant carbon loss over time, while increased nitrogen levels caused carbon buildup in the soil. 



However, the new research directly challenges this long-standing belief, offering a more nuanced understanding of how these factors interact.



"Plants, particularly through root turnover – the natural process where plant roots grow, die and decompose - and increased plant growth and activity, add new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-pool-of-global-soil-carbon-alters-climate-change-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon to the soil</a>," said study co-author Professor Serita Frey.



"And while microbial activity breaks down organic matter, releasing CO₂, we observed that enhanced plant carbon inputs belowground - caused by warmer temperatures and increased nitrogen - help maintain soil carbon levels, counteracting what would otherwise have been a significant net loss of carbon from the soil."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-changing-climate-and-ecosystem">A changing climate and ecosystem</h2>



Over the last century, New England’s average temperature has risen by 1.7°F, and while nitrogen deposition rates are on the decline, they remain five to six times higher than pre-industrial levels. 



The excess nitrogen, deposited through rain and snowfall, can damage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-pollution-threatens-the-health-of-plants-and-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant health</a> and acidify waterways.



Despite these sobering statistics, the findings from this new study highlight the resilience of forest ecosystems and emphasize the critical role that plant-soil interactions can play in managing them.



"By challenging previous predictions from studies that looked at only one factor alone, this research offers a fuller picture of how ecosystems respond to multiple stressors and forests' role in combating climate change," said Knorr. 



"The study offers insights that could inform conservation strategies to enhance carbon sequestration and preserve forest health across the Northeast."



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



The findings from this research hold significant implications for forest management and conservation strategies in the face of climate change. 



Traditionally, conservation efforts have focused on mitigating single stressors like rising temperatures or nutrient pollution. 



However, this study highlights the importance of addressing the complex interactions between multiple factors, such as soil warming and nitrogen levels, to enhance forest resilience.



By focusing on both plant and soil dynamics, future conservation strategies can better promote long-term carbon sequestration and ecosystem stability. 



The research opens new avenues for developing targeted approaches that prioritize the management of soil health and plant diversity, helping to preserve forests as critical carbon sinks and robust habitats capable of adapting to environmental stressors.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02546-x.epdf?sharing_token=ma_taxabDQEVCjQSG1TIm9RgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0Px_tHV62exclbuiVTX40re5xBS1vdxMLIfu_0X0TFnB8gqPIZo6N_E386c6_afs33pk03UrnBEs2_WLVONN5J77xM4rBG0G9ROs3jnyEfCjHUgd3wDMSFLKXc-x5dQTVc%3D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Forests are more resilient to change than we thought

Forests are at the forefront of climate change research, where...

Bacteria that reside in soil and help plant roots fix nitrogen can significantly boost the reproductive capacity of certain plants by making the flowers more attractive, according to new research.



The study focuses on Chamaecrista latistipula, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-legumes-solve-environmental-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legume</a> in the Fabaceae family, which includes beans and peas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-bacteria-and-plant-flowers">Soil bacteria and plant flowers</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-bacteria-contribute-to-atmospheric-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soil bacteria</a> enhance the attractiveness of the plant's flowers to pollinators through a type of mutualistic relationship. In mutualism, both organisms benefit - plants receive more nutrients, and microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi thrive.



Chamaecrista latistipula is a shrub native to regions of Bolivia, Brazil, and northeast Argentina, where it grows in nutrient-poor soils. It relies on a specific pollinator to reproduce successfully.&nbsp;



“Its mutualistic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria increases the supply of the nutrient to its roots in exchange for the sugar on which they feed,” explained Anselmo Nogueira, a professor at the <a href="https://www.ufabc.edu.br/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal University of the ABC</a> (UFABC), in São Paulo, Brazil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mutualistic-relationship-with-pollinators">Mutualistic relationship with pollinators</h2>



In addition to its relationship with bacteria, C. latistipula has a mutualistic relationship with specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-are-not-just-attracted-to-plants-by-scent-but-also-by-humidity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a>. 



“The pollen stored in its flowers’ anthers is only released when they are made to vibrate, mainly by being shaken by females of some species of bumblebee in the genus Bombus,” Nogueira said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-make-the-flowers-appealing-nbsp">Bacteria make the flowers appealing&nbsp;</h2>



In a greenhouse experiment conducted at the Plant-Animal Interaction Laboratory, led by Nogueira, it was revealed that these bacteria play a significant role in making the flowers more appealing to bumblebees, especially in nutrient-poor soils.&nbsp;



Unexpectedly, the researchers also found that nutrient-rich soil did not lead to healthy plants with attractive flowers.&nbsp;



“Because the association with bacteria is very costly for the plant, we assumed that in nitrogen-rich soil the plants would simply take <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-has-too-much-and-too-little-nitrogen-at-the-same-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen</a> directly from the soil, but in our experiments, nutrient-rich soil didn’t produce healthy plants with attractive flowers,” explained Caroline Souza, the first author of the article.



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



The experiment was part of a broader project examining how bacteria, ants, and bees contribute to the evolution of legumes.&nbsp;



The team monitored 60 C. latistipula plants over 16 months, from seed germination. Half were grown in nutrient-poor sandy soil, while the other half were in soil rich in organic matter, supplemented with potassium nitrate.&nbsp;



Both soil types were sterilized to remove any existing microorganisms, and the seeds were sterilized before sowing to prevent external bacterial influence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-nitrogen-fixing-bacteria-nbsp">The role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria&nbsp;</h2>



The experiment revealed that plants grown in sandy soil with added rhizobia (nitrogen-fixing bacteria) developed much better than those without bacteria or those grown in nutrient-rich soil.&nbsp;



“In the nitrogen-poor sandy soil with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, the plants were almost twice as tall and three times larger than those grown in nitrogen-rich soil with organic matter and rhizobia,” Nogueira said.&nbsp;



In contrast, plants grown without rhizobia, regardless of soil type, were smaller and less healthy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-that-attract-bumblebees-nbsp">Colors that attract bumblebees&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers analyzed the flowers of these plants using a surface spectrophotometer to measure how light was reflected, testing for color contrasts perceptible to bumblebees.&nbsp;



Significant differences were observed only in the plants grown in sandy soil with rhizobia, whose anthers displayed a pattern particularly attractive to bumblebees.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-showcase-smart-logical-reasoning-abilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bumblebees</a> perceive the color spectrum differently than humans, and the unique flower characteristics likely contributed to their attraction.



“The anthers contain the pollen and can be accessed only by insects capable of making them vibrate, which can’t be done by exotic species such as the European honeybee Apis mellifera,” Souza explained.&nbsp;



Pollen is a vital protein source for bee larvae, influencing their growth and development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study-nbsp">Broader implications of the study&nbsp;</h2>



After the flower analysis, the researchers examined the roots of the plants and found that the plants grown in nutrient-poor sandy soil with rhizobia had the most root nodules.&nbsp;



These nodules are knob-like structures where nitrogen-fixing bacteria live in a symbiotic relationship with the plant. The bacteria help the plant produce amino acids needed for growth, while the plant supplies the bacteria with sugars for energy and reproduction.



The study suggests that the mutualistic relationship between plants and bacteria enhances the quality of the pollen, potentially increasing its protein and amino acid content, making the flowers more attractive to native bees.&nbsp;



“The heightened attractiveness of the flowers may be associated with larger amounts of high-quality resources, influenced by the roots’ high nitrogen fixation rate,” Nogueira concluded.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajb2.16363" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Botany</a>. 



-----



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



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



-----

Soil bacteria makes flowers more attractive to pollinators

Bacteria that reside in soil and help plant roots fix...

With climate change and limited resources creating tough challenges, researchers are trying out different methods to improve agricultural productivity and crop yields. You might be surprised by one of the answers they've come up with: electric soil.



This technique involves applying electrical currents to the soil, which has been found to stimulate plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, and improve overall crop health. 



By tapping into the power of electricity in farming, scientists hope to develop more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-footprint-a-new-frontier-in-sustainable-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable practices</a> that can lead to better yields and greater food security for everyone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electricity-soil-tremendous-plant-growth">Electricity + soil = tremendous plant growth</h2>



Leading this study was Eleni Stavrinidou, an esteemed associate professor at <a href="https://liu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Linköping University</a> in Sweden. 



Together with her team, she discovered that barley seedlings grew up to 50% more in just 15 days -- all thanks to some electric jolts to the soil in which their roots were growing.



Stavrinidou emphasizes how desperately we need to evolve our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-practices-boost-soil-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultivation strategies</a>. 



She asks, "With the population explosion and climate change, can we keep up with the food demands of the planet with only the existing agricultural methods?" 



The answer, she believes, lies in urban hydroponics, a form of controlled farming that doesn't rely on soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydroponics-and-urban-farming">Hydroponics and urban farming</h2>



Before we dig into the electrifying soil revelation, let's get our hands dirty with hydroponics. Hydroponics is a revolutionary farming method that's been gaining momentum, particularly in urban landscapes where space is scarce.



In hydroponic systems, plants don't need soil to grow. Instead, they are nurtured in nutrient-rich water, with substrates providing the much-needed support.



But what's really eye-catching about hydroponics is its efficiency. 



Hydroponic systems consume significantly less water than traditional farming because the water is reused, and each plant gets exactly what it needs -- not an ounce more, not an ounce less.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-soil-esoil-is-a-real-game-changer">Electric soil (eSoil) is a real game-changer</h2>



Now let's talk about eSoil, the secret sauce in Stavrinidou's study. 



The pivotal element that sets eSoil apart is its blend of cellulose (the material that constitutes plant cell walls) and a conductive polymer known as PEDOT. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Electronic-soil-with-growing-plant_credit-Thor-Balkhed_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/electronic-soil_esoil_barley-growth_boosts-yield_scientists-lab_credit-Thor-Balkhed_1s.webp" alt="Eleni Stavrinidou, associate professor, and supervisor of the study and Alexandra Sandéhn, Ph.D. student, one of the lead authors, connect the electric soil (eSoil) to a low power source for stimulating plant growth. Credit: Thor Balkhed" class="wp-image-1945663"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Eleni Stavrinidou, associate professor, and supervisor of the study and Alexandra Sandéhn, Ph.D. student, one of the lead authors, connect the electric soil (eSoil) to a low power source for stimulating plant growth. Credit: Thor Balkhed</figcaption></figure>



The resulting concoction paves the way for the root stimulation that fosters unprecedented growth.



Not just that, eSoil is also a far greener alternative to the mineral wool substrates widely used in hydroponic setups today. 



It's biodegradable, consumes less energy during production, and did I mention the growth-boosting electrical conductivity?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stunning-results">Stunning results</h2>



The electric buzz didn't stop at the breakthrough. When Stavrinidou and her team put eSoil to the test, the results were, quite literally, shocking. 



Barley seedlings on eSoil outgrew their non-electrified counterparts by 50% in a mere fortnight.



"In this way, we can get seedlings to grow faster with less resources. We don't yet know how it actually works, which biological mechanisms that are involved," Sarvrinidou explains. 



"What we have found is that seedlings process nitrogen more effectively, but it's not clear yet how the&nbsp;<a href="https://phys.org/tags/electrical+stimulation/">electrical stimulation</a>&nbsp;impacts this process."



Looking ahead, Stavrinidou acknowledges that hydroponics won't entirely address global food security concerns. "But it can certainly be a lifeline, particularly in areas with limited arable land and harsh environmental conditions," she adds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-security-and-sustainable-agriculture">Food security and sustainable agriculture</h2>



eSoil and hydroponics are both such important tools because food security has become an increasingly pressing concern as the world's population expands. 



Challenges such as climate change disrupt weather patterns and impact crop yields, while resource limitations like water scarcity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-pollution-is-harming-worms-and-bugs-to-an-unknown-degree/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil degradation</a> further complicate food production. 



These issues lead to higher prices and heighten the risk of hunger and malnutrition in vulnerable communities.



How can we effectively tackle these challenges? Embracing sustainable agriculture practices is essential for boosting food production while safeguarding the environment. 



Techniques such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-adopt-regenerative-agriculture-better-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop rotation</a>, organic farming, and efficient water management can enhance soil health, conserve precious resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 



Combining all of these methodologies with electric soil and hydroponics will help us reach global food security goals much faster.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-soil-and-the-future-of-farming">Electric soil and the future of farming</h2>



Envision vertical farms housed in urban skyscrapers, producing fresh produce right in the heart of the city. Or hydroponic systems in desert regions, cultivating crops with minimal water. 



And let's not forget about long-term space missions -- efficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-food-systems-are-gaining-momentum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food production strategies</a>, such as eSoil, would indeed be invaluable.



With much still to uncover about how electrical stimulation impacts plant growth, the journey doesn't stop here. Could this technique work for other plant types? How are other nutrients influenced by electric stimulation? 



As Stavrinidou said, this study is just the tip of the iceberg, and the pursuit of answers will undoubtedly "open the pathway for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smart-soil-can-absorb-water-from-the-air-and-feed-itself/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new research areas</a> to develop further hydroponic cultivation."



There's no question about it -- as we grapple with food production challenges on a global scale, innovative solutions like eSoil could be a shot in the arm for agriculture. 



A future where robust plants grow faster using fewer resources, where fresh produce is accessible within bustling cities, could be on the horizon. And it all starts with a jolt of electric soil.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2304135120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

"Electric soil" boosts crop production and plant growth by 50% in just 15 days

With climate change and limited resources creating tough challenges, researchers...

Imagine walking through a forest where every rustle of leaves and every sway of branches is part of a complex dialogue. This isn't a scene from a fantasy novel -- it's the reality uncovered by a team of Japanese researchers exploring the hidden world of plant communication.



Dr. Masatsugu Toyota and his team have achieved something remarkable: capturing real-time footage of plants communicating with their neighbors by sending defense signals. 



This breakthrough offers a fresh perspective on how plants interact with their environment and each other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-communication-how-does-it-work">Plant communication: How does it work?</h2>



At the core of this discovery is the concept of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These are chemicals released by plants when they face threats like mechanical damage or insect attacks. 



Dr. Toyota and his team from <a href="https://en.saitama-u.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saitama University</a> observed how undamaged plants respond to these VOCs, initiating their own defense mechanisms in response.



The research team included Yuri Aratani, a dedicated Ph.D. student, and Takuya Uemura, a skilled postdoctoral researcher. 



Their collaborative efforts have shed light on the sophisticated ways plants protect themselves and support their neighbors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-plant-communication-on-video">Capturing plant communication on video</h2>



To study this phenomenon, the team designed an intricate experimental setup. They used an air pump connected to a container housing leaves and caterpillars, simulating a plant under attack. 



Nearby, another chamber contained Arabidopsis thaliana, a common weed from the mustard family. 



These plants were genetically modified to glow green when they detected calcium ions -- key messengers indicating stress.



Using a fluorescence microscope, the researchers could watch in real-time as the undamaged plants picked up the VOC signals and responded accordingly. 



This setup allowed them to visualize the immediate reactions of plants to their environment.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="y3jCxgUSpz-3322206-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-road-of-discovery">Long road of discovery</h2>



This study builds on observations first made in 1983, which sparked debates and further research into plant communication. 



Over the years, scientists have uncovered various ways plants interact, from chemical signals to underground networks formed by fungi.



“We have finally unveiled the intricate story of when, where, and how plants respond to airborne ‘warning messages’ from their threatened neighbors," Dr. Toyota emphasized.



This statement highlights the importance of understanding these subtle interactions that play a crucial role in plant survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-plant-communication-channels">Different plant communication channels</h2>



While VOCs are a primary means of communication, plants employ several other methods to convey messages. 



For instance, electrical signals within plants can trigger physiological changes like closing stomata to conserve water during droughts. 



Additionally, the "Wood Wide Web," a network of mycorrhizal fungi connecting plant roots, allows for the sharing of nutrients and information underground.



These diverse communication channels ensure that plants can respond swiftly to environmental challenges, whether it's warding off pests or adapting to changing climates. 



Understanding these interactions not only fascinates botanists but also has practical applications in agriculture and conservation.



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



Grasping how plants communicate enhances our appreciation of ecosystems' complexity. It explains how plant communities can be resilient, responding collectively to threats and supporting each other’s growth. 



This knowledge is invaluable for developing sustainable agricultural practices. Farmers can leverage these natural communication methods to enhance crop protection and reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.



Moreover, conservation efforts benefit from this understanding by promoting practices that maintain healthy plant networks, ensuring ecosystems remain robust against disturbances like pests and climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-and-their-communication-networks">Plants and their communication networks</h2>



The study of plant communication reveals a world of interconnectedness that rivals any human-made network. 



Plants, often perceived as passive organisms, exhibit a level of responsiveness and cooperation that is both intricate and essential for their survival.



For example, when one plant is attacked by herbivores, it releases VOCs that not only alert neighboring plants to strengthen their defenses but also attract predators of the herbivores. 



This creates a natural defense system where plants essentially "call for help," recruiting allies in their battle against pests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technological-advances-paving-the-way">Technological advances paving the way</h2>



The ability to visualize plant responses in real-time was made possible by advancements in genetic engineering and microscopy. 



By engineering Arabidopsis thaliana to fluoresce upon detecting calcium ions, researchers could directly observe the plant’s stress responses. 



This technological leap opens doors for further studies, allowing scientists to explore the nuances of plant signaling in greater detail.



Such innovations underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in modern science, where biology, chemistry, and technology converge to unravel nature’s mysteries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engaging-with-nature-s-language">Engaging with nature's language</h2>



Understanding plant communication invites us to rethink our relationship with the natural world. It challenges the notion that plants are mere background players in ecosystems, highlighting their active roles in maintaining ecological balance. 



This perspective fosters a deeper respect for plant life and encourages more thoughtful interactions with our environment.



Have you ever wondered how your garden responds to pests or how forests recover from storms? 



The answers lie in the silent conversations of plants, orchestrated through chemical and electrical signals and supported by underground networks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-directions-what-comes-next">Future directions: What comes next?</h2>



Dr. Toyota’s research is just the beginning. Future studies could explore how different plant species communicate and how these interactions vary across ecosystems. 



Additionally, there’s potential to harness plant communication mechanisms to develop innovative solutions for agriculture, such as creating crops that can better resist pests naturally.



Finally, understanding plant networks could lead to breakthroughs in ecological restoration, helping degraded environments recover more efficiently by leveraging the inherent communication systems of plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-the-silent-symphony-of-plants">Learning from the silent symphony of plants</h2>



To sum it all up, plants engage in a sophisticated dialogue that is both subtle and vital for their survival. 



Through the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), generation of electrical signals, and formation of underground networks, they communicate threats and support each other in maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems.



Dr. Masatsugu Toyota and his team from Saitama University have illuminated this hidden world, offering insights that advance scientific knowledge while inspiring a greater appreciation for the intricate lives of plants.



As we continue to explore and understand these silent conversations, we gain a deeper connection to the natural world and uncover new ways to coexist sustainably with the life around us.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41589-9#Sec1">Nature Communications</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Plants captured on video communicating with each other for the first time ever

Imagine walking through a forest where every rustle of leaves...

When it comes to the world of flowering plants, one family dominates when it comes to diversity -- the Asteraceae family.



Boasting around 34,000 species under its umbrella, this family of flowering plants wins the spot for the most varied group of its kind worldwide. 



In recent times, an international team of scientists, which includes experts from the University of Göttingen, set out to explore the rich world of Asteraceae.&nbsp;



By compiling and analyzing a novel and comprehensive global database, these researchers were able to trace the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-of-life-created-for-flowering-plants-using-400-million-specimens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancestral paths</a> and current distribution of all Asteraceae species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asteraceae-speciation-on-island-shores">Asteraceae speciation on island shores</h2>



One would naturally expect to find a unique blend of flora and fauna on remote islands. In this vein, Asteraceae has a remarkable presence on several far-flung islands, such as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galapagos-penguins-at-risk-in-polluted-food-web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galápagos</a>, Mauritius, and Polynesia.



The family brings together a fascinating range of flowering plant species, from the diversified genus Bidens that adorn the Pacific islands to the rare and enchanting silverswords of Hawai'i.&nbsp;



Not to forget the giant Scalesia trees that hold court on the Galápagos Islands. The biodiversity they bring to these islands makes Asteraceae a shining beacon of natural variety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asteraceae-biodiversity-puzzle">Asteraceae biodiversity puzzle</h2>



While the Asteraceae family is known for its island <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-are-picky-when-choosing-their-mate-for-fertilization/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>, until recently, it wasn't entirely clear where these plants fit into the broader context of planet Earth. 



That's where the global database painstakingly put together by botany and evolutionary biology researchers comes in.



Their efforts have illuminated the existence of over 6,000 Asteraceae species that are native to islands, with an astounding 60% exclusive to these landmasses.&nbsp;



This astonishing discovery confirms long-held ecology and evolution theories about larger, isolated islands being home to a wealth of unique species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-of-flowering-plants">Survival of flowering plants</h2>



While the diversity of the Asteraceae family on islands is a marvel in itself, there's a more poignant aspect to this tale.&nbsp;



Many of these unique species are often teetering on the brink of extinction, their existence hanging by a thread -- making the need to study and protect them ever more critical.



"Asteraceae provides a treasure trove of information to help researchers understand why and how new species evolve in the most remote environments in the world," says Professor Holger Kreft, head of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-prefer-flowers-with-large-bullseyes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, macroecology and biogeography at the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Göttingen</a>.



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



The researchers' deep dive into the world of Asteraceae didn't just stop at identifying the unique species found on islands. 



They also came across dozens of possible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tobacco-and-zinnia-can-thrive-in-polluted-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">speciation events</a> -- instances where new species evolve from a common ancestor -- that could have occurred on islands in the recent past.



The sheer number of these likely speciation events struck the research team.&nbsp;



"Botanists have long suspected that Asteraceae has evolved in remarkable ways on islands, but our study shows that the extent of evolutionary innovation in this family may be much greater than previously thought," says first author Lizzie Roeble of <a href="https://www.naturalis.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Naturalis Biodiversity Center</a> in Leiden, the Netherlands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-the-flowering-plants">Preserving the flowering plants</h2>



It's clear from these findings that the Asteraceae family is not only a treasure trove of botanical diversity and knowledge but also a glaring warning sign about the precarious balance of nature.&nbsp;



These plants play a pivotal role in their respective ecosystems, serving as a source of food for a myriad of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and birds.



These findings underline the importance of preserving this group of plants for the future of our world. This way, they can continue to bloom, grow and evolve in the most strikingly remote areas on our beautiful planet.



In conclusion, isn't it remarkable how much we can learn from the world of flowers? It's evident that the dynamic Asteraceae family, with its bevvy of species that have evolved, adapted, and thrived over time, and across islands, offers us priceless insights into the intricate and awe-inspiring dance of evolution.&nbsp;



So, next time you come across a humble flowering plant, remember -- there's much more to it than what meets the eye.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51556-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Asteraceae is the world's most diverse flowering plant family

When it comes to the world of flowering plants, one...

Marijuana,Or,Cannabis,Green,Leaf.,Hemp,Plant,Growing.,Medical,Marijuana

Hemp is emerging as a powerful ally in the fight against global insecticide resistance, with new research revealing that cannabidiol (CBD) -- the same compound used to treat various ailments -- can effectively kill mosquito larvae. 



The findings from the study, published in the journal Insects, demonstrate that hemp leaf extract rich in the active ingredient CBD can annihilate mosquito larvae within a short span of 48 hours.&nbsp;



Remarkably, this lethal effect was observed in both strains of the yellow fever mosquito, including one noted for its resistance to conventional insecticides.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targeting-mosquito-larvae">Targeting mosquito larvae</h2>



Erick Martinez Rodriguez, lead author of the study and a graduate student in entomology at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>, emphasized the urgency of targeting mosquitoes in their larval stage. 



“It’s very important to be able to control these pests at an early stage, when they are at their most vulnerable," said Martinez Rodriguez.



Adult&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bad-news-mosquitoes-prefer-heat-and-thrive-in-the-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a>, known for traversing large distances and transmitting diseases, are not the only challenge.&nbsp;



Mosquito larvae, aquatic organisms usually found in stationary water, are hard to manage.&nbsp;Synthetic insecticides, vital in the battle against larvae, have led to resistance and environmental harm due to overuse.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hemp-vs-cannabis-what-s-the-difference">Hemp vs. cannabis: What's the difference?</h2>



Hemp and cannabis are both part of the same plant family, Cannabis sativa, but they have some key differences in their chemical makeup and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-legalization-does-not-increase-youth-substance-abuse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legal status</a>.



Hemp is a type of Cannabis sativa that has really low levels of THC (the compound that gets you high), specifically less than 0.3% THC by law. Because of this, it's non-intoxicating and legal to grow in many areas.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-production-may-soon-get-a-major-boost/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cannabis</a>, meanwhile, usually refers to varieties with higher THC levels, which are often used for either medicinal or recreational purposes.



Now, let's talk about CBD, or cannabidiol. This compound is found in both hemp and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americas-cannabis-capitals-people-these-us-cities-consume-most-marijuana/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a>, but unlike THC, CBD doesn’t give you a high.



It’s often extracted from hemp due to its low THC levels and is used in all sorts of products, from oils and tinctures to edibles and creams.



People turn to CBD for its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recreational-cannabis-use-protects-against-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential health benefits</a>, like pain relief, reduced anxiety, and anti-inflammatory effects. 



The main thing to remember is that CBD is just one part of the hemp or cannabis plant, while the words "hemp" and "cannabis" refer to the whole plant, which can include both CBD and THC.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hemp-as-a-sustainable-insecticide">Hemp as a sustainable insecticide</h2>



Inspired by previous research from Ohio State University, which identified natural&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-why-catnip-is-a-powerful-mosquito-repellent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito-repellent</a>&nbsp;properties in plants from Madagascar, the team shifted focus to hemp, a sustainable alternative.



Hemp, related to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-plans-to-reclassify-marijuana-and-ease-restrictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marijuana</a>&nbsp;but without high-inducing THC levels, is widely used for its therapeutic CBD properties.&nbsp;



To test hemp's insecticidal potency, the team pulverized dried hemp leaves, soaked them in methanol, and created an extract. 



“What was surprising was the small amount needed to be so deadly,” said Martinez Rodriguez, noting that CBD bypassed the larvae's metabolic resistance to other insecticides.



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



This discovery not only highlights hemp as a cost-effective crop for insecticide production but also raises questions about its impact on non-target species.&nbsp;



Study co-author Peter Piermarini, a professor of entomology at Ohio State, noted that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cbd-relieves-anxiety-without-the-risks-that-come-with-thc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBD</a>&nbsp;is a compound that appears to be safe for people and our companion animals to ingest.



“It’ll be interesting to learn more about how CBD interacts with various proteins in mammals and insects to understand why it’s safe for people but not&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a>,” said Professor Piermarini.



While more research is required to ensure the safety of CBD for pollinators like honey bees, this study paves the way for a new era of natural insecticides.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hemp-and-the-environment">Hemp and the environment </h2>



As the scientific community explores the potential applications of hemp-derived CBD as an insecticide, it must also navigate the ecological concerns linked to its widespread use.



While the merits of reducing synthetic insecticide reliance are evident, it is crucial to understand how CBD-infused solutions might interact with ecosystems, particularly aquatic habitats where mosquito larvae reside. 



Comprehensive studies should investigate any unintended consequences for non-target aquatic species, contributing to the maintenance of biodiversity. 



Furthermore, collaboration with environmental scientists could inform best practices and guidelines, ensuring that the benefits of this natural insecticide are maximized without compromising ecological balance.



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



The promising results of the initial study open numerous research avenues for the scientific exploration of CBD's insecticidal properties. 



One such extension involves the assessment of CBD's efficacy against other resistant mosquito species and pests to understand its broader spectrum of action.



Additionally, there is potential to fine-tune extraction methodologies, optimizing the concentration of CBD for effective and sustainable pest control.



Future studies could explore genetic engineering approaches to enhance insecticide properties in hemp.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hemp-extract-and-pest-management">Hemp extract and pest management </h2>



While the study highlights the efficacy of hemp as a natural insecticide for mosquito larvae, the potential applications of CBD in pest management could extend far beyond.&nbsp;



Researchers are exploring how hemp extract might be adapted to control other insect pests that threaten agriculture and public health.&nbsp;



This could lead to an expansion of biopesticide options, offering eco-friendly solutions to combat insecticide-resistant pests in various ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developing-safe-pest-control-methods">Developing safe pest control methods</h2>



The researchers are also keen to investigate the broader environmental impacts of CBD-based insecticides, particularly how they might influence biodiversity.



“Understanding how these natural compounds interact with different insect species will be crucial for developing safe, targeted pest control methods,” said Martinez Rodriguez.&nbsp;



Additionally, efforts are underway to optimize the extraction process to ensure maximum efficiency and minimal environmental footprint.



The research was supported by the Infectious Diseases Institute and Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/15/7/517" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insects</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Hemp leaf extracts can eradicate one of the world’s deadliest pests

Hemp is emerging as a powerful ally in the fight...

The unique light environment of the Earth's polar regions creates conditions that foster the formation of circumpolar hybrid zones around both the North and South Poles, according to a new study.&nbsp;



These extreme conditions synchronize the reproductive phenology of various species, forcing them into a shorter window for reproduction, which may sustain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-biodiversity-will-get-a-boost-from-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> in the long term.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polar-light-influences-biodiversity">Polar light influences biodiversity</h2>



In a recent research article, Professor Kari Saikkonen from the <a href="https://www.utu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Turku</a>, Finland, and his colleagues presented a new theory on how the polar light environment influences biodiversity over millions of years. 



The research, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.08.002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Earth</a>, explores the role of the unique light cycles near the poles in shaping long-term biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-cycles-of-polar-light">Extreme cycles of polar light</h2>



Daylight patterns on Earth vary significantly depending on latitude. At the Equator, day and night are nearly equal year-round, with only minor seasonal variation in day length as one moves away from the Equator.&nbsp;



However, closer to the poles, there is substantial seasonality, resulting in phenomena like the “midnight sun,” where there is 24-hour daylight in the summer, and the “polar night,” where the sun does not rise for months during the winter in regions within the Arctic and Antarctic circles.



“At the center of our theory is the hypothesis that the extreme light environment of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar regions</a> creates hybrid zones in both polar regions,” Saikkonen said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-changes-in-day-length-nbsp">Seasonal changes in day length&nbsp;</h2>



Unlike temperature, which can vary unpredictably with local and global climate, day length is a stable environmental factor that changes consistently with latitude.&nbsp;



Many organisms, especially photosynthetic ones like plants and some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-seabed-bacteria-play-a-crucial-role-in-sustaining-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a>, have adapted to using seasonal changes in day length as signals to time their reproduction.



Since many organisms rely on light as a cue, the polar light environment increases the likelihood that closely related plant species will flower simultaneously. 



This creates opportunities for hybridization, where organisms reproduce with individuals from a different species or variety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polar-light-and-hybridization">Polar light and hybridization </h2>



Saikkonen noted that although <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hybridization-reduces-vulnerability-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hybridization</a> is common in almost all groups of organisms, its role as a force for sustaining biodiversity has not been fully understood. 



“Hybridization may also involve backcrossing, where hybrid individuals mate with members of the original species. This allows genes to be transferred between species, creating new adaptive gene combinations suited to different environmental conditions,” explained Saikkonen.



At lower latitudes, where day length changes only slightly between seasons, the timing of reproduction among distinct populations or subspecies is less likely to overlap, and thus hybridization is less common.&nbsp;



However, in polar regions, the unique light cycles may promote more frequent hybridization, leading to new biodiversity over long geological periods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-biodiversity-nbsp">Evolution of biodiversity&nbsp;</h2>



“Species' range shifts across latitudes during the Earth's cooler and warmer cycles cause recurrent isolation and contact among species. This results in mixing and differentiation of species, leading to new biodiversity over long periods of time,” said Saikkonen.



Microbes have played a crucial role in the evolution of biodiversity since the origin of life, and they continue to have a significant impact on maintaining and promoting global biodiversity.



“Microbes are ubiquitous, and mounting evidence reveals their high adaptive potential due to their short life cycle. Many microbes are light-sensitive and affect the well-being of virtually all plants and animals. Since all plants and animals have diverse microbiota, they should be treated as a whole,” Saikkonen said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polar-regions-are-warming-rapidly">Polar regions are warming rapidly</h2>



In their study, the experts hypothesize that photosensitive microbes may play a role in helping plants adapt to the extreme light conditions of polar regions.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracking-arctic-climate-change-is-much-more-difficult-since-russia-invaded-ukraine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> and biodiversity loss are among the greatest global threats to ecosystems today. The polar regions, in particular, are warming at a much faster rate than the global average - up to 2–4 times faster.



“Climate models predict that Arctic sea ice will melt by the end of this century. Over the same period, Antarctica's ice-free area will increase from approximately 2% today to almost 25%,” said Saikkonen.



The melting of the western Antarctic glaciers alone could cause sea levels to rise by five meters, threatening 10% of the world's population and many of the world's coastal ecosystems over the next decades or centuries.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-driven-biodiversity-loss">Climate-driven biodiversity loss</h2>



The researchers argue that the conventional species-focused approach to biodiversity must expand to include the genetic diversity of organisms and the importance of microbial associates in plants and animals.



“We propose that biodiversity can, in the long term, recover after disturbances and mass extinctions, but ecosystems will restructure as novel species assemblages,” said Saikkonen.



“This calls for increased attention to the importance of ensuring sufficient genetic diversity, species diversity, and species interaction potential to support future diversification and ecosystem functions and services. Tackling climate change-driven biodiversity loss is crucial.”



-----



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



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



-----

Polar light sustains biodiversity over millions of years 

The unique light environment of the Earth's polar regions creates...

Plants, just like humans, interact in complex and dynamic ways, forming relationships that can shape entire ecosystems.



Sometimes, plants work in harmony, supporting each other for mutual benefit. Other times, one species helps another while remaining unaffected.



In some cases, a plant may even utilize resources that another plant has produced for its own benefit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-interactions-of-plants">Complex interactions of plants</h2>



Plant interactions are classified into three distinct types: symbiotic facilitation, where both plants benefit each other; commensalistic facilitation, where the nurtured plant neither impacts the benefactor positively nor negatively; and antagonistic facilitation, where the bestowed partner benefits at the expense of its benefactor.



The existence of antagonistic facilitation has been disputed for a long time. However, a new study provides compelling evidence that this type of interaction between plant species is indeed possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pioneer-plants-the-unsung-heroes">Pioneer plants: The unsung heroes</h2>



The research was conducted by Dr. Ricardo Martínez-García, CASUS Young Investigator, along with lead authors Ciro Cabal from the <a href="https://www.urjc.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King Juan Carlos University</a> and Gabriel A. Maciel from the South American Institute for Fundamental Research.



The study shines a light on a particular phenomenon that has intrigued ecologists for years - the pioneering role of certain plant species in cultivating wastelands.



The pioneer plants, in their quest for survival, start colonizing uninhabited ground. They produce resources like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-produce-their-own-nitrogen-fertilizer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lack-of-phosphorus-will-limit-growth-of-the-amazon-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phosphorus</a> that are scarce in the soil. This not only aids their growth but also paves the way for other species to thrive in these desolate lands.



Opportunistic plants help themselves to the smorgasbord of resources provided by the pioneers. Yet, the pioneer plants remain unbothered because they still benefit from their hard work.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-antagonistic-facilitation">Evidence of antagonistic facilitation </h2>



The findings strongly suggest the presence of antagonistic facilitation in these pioneer areas.



The findings extend beyond just proving the existence of antagonistic facilitation. According to Cabal, the team's model also shows that plant interactions are an emergent property of resource availability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-dynamics-over-time">Shifting dynamics over time</h2>



The model indicates that antagonistic facilitation is the dominant strategy in environments with low and intermediate resource availability.



However, as the soil changes over time and more plant species begin to flourish, the interaction between the species also changes. 



The pioneer species continue to increase the availability of resources, but due to the overall abundance of resources now, the other plants are no longer impacted.



At this stage, the pioneers' mining ability starts to become a burden, putting them at a disadvantage. Ultimately, other plant species outcompete the pioneers to claim the territory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-world-of-plant-interactions">Fascinating world of plant interactions </h2>



Ecological research often leans on modeling as a tool for testing hypotheses and exploring ideas that are challenging to investigate in field or laboratory experiments. 



In this case, a mathematical model was developed to predict the density and spatial distribution of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/autophagy-what-makes-plant-roots-grow-faster-stronger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roots</a> of interacting plants. The results proved to have a significant overlap with greenhouse experiments.



The model was further refined to depict the interaction of pioneer plants with their environment, taking into account the dynamics of an in-demand soil resource, the size and shape of root systems, and the costs of growing and maintaining roots.



Ultimately, the study illustrates the fascinating world of plant interactions, and the role of such relationships in shaping our natural environments.



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



In addition to their fascinating interactions, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants communicate</a> in surprising ways. Through their root systems, plants exchange chemical signals to coordinate growth, warn others of potential threats, and even compete for resources.



Recent studies have shown that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released when under stress, signaling nearby species to activate their own defense mechanisms.



This underground network of chemical exchanges plays a critical role in shaping communities and influencing which species thrive in various ecosystems.



Understanding this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-complex-biochemical-communication-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication network</a> adds another layer to how plants interact, not just through resource sharing or competition but through a hidden language that helps them navigate their environment.



This phenomenon further supports the idea that plant interactions are far more complex than previously understood, encompassing both cooperation and competition.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.20053" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Secret lives of plants: Exploring complex interactions

Plants, just like humans, interact in complex and dynamic ways,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



---



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



---



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



---



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



---



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



---



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



---



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



---



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



---



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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

News coming your way